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Spotlight embraces disability and neurodiversity

29/03/2022

Our youth service Spotlight has launched a new programme of events for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Spotlight Superheroes is aimed at 11-25 year olds with disabilities and neurological conditions, and is part of the provider’s drive to deliver a more accessible service in Tower Hamlets.

The programme got off to a great start during the February half-term with Spotlight’s first ever SEND Takeover Day.

Over 30 disabled and neurodivergent young people took part in a carousel of fun, interactive and fully accessible sessions, all delivered in-house by Spotlight’s team of specialist youth workers.

The young attendees kicked off the morning with a creative visual arts session, had a go at making music in a drumming workshop, and finished off with an active exercise session outside in the sun.

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Harry Forshaw, our Youth Volunteer Co-ordinator, said: “Many of the young people who joined us had never been to Spotlight before, so our aim was to give them a real flavour of the different activities we have on offer.”

Whilst the young people were busy in the sessions, their parents, guardians and carers were invited to attend a workshop highlighting how Spotlight, in partnership with SENSE UK, the Tower Hamlets SEND Parents Network and others, can fully support and empower disabled and neurodivergent young people.

All in all, the SEND Takeover Day was a great success, enjoyed by both young people and parents alike.

One young attendee said: “Spotlight has got the best vibe around… you need to get involved!”, whilst a parent told us: “More young people with SEND need to know about this service – it’s a message that must be spread!”

Spotlight Superheroes continued in March and now takes place between 5-7pm on the last Tuesday of each month. From Tuesday 26 April, Spotlight Superheroes will be hosted by BLNK Dance for 6 weeks, who will be offering fun, accessible and sociable dance sessions for disabled and neurodivergent young people.

To find out more, please visit Spotlight’s access webpage or email access@wearespotlight.com.