THE YOUTH club run by Diverse Abilities has returned following a hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Awesome Nights club, aimed at young adults aged 13 to 18 with special educational needs and disabilities, offers weekly activities arranged and chosen by those supported by the charity.

These included swimming sessions, meals and trips out, movie nights, games, crafts, and themed activities.

Children’s Team manager for Short Breaks Clare Rochford said: “Awesome Nights is a place where you can get together with friends, have fun, and enjoy activities with support staff on hand to help out when needed.”

Activities are alternated each week between The Families Centre in West Moors, with a cinema room, sensory room, games consoles and kitchen facilities, and out in the community. During the sessions based at West Moors, the team usually have a themed night chosen by the young people and tends to always involve food in some way.

Clare added: “We like to get out and about in the community as it helps the young people to build their confidence and independence, while also working on their social and life skills.

“Sometimes we’ll go out for archery or climbing, and other weeks we’ll catch a bus into town or go out for dinner at pubs and restaurants.”

The service is available to children who live in a Dorset Council postcode.

Families are able to self-refer their teenagers for the activity nights by emailing chaos@diverseabilities.org.uk, and a member of the team will be in touch to complete the registration process.

Sessions cost between £3 and £6 depending on the week’s planned activities.

For more details about the upcoming activities and how to get involved, visit diverseabilities.org.uk/awesome-nights.