Outreach 3 Way

We offer several community-based groups to encourage personal development, life skills, creativity, and self-expression. We support people across Sussex that wish to attend our groups, places in the Day Opportunities are open to block contracts or private payment on a contract.

The Day Opportunities currently offer groups that operate across Crawley and Horsham however, we visit and support out of many other locations throughout the year such as Brighton, East Grinstead, Worthing, and we have also been to Croydon which is a South London area to name just a few.

Social Group – Purpose Statement

The Social Club is designed to support adults with a learning disability and/or autism to maintain meaningful social relationships and remain actively connected within their community. The service recognises that social interaction, communication, and a sense of belonging are fundamental to emotional wellbeing and good quality of life.

The Social Club provides structured and supported opportunities for individuals to meet with peers, build friendships, and engage in conversation in a safe, inclusive, and positive environment. For many people, particularly those with autism, regular and predictable social opportunities are essential to reducing anxiety, supporting communication skills, and promoting confidence in social situations.

Social group aims to:

• Promote social inclusion and reduce the risk of isolation.
• Support individuals to maintain existing friendships and develop new connections.
• Encourage communication, self‑expression, and active listening.
• Support emotional wellbeing through peer interaction and shared experiences.

By providing social connection, the Social Group helps individuals to retain and develop important life and social skills, supporting independence and personal development. This setting contributes to positive outcomes identified in individual care and support plans, including improved wellbeing, confidence, and engagement with the wider community.

Participation in the Social Group supports the following care plan outcomes:

• Increased social engagement and reduced isolation.
• Improved emotional wellbeing and sense of belonging.
• Maintenance and development of communication and social skills.
• Opportunities for positive peer interaction in a supportive setting.

Support is provided in line with individual needs, preferences, and abilities, ensuring reasonable adjustments are made to promote inclusion and accessibility.

The wider team will recognise the following internal targets:

Safe:

People are supported in a structured environment with the appropriate number of team members and risk awareness to ensure emotional and physical safety.

Effective:

The service supports the development and maintenance of social and communication skills, contributing to agreed outcomes in care plans.

Caring:

The team will promote dignity, respect, and person‑centred support, encouraging individuals to express themselves and be heard.

Responsive:

The Social Group responds to individual needs, preferences, and communication styles, particularly for people with autism.

Well‑Led:

The setting demonstrates a clear purpose, promotes inclusion, and supports wellbeing through meaningful social opportunities.

Travel Training – Purpose Statement

The purpose of the Travel Training service is to support adults with a learning disability to develop the skills, confidence, and independence needed to travel safely and to be active within their local community. While using public transport can present challenges, we believe that with the right support, people can learn to travel independently and take part in everyday life like everyone else.

Travel Training focuses on building confidence and practical skills to enable people to reach places that are important to them, such as shops, colleges, workplaces, leisure activities, and visits with family and friends. By supporting individuals to become more independent in their travel, we aim to promote inclusion, choice, and control, ensuring people feel able and welcome to be present within their community.

The service begins with personalised, practical support, such as walking specific routes and learning familiar journeys. This may include travelling by bus, train or walking depending on the individual’s needs, preferences, and local environment. We recognise that different modes of transport will suit different people, and this is explored collaboratively with each individual.

The ultimate aim of Travel Training is to support people to transfer the skills learned from specific journeys into wider travel situations, increasing independence across all aspects of community life. As confidence develops, individuals are encouraged to travel with decreasing levels of support, in line with their abilities and goals.

Through Travel Training, people may experience:

• Increased independence and reduced reliance on others.
• Improved self‑confidence and self‑
• Greater access to leisure, education, employment, and community activities.
• Improved social interaction and communication skills.
• Enhanced health and wellbeing through increased physical activity.
• A stronger sense of belonging and community engagement.

Increased independence may also reduce long‑term reliance on Adult Social Care services, supporting people to lead more independent lives.

As part of the service, individuals are also supported to apply for:

• Disabled Person’s Railcard
• Disabled Person’s Bus Pass

These supports help to remove financial and practical barriers to independent travel and promote ongoing access to community participation.

The wider team will recognise the following internal targets:

Safe:

• People are supported to learn how to travel safely within their community, including road safety, personal safety, and awareness of risks when using public transport.
• Support is adjusted to individual ability, ensuring people are wherever possible not placed at risk while building independence.
• The team provide reassurance and clear guidance, particularly during early stages of training, reducing anxiety and preventing unsafe situations.

