Restlessminds UK

29/01/2026

Video Gaming Club Online 🎮

It is National Puzzle Day, and our Virtual Youth Centre even has a space dedicated to problem solving, including our Escape House where young people work together to gather clues and unlock each room.

Our Video Gaming Club runs every Tuesday from 7pm to 8.30pm and is open to young people aged 13 to 19 across Essex. It is a relaxed online space to play, problem solve and spend time with others. ⭐

If a young person would like to join, they can sign up here:
https://forms.office.com/e/ucy91MCAmu

You can also visit the Digital Youth page to find out more: https://youth.essex.gov.uk/join-us-online/

28/01/2026

27/01/2026

🎉 February Half-Term Holiday Activities 🎉

Our February half-term programme is now live, with exciting days out, loads of fun, and pick-up points across Essex.

🗓️ Tuesday 17th February
🎮 GameBox
📍 Pick-up from:
• Chelmsford – CM1 6AU • Braintree – CM77 8YH

🗓️ Wednesday 18th February
🐮 Barleylands
📍 Pick-up from:
• Colchester – CO3 0PZ • Braintree – CM77 8YH

🗓️ Thursday 19th February
🤸 InflataNation
📍 Pick-up from:
• Colchester – CO3 0PZ • Clacton – CO16 9FY

🗓️ Friday 20th February
🎳 Madison Heights (bowling & roller skating)
📍 Pick-up from:
• Chelmsford – CM1 6AU • Maldon – CM9 6GG • Burnham – CM0 8HS

📩 If your child requires 1:1 support or would like to attend with a carer, please get in touch — we’re happy to help.
📧 For more information or to register, email youngpeopleteam@interact.org.uk

Shortbreaks for Disabled Children & Young People in Essex
SEND Sensation - Essex Short Breaks: Clubs & Activities
Essex SEND Local Offer
Mistley Kids Club
Disability4Sport
Happy Hill Essex CIO

27/01/2026

A Child’s Voice Series - I Have ARFID

ARFID isn’t “fussy eating”. It’s a real, brain-based struggle where food can feel genuinely unsafe — in ways adults often don’t see. For some children, the smell, texture, taste, or even the look of food can trigger panic, overwhelm, or shutdown. And the harder we push, the more their nervous system protects them.

This post is written in a child’s voice, to help adults understand what ARFID can feel like from the inside — and how we can respond with calm, safety, and support (not pressure or shame).

To SAVE, click on the image, tap the three dots, and choose Save. If you’d like the girl version, comment GIRL below. Facebook only.

23/01/2026

According to the law (section 19 of the Children’s and families act 2014) every local authority must have regard to the views, wishes and feelings of children and their parents.

They must also ensure children and parents participate in decisions & that parents are always provided with the information and any support necessary to enable that participation.

Sounds wonderful doesn’t it? It Doesn’t happen in practice though. I’m yet to meet a single parent who’s actually been supported like this EVER.

So the next time you’re treated like a problem to manage, ignored, dismissed, blamed, gaslit, or excluded from decisions about your own child,
remember you are not the problem.

You are witnessing a statutory breach and you are entitled to remind them of this…..

“I’d like to remind you of your legal duty under Section 19 of the Children and Families Act 2014 and paragraph 1.1 & 1.9 of the SEND Code of Practice, which clearly state that my/our views and decisions matter.”

Save this. Screenshot it. Use it.

(Image quotes the law word for word)

16/01/2026

Parent/carer support group is back next week
Please join us for a cuppa

16/01/2026

🎉 The Connected Circle – SEND Youth Club

Looking for a safe, fun and inclusive space for your child or young person? Come and join us on THURSDAY 5th FEB 2026 from 6pm–8pm for our monthly SEND Youth Club 💛

✨ What we offer:
🕺 Monthly disco
🧩 Games room
🎨 Arts & crafts area
🧠 Designated sensory/quiet room
🍬 Tuck shop

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Important info:
• Children and young people must be supported by a parent/carer at all times.

• £4 per child parents/carers FREE

📍 Location:
The United Reformed Church
Bradleigh Avenue
Grays
RM17 5XD

For more information please email: outreachGB@urceastern.org.uk

Or message us on Facebook The Connected Circle - SEND Youth Club

16/01/2026

SPACE Online Webinars - January 2026

Kick off the new year with a month of webinars designed to help you understand and support your child.

All sessions are free, online and open to parents and carers.

Whats on this month:

• Attendance Difficulties - Tuesday 13 January, 12pm to 1.30pm
• Daytime Drop-in (pop along to discuss anything related to SEND) - Friday 16 January, 10am to 11am
• Demand Avoidance - Tuesday 20 January, 10am to 11.30am
• Masking - Wednesday 21 January, 10am to 11.30am
• Personal Hygiene for Teens and Tweens - Tuesday 27 January, 10am to 11.30am
• Executive Functioning - Wednesday 28 January, 12pm to 1.30pm

Whether you're looking for guidance, reassurance or simply a community that get it, SPACE is here to support you.

To book your place, visit the link in the comments below👇

15/01/2026

14/01/2026

Have you heard of Longmead riding centre?

Enjoy inclusive horse riding lessons and equine activities. These sessions are designed for all abilities, perfect for children and young people with SEND.

Build confidence, improve wellbeing and learn skills from grooming to dressage.

Where: Colchester

To find out more, visit the link in the comments below 👇