Creative Hangout – Building Friendships Through Creativity
Client Name:
Halton Borough Council
Project Overview:
Young Adults with SEND Engaged
Creative Topics to Choose From
%
Participants Made New Friends
Project Aims:
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Create a relaxed, informal space where young adults with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) can socialise and try new creative activities.
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Empower participants to explore creative topics of their choice, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement.
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Build confidence, friendships, and a supportive community through creative activities.
The Solution:
We created a fun, relaxed social club for young adults with SEND, where they chose the creative topics each week—from digital art and photography to animation and coding, plus much more!
The informal structure allowed everyone to learn, try new things, and socialise without the pressure of a formal classroom. Each session was designed to be fun and engaging, fostering creativity and building friendships.
The Outcome:
The project has been a huge success, and you can really see that in the number of young people who’ve come along and kept coming back for each instalment. It’s been amazing to watch some of them start off a little reserved, only to become key members of the group who bring everyone together. They’ve also had the chance to learn and develop creative and tech skills, with many of our attendees now more invested in things like digital art, animation, coding, and more. It’s been so amazing to see their confidence grow alongside their skills!
Feedback:
At the end of our latest Creative Hangout session, we asked Niall, a regular attendee, to share his thoughts on why provisions like ours are so important. He openly shared that he wasn’t very social before joining our workshops, but attending the sessions has been incredibly beneficial. It’s given him a reason to leave the house and something to look forward to.
Niall also shared why he believes spaces like this are crucial, saying, “There quite simply isn’t anything like this… where else can you think of as a place for people with non-baseline needs to socialise?” He emphasised that he wouldn’t be in the same place he is now if these sessions didn’t exist, highlighting the positive impact they’ve had on his life.
This case study highlights something we’ve always known to be true: For many young adults with SEND, there are very limited opportunities for socialising and personal growth, especially once they leave school and structured support decreases.
Niall’s story really shows why spaces like Creative Hangout are so important. They offer a safe, supportive environment where young adults with SEND can keep growing socially, make friends, and build confidence. It’s clear that these kinds of provisions are vital in helping them stay connected and continue to thrive!
“The Creative Hangout club provides a supportive and adaptive environment, ensuring that every attendee feels included and empowered. Through engaging activities like video production, photography, and digital content creation, students not only learn technical skills but also enhance their communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities. The staff’s dedication to tailoring the program to meet diverse needs has been key to the club’s success.
The Creative Hangout club is more than just a bespoke media activity group — it’s a space where creativity flourishes, friendships are built, and every attendee is encouraged to reach their potential. We wholeheartedly support and celebrate this initiative and its positive impact on our SEN community.” Jane Lunt, Ashley High School.
Let’s Work Together: