Community outreach
Out in the community, growing in confidence.
We take children and young people out into their local community to try new things, build everyday skills and make connections, with consistent staff who know them well.
An example outing
What a session can look like.
Every outing is planned around the child or young person, their interests and their plan.
Pick up
A calm start, checking in on how they are feeling.
Activity
The park, swimming, a library, a club or something new.
Lunch out
Choosing, ordering and paying, with support.
Life skills
Catching a bus, shopping or finding the way.
Home and handover
A short update for parents or carers.
Illustrative example. Sessions are set by each child’s assessment and plan.
What it involves
Activities they enjoy.
Outreach sessions are built around what the child or young person likes and wants to try. This may include:
- Parks, play areas and outdoor activities
- Swimming, sport and leisure centres
- Libraries, museums and local attractions
- Youth clubs and community groups
- Cafés, shopping and everyday errands
- Trying new hobbies and interests
Building skills
Learning through real life.
Every outing is a chance to practise skills that build independence and confidence, at a pace that suits them.
- Road safety and travelling on public transport
- Handling money and paying for things
- Communicating with people in the community
- Making choices and planning a day
- Coping with new places and changes
- Making friends and social skills
Safety and planning
Planned carefully, every time.
Before outreach begins, we get to know the child, their needs and any risks. Each outing is planned and risk assessed, with clear guidance for staff.
- Consistent, well-matched staff
- Agreed staffing levels for each outing
- Plans for communication and sensory needs
- Clear arrangements for medication and emergencies
Staff follow our safeguarding procedures and the child’s support plan at all times.
Families and professionals
Working together.
We agree goals with parents, carers and the professionals involved, and keep families updated after each session.
Outreach can also give families a regular break, knowing their child is out doing something positive with people they trust.
Talk to us about how outreach can be arranged for your child or a young person you work with.
- Goals agreed before sessions start
- Feedback to families after each session
- Progress shared at reviews
- Quick contact if anything significant happens
What families say
Coming home happy.
Our son has really settled with Involvement Support. His sessions are planned with us in advance, which makes a big difference for him, and he looks forward to them. He’s been swimming regularly, had a brilliant day at Delapre Abbey, and his train trips to Milton Keynes and London have been a real highlight. He comes home excited to tell us about the trains he’s seen. He’s now helping buy his tickets, finding his way round the Underground and choosing and paying for his own food. The staff listen to him, respect what he tells them, and keep us updated during the day, even sending photos on his London trip. We’re very happy with the support he’s getting and with how well the team communicates with us.
He looks forward to his activities and spending time with his support workers so much so he hugs them on sight. He has blossomed even more since he began using this service.
He loves his new workers and getting to go to new places. He enjoys his time out with his carers and comes home happy.
He is enjoying the activities.
It appears he is happy and he looks forward to going out with the carers. So far, happy with the support.
I’m happy with the carers and he looks forward to going out. He keeps saying “tractor”, meaning the car and a staff member he enjoys working with. So far, happy.
After struggling before with previous care providers, I’m happy with the support. I’m happy with the consistency and reliability, and with receiving the rota and the activities my son will be doing in advance, as I love to be organised. He loves swimming, and I’m happy to see he will be exploring other activities in time.
I’m happy that my son is taken to the activities he loves doing, like going on drives, walks in the park, country parks, Rushden Lakes and McDonald’s. He appears to be happy, and I’m happy with the support he is receiving.
He is happy and looks forward to going out with the carers. The carers are aware that he only eats halal food, and they take him for walks and take a football to the park.
I’m happy with the support so far. The carers take my daughter out, and sometimes they go on the bus together. At home, they sometimes bake. She knows the carers by name and appears to be happy with them.
She looks forward to the carers coming. She goes out with them and even plays bowling, and they go to the shops, where she is happy to carry the shopping basket.
At a glance
Community outreach in brief.
Including those with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs.
In the local community
Places they enjoy and want to explore.
Consistent people
Matched to interests and communication.
Confidence and skills
Agreed with families and professionals.
Updated after each session
So you always know how it went.
Questions
Community outreach FAQs
Answers to the questions we are asked most often.
Who is community outreach for?
Children and young people who would benefit from support to get out into their community, try new activities, build skills and grow in confidence.
How long is a session?
Sessions are usually a few hours, but the length and how often they happen depend on each child’s plan and what has been agreed with their family and professionals.
Who will support my child?
We aim to provide consistent staff who get to know your child, their interests and how they communicate. Staff are introduced before sessions begin wherever possible.
How do you keep children safe?
Every outing is planned and risk assessed in advance. Staff follow the child’s plan, agreed routes and safeguarding procedures, and keep in touch with parents or carers as agreed.
Will I hear how the session went?
Yes. Staff give a short update at handover, and we share progress regularly with families and the professionals involved.
Who pays for outreach?
Outreach is usually funded by the local authority or through a personal budget or direct payment. We can talk you through the options when you contact us.
Next steps
Talk to us about support
Call us on 0333 301 0025 or send us a message. Our team will talk you through the next steps.