Trips and more

Sunbeams supports children and young people who are diagnosed with autism as well as other related conditions including learning disabilities, anxiety, dyspraxia and ADHD.

Many of the children and young people who attend Sunbeams respite sessions are disadvantaged by experiencing social isolation, difficulties managing to develop life and social skills that will support independent living as an adult, experience bullying, have sleep problems, have difficulties making and maintaining meaningful relationships with peers and inability to empathise. Many struggle to understand the world around them and become withdrawn. Many do not have the same opportunities as their peers who are not neuro-diverse and do not have learning disabilities or behavioural issues.

As a result of this many of our members may find that employment opportunities will be scarce as they transition to adulthood which may impact on their ability to live independent and fulfilled lives as adults.

Sunbeams has also recently been awarded a grant to purchase camping equipment as this activity has been requested by quite a few of our service users and Sunbeams wants to incorporate time at Forest Schools to work on team building, resilience, problem solving and developing meaningful relationships with peers.

With the introduction of our new minibus Sunbeams will be able to transport groups for camping trips, forest schools, care farms and introduce other activities such as fishing to establish a good sense of wellbeing and calm, invigoration, enjoyment and a sense of achievement.

Experiencing these activities provides opportunities to take part in the simple pleasures that their main-stream peers have free access to at all times. The minibus will provide opportunities to take regular trips as a group, giving a more fluid and spontaneous opportunity for our children and young people to come up with exciting new ideas such as a trip to the seaside.

Sunbeams anticipates wellbeing, self-confidence and self-esteem will rise whilst life and social skills will improve. Self-confidence and self-esteem, gained through praise and positive support will bring more optimism with employability.

Children and young people are regularly involved in discussions about the activities and learning that they would like to receive from their time at Sunbeams. This is done through one to one chats with their key person, circle time at the end of sessions and through overheard chatter whilst observing their play.

Our older members will sit together in groups and debate what they would like to see happen in the future at Sunbeams and what they want for their future once they move on from our care and support.