Effective:

• Travel Training focuses on achieving outcomes identified in individuals’ care and support plans, including increased independence, confidence, and community access.
• People are supported to develop practical skills such as route planning, recognising landmarks, managing fares, understanding timetables, and problem‑solving when plans change.
• Skills learned on specific journeys are actively supported to be transferred to wider travel situations, promoting long‑term independence.
• Support includes practical assistance with applications for Disabled Person’s Bus Passes and Railcards, removing barriers to continued independent travel.

Caring:

• Travel Training is delivered in a respectful, person‑centred manner, promoting dignity, choice, and control.
• The team recognise that confidence building is as important as skill‑building and provide encouragement, patience, and reassurance throughout the process.
• Support is strengths‑based, focusing on what people can do and building on existing skills rather than limitations.
• People are listened to and supported to travel to places that matter to them, such as meeting friends, going to work, education, or leisure activities.

Responsive

• Travel Training is tailored to individual needs, preferences, and outcomes rather than a one‑size‑fits‑all approach.
• Different modes of transport (walking, bus, train) are explored based on what is most appropriate and achievable for each person.
• Support plans are reviewed and adapted as confidence and ability develop, with the teams input to gradually reducing the need for support to promote independence.

Well‑Led

• The Travel Training service has a clear purpose focused on inclusion, independence, and community participation.
• The team understand the importance of promoting independence and reducing long‑term reliance on Adult Social Care services.
• Outcomes are monitored through care plan reviews, observation of progress, and feedback from individuals supported all recorded on the iPlanit system.
• The service promotes positive risk‑taking, balanced with safety, enabling people to develop independence in a supported and measured way.

Community Projects Group – Purpose Statement

The purpose of the Community Project Group is to provide adults with a learning difficulty with opportunities to express themselves creatively, develop existing skills, and build confidence through art. The group recognises and values the artistic abilities of the people we support and provides a supportive environment where creativity can be explored, shared, and celebrated.

People attending the group are encouraged to develop their artistic talents through a range of creative activities, supported by a team who promote choice, independence, and self‑expression. Many individuals have produced high‑quality artwork, with some pieces being entered into and winning competitions, demonstrating achievement and personal success.

The group also supports social inclusion and community engagement by working in partnership with local organisations and community‑led events. Creative work has been publicly displayed in exhibitions across West Sussex, including those organised by Crawley Museum, and showcased at venues such as The Hawth Theatre. These opportunities enable people to share their work with the wider community, promoting recognition, pride, and a sense of achievement.

By participating in the Community Project Group, people are supported to:

• Build confidence and self‑
• Develop and strengthen creative and practical skills.
• Express thoughts and feelings through art.
• Experience positive recognition and achievement.
• Engage with the local community in meaningful ways.
• Develop social connections through shared creative activities.

The group supports individuals to feel valued, included, and recognised for their abilities, contributing positively to wellbeing, independence, and quality of life.

The wider team will recognise the following internal targets:

Safe

• Creative activities are delivered in a planned, structured, and supportive environment where people feel emotionally safe to express themselves.
• The team provide appropriate supervision and support when using art materials and equipment, ensuring activities are accessible and safe for all abilities.
• People are supported to build confidence at their own pace, reducing anxiety and ensuring participation is positive and empowering.
• Risk assessments and reasonable adjustments are in place for group activities and public exhibitions to ensure safety when engaging with community venues.

Effective

• The Creative Arts Group supports outcomes identified in care and support plans, including skill development, confidence building, and meaningful activity.
• People are supported to develop and build on existing artistic skills, resulting in high‑quality creative outcomes.
• Opportunities such as entering competitions and public exhibitions demonstrate clear achievement and progression.
• Partnerships with community organisations, including Crawley Museum and The Hawth Theatre, enable people’s work to be shared and recognised beyond the service.

Caring

• The service promotes dignity, respect, and individuality by recognising and valuing people’s creative talents.
• The team provide encouragement, positive feedback, and emotional support, helping people to feel proud of their work.
• People are listened to and supported to choose how they express themselves creatively, ensuring activities are meaningful and person‑
• Public display of artwork supports people to feel valued and recognised for their abilities rather than defined by their disability.

Responsive

• Creative activities are adapted to individual abilities, interests, and communication needs.
• The group responds to people’s talents by offering opportunities that extend beyond the group setting, such as competitions and exhibitions.
• Support is flexible and evolves as individuals’ confidence, skills, and aspirations develop.
• Engagement in wider community events ensures the service remains relevant and meaningful to people’s lives.

Well‑Led

• The Community Project Group has a clear purpose focused on inclusion, achievement, and community participation.
• The team understand the value of creative expression in promoting wellbeing and quality of life.
• Outcomes are recognised and celebrated, including public exhibitions and competition success. All recorded on the iPlanit system.
• The service actively challenges social exclusion by promoting visibility and inclusion of people with learning disabilities within the local community.

Drama and Media Skills Group – Purpose Statement

The purpose of the Drama and Media Skills Group is to support adults with a learning difficulty to build confidence, communication, emotional understanding, and independence through creative expression and safe use of digital media. The group provides a supportive and inclusive environment where people can develop important life skills while exploring creativity, expression, and connection with others.

Through drama‑based activities, people are supported to take part at their own pace, helping to gently build self‑esteem and confidence. Drama sessions encourage concentration, turn‑taking, cooperation, and active listening, supporting skills that are important in everyday life. By exploring real and imaginary situations, people are supported to better understand the world around them, develop emotional awareness, and build empathy for others in a safe and structured environment.

Drama also supports the development of communication and language skills. Through roleplay, games, songs, facial expression, body language, and improvisation, people are encouraged to express thoughts, feelings, and ideas in ways that suit their individual communication styles. A person‑led approach allows individuals to shape sessions, solve problems creatively, and develop confidence in decision‑making and self‑expression.

Alongside drama, the Media Skills element of the group supports people to develop digital skills that promote independence, safety, and social connection in today’s world. People are supported to understand the safe use of computers, social media, and online communication, with sessions adapted to individual ability and understanding.

Media skills support includes:

• Understanding social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
• Learning what private information is, why it should be protected, and who it is safe to share with.
• Staying safe online and knowing where to seek help.
• Developing video and audio skills through podcasts, vlogging, and blogging.
• Using visual media as a communication tool.
• Developing Zoom skills for social interaction, learning, and accessing medical or NHS appointments.
• Learning practical digital skills such as using travel ticket machines.

The combined Drama and Media Skills Group supports people to:

• Build confidence and self‑esteem
• Improve communication, language, and social skills
• Develop creativity and problem‑solving skills
• Understand emotions and build empathy
• Cooperate and work positively with others
• Safely connect with the wider world through digital platforms
• Access services, information, and community opportunities more independently

Overall, the group aims to support people to feel confident, capable, and included, reducing barriers to participation and supporting greater independence, wellbeing, and quality of life.

The wider team will recognise the following internal targets:

Safe

• The Drama and Media Skills Group is delivered in a safe, structured, and supportive environment where people feel emotionally secure to express themselves.
• Drama activities are facilitated at an appropriate pace, allowing individuals to participate according to their confidence and ability, reducing anxiety and distress.
• Media Skills sessions include clear education around online safety, privacy, and safeguarding, supporting people to understand how to protect personal information.
• People are supported to recognise unsafe situations online and offline, understand who they can share information with, and know where to seek help when needed.

Effective

• The group supports outcomes identified in individual care and support plans, including communication, confidence‑building, independence, and social interaction.
• Drama activities support the development of concentration, cooperation, emotional awareness, and communication skills through roleplay, games, and improvisation.
• Media Skills sessions build practical digital skills that support everyday life, including use of social media, Zoom appointments, travel ticket machines, and online communication.
• Learning opportunities are adapted to each person’s understanding, learning style, and pace to ensure skills are meaningful and transferable.
• The combination of creative and digital learning supports people to better understand the world around them and engage more confidently with others.

Caring

• The group promotes a person‑centred approach, valuing each individual’s ideas, abilities, and communication style.
• Drama sessions create a safe space for people to explore emotions, express feelings, and develop empathy without judgement.
• Support workers encourage participation through praise, patience, and positive reinforcement, helping people feel valued and listened to.
• Media Skills tuition recognises individual confidence levels with technology and supports people respectfully to build skills at their own pace.
• People are supported to lead sessions through improvisation, roleplay choices, and creative decision‑

Responsive

• Drama and Media Skills sessions are adapted to individual interests, abilities, and communication needs.
• Drama themes are varied and responsive to the group, supporting engagement and encouraging curiosity about real‑life and imaginative situations.
• Media Skills content is tailored to what is relevant and useful to the person, such as social interaction, learning, healthcare access, or travel.
• Support evolves as people gain confidence and skills, enabling them to take on greater independence over time.

