Activities your young person may enjoy
Here are some ideas that many young people find fun and rewarding:
- Sports clubs – such as football, swimming, martial arts, or athletics. These help build fitness, teamwork, and confidence.
- Youth groups – a safe space to meet others, take part in activities and develop independence. There are both universal and SEND-specific youth clubs locally.
- Drama, dance, and music groups – great for creativity, self-expression and building communication skills.
- Outdoor and nature groups – like Scouts, gardening clubs, or nature walks, which support wellbeing and a love of the outdoors.
- Coding or gaming clubs – perfect for young people who enjoy technology, problem-solving, or digital creativity.‑
- Volunteering – a chance to help others, learn responsibility and feel part of something bigger.
Where to find activities
You can explore local opportunities through the following websites:
A programme offering specialist activities, clubs and short breaks for children and young people with SEND, designed to help them try new things, build confidence, and have fun in a safe and supportive environment. Aiming High activities are available to children and young people under 18 years of age.
Youth engagement in Stoke-on-Trent
Young people with SEND in Stoke-on-Trent are encouraged to share their views and help shape the services that affect them. The Local Offer provides several ways for children and young people to get involved.
Group conversations (SEND Youth Engagement)
The council runs regular “Group Conversations” to hear directly from young people with SEND about:
- what matters to them
- what is working well
- what needs to improve
- what would help them feel more included
Each year focuses on key themes such as:
- Places to go and things to do
- Skills for the future
- Wellbeing
Young people can share their views through:
- school councils
- youth groups
- SEND forums
- clubs and groups they already attend
Families, school staff, and group leaders can help gather and send feedback to: UniversalParticipation@stoke.gov.uk
Sharing young people’s voices helps the council improve activities, opportunities, and support across the city.
Young Commissioners
Young Commissioners are young people who want to help improve services across the city.
This is open to:
- young people with SEND aged 10–25
- young people without SEND aged 10–18
What Young Commissioners do:
- work with professionals
- take part in monthly sessions
- share ideas about what works and what needs to improve
- help shape services for young people
They can join sessions that interest them and do not need to attend every month.
The programme began in January 2025, and young people can join at any time. Meetings take place in different locations across the city.
To get involved or ask for an interest form, contact:
anthony.reid@stoke.gov.uk (Youth Participation Lead)
Why youth engagement matters
Youth engagement helps young people:
- feel heard and valued
- grow confidence speaking up
- shape the services they use
- feel connected to their community
- influence real change in Stoke-on-Trent
The Local Offer uses young people’s ideas to plan new activities, improve current services and make sure support works for them.
