With the summer holidays quickly approaching, the end of school and social distancing measures still in place, families of young people with ADHD might find it difficult to keep children occupied with a variety of activities.
However, we’re thrilled to say that there are many accessibility options available which can be carried out either indoors or outdoors this summer. Read on to see the fun activities children or young people with ADHD can do with their families!
Children with an ADHD diagnosis can apply for a Ride Access Pass which can make visits to the theme parks more accessible for your child.
The Ride Access Pass allows you to visit 4 UK Theme Parks over 24 months – Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures and Legoland Windsor.
Ride Access Passes are reserved for adventurers who do not understand the concept of queuing; have difficulties with everyday social interaction; limited capacity to follow instructions or to understand others’ emotional feelings or expressions, and may become agitated or distressed having to wait for extended periods of time.
You can register for a pass with one of the 4 UK Theme Parks online and will then be given the access pass card on the first visit. As an access pass user, your child must be accompanied by a maximum of 3 companions on any one ride.
Claim £200 towards activities this summer
Achieving for Children (AFC) Kingston and Richmond are offering children and young people with disabilities Summer Activity Funding of up to £200. This is to support the cost of summer activities to help children and young people gain the physical activity and social interaction they have been missing due to the COVID-19 lockdown period.
Parents and carers can apply for the funding, which can be used towards leisure activities, the child or young person’s portion of a family break, day trip or activity.
The T&C’s and online form to apply are available in the above link. Apply soon as the deadline for applications is Friday 31st July 2020.
Write letters to care home residents
Richmond Council are encouraging children to write to older residents in the borough. The #LoveThroughTheLetterbox initiative will provide a letter-writing activity during these summer months for children and will help the older generation feel connected and less isolated. Children can explore their creativity by including artworks and drawings in their letters. This will be a great way for children to reduce their screen-time and learn a new skill!
Letters will be sent to Richmond Council where they will forward the letters to care homes in the borough.
Leisure and Youth Richmond Card
Richmond Council are offering young people access to sports and fitness centres and savings on local business offers.
The card is for people up to 19 years old (25 if you have a disability), and is free if you live, work, attend a school or attend a youth club in the borough.
Different facilities in the area offer a number of activities at a discounted rate, including discounted badminton, swimming, football, gym sessions and more.
Sport and outdoor activities for children and young people with SEN
The AFC Kingston and Richmond website provides a full list of sport and outdoor activities for children and young people with SEN. Activities range from cycling, horse riding, karate to calmer activities such as yoga and rambling.
The page provides a detailed table of activity types, age range, location and link to the provider.
Join an Inclusive Play Project
Marble Hill Playcentres provide services for children and families in Twickenham and the surrounding areas. Every Saturday morning, they run the Inclusive Play Project which offers children with disabilities or additional needs time to explore the Adventure Playground with their families. No bookings are required and the sessions are completely free.
There are playworkers on-site throughout to run activities, play games and offer a little respite for those who might need it. Activities include using rope swings, cooking, den building, making potions and more.
Apply for a fully-funded Outdoor Adventure Day
Outward Bound are providing 1,000 fully-funded outdoor Adventure Days for young people who are eligible for free school meals and young people who need this the most.
The Adventure Days are for young people (age 11 – 17) in mainstream education who do not require 1:1 support.
The adventures are set to take place in the Lake District and Snowdonia, where it will give young people a chance to focus on their mental wellbeing, give them an opportunity to make new friends, step away from the screen and have fun in a safe, outdoor environment.
You can find out more about their residential centres here.
Participate in a virtual dance summer school
Young Amici, the dance company for disabled and non-disabled young people, will be running a free week-long virtual Summer School via Zoom.
The summer school is for young people interested in dance and developing their skills in a fun and safe space. The programme aims to deepen their experience of participation in dance and to spark curiosity for openness and creativity.
The week-long course will comprise of three 1-hour sessions a day focusing on different techniques including Contemporary Dance and Improvisation, Yoga, Ballet, Mediation, Feldenkrais and more.
The course will be starting from Monday 27th July through to Friday 31st July.
The ‘Fun in the Sun’ initiative by Action Attainment and Brentford FC Community Sports Trust is specifically arranged for children with speech, language, communication and sensory needs. Their 2020 holiday sports programme is adapted to meet COVID-19 guidelines on social distancing and including activities for family ‘bubbles’.
Activities in their sports programme include kayaking, paddleboards, tennis and golf which are planned to run between 27th July to 24th August. These activities will enable young people and their families to have fun, build friendships and expand their involvement in community sport.
List of outdoor activities to keep children engaged
We put together a list of different outdoor activities in our article last month – they include activities children can do in the garden, on a local walk or at the park. These activities are perfect to introduce to your child this summer!
If you’re looking for guidance on how to manage family dynamics during the summer holidays, book onto our online panel discussion on Tuesday 21st July where our speakers will discuss how to make adjustments for your child or young person with ADHD as a family. Book on today!