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Celebrating Ignite Youth Club and Coffee Morning at Springbank Community Group CiC
Published
The article introduces Ignite Youth Club, an inclusive space for young people with additional needs, and a support coffee morning for parents. Both sessions run at the Ron Smith Pavilion and aim to build confidence, connections, and community for families across Gloucestershire.
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Ignite Youth Club is a welcoming and inclusive space for young people aged 8 and above with additional needs.
2nd and 4th Saturday of each month, 2pm-4pm Held on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month, between 2pm and 4pm, this session provides a place for connection, creativity, and confidence-building.
Ron Smith Pavilion (GL51 0LH) Located at the Ron Smith Pavilion (GL51 0LH), Ignite is more than just a social group โ itโs a targeted, responsive offer tailored to the needs of its participants, underpinned by a strong commitment to inclusion and belonging.
Arts, crafts, games, sensory activities and chat Children and young people with additional needs can often experience barriers to mainstream social opportunities (Department for Education, 2015), and Ignite works to remove these. Whether it's through arts and crafts, sensory activities, games, or just having a chat, the sessions are thoughtfully planned to meet a broad range of needs.
Young people aged 8 to 11 are welcome with a parent carer present, while those over 12 can attend independently, supported by trained and compassionate youth workers who understand and value difference.
The positive impact of inclusive youth work is well-documented. Research shows that when young people feel safe and accepted, theyโre more likely to participate and grow in confidence (Ord, 2016). Ignite provides exactly that โ a consistent, low-pressure environment where young people can be themselves, build friendships, and explore new interests without fear of judgement.
Parent carer coffee morning every week: Monday 10am to 12pm Alongside the youth club, a weekly coffee morning for parent carers runs during term time every Monday from 10am to 12pm โ also at the Ron Smith Pavilion. This peer support group provides a calm, friendly space where families can connect, share experiences, and talk openly with others who understand the realities of raising a child with additional needs.
Family support groups like this are known to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing (Contact, 2023). Whether you're looking for practical advice, emotional support, or simply a cup of tea with people who 'get it', this session is open to all parents and carers of children with additional needs. There's no pressure to talk or share โ just being there is enough.
Together, these two sessions โ Ignite Youth Club and the parent coffee morning โ represent a local, joined-up approach to support. We recognise that supporting a child with additional needs also means supporting their wider family network. By offering safe spaces for both young people and parents, our sessions are building stronger, more resilient families across Gloucestershire.
To find out more or get involved, contact us by emailing youthwork@springbankcommunitygroup.org or simply pop in โ everyone is welcome.
References
Department for Education (2015). Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice 0-25 years.
Ord, J. (2016). Youth Work Process, Product and Practice: Creating an Authentic Curriculum in Work with Young People.
Contact (2023). Supporting Families with Disabled Children: Evidence and Impact of Parent Peer Support Groups. |