Well‑Led

• The Drama and Media Skills Group has a clear purpose focused on skill development, confidence‑building, safety, and inclusion.
• The team understand the value of creativity and digital literacy in promoting independence and quality of life.
• A positive culture is promoted where people are encouraged to try new things, expressed through creativity and supported use of technology.
• The service supports positive risk‑taking while maintaining safety, enabling people to grow in confidence and autonomy.

Volunteering and Work Placement Group – Purpose Statement

The purpose of the Volunteering and Work Placement Group is to support adults with a learning difficulty to develop the skills, confidence, and experience needed to work and contribute within their local community. The group provides meaningful volunteering opportunities in real work environments, helping people to prepare for future employment or further vocational opportunities.

The service is based in Crawley and offers supported placements within a shop and a café setting. These placements are designed to give people practical, hands‑on experience in a working environment, supporting the development of transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, timekeeping, and customer interaction. Experience gained through the group can be recorded on individual CVs and discussed during future job interviews, helping people to present their skills and achievements with confidence.

Each person is supported to develop at their own pace, recognising that learning and confidence‑building take time. Team members are available to provide guidance, reassurance, and practical support when needed, while also encouraging independence and self‑belief. This approach increases the likelihood of positive outcomes and long‑term success.

The group currently runs Monday to Friday and has proven to be successful in supporting individuals to build confidence, routine, and a stronger sense of purpose. The service continues to seek new placements and opportunities to expand the range of experiences available.

Current placements include:

• Shop‑based volunteering in collaboration with another charity
• Café‑based volunteering at Outreach 3Way

Through participation in the Volunteering and Work Placement Group, people are supported to:

• Gain real work experience in a supportive setting
• Build confidence and self‑esteem
• Develop practical and social skills needed for employment
• Increase independence and responsibility
• Contribute meaningfully to their local community
• Explore future employment or volunteering opportunities

The wider team will recognise the following internal targets:

Safe

• Volunteering placements are based in real work environments that have been assessed as suitable and safe for people with a learning difficulty.
• The team are present to provide guidance, reassurance, and intervention when required.
• Individual risk assessments are completed and reviewed, ensuring people are supported to work safely while developing independence.
• People are supported to understand workplace expectations, boundaries, and how to raise any concerns.
• Support is delivered at a pace appropriate to the individual, helping to reduce anxiety and prevent unsafe situations.

Effective

• The group supports outcomes identified in individuals’ care and support plans, including skill development, independence, and preparation for employment.
• Placements provide meaningful, practical work experience in shop and café environments, helping people develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, timekeeping, and customer interaction.
• Support is personalised, allowing each individual to develop at their own pace, increasing the likelihood of sustained success.

Caring

• The group promotes dignity and respect by recognising people as contributors and volunteers, not service users.
• The team provide encouragement, reassurance, and positive feedback, helping people feel valued and proud of their achievements.
• Individuals are listened to and supported to explore roles that reflect their interests, abilities, and aspirations.
• Support is strengths‑based and empowers people to build confidence and self‑belief in a real‑world setting.

Responsive

• Volunteering roles are matched to individuals’ skills, confidence levels, and development needs.
• Support is flexible and adjusted as people gain confidence and independence within their role.
• The service actively seeks new placements and opportunities to meet a wider range of interests and aspirations.
• Partnerships with community organisations ensure placements remain meaningful, relevant, and accessible.
• Support plans are reviewed to reflect progress, changing goals, or readiness for increased responsibility.

Well‑Led

• The Volunteering and Work Placement Group has a clear purpose focused on inclusion, independence, and employment preparation.
• The team understand the importance of meaningful occupation and community presence in improving quality of life.
• Collaborative working with other charities and community organisations demonstrates strong partnership and leadership.
• Positive outcomes are monitored through feedback, observation, and care plan reviews.
• The service promotes a culture of aspiration, encouraging people to work towards greater independence and reduced reliance on support services.

Sensory | Meaningful | Inclusion | Learning | Engagement

S.M.I.L.E. Day Support provides a safe, inclusive and empowering environment for people with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD). We offer meaningful day opportunities designed around each person’s needs, strengths and preferences.

Supporting people across Sussex, S.M.I.L.E. is available through block contracts or private arrangements.

Specialist, Person‑Centred Support

Our service works closely with Speech and Language Therapists (SaLT), physiotherapists and occupational therapists to ensure people receive high‑quality, joined‑up support. This collaborative approach helps us meet communication, mobility and wellbeing needs safely and effectively.

