Speak Out Southwark — Thriving Together

Witnessing the groups we had previously visited and provided counsel to share their own experiences and struggles with others, while also extending support to those in need, was truly inspiring.
Supporting Southwark Council to improve their short breaks service 2023-2025
What did Speak Out Southwark do?
Speak Out Southwark — Thriving Together was made up of young disabled people, autistic people and people with learning disabilities aged 13+, and their parents and carers.
They supported Southwark Council to improve evening, weekend and holiday clubs so that they’re accessible to more children and young people, including those with additional needs.
Thriving Together — Speak, Share, Learn
Our Speak, Share, Learn days over the last 2 years have included free training sessions on Makaton, planning accessible activities, positive behaviour support, autism Q&A sessions and sessions from The Nest on:
- What do we mean by mental health?
- What are the barriers faced by young disabled people to improve their mental health
- How do you support your own wellbeing and your team’s?
They have also included tours of Cherry Garden school’s different SEND environments, community networking, and peer support from other Southwark groups.
As part of this project we co-produced a toolkit with providers, parents, carers and young people as well as expert practitioners from:
- Cherry Garden School
- Sense
- Evelina London Speech and Language Service
- All Age Disability Positive Behaviour
Support Team

Attendees at the SEND Speak, Share, Learn day in Peckham during a Makaton signing training session

Spring Community Hub with their new SEND equipment purchased through the Thriving Together funding.