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Building Connections - supporting disabled young people aged 16–25
Published
Building Connections is a Gloucestershire-wide partnership supporting disabled young people aged 16–25 to feel less isolated and more connected to their communities. Sarah Smith of the Preparing for Adulthood team at Gloucestershire County Council explains that through the work of these organisations, young people are supported to build confidence, independence, and lasting relationships, especially during the transition from education into adult life.
The partnership aims to create meaningful, sustainable links between young people and their local communities, particularly during the transition from education, so that they feel confident, included, and connected long after formal support ends.
Bridging the gap
Many young people leave school or college without established social networks or a sense of belonging in their communities.
Using grants from Gloucestershire County Council, Building Connections was established to bridge this gap.
Through co‑created activities, personalised support, and opportunities to engage with local people and places, the project helps young people build relationships that strengthen their independence, build inter-dependence, wellbeing, and long-term participation in community life.
The work is delivered through two complementary models:
a) Welcome Groups - this model provides regular, supported group sessions
b) Pathways - this model offers individual mentoring to help young people grow their confidence and skills.
Both approaches prioritise safety, empowerment, and meaningful co-production with the young people involved.
Following a successful first year of delivery, the project continues to grow in both strength and impact.
Four core partners work alongside, and are co‑ordinated by, Active Impact to bring the programme to life through diverse activities, specialist expertise, and strong local relationships.
As the project entered Year 3, the partnership expanded further, supported by a Thriving Communities grant, welcoming TwoCan Theatre Company to join the programme in 2025-6.
What comes next?
In the coming months we will continue to share a series of spotlight articles to highlight the work of each partner, sharing stories from young people involved in the programme and demonstrating the difference that community-based support is making across Gloucestershire.
From the creativity within Welcome Groups, to the inclusive energy of Forest Friends, to impactful 1:1 work and community-led projects, each partner offers something unique and, together, they form a powerful movement for change.
Building Connections is more than a project; it represents a shared commitment to ensuring that young people feel seen, supported, and part of something bigger. The partnership looks forward to sharing more of this work with the wider community.
For more information, please visit the 'Preparing for Adulthood' pages on Gloucestershire's Local Offer website, Support for Families with SEND.