All colleagues are trained to support individuals using their own mobility equipment, including walkers and standing frames, with postural management support provided where required.

Meaningful Activities & Community Engagement

We offer a wide range of inclusive, engaging activities both at S.M.I.L.E. and in the local community. These sessions support independence, choice and personal development, providing people with enjoyable and purposeful days in a friendly, welcoming setting.

Our facilities include:

• A fully inclusive sensory room
• An accessible outdoor recreational area
• A wheelchair‑accessible swing

Person-Centred, Outcome-Focused Support

• Support levels are tailored to meet each person’s assessed needs. We recognise that every individual has unique strengths and contributions, and we work with people to help them reach their potential.
• Our teams focus on achieving positive, person‑centred outcomes and celebrating individual achievements. Progress and achievements can be viewed through our iPlanit online reporting system, with the person’s consent. Where needed, activities are adapted to ensure everyone is included, valued and supported.

Communication & Inclusion at the Heart

Good communication underpins everything we do. We use a range of accessible communication tools, including:

• Makaton and British Sign Language (BSL)
• Visual timetables and “now and next” boards
• Speaking buttons and ‘About Me’ passports

We continue to develop our communication resources so everyone can participate as an equal and valued member of our Outreach 3 Way community.

Celebrating Diversity & Awareness

S.M.I.L.E. celebrates a variety of cultural and awareness events throughout the year, including Black History Month, LGBTQ+ History Month, Eid, Diwali, Learning Disability Week and seasonal celebrations. These events are inclusive, engaging and enjoyed by everyone.

A Place People Love to Come To

Families and professionals consistently tell us that people look forward to attending S.M.I.L.E. and feel genuinely included. We maintain strong communication with families and carers, ensuring continuity between home and day support.

With low staff turnover and a highly skilled, consistent team, S.M.I.L.E. offers specialised, bespoke support that helps people thrive.

 

The Community team provides an innovative, flexible service for people with learning disabilities.

We support people to live the life they want and to achieve a standard of living that meets their needs. We actively encourage greater control and support individual choices.

We aim to provide a service that enhances quality of life, by ensuring people are:

• Respected as individuals
• Encouraged to make their own decisions
• Supported to put them into action.

We can support people in their own homes in the community, on holiday, or wherever the support is needed – from as little as a few hours a week, to 24/7.

Our Aims

• To provide personalised support to people with learning disabilities and autism that meets their individual needs
• To work alongside people to meet their desired outcomes
• To support people to achieve and reach their potential
• We aim to provide a flexible service and change hours of support to meet your requirements.

 

What can the Community team provide support with?

The team can provide support for individuals:

• To attend leisure activities and holidays
• With colleges, day centres and employment
• In their own home, such as domestic chores or personal care
• With travel training and obtaining bus passes.
• To assist with budgets, shopping, and menu planning
• To access the community and become a citizen in their local area
• With health and safety issues to always keep individuals safe
• With doctors, dentists and other professional meetings including medication
• To achieve their goals and dreams for the future
• With all activities within the legal system.

Note that this list is not exhaustive and that all support plans are developed to meet the needs of each individual.

This is a support network for people with learning disabilities aged 16 and over and their carers to accesses. We operate across West Sussex by hubs found within the Horsham and Crawley areas. All the team are well trained and have very good understanding of supporting people at a standard that reflects the persons needs.

My Networks offers somewhere safe and welcoming for adults with learning disabilities to meet others, this might include professional networks that are available to assist and guide to the room. Some of the professional networks include:

• Health Facilitator’s
• Job Centre Plus (under 25s)
• Work Aid
• Police

Our friendly team offer information, advice, guidance on housing, leisure, benefits, learning and much more. This would be on an informed choice basis. However, if someone needs the extra, we might be able to assist people via the My Network Plus provision.

We have activities and workshops designed to help people live independent lives.

This is set up with the priority in-mind to be given to people not eligible for social care services.

This is a referral only service by West Sussex County Councle (Lifelong Service Adults Northern Team) for work focused on specific outcomes for each referral. They are based in the north, they cover Crawley, Horsham, Mid Sussex, and Storrington. They are reachable via 0330 222 8600 or you can email lifelongservicesadultsduty.northern@westsussex.gov.uk.

Full details can also be found via their website West Sussex County Council website.

The setting is designed to help people to remain independent or find their independence that they may be looking for in life. This will also enable people to remain in control of their own life’s and offer some form or assistance at a