Freedom Fliers is RUSH 2The DEN’s SEND youth club for secondary school-aged young people with additional needs, aged 11 to 17.
The club runs every Friday from 5:30pm to 7:00pm and offers a welcoming, inclusive space where young people can have fun, build confidence, and enjoy time with others in a safe and supportive setting.
A space for the whole family
Freedom Fliers is also open to parents, carers, and siblings. After speaking with families, it became clear that many people needed this.
As well as giving young people somewhere to play, learn, interact, and socialise, Freedom Fliers also gives parents and carers the chance to relax, chat, build connections, and support one another. It is a space where the whole family can feel welcome.
How Freedom Fliers began
Freedom Fliers started with just one young person attending. Even then, it was clear how important the club could become. That first family encouraged us to keep going because they finally felt they had found somewhere they belonged.
Within just a few weeks, numbers had grown, and the club has continued to build ever since. That growth reflects just how needed this kind of space is within our community.
Activities for a wide range of needs and interests
Every young person is different, with their own needs, interests, likes, and dislikes. Because of this, we aim to offer a variety of activities across different areas each week, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Activities often include:
- a role play area to support communication, confidence, life skills, and social interaction
- a large games or sports area, which may include basketball, football, table football, or pool
- a quieter puzzle and games area for those who prefer a calmer pace
- construction and building activities for young people who enjoy structure, focus, and problem-solving
- an arts and crafts table with at least one guided craft activity led by a team member
- a sensory area, which may include sand, water play, play dough, shaving foam, and more
The sensory activities are always especially popular and often become one of the busiest parts of the evening.
Led by the young people who attend
We regularly talk to the young people and families who come along to find out what activities they would like to see in future sessions. Whether it is during a quieter part of the evening or over tuck shop, these conversations help us shape the club around the people who use it.
We are always open to suggestions and love trying new ideas. If something sounds fun or helpful, we are happy to give it a go.
A strong and supportive team
Freedom Fliers is run by a dedicated team of leaders, each bringing their own strengths, experience, and approach. Together, they create a caring, flexible environment where everyone works as a team and supports one another.
That team spirit is a huge part of what makes Freedom Fliers so special. Combined with the brilliant young people and families who attend, it has grown into a warm, rewarding, and much-valued part of RUSH 2The DEN.
Join us at Freedom Fliers
Freedom Fliers is more than just a youth club. It is a place to belong, make friends, try new things, and feel supported.
We are proud to offer a space where young people with additional needs, along with their families, can feel welcome, included, and part of the RUSH 2The DEN community.