Renfrewshire Council

There are a range of different activities for children and young people with additional support needs. You can explore and find what works best for your child.

Sports activities

Find out what disability sports sessions are available (OneRen website).

Contact Chris Cleary, Active Schools Community Club Development Officer, on 07985751815.

Free sport and physical activity clubs

These clubs are for the whole family, meaning that siblings and parents can attend and participate. During the club you'll be offered small snacks and tea, coffee or juice.

Gallowhill Community Centre

Starts Tuesday 21 January
6.30 to 7.30pm
Sign up for the Gallowhill sessions.

Glenburn Community Centre

Starts Wednesday 22 January
6 to 7pm
Sign up for the Glenburn sessions.

Bishopton Community Centre

Starts Monday 13 January
4.30 to 5.30pm
Sign up for the Bishopton sessions.

Music activities

Bricklane Music Academy 7-9 Weir Street Paisley PA3 4DW.

Contact Alan McEwan andalan@bricklanemusicacademy.co.uk or Diane Mitchell diane@bricklanemusicacademy.co.uk, or phone 0141 328 6983.

Term time music activities: 

• Saturday 1.30pm to 2pm younger kids - mild ASN family music session. 
• Saturday 2pm to 2.30pm older kids - mild ASN family music session.
• Saturday 3pm to 3.30pm younger kids - mild ASN family music session.
• Saturday 3.30 to 4pm  older kids - mild ASN family music session. 
• Wednesday 4pm to 4.45pm. After school - more complex ASN supported activities.
• Thursday 4pm to 4.45pm. After school - more complex ASN supported activities.

They provide: 

• out of school holiday respite for families in Renfrewshire with disabilities
• support for families 0-3
• 60% are neuro divergent children with ASN and ADHD.
• deliver a range of activities in Brick Lane and St Anthony's Johnstone
• ASN activities for children of primary age
• band workshop for young people between 11 to 17 years
• term time music activities.

In It Together YMCA Renfrew

Wednesdays 4pm to 6pm

Renfrew YMCA Building. YMCA Thrive Together 3 Canal Lane Renfrew PA4 8QS.

Contact Cairinne McDonald, email  cairinne@renfrewymca.com.

In It Together promotes the inclusion of children and young people with additional support needs into mainstream activities where a member of staff can work on a one to one basis with young people.

Focused support group for young people with additional support needs (ASN)  - before and after a diagnosis. Skills to support them with their social and emotional development.

A project designed specifically for young people with disabilities and complex needs to attend our multi sensory building.

We have eye gaze technology for assisted communication and taking part in activities, wheelchair users welcome, along with a variety of sensory toys as well as having an accessible and multi sensory centre.

This project will run once a week after school for 2 hours during term time and will run through the day with extended sessions during the school holidays.

Arts activities

Impact Arts (Projects) Limited, Art Wise Renfrewshire Parenting Through Creative Connections, The Boardwalk, 105 Brunswick Street Glasgow G1 1TF.

Contact Fiona Clark development@impactarts.co.uk or phone 0141 575 3001 or 07425642715.

We will run two 6-month programmes working with ten to twelve parents or kinship carers in each programme, to support them to:

• better understand their child's behaviour
• develop tools to connect
• communicate and support their child including approach (e.g. activities being led by the child; being curious), language and play activities
• identify their own needs and develop coping strategies for themselves
• connect with other parents, access peer support, and develop their local support networks by linking in with other local organisations which can support other aspects of family life such as benefits, welfare, food security, relationship support, nutrition etc.

Ten weekly 2.5 hour sessions for groups of parents/carers in a community setting, supported by an Art Therapist and a Wellbeing Worker.

These groups will include individual as well as group peer-support. Sessions will be sociable and relaxed and will tackle a range of familiar challenges as well as providing opportunities for parents and carers to talk about their specific needs. 

Monthly drop-in sessions for parents and carers so they can continue and maintain their connections and support. 

Monthly supported play-based sessions for parents/carers and children.

These 2 monthly groups, offer ongoing fortnightly support for a further 16 weeks.

Other activities

Johnstone Teeny tots, Thorn Athletic Football Club, Greenend Ave, Johnstone, PA5 8PQ

Contact: email kirstytoogood@outlook.com or phone 07507529313, or Amy Sunderland, phone 07855614608.

• support neurodivergent children
• families' with children children 0 to 8 years old, requiring parenting support
• capacity seventeen families
• free activities and a safe place to come along and have a cuppa.

Early Years Scotland Tannahill Centre, 76 Blackstone Road, Paisley PA3 1NT

Contact: Gary Lindsay, gary.lindsay@earlyyearsscotland.org call Nicola Flinn for info on all programmes on 07538582139.

• free access for parent/children 0 to 5 years old in Ferguslie, Foxbar, Gallowhill and surrounding areas, within local community centres
• capacity 12 to 15 families for a range of activities
• 24 programmes.

