WECIL runs regular sessions every month for young disabled people in different areas of Bristol. Sessions include activities that enable young people to build skills and knowledge, grow in confidence, interact in a social environment and develop lasting friendships.
Young people are supported to develop skills to help them live more independently and make informed choices in a fun, safe and welcoming environment. Activities may include games, sports, arts & crafts, shopping, cooking, socialising with friends and day trips.
Session details are below; please check our calendar for upcoming dates.
Inclusion GroupRegular group for disabled young people and non-disabled young people in Bristol aged 13-18 years. This group is funded by Children in Need, and you can watch a short film about it made by BBC Points West.
Hartcliffe
Tuesdays 7.00pm – 9.30pm
Hartcliffe Club for Young People, BS13 9A
Please see our calendar for specific dates
Hillfields
Tuesdays 7.00pm – 9.30pm
Hillfields Youth Centre, BS16 4EH
Please see our calendar for specific dates
WECIL Citywide groups are run across the city for young disabled people living in Bristol aged 13-19 years old, or with learning difficulties up to age 25. We always welcome new people and will ensure that any access needs are met.
WECIL Citywide, Central – The Station
These sessions run on Wednesdays, 7.00pm -9.00pm.
Please be aware that these sessions do not run every week. For exact dates please visit our Calendar.
The Station, Silver Street, Bristol
WECIL Citywide East – Hillfields
Tuesdays 7.00pm – 9.30pm
Hillfields Youth Centre, BS16 4EH
Please see our calendar for specific dates
WECIL Citywide North – Southmead
This session is delivered in partnership with Learning Partnership West
Monday’s 6pm – 8pm
Southmead Youth Centre
Please see our calendar for specific dates
WECIL Citywide North – Southmead
WECIL Citywide, short breaks North.
Some Saturdays throughout the year. You can expect to learn new skills such as cooking, different arts and crafts, team sports and local area trips.
Dates are still being confirmed for these sessions, please keep an eye out on our calendar for updates.
Alternatively please email Emma Kneebone on: emma.kneebone@wecil.co.uk
A regular forum group for young disabled people in Bristol aged 13-19 years old, or with learning difficulties up to age 25. Young people are encouraged to have their say and learn about their rights, with guest speakers and workshops across a range of topics. The group is also regularly consulted by the local council, and involved in projects with other local organisations.
City Centre
Monday evenings 7.00pm – 9.00pm
The Station, BS1 2AG
Sessions for young disabled people aged 15-18 years old in the Bristol area. Activities are based around developing skills that enable young disabled people to live more independently and make informed choices.
Hillfields
Some Tuesday evenings 7:00pm – 9:pm
Hillfields Youth Centre, BS16 4EH
For exact dates please contact:
Youth Service Manager, Emma Kneebone
Telephone: 07795 446317
Email: emma.kneebone@wecil.co.uk
Regular Saturday club for disabled young people aged 13-18 living in the Bristol area, providing respite for parents and carers.
Saturdays 10.00am-3.00pm
For exact dates please contact:
Youth Service Manager, Phil Cotgreave on phil.cotgreave@wecil.co.uk and 07973685979
Hartcliffe
Hartcliffe Club for Young People, BS13 9AE (twice per month)
Hillfields
Hillfields Youth Centre, BS16 4EH (twice per month)
These sessions are part of the ‘Out and About’ programme, which offers a range of services for young disabled people, children and their families to access short breaks. WECIL leads a consortium of organisations that together provide: day trips, after school clubs, holiday activities, a befriender service and a targeted BME service. For more info about our partners and the services they provide please see the Out and About leaflet or the Out and About Facebook page.
Action Speak, a new group supported by the Youth Investment Fund for disabled young people aged 16-25, will offer weekly supported workshops, professional standard performance opportunities and employment paths into the creative arts. The group is led in partnership with Traveling Light Theatre. The group are also delivering free monthly drop in workshops in the local community and free curated theatre trips throughout the year. This activity is completely open access: everyone aged 10 – 18 can join in, all they need is a registration form. These sessions take place every Wednesday, 7 pm – 8:30 pm during term time.
For more information about any of these groups, contact:
Youth Service Manager, Phil Cotgreave on phil.cotgreave@wecil.co.uk and 07973685979
You can also connect with us on Facebook or Twitter
The Listening Partnership is a group of young people in Bristol with special educational needs or disabilities aged 13-19 years old, or up to age 25 with learning difficulties. Watch our video to learn what issues they have been tackling this year.
Annie started going to WECIL youth groups when she was thirteen years old. Now fifteen, she still loves the groups and is a regular attendee.
After attending one of WECIL’s youth groups for a year, Zac decided that youth work was the career for him. Now being trained by WECIL, Zac draws on his own experiences of growing up to support the young disabled people at our group sessions.
Our support and information is for anyone in Bristol and the surrounding areas that identifies as being a disabled person.