The Unstoppables met in August and enjoyed a fun-packed agenda, with a good lunch of course!
Members shared updates about what they have been up to since we last met including days out for the summer, completing university assignments and holidays.
After a good catch up, we looked through some resources from a project called ‘Help! My friend has asked me…’ to see whether they were accessible or whether there was anything we could do to improve them, with the printed resource members found they ‘struggled’ to pick anything out that needed improving which is a big win! With some social media posts, we found that they needed a voice over which we will be helping with next month.
Our main agenda item of the day was leisure activities. We discussed what they like to do in their free time, including half terms – these include days out at events such as the farm where they get to do gardening in the polytunnel, animal care and other outdoor activities. Crafts such as knitting, crochet and felting. Socialising with friends and family.
The next discussion was things members wished they could do, which included more music themed activities – especially if they were accessible for all needs, more accessible craft sessions, a more accessible horse-riding experience and to attend gaming groups. One member even said: “I wish I could clone myself so I can more activities at once!”
Members also reflected on why they think their selves or other SEND young people aren’t always able to access leisure activities, some key themes arising from this were:
- Transport is a big barrier – due to limitations on buses for example, or the lack of public transportation young people may have to rely on family or friends which isn’t always a possibility.
- Age – there is an age limit on some of the activities offered to young people with some services stopping at 18 yet most SEND services goes up to 25 y/o.
- Crowds – some places are extremely busy which can become overwhelming, some may prefer a different environment.
- Not always accessible – some events/ activities/venues are not always accessible or accessible enough, so whilst the activity may be accessible the venue won’t have accessible toilets for example or be upstairs but no lift.
After lunch, we started doing some forward planning with what we wanted to work on over the next few months to help Sian plan for when she goes on maternity leave at the end of November 2026 until June 2027. Nothing changes for how The Unstoppables runs, we’ve got two colleagues from Sian’s team (Engagement & Participation) running the group in her absence.
Our next Unstoppables meeting is Saturday 5 September in Yeovil.
Could you be an Unstoppables?
The Unstoppables is a youth voice group for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) aged 13-25 years, who live in or are educated in Somerset.
The Unstoppables help the voices and opinions of young people with SEND in Somerset be heard and to help make changes to and improve the services that they use.
We meet monthly on the first Saturday of every month in Yeovil to discuss the topics and issues that are affecting and are important to the group and other young people with SEND in Somerset.
If you would like to join or if you know someone who would, visit our Join Us page.
