​“LWCA is an exceptional service.  They accept children exactly as they are.  True inclusion isn’t fitting children into existing spaces — it’s creating better spaces for everyone.  LWCA does this.  For a parent of a child with complex needs, finding a place that genuinely accepts differences is rare.  This service has provided a safe, joyful space for our child and essential respite for our family.”

Anonymous - Weekenders Club

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“Ella doesn't have a social set of friends.  She loves getting out, mid-week, after school.  If she didn't have the club, she wouldn't get out.  She loves the club so much.  It's had a positive impact on her life.  It's changed her life.  Before, she didn't get out or have fun like she does now.  She loves the trips and the helpers.  We thank you for helping with Ella.” 😊”

Ella – Out & About Project

  

“Weekenders has enabled my daughter to build friendships with both adults and peers independently from her family.  As a parent, it’s invaluable being able to leave your child with trusted staff, knowing they are safe and enjoying themselves.”

Anonymous - Weekenders Club

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“The Out & About Project has made a huge difference to my daughter and  family. She has made a close friend who she sees at all the events, and it has helped her gain independence and confidence. The staff are incredible, and all the activities are perfect for her. As a parent I now get to go to the gym and have time alone with my other child.”

Annabella  – Out & About Project

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“Annie loves her sessions at Leeds Weekend Care Association. She always smiles when we pull up in the car park. The staff are so friendly and welcoming. There is always a real variety of activities on offer. Annie loves to play outside and for her the swing is a real bonus! The staff encourage her to engage in other activities that she would not normally choose which is helping her to develop more skills. Annie is well cared for, and I appreciate the time and effort the staff put in to make the sessions as fun as possible for her. They understand my daughters needs and challenges. Annie leaves the session with her smile intact, and I know she has had the best time playing and learning at Weekenders. Thank you!”                                  Annie  – Weekenders Club

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"The monthly Saturday session meets both my children’s and my needs perfectly.  The staff are kind, welcoming, and skilled, even when managing complex behaviours such as pica and bowel‑related needs.  They take a child‑centred approach, tailoring support rather than using a one‑size‑fits‑all model.  The respite is essential for our family and has a profound impact on our quality of life.”

Anonymous - Weekenders Club

 

“Antoni has attended Weekender Club for over 2 years. What a fantastic place and team. He always has a great time with lots of different activities, both indoor and outdoor. It is a place where he can meet new friends. Thank you for all your hard work.”

Antoni  – Weekenders Club

 

"My son doesn't really have any social life outside of school.  He's autistic, and very apprehensive of meeting new people, or doing something in a non-structured environment.  LWCA is amazing because he trusts the staff, the sessions are predictable, and it gives him a sense of independence being out and about somewhere with people around his own age and doing fun stuff with people other than his family members.  This is super important and so valuable for us.”

Anonymous - Out & About Project

 

“Lucy really struggled to make and keep friends outside of school, the Out and About Project gives her a chance to make friends and hang out with them like a regular teen.  It gives her something to look forward to and it is really helping her to build her confidence and independence away from us.  She is new to the club, but we have already seen a shift in her confidence.  She has been very lonely and isolated outside of school, it is so important to her to have friends, she craves friendships so we are very grateful for this opportunity and so thankful for all the hard work and support of the wonderful and caring staff.”😊”       

 Lucy – Out & About Project 

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“When Billy first started at Weekenders Club, he struggled to cope with the noisy environment and new people. There were a lot of tears, but we knew he was well looked after and the staff very quickly learnt what he liked and what he could tolerate, despite being mostly non-verbal. Nowadays Billy asks for Weekenders every single weekend and is always excited to go. After this last session he told me “I love Weekenders. At Weekenders I had a big cuddle with a friend, and it was the best cuddle ever!!” The development of his confidence, happiness, and the creation of some true friendships is testament to the wonderful job they do there.

Billy - Weekenders Club

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“Ethan really enjoys going to Weekenders on a Saturday once a month. He is non-verbal but will ask to go every Saturday that he isn’t there. Ethan always has a 1-1 and the staff are brilliant with him. The scheme is always organised and very professional.”

Ethan G – Weekenders Club

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“The LWCA provides a vital experience which our son cannot access at home or school.  This offers him a safe environment to develop his independence and essential community/social skills. By stepping out into a new social setting, he is able to practice navigating the world outside his immediate family circle, which builds his confidence and sense of autonomy.”

Anonymous- Out & About Project

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“Lillie said she loves the cooking and baking ; she also loves playing games with everyone and doing arts and crafts. Lillie loves playing with friends, and she likes the interaction with the grown-ups too!

I personally as a parent love that she is getting to socialise with people outside of school, as you can imagine it can be challenging especially for kids that are averse to social situations like Lillie. The regularity of the sessions is great as she loves routine, and it helps with her social anxiety.”

Lillie  – Weekenders Club

 

“Obviously Lola can't express in words her enjoyment, but she is happy to come. When we are on our way in the car she is smiling and happy. She particularly enjoys looking at pictures on the Facebook page. You are all amazing and take care of Lola really well. You all do a fab job. Thank you.”                                             Lola  – Weekenders Club

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"The activities are the highlight of our child’s live, she gets so excited about them and it is the only chance to gets to socialise with children like her outside of school and the only chance she leaves her family other than school.  It give us a few hours break and chance to give 1-1 attention to our other child and do activities that we cannot all do as a family with a child with additional needs"

Anonymous - Out & About Project

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 ​​“Weekenders provides a safe, understanding environment where young people with additional needs can socialise with peers.”

Anonymous - Weekenders Club

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