About us
SENDaWelcome run projects that help to build awareness and understanding of the issues people with learning disabilities face.
SENDaWelcome is a Bristol-based Community Interest Company led by people with learning disabilities, autistic people and people with lived experience of disability.Together, we take the lead in making our local communities more inclusive, welcoming and accessible for everyone.
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Through community projects, creative activities, volunteering and partnerships, we empower people to share their experiences, influence change and build stronger, more connected communities. Our activities and events provide opportunities to make friends, develop confidence, learn new skills and have a voice in the community.
Everything we do is shaped by our Action Group—a team of people with lived experience of learning disabilities who help design our projects, influence local decision-making and break down barriers. By celebrating people's strengths and working in partnerships, we are creating communities where everyone feels valued, included and able to belong.
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Find out more about our Action Group and meet the team here.
We build
connections
We empower
change
We raise awareness
Find out more about our aims and goals here...
SENDaWelcome began when three parents of children with SEND happened to meet at a neighbour's party. As they talked, they discovered they shared the same experiences and the same belief that more needed to be done to ensure their
children—and others like them—had the same opportunities as everyone else.
What started as a shared vision has grown into a community-led organisation that places people with lived experience at the heart of everything it does, creating opportunities, reducing barriers and leading positive change.
Watch the video to hear our founders share why SENDaWelcome was created and the vision that continues to inspire our work today.
How it started ...
Our impact
Awareness raised
Connections built
Empowered change
We have attended conferences, network meetings and forums to raise awareness. We have provided support and training to local organisations to improve their inclusive offering. We share stories and celebrate examples of good practice.
We have supported families and individuals with our mentoring scheme, information sharing and our 'easy read' guides. Our events bring people and organisations together.
We have consulted on local policies, easy read documents and inclusive events. We have contributed to professional training, literature and academic studies.
