Our Services
We operate a number of projects and activities to cater for different age groups and different levels of disabilities. The location and times vary to suit the type of activity, the needs of the users and age. Our activities currently include:
Adults Projects
Open Door
Members have fun at SoLO's Open Door service
Open Door is a weekly specialist provision for young adults aged 18 – 35 who have profound and multiple learning disabilities The young people come straight from their day time activity, have tea with us and then take part in a range of activities – arts, crafts, cooking, sport, music, health and beauty, reflexology (to name but a few!) The project is supported by volunteers, a paid project leader, support workers and two contracted specialist care workers.
When – Wednesday (term time) between 3.00 – 7.30 pm.
Where – Langley School, Kineton Green Road, Olton.
Icebreakers
Members of Icebreakers enjoy a trip to a local pub
Icebreakers is a community based project providing adults aged 18 and over have the opportunity to meet with their peers. The groups are supported by a paid leader and volunteers. The programme of activities include visits to the local pub, meals out, bowling, cinema etc. The volunteers and paid leader provide transport for the members.
When – Monthly on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 7.00 – 10.00 pm.
Where – Various locations around Solihull and the surrounding area.
Leisure Links
Tracey and Sharon on an evening out
Leisure Links is a one to one service enabling young people and adults with moderate learning disabilities to access a leisure experience of their choice within the community. A person with a learning disability is matched to a volunteer and together they enjoy a monthly leisure experience. This can be going shopping, visiting the cinema, taking part in a sport activity etc.
When – Flexible, dependent on the choice of the person with the disability and the availability of the volunteer.
Where – Wherever they decide.
Night Owl & Thursday Crew
A night out and good conversation
Night Owl & Thursday Crew are drop in projects held at local social clubs where members can meet up with friends and play snooker, darts and the usual indoor games. They are supported by paid staff and volunteers. Currently held in the Sheldon and Chelmsley Wood areas.
When – weekly 6.30 – 9.00 pm
Where – Sheldon (Mondays) & Chelmsley Wood (Thursdays)
Children’s Projects
Get Active
Members try their hand at a bit of Abseiling
Get Active is a Saturday sports project for the more energetic. Activities take place at a variety of locations depending on the sport. Our members have tried activities like cycling, football, tennis, rock climbing & fishing!
When – alternate Saturdays
Where – various locations
Time Out
The Mayor visits Time Out
Time Out takes place for 26 sessions a year on a Saturday afternoon and is based in South Solihull. It enables approximately 12 young people with learning disabilities in their late teens to meet with their peers and enjoy a leisure experience away from home. They take part in a range of activities such as arts, crafts, music, health and beauty, sport, shopping, cinema, attending football matches etc. The work is supported by a paid Project Leader, two support workers and volunteers. Professional support is brought in as necessary.
When – South Solihull, Saturday afternoons, 1.30 – 4.30 pm.
Where – Hobs Moat Youth Centre, Olton.
Teen Open Door
Great fun at Teen Open Door with the ever popular Bongos
Teen Open Door is a specialist leisure provision for young people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. The age range of the participants is currently 14 – 22 years of age. Participants are considered on the suitability of the club to their own specific needs and not purely on age. The members are transported from their school to the club and have a meal tailored to their specific dietary needs. At the end of the evening they are transported home. Activities range from arts, crafts, reflexology, drama, music and games, and a varied programme is offered each term. The club is supported by paid workers and volunteers.
When – Tuesday evening from 4.00 – 7.30 pm (term time only).
Where – It takes place at Merstone School in Smith’s Wood.
Totally Arts
Arts Group express themselves in dance
For young people aged 14-22 with and without learning disabilities, who work with art professionals to put on productions. They are currently working on a musical theme and will be showcasing their talents in the summer.
When – Alternative Saturdays 1.30 – 4.00 pm
Where – Hatchford Brook Youth Centre, Olton
Drumming Project
Drumtastic – African drumming
African drumming at SoLO
This newest SoLO project is for children and young people aged 11+ who have an interest in drumming. The group is led by a Project Leader with skills in African drumming.
When – Alternate Thursdays (term time only)
Where – Shirley, Solihull
Super Friends Saturday Club
Super Friends Saturday Club
This is a group for children aged 9-13 years who have low level support needs. The group is led by a management group of parents and supported by SoLO. A variety of activities are on offer at each session, giving children choices. There is also a family outing each year and a trip to the pantomime.
When – Alternate Saturdays 10.00am to 12.00 noon
Where – Hobs Moat Youth Centre, Olton
Holiday Activities
Active holiday fun
For children aged 4 to 13 years with severe learning disabilities there are holiday schemes during the summer holidays running for 6 days and offering a variety of on and off site activities.
For young people aged 14 to 19 with profound and multiple learning difficulties there are 6 days during the summer holidays offering a variety of on and off-site activities.
Active holiday fun
For children aged 8 to 13 with more moderate learning disabilities there are activity days running during half terms, Easter and summer holidays. These days include youth centre based activities as well as trips out.
Active holiday fun
For young people aged 14 to 24 with moderate to severe learning disabilities 14 days of activities are run during the summer holidays.
Some centre based activities but mostly fun trips out.
Active holiday fun
For children aged 5 to 13 with a wide range of disabilities there is an Inclusive Play scheme where children are supported in enjoying open access play at various venues across the borough during the Easter and summer holidays.
When – School holidays
Where – Various locations
Access all Areas
A scheme to enable children and young people with disabilities to be able to attend mainstream leisure activities such as youth clubs, sports clubs, uniformed groups etc.
When – any time according to when the group meets
Where – various locations