Johnstone Castle Learning Centre Holiday Fun Club, Pine Crescent, Johnstone, PA5 0BX

Contact Jean Gallagher director.jclc@gmail.com

• families of children who are neurodivergent who require support either pre or post diagnosis
• families of children 11 to 16 years old, displaying distressed or risk-taking behaviour
• families of children with disabilities who require support either pre or post diagnosis

Program Name: SwimAndGlow Community Program.

Participants: Neurodivergent children and their families, including those with autism, ADHD, and other developmental differences. Also, families of children with disabilities and those requiring parenting support or coping with distressed behaviours.

Duration: 5 blocks of 6 weeks, 8 participants per block, Sessions are 2 hours per week.

Pachedu and School of African Cultures Nkwado Support, 76 Blackstone Street, Paisley, PA3 1NT.

Contact Chinedu Achunine chinedu.achunine@pachedu.org or Anita Nalumansi anita.nalumansi@pachedu.org

This pilot project addresses a critical gap in support services for minority ethnic families with children diagnosed with neurodiversity and challenging behaviour, offering:

• 6 Family support workshops with the support of professionals (including our volunteers)
• 6 session per family - one on one counselling- led by qualified therapist from diverse Ethnic communities.
• monthly drop-in peer support groups
• 3 cultural awareness events
• resource packages
• 4 social and recreative activities and outings.

Renfrewshire Out of School Care Network (ROSCN)

Flexi-care Studio, 3006 Mile End Mill, Abbeymill Business Centre, 12 Seedhill Road, Paisley, PA1 1JS.

Contact: Lesley Compston, lesleycompston@klascare.com

For families of:

• children who are neurodivergent who require support either pre or post diagnosis
• children 0 to 8 years old requiring parenting support and or support for distressed behaviours
• children with disabilities who require support either pre or post diagnosis.

Saturday club - 48 children per day, in 3 sessions of 16 children per 2-hour session. OOSC 16 children per day x 5 days = 80 per week.

Spring and summer play scheme at Mary Russell School, Paisley for children and young people who have ASN, who have fewer complex needs.

Holiday clubs and after school clubs.

Stronger Communities Glenburn Holiday Fun Club

Stronger Communities Glenburn, Glenburn, PA3 8EA.

Contact: Kellie Brown, Scglenburn@outlook.com

Location; Gleniffer

By offering cooking classes, we not only teach valuable skills but also promote healthy eating habits and teamwork.

For families of children:

• who are neurodivergent who require support either pre or post diagnosis.
• 11 to 16 years old displaying distressed and risk-taking behaviour
• 0 to 8 years old requiring parenting support and or support for distressed behaviours
• with disabilities who require support either pre or post diagnosis.

Youth Interventions

The YI Children YP and Family Wellbeing Centre Mossedge Village, 145 Brediland Road, Linwood, PA3 3RX.

Contact Louise Dempsey, louise@youthinterventions.org.uk

Operating on a Tuesday and Thursday YI will provide a Family Wellbeing Project working collaboratively with RCSP, Renfrewshire Autism Services and partners bringing additionality to existing services for:

• families of and children and young people 9 years old and over, with a neurodevelopmental disorder such as, ASD, ADHD, ODD both pre or post diagnosis
• families of and children 11 to 16 years old displaying distressed or risk-taking behaviour
• respite: children and youth activity groups after school, and Saturday group with youth workers to engage in activities such as art, craft, dance, music
• family support group: weekly group where families and carers of can get together, share their experiences, and enjoy various activities, experience positive parenting behavioural change techniques
• specialist and practical supportive one to one support for children, young people and families with practitioners who have a robust understanding of context, age, and stage, Neurodivergence (our Lead is neurodivergent as well as professionally trained) and the impact this can have on lives as well as the complex social.

Home-Start Renfrewshire and Inverclyde

St James House, 25 St James Street, Paisley, PA3 2HQ.

Contact Lisa Carberry-Director lisa@hsri.org.uk and Ashley Greenwood- Lead Coordinator, call 0141 889 5272 or 07921 679506.

• befriending support
• neurodivergent Family Group -Details from Ashley Greenwood
• Skills for Life Development Courses- childcare included by trained childcare professionals from KLAS Care
• Mellow Bumps-8week, antenatal programme supporting parents-to-be,  decreases stress of expectant parents, helping them to build a relationship with their baby pre-birth
• Blank Canvas-for women with mild-to-moderate perinatal-mental ill health-8 week-course to encourage reflection and mindfulness, reducing anxiety and low mood
• Being a Parent to Autistic Children-in partnership with KLAS Care. 10-week group supporting parenting, family resilience and coping.
• Baby and Child First Aid, 3hour-session. Delivered in a relaxed style, giving parents confidence to know what actions to take if faced with a medical emergency.

Just Dive In

Contact Laura ,email info@just-dive.co.uk or phone 07401220526.

• PADI Scuba Diving Training
• free scuba diving training, free mermaid training and we are also trying to offer free adult swimming lessons - and courses
• to refer to ourselves, they should, in the first instance, email this email - with WFW in the subject page ideally, then we can engage with them on their eligibility, ie, single parent families, benefits, etc and go from there. Comprehensive PADI Open Water courses. - from beginner to professional level.
• Adapted training for individuals with Autism, ADHD, and various physical or mental health conditions.
• Mermaid Experiences Unique mermaid swimming sessions for all ages and abilities, Kids from Age 5 - Adults. Include Hen parties and Private Events.
• Water Safety and Confidence Programs: Courses designed to enhance confidence and safety in the water, suitable for beginners and those overcoming water-related fears.
• Therapeutic Aquatic Sessions in our Floatation Haven. These sessions provide a serene and sensory-rich experience in a warm, private pool located within a tranquil, dimly lit space. These sessions are carefully designed to offer a profound sense of relaxation and well-being, making them suitable for individuals seeking therapeutic benefits.
• Key Features: Warm Private Pool: Our pool is maintained at a comfortable temperature, ensuring a soothing and cosy environment. It allows participants to effortlessly float, relieving stress and tension.
• Visual Stimulation. Participants are surrounded by a captivating display of LED clouds above the pool. These clouds change colour, creating a visually stimulating and mesmerizing atmosphere. It adds an element of wonder and relaxation to the session.
• Floating Lotus Flowers To enhance the experience, we provide floating light-up lotus flowers on the water's surface. Participants can gently float among these radiant blooms, creating a calming and enchanting sensation.
• Sensory-Friendly Environment Our space is designed to minimize sensory distractions. The dim lighting and absence of noise create a peaceful ambiance, perfect for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
• Private Facilities We offer private showers and changing facilities with soft, tactile materials. This ensures that participants can comfortably prepare for and conclude their sessions, with a focus on sensory comfort.
• Benefits: Stress Reduction The combination of warm water, gentle floating, and soothing visuals helps alleviate stress and promote relaxation.
• Sensory Engagement Our sensory-rich environment is especially beneficial for individuals with sensory processing challenges, providing a calming and enjoyable experience.

Active Communities + KLAS Care and Renfrewshire Council Empowering Parents, Empowering Communities

Contact Cheryl Thomas cheryl@activecommunities.co.uk 01505 801 501.

Station Seven, 7 Quarry Street, Johnstone, PA5 8DY and East Fulton Primary School, KLAS Care C.I.C. The Old Janitors Cottage, Gilmartin Road, Linwood, PA3 3SG.

• Extend the ethos of EPEC (Empowering Parents Empowering Communities) within Renfrewshire council and 3rd sector organisations.
• KLAS care proved creche facilities.
• Families of children from birth to adolescence.
• Families of children with additional needs, such as ADHD and autism.
• Families of children who are neurodivergent, requiring support either pre- or post-diagnosis.
• Families experiencing co-parent conflict.
• Families facing parental mental health challenges.
• Families of children with disabilities, requiring support either pre- or post-diagnosis.
• Families of children aged 11 to 16 years old displaying distressed and/or risk-taking behaviour.
• Families of children aged 0 to 8 years old requiring parenting support and/or support for distressed behaviours.

KLAS Care All Inclusive Family Play and Learning

East Fulton Primary School, KLAS Care C.I.C, The Old Janitors Cottage, Gilmartin Road, Linwood, PA3 3SG.

Contact Lesley Compton lesleycompston@klascare.com or phone 01505 331931 or  07584061742.

• Whole family support programme
• Trained childcare practitioners and support to children and families with Neurodivergent young people and crisis intervention.
• Before school and after school care in various venues within Renfrewshire
• Holiday respite for Neurodivergent and ASN young people
• Saturday club pending - for ASN and Neurodivergent young people.
• Support for parents/carers in EPEC.

STAR Project Supporting Families, A Neu Narrative

12 Wallace St Paisley PA3 2BU.

Contact: Heather Kay, email heather@start-project.org.uk or phone 0141 889 5850.

• Fortnightly groups to support, signpost, campaign and empower families of children/young people with a neurodevelopmental need.
• Monthly family forum offering peer support for families of children/young people with a neurodevelopmental need.
• A set of 10 workshops for the families to come together monthly with their children to bond and make memories, utilising creativity and play to encourage self-expression.
• These creative and therapeutic sessions will use mixed methods and materials and ensure the whole family unit can contribute their 'voice.' Topics for the creative workshop sessions may include themes such as identity, challenges, and bonding. 10 workshops for families to come together monthly to bond.
• 6-week training sessions to support statutory services to understand better the challenges experienced by families with a neurodivergent child, communicate more effectively with individuals impacted by the system and improve work practice based on the Family Forum's outcomes and the creative workshops' learning.