We’re thrilled to offer a range of engaging activities for children and young people (CYP), delivered by experienced practitioners and supported by the MyOTAS team. All sessions take place in a non-judgemental, low-pressure environment, where families can connect and feel supported.
We request that parents stay at the activities and always remain responsible for their child(ren)/young people. We have found in the past that CYP like their parents with them when they first come along, but as their confidence grows parents can stand back from the activities, chat amongst themselves and make new friends too.
We can offer the sessions at reduced rates as the costs are subsidised by MyOTAS, through donations and grants received from a variety of sponsors – please see the individual activities for details of grant providers.
Join the wonderful Tiffers at one of our Woodland Warriors sessions.
Woodland Warriors is an outdoor activity programme, that helps children of different age groups and from different backgrounds to learn basic life skills, through outdoor play. Sessions take place at the Memorial Park in Wickford; Essex and we have CYP aged from 4 to 18 attend.
The outdoor setting helps to relax the mind, body and soul, enhancing endorphins within the brain to relax and relieve anxiety and stress. This provides a foundation, from which to learn and enhance life skills such as self-confidence, making and maintaining friendships, self-regulation of emotions and gives an appreciation for the natural world.
Throughout the sessions, children will be able to participate in a range of activities from balancing, climbing, developing problem solving skills, making crafts, cooking on the campfire, learning about the wildlife and how to safely make fire. No two sessions are the same, with different activities each week. Parents often describe the sessions as a therapeutic experience, likening it to an outdoor support group.
“A very relaxed, unpressured group where needs are accepted and respected. My children love it. They’re invited to join in but never pressured. Tiffer’s patience, encouragement and learning activities are exemplary.”
“I don’t know where I’d be without the support from MyOTAS and Tiff at Woodland Warriors.”
8-year-old: “I love the sensory swings and cooking on the fire. I get to see my friends and play. I don’t feel like the only one with autism anymore. I love Tiffers—she’s fun and knows lots of stuff. They don’t think I’m weird if I tic, stim, or get anxious.”
Location: Rose Court, Russell Gardens, Wickford
When:
Cost: £6.50 per CYP (includes all materials)
Funded By: Essex Locality Fund – with thanks to sponsor Councillor Tony Ball
Join Emma and Gwen in their beautiful garden workshop for calming craft sessions that encourage creativity and connection. Each week, children and young people create a unique item such as:
Browse their Facebook page to see the workshop and the amazing items they help you to make. www.facebook.com/gweniems
Sessions are small (max 5 children/teens plus parent/carers) to ensure a relaxed and supportive environment. You don’t need a diagnosis to attend—if your CYP would benefit from a calm, creative space to make friends and boost their mental wellbeing, they’re welcome.
We provide biscuits and water for children, and tea or coffee for adults. A parent/carer must stay during the session.
“The girls have had so much fun. Thank you for making them feel so welcome. You have such a calm way about you, and the girls are so proud of their fairy gardens.”
“We had a wonderful morning session with Gweni and Emma, who taught the children with a gentle, nurturing ease, making each step accessible. The crafting shed was inviting and filled with so much inspiration. They were all completely absorbed and relaxed with each activity. My socially anxious little girl loved her session so much that we’ve booked for a 4-week course (NS)”
“I like spending time with them. It makes me feel really happy. It’s my happy place. I enjoy doing all the different arts. I like listening to music. They make me laugh”
These are very relaxed, low-pressure sessions, tailored to the needs of young people who are particularly struggling with anxiety, emotional regulation and may be feeling isolated from their peers. To be attended with a parent/carer.
Location: Shotgate Community Hall, Wickford, SS11 8QZ
When:
Cost: £6.50 per joint parent & young person ticket. Additional young person: £3.50
Funded By: MyOTAS
There is no need to wear any fancy yoga gear, leggings/joggers and a comfortable baggy top are perfectly fine. Whatever feels good for you.
These sessions include stretching, movement, breathing and relaxation combined with sound, rhythm and sensory integration techniques. Mindfulness is having awareness of what’s happening internally and around you in the moment. It is the practice of being receptive to your emotions, thoughts, behaviours and physical state which can help to process events from your external environment. When distraction takes over, regulating the state of mind becomes more of a challenge. We can use mindfulness techniques to learn how to regulate breathing patterns, balance energy levels, remain calm, as well as relieve any physical and emotional tension, giving a greater sense of control over the mind and body.
The benefits of Yoga and Mindfulness include:
