Project notes: North Shields YMCA Special Needs Project, NorthTyneside

Goals: To allow young people with special needs to enjoy each other's company and take part in activities in a safe and supportive environment.

Funding: The project received 2,000 from YMCA England. It also receives funding from North Tyneside Council Youth Service for a youth worker to run one session a week.

It is often difficult for young people with special needs to find activities that they can do independently of their carers. But North Shields YMCA has set up a project that allows them to do just that.

The Special Needs Project, which has been running for two years, is one of 10 similar schemes around England working with young people with special needs. It gives 16- to 25-year-olds who may have conditions such as Down's syndrome and autism the chance to take part in at least one outing a week during the holidays. About 12 people take part in activities that include going to the cinema, bowling, eating out and visiting the fair.