Link Up Saturday

Link Up Saturday bridges the gap between mainstream and specialist services to provide support for teens who need less support. 

All too often, teens with lower-level learning disabilities and/or autism, who attend mainstream services, don’t receive the specialist guidance that they need. The purpose of Link Up Saturday is to help all young people who need additional support to learn about and enjoy their pathway to adulthood. 

By engaging in skills and life management activities, teens can reduce isolation, build relationships and apply structure to their lives built around meaningful activity (e.g., hobbies, health, wellbeing). 

How do the sessions work? 

The group members work towards badges by completing activities and challenges that develop independence and life skills. We focus on each person’s needs, interests and aspirations, so they can practice the skills most beneficial to them. It is designed to support each individual in learning about and practising independent living skills and building resilience.  

What are the outcomes? 

We support and develop the key areas that enable people to live as independently as possible, this includes: 

• Independent living skills, e.g., travel, cooking and task management  
• Skills that enable access to appropriate employment and education opportunities 
• Becoming part of a community, with real friendships and a feeling of value 
• Making healthy choices, from exercise and diet to being supported by adult health services.