Working with children and young people with additional needs
There are a number of organisations offering information, support and resources to those who work with, or are parents/carers of, children and young people with additional needs.
Downloadable resource booklets and information
All Belong St Saviour’s Church in Guildford is a church that runs various groups for children and young people with additional needs and they have amassed quite a few resources over the years. They wanted to share these, in the hope that the resources will assist other churches in becoming more inclusive to these precious children and their families.
Aslan A ministry of Tonbridge Baptist Church, this website has a wealth of info and resources for anyone interested in providing an alternative Sunday School experience for 5-19year olds with special needs.
Guidelines to Accessible and Inclusive ministry A resource written by Jo Stephens of St John’s College, Nottingham on how to make your church and ministry accessible to people with disabilities.
All Inclusive An Urban Saints resource on working with young people with special needs. To view the Urban Saints website click here.
Welcoming and including autistic people in our Churches and communities A booklet produced by the Diocese of Oxford, with guidelines by Ann Memmott.
Children in Church resource Welcome, teaching and worship with children with special needs guide, from the Diocese of Oxford.
Include Autism A practical guide from Ambitious about Autism containing information, advice and resources to increase understanding of autism and encourage simple changes that will make youth groups more autism-friendly places.
Involving children and young people in formal meetings A factsheet providing guidance on establishing a positive environment for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in formal meetings.
Including Young People on the Autism Spectrum in Church Groups A paper written by Ann Memmott, Autism Adviser to the Church of England, giving an insight into autism and practical advice on including young people with autism in your youth group.
Included by Grace A blog full of ideas, discussions and help for churches on their learning journey of including people with disabilities in their fellowships.
Links to local organisations
ADD-vance is a registered charity to support and empower adults, children and families with Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and related conditions in Hertfordshire.
Autism Bedfordshire delivers services to children, young people and adults on the autistic spectrum.
Flower Lane Autism Service provides specialist support to people on the autistic spectrum in Barnet.
National organisations
Additional Needs Alliance helping churches to include, support, create places of belonging for, and spiritually grow children, young people and young adults with additional needs or disabilities.
Ambitious About Autism is a national charity for children and young people with autism.
Churches for All A network of UK Christian disability-engaged organisations.
National Autistic Society are the leading UK charity for people with autism (including Asperger syndrome) and their families. They provide information, support and pioneering services, and campaign for a better world for people with autism.
L’Arche is an international movement which builds faith based communities, with people with learning disabilities, all over the world. Their communities here in the UK support people with learning disabilities to reach their full potential.
Misc resources
Hirstwood Training Ltd supplies training and advice to parents and professionals, caring or working within the field of additional needs.
NIrV Accessible New Testament breaks down many barriers to reading, opening up the text to even more people who wish to read it. This edition has been developed specifically for those with learning disabilities, moderate sight loss, lower levels of literacy and English as a second language.
