Leading Lives provides welcoming, inclusive activities for children and young people with learning disabilities, autism and other additional needs.
Our activities give children and young people opportunities to:
- have fun and try new experiences in the Hub and the Community
- make and maintain friendships
- develop confidence, communication and independence
- learn practical and social skills
- make choices about the activities they enjoy
Our clubs also give parents and carers a valuable break from their caring responsibilities, knowing that their child or young person is being supported in a safe and welcoming environment.
For 2026–27, our young people’s activities are being delivered from our Lowestoft Community Hub and Rushmere Community Hub in Ipswich, with support from Activities Unlimited.
Suggested photograph: Young people taking part in a colourful group activity at one of the hubs.
ents and family carers a well-earned break.
Night Hub
Relax, have fun and spend time with friends
Night Hub is a friendly evening youth group for young people aged 13 to 24 who are autistic., have a learning disability and or complex needs.
Sessions run during school term time and provide a relaxed place where young people can meet friends, try different activities or simply spend time together. Night Hub sessions are held from 6pm to 8pm.
Young people help to shape the programme. Activities may include:
- arts, crafts and creative projects
- cooking and baking
- quizzes and themed evenings
- music, dance and games
- indoor and outdoor sports
- seasonal celebrations
- trips and community activities
- opportunities to develop life skills and confidence
Our hubs provide accessible spaces, quieter areas and facilities for people who may need additional support.
Night Hub locations
Lowestoft Community Hub
Rotterdam Road
Lowestoft
NR32 2EZ
Rushmere Community Hub
179 Humber Doucy Lane
Rushmere St Andrew
Ipswich
IP4 3PD
The Lowestoft Night Hub runs on Friday evenings during term time.
Rushmere Night Hub runs on Thursday evening during term time but also during the holidays.
Night Hub prices for 2026–27
- Tier 1: £7.50 per session
- Tier 2: £15.00 per session
- Tier 3: £21.00 per session
The charge is based on the level of support required. Activities and refreshments are included in the session charge.
Saturday Club
A full day of activities at Lowestoft
The Leading Lives Saturday Club is for young autistic and learning-disabled people aged 13 to 19.
The club takes place at the Lowestoft Community Hub from 10am to 3pm on one Saturday each month during term time. The 2026–27 programme provides 11 planned sessions, each offering places for up to eight young people.
Saturday Club gives young people time to:
- meet and socialise with other young people
- take part in structured and informal activities
- make choices and contribute ideas
- build communication and teamwork skills
- develop confidence and independence
- take on responsibilities such as helping to prepare activities and refreshments
Activities may take place at the hub or in the local community. The hub has space for arts and crafts, games, cooking, indoor and outdoor activities, technology and quiet relaxation. Young people should bring a packed lunch and any food required for their individual dietary needs.
Saturday Club prices for 2026–27
- Tier 1: £18.50 per session
- Tier 2: £37.00 per session
- Tier 3: £68.50 per session
The charge includes planned activities and refreshments.
The charge includes planned activities and refreshments.
Holiday Hangout
Fun and friendship during the summer holidays
Our Holiday Hangout Club provides full-day activities for young autistic and learning-disabled people aged 13 to 19. This offer is particularly aimed at individuals with more of a complex set of needs.
The 2026–27 Holiday Hangout Club will take place at the Lowestoft Community Hub In October. Sessions run from 9.30-2.30pm, over three days in the October half term. Young people may attend one day or choose several days according to their interests and availability.
The programme is developed with young people and may include:
- Arts and crafts
- Sensory games and experiences
- Story telling adventures
- Opportunities to develop friendships
Refreshments and snacks are provided. Young people should bring a packed lunch and any food required for their individual dietary needs.
Holiday Club prices for 2026–27
- Tier 1: £18.50 per day
- Tier 2: £37.00 per day
- Tier 3: £68.50 per day
The charge includes planned activities and refreshments.
Little Lives
Inclusive Saturday sessions for younger children at Rushmere
Little Lives is our Saturday offer for children aged 5 to 13, with a particular focus on children with complex physical, learning and complex needs.
Sessions take place at the Rushmere Community Hub from 11am to 1pm, generally on the second Saturday of the month. The 2026–27 programme provides 11 sessions, with up to eight places available at each session.
Children can enjoy fun, accessible and sensory activities in a safe and inclusive space. Activities will be adapted to children’s individual interests, communication styles, abilities and support needs.
The Rushmere Community Hub offers:
- level access and good wheelchair accessibility
- accessible toilets and bathrooms
- a sensory room
- a snug or quiet space
- indoor activity areas
- an accessible garden
- visual information, symbols, Easy Read resources and Makaton-informed communication
The Hub provides a calm, welcoming environment with trained staff who use autism-aware and positive support approaches.
Little Lives also offers parents and carers a short break. Families who wish to remain at the hub may use the opportunity to meet other parents and carers, share experiences and access information or signposting.
Little Lives prices for 2026–27
- £35 per session where support is provided by Leading Lives
- £20 per session where the child attends with their own support
The service will discuss the child’s individual requirements with the family before attendance.
How the tier assessment works
We want each child or young person to receive the right level of support while attending our activities.
Before a first booking, a member of the Leading Lives team will complete a short assessment with the young person and their parent or carer. This is a conversation about the young person’s needs rather than a test.
The assessment may consider:
- how independently the young person can take part
- the level of supervision they require
- communication and sensory needs
- mobility or personal care requirements
- medical or health needs
- support with behaviour, emotional regulation or staying safe
- whether the young person requires shared support or individual support
The information is used to agree the appropriate tier and session charge:
- Tier 1: The young person can generally participate with group-based support.
- Tier 2: The young person needs additional or more regular support during the session.
- Tier 3: The young person has more complex needs and requires a higher level of staff support.
Where a child or young person has complex health, physical or behavioural needs, the team will discuss whether one-to-one support, specialist arrangements or attendance with their own support are required. Little Lives uses a separate two-price arrangement because it is designed for younger children who may have more complex physical and support needs.
Support needs may change over time. Families should tell the local team about any significant changes so that the assessment can be reviewed and the young person can continue to attend safely.
Why choose Leading Lives?
Our Lowestoft and Rushmere Community Hubs provide welcoming, accessible spaces where people can build confidence, develop skills and take part in meaningful activities.
The Lowestoft Hub offers daytime, evening and weekend opportunities, with accessible activity areas, a training kitchen, arts and crafts space, a sensory room, quiet space and wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Rushmere provides a smaller, calm and person-centred setting. Activities include arts and crafts, reading and storytelling, wellbeing and gentle exercise, gardening and supported community outings. The service uses visual schedules and structured programmes to provide consistency and reassurance. We are also developing our offer to be more accessible for young people with complex needs.
Across both hubs, young people are encouraged to make choices, contribute ideas and help shape the activities they attend.
Book a place or arrange an assessment
To enquire about Night Hub, Saturday Club, Holiday Club or Little Lives, please contact the relevant local hub.
Lowestoft Community Hub
Local contact: Kizzy Bowler
Telephone: 01502 512973
Email: Kizzy.Bowler@leadinglives.org.uk
Rushmere Community Hub
Local contact: Peter Ball
Telephone: 01473 351648
Email: Peter.Ball@leadinglives.org.uk
When contacting us, please tell us:
- the child or young person’s name and age
- which activity they are interested in
- any dates they would like to attend
- whether they have previously completed a Leading Lives assessment
If the young person has not been assessed before, the local team will arrange the short tier assessment before confirming their first booking.
These activities are supported by Activities Unlimited. The involvement of Activities Unlimited should be acknowledged in publicity for the funded activities, and families should be made aware of its wider support and personal-budget offer.
