OUR 16+ GROUP

Our 16+ Group for Young People with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) began in April 2023.

It was launched after staff and parents became increasingly aware that older members of our Saturday Club for 8–18-year-olds with SEND, were still very much in need of our support as they start a new journey into adulthood, with all the challenges and obstacles that come with that transition. The group for 16–21-year-olds runs every Saturday during term-time and provides a stimulating and safe space, allowing young people to continue with their favourite activities such as dance and karate as well as giving Young Carers an essential break from their caring roles.

Saturday Club Lead Danielle Way says: ‘Being given the chance to open a 16+ group is so exciting and being able to share this news with parents is even better. Over the years, parents have been consistently telling us that once their children leave school, they feel like they fall into a massive black hole – with all their usual support systems coming to an end and at a time when they need more support than ever.

‘The young people themselves also don’t want to leave the Saturday Club — and the karate classes that so many of them attend — as the club is their only safe social place to meet friends. While we provide monthly film nights for this group, we felt this just wasn’t enough.’

‘As the young people move from our Saturday Club into the 16+ Group, we’ll provide continuity and continued support and help them to find their feet into adulthood.’

Funded by Richmond Parish Lands Charity, Hampton Fund, and BBC Children in Need and The Barnes Fund.

For more information about the 16+ Group, click here.

We are here to help. Click here to make an enquiry. ENQUIRE

A PAID CARER’S VOICE: The Hidden Value of Care

When Saturday Club Lead Danielle Way joined Crossroads Care as a care support worker five years ago, she wanted to make a difference, but never for a moment did she imagine just how working for the charity would enhance her life too ‘For as long as I can remember,...

The Caring Cafe: A Welcoming Place of Respite

During World Alzheimer’s Month, Fiona Mitchell explores how the Caring Café, run by Crossroads Care, has become a lifeline for people living with dementia and their carers It was more than 20 years ago that visitors attended the launch of London’s very first ‘dementia...

World Alzheimer’s Month: A Volunteer’s Story

During World Alzheimer's Month, we are saying a big thank you to former carer, service user and Crossroads volunteer Remo Grasso (pictured front, left) who has most generously supported a number of our community projects, including volunteering at our weekly Carers...

It’s Good to Talk

What a difference a Crossroads Care community respite group is making to fathers of children with often profound disabilities and special needs With all the joy that being a parent brings, it can also be a worrying time. And for those who have a child with a...

‘At Crossroads, they understand. It’s a place where you can find peace.’

Crossroads Care Richmond and Kingston upon Thames began supporting 73-year-old Han* after his son Raymond*, 46, had a cardiac arrest back in November 2020, leading to brain injury, balance and mobility  problems, as well as challenges with speech and langauge. A keen...

Carers Week 2023: ‘Because of Crossroads, I no longer feel alone.’

During Carers Week 2023, *Susan, 81, shares her experience of caring for her husband Tim*, also 81, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in July 2014. Although Tim’s physical health is fairly good — he is completely mobile — he has little interest in any activities and...

The Hidden Benefits of Volunteering

‘Volunteering? I’d much rather be doing this than going on cruises!’ says Crossroads Care Trustee Margaret Dangoor who has dedicated her life to the needs of carers. Fiona Mitchell spoke to her to mark the Big Help Out – a community volunteering initiative being held...

Welcome to our New Ambassador – Actress Jacki Piper!

Join us in giving a warm welcome to our new ambassador — actress Jacki Piper! ‘It is a privilege to be an ambassador for such a wonderful charity. I cannot praise highly enough the work that Crossroads Care does to support Carers. I was bowled over by the team, who...

Crossroads Care Launches a Brand-new 16+ Group for Young People with Special Needs and disabilities (SEND)

Crossroads Care is delighted to be able to continue supporting young people with (SEND), many also Young Carers, now that its new 16+ Saturday Group is up and running. Fiona Mitchell went along to find out more… Crossroads Care set up its 16+ Group after...

Thanks to Everyone for Supporting the Crossroads Care Tough Mudder Team!

Our Tough Mudder Team have hit their target — and more! — raising money for Crossroads Care Richmond and Kingston upon Thames! Thank you for your most generous donations which have boosted our terrific trio — Care Manager Nicola and her friends Sally and Laetitia who...