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Summer fun and support for families with SEND in Gloucestershire
Published
This summer, there is a range of inclusive, welcoming activities designed with children and young people with additional needs and disabilities and their families in mind. In this article, activity providers and organisations across Gloucestershire detail some of the activities on offer around the county. From relaxed Stay and Play sessions to supportive peer groups and fun family days, there are plenty of opportunities to connect, feel supported, and enjoy accessible experiences together—alongside extra help through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, where needed.
With inclusive activities taking place throughout the summer across the county, there are plenty of opportunities for children and young people to stay engaged, learn new skills and have fun during the holidays.
You’re Welcome Activity Finder
Families looking for inclusive activities and places to visit can also explore Active Impact’s You’re Welcome Gloucestershire website. The site includes an easy-to-use events calendar where you can search for inclusive clubs, groups, social events and family-friendly places to visit. You can filter activities by access requirements, interests or location, and every listing includes accessibility information to help families find what works best for them. The service is free to use and suitable for all ages.
Our SEND engagement team is visiting family events across the county throughout the summer holidays please come and …
- Meet the team.
- Have your say.
- Get information & signposting.
- Explore the SEND Local Offer.
- Enjoy games for children.
At many family fun events for all, including:
Cheltenham - Wednesday, 5 August | 10.00am–5.00pm No Child Left Behind Party in the Park, Pittville Park, GL52 3JE
Tewkesbury - Thursday, 6 August | 3.00pm–7.00pm The Children’s Society and Aspire CC Party in the Park, The Rugby Club, The Moats, Gander Lane, GL20 5PG
Dursley - Thursday, 20 August | 10.00am–4.00pm SEND Summer Celebration, The Rec’, Dursley, GL11 4NJ
Gloucester - Thursday, 20 August | 10.00am–4.00pm HAF Family Fun Day, The Kings School, GL1 2BG
Stroud - Friday, 28 August | 2.00pm–4.30pm Go Wild Family Fun Day. Stratford Park, Stroud, GL5 4AG
🗓️OrchardFest 2026, Lydbrook
Saturday, 15 August, 2:00pm - 10:30pm at Orchard Trust Smallholding, Upper Stowfield, Lower Lydbrook, GL17 9PD.
Accompanying carers get free entry with proof of carer status (this must be provided on door). A fully-accessible music festival, designed especially for people with learning disabilities. For more information, visit Gloucestershire's Local Offer, Support for Families with SEND - Orchardfest 2026
🗓️ SEND Summer Celebration 2026
Dursley, Thursday, 20 August, 10.00am-4.00pm
This fun-filled event has been designed to give children and young people with SEND the opportunity to try new activities, build confidence, develop friendships and celebrate the summer holidays in a welcoming and supportive environment.
✨ What to expect:
🏏 Gloucestershire Disability Cricket sessions
🕳️ Caving experience
🎡 Teacup rides
🌼 Sensory play and sensory regulation activities
🎲 Board games and quieter activities
💛 A welcoming, supportive environment for the whole family
and much more…
For more information, please visit Gloucestershire’s Local Offer, Support for Families with SEND, SEND Summer Celebration
Gloucestershire SEND HAF Events
There are a wide range of activities on offer this summer including:
Friday, 21 August, from 09.00am-2.00pm SEND Yoga & Craft Mindfulness at Randwick Village Hall, Stroud.
- For ages 5-15, yoga, craft and outdoor time, meal and snacks provide
Monday, 24 August, from 12.30pm-2:30pm, All About Rockets with Bloodhound
- For ages 5-16 (children under 9 to be accompanied by an adult, children under 5 are welcome as part of a family group), meal and snacks provided.
Let us know your thoughts on the Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF)
We want to make Gloucestershire HAF the best it can be, that's why we're asking for your feedback on the programme. Your comments, suggestions and ideas will help us understand what worked well and where we can make improvements for future activities. The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete, and your feedback will help shape future HAF programmes across Gloucestershire. We look forward to hearing from you. Click here to take the survey
Summer holiday activities for young people across Gloucestershire
Young people across Gloucestershire will have plenty of opportunities to stay active, make friends and have new experiences this summer, thanks to a wide range of activities being delivered through Gloucestershire County Council’s Youth Hubs, and the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
Activities across the county
In Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and Bishop’s Cleeve, The Children’s Society will be running a programme of summer youth work activities, including sessions in parks and youth centres, local trips and days out. Young people can enjoy sports, arts and crafts, indoor and outdoor cooking, and visits to places such as Tewkesbury Nature Reserve. There will also be opportunities to visit a farm and spend time with animals, as well as a trip to Weston-Super-Mare.
In Gloucester, The Venture Community Hub and its partners will be offering evening youth club sessions, day trips and pop-up activity days in parks and open spaces. Activities will include archery, sports and arts and crafts. Young people can also apply for a Youth Pass, which provides access to activities such as VR gaming, cinema trips and AirHop, along with a lunch voucher.
Across the Forest of Dean, Forest Voluntary Action Forum (FVAF) is working with local providers to offer additional activities alongside its regular open-access youth sessions. Young people can participate in sports, cooking workshops, wellbeing activities including teen yoga, and STEM sessions such as LEGO Robotics. Activities will take place in community venues, schools, youth hubs and outdoor locations across the district, including Lydney, Ruspidge, Drybrook, Sedbury, Harts Barn and Wyedean School.
In Stroud and the Cotswolds, Family Action is delivering a series of Family Fun Days in partnership with local organisations throughout July and August. The events will feature activities such as creative arts, sports, bubble play and circus skills, with free food available at all sessions. Events will be held in communities including Bourton-on-the-Water, Cam, Moreton-in-Marsh, Cirencester and Dursley. Dedicated youth activity days will also take place in Kings Stanley.
Find out more
Families and young people can learn more about activities available in their area, including HAF-funded opportunities for children with special educational needs and disabilities, by visiting the Gloucestershire Family Hubs website or by emailing gloshafconnector@gmail.com
🤝 Gloucestershire Parent Carer Forum (GPCF) Events in August
GPCF will be hosting and attending a range of friendly, supportive sessions across the county including Stay and Plays, suitable for children with additional needs and their siblings. As well as Peer Support Coffee Mornings. Click here for more details
📍 Wednesday, 19 August
Gateway Peer Support Coffee Morning
Hilltop Children and Family Centre, Latimer Road, Cinderford, GL14 2QA
🕙 Drop in 10.00am – 11.30am
📍 Thursday, 27 August
Stay and Play for young people with additional needs and their siblings (0-25yrs)
Pittville Park, Prestbury, Cheltenham GL50 4SH
🕙 Drop in 10.00am – 2.00pm
For additional sessions, please check out our website or Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/Gloucestershireparentcarers/
Gloucestershire Gateway Trust launch their Best Start in Life hubs
Friday, 4 September, Bartongate Children and Family Centre, 11.00am-2.00pm
Join Gloucestershire Gateway Trust for an exciting, activity-filled day for Parent Carers with children aged 0-5. Activities on offer include; Giant Bricks Lego Play, Sensory Trays, Puppet / Magic Shows, and more. You can also access information and advice stalls including SEND Support, Speech and Language, Health Visiting, and Parenting Support/Programmes. We would love to see you there! 😊
You can find out more about Parent Carer Community Support plus Workshops and also give your feedback about services here