When you’re bringing up a child or young person with additional or complex needs, having the right support network around you can make all the difference. That’s where Embrace steps in. We believe in wrapping support around the entire family, because everyone’s needs matter: from toddlers to teens, from parents to grandparents.
Our warm, inclusive community and the activities and services we provide are grouped into five key areas: Early Years, Young People, Adults, Families, and Wellbeing. Here’s a closer look at how we help people to thrive at every stage.
Early Years (0–6 years): Nurturing Little Explorers
Our playful, supportive spaces are for our very youngest children to grow, explore and socialise, while giving parents the chance to connect with others on a similar journey.
• Little Sweet Peas is a gentle group for children under six and their siblings. It features music, stories, sensory play and, just as importantly, a relaxed space for parents and carers to have a cuppa and chat and share experiences and knowledge.
• Early Years Family Swim is held monthly in a fully accessible hydrotherapy pool. Staff are on hand to support, and hoists and changing equipment ensure everyone can take part comfortably.
These early years sessions provide vital stimulation and early development for the little ones, and emotional and support connection for their families too.
Young People (6–17 years): Fun, Friendship and Independence
Our support for school-age children and teens is all about building confidence, forming friendships and, most importantly, having fun in a safe and inclusive environment.
• Stampede Club (ages 6–12) offers creative monthly sessions full of games, nature activities, sensory play and themed fun. Every session is different!
• JJ’s Crew (ages 13–17) is a social club focused on teenage independence. Young people enjoy shared experiences while learning life skills in a relaxed setting.
• Skool’s Out Holiday Schemes run during school holidays, offering everything from canoeing and ice-skating to music therapy and trips out. Staffed by experienced professionals, these Ofsted-registered sessions have run since 2001 – and we know how much the young people look forward to them. There is nothing we won’t try!
Adults (18+): Growing Up With Confidence
Embrace doesn’t stop supporting people once they turn 18. ACE Club (Achieving, Creating, Empowering) helps adults with additional needs continue to socialise and grow their independence.
From pub nights to cinema trips and beach outings, ACE gives members a say in the activities they enjoy, so they get to choose and build confidence and friendships in a welcoming atmosphere.
Family: Shared Experiences That Bring Everyone Together
Everything is connected in family life, and we know how the impact of additional needs touch everyone. So, we offer events and activities that bring the whole family together:
• Family Swim (monthly hydrotherapy sessions) often sees up to four generations sharing a pool – a truly inclusive family time.
• Supported Family Days help families attend festivals, days out and local events with Embrace staff on hand to ease the experience.
• Family Wellbeing Walks invite families to explore accessible green spaces, encouraging movement and conversation in a calming environment.
• Society Funding is available to help families afford essential equipment, short breaks or therapies they couldn’t otherwise access. Contact us to find out more about this.
Our families love these events! They are chances to build fantastic memories together and try different activities that they may not be able to enjoy otherwise.
Wellbeing: Caring for the Carers
Caring for a disabled child can be all-consuming, and carers need time to rest and recharge too. So we have:
• Relaxation Yoga and Creative Workshops which offer space to unwind.
• Knit-Nat Craft Chat, a twice-monthly online social group for crafts and connection.
• Mini Therapies (like massage and reiki), available monthly.
• Family Support Practitioners offering one-to-one guidance – from attending school meetings, to help during family crises.
Supporting carers means strengthening the whole family, and opportunities to chat with other carers who know what you’re facing on a daily basis, can be as valuable as the activity itself.
Come & Join Us!
We’re more than just a charity. Our families have described us as a lifeline, a community and a celebration of inclusion at every stage of life. Whether you're a toddler discovering the world, a teen building independence, or a parent who just needs a break, Embrace is here to help you feel seen, supported and empowered.
If you live in Bedfordshire or Central Bedfordshire and would like to join the Embrace community, you can contact us and begin booking the sessions that suit your family’s unique journey.
Share this post: