THE FIRST SEND session held at the Bromsgrove Thrive Hub has been hailed a huge success, helping young people build confidence, independence and friendships.
Young people made meaningful social connections at the event which was hosted at Social Sticks in the town.
Among the activities were pet therapy, games, creative crafts and group activities – all within a safe and welcoming hub environment. The day was created to support young SEND adults to develop life skills while having fun and forging lasting friendships.
A key highlight was the partnership with Fit Paws Dog Walking Company, where participants collected local dogs and experienced what it was like to run their very own dog walking service. Young people took the dogs on an adventure walk, supported with light grooming and basic training before safely returning them to their owners. The experience introduced participants to the responsibilities of animal care and offered insight into dog walking as a potential profession.
Following a shared group lunch, the focus shifted towards building independence. Participants travelled together using public transport, learning routes, timings and travel skills in a supported environment that encouraged confidence away from parents and carers.
And the afternoon centred on fun and social interaction, with bowling and arcade games at Redditch providing the perfect setting for laughter and teamwork.
Parents and carers were able to take much-needed respite time while knowing their young people were engaged in a positive, structured experience that prioritised wellbeing, friendship building and real world skills.
Simon Connell, founder of Thrive Hub Bromsgrove and a local secondary school teacher, said the response from families and the wider community had been overwhelming.
“We wanted to create something that truly supports young people to grow socially and develop independence in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.
“Seeing friendships forming, confidence growing and families getting some breathing space has been incredibly powerful.”
He added demand had been far greater than expected and they were now actively looking at expanding the service and hosting more sessions to support more local families.
Thrive Hub Bromsgrove focuses on creating inclusive experiences which combine social activities with practical life skills, helping young SEND adults gain confidence in everyday situations.
Following the success of the first session, plans are now under way to expand the provision and introduce additional dates and Wednesday night social to meet growing demand across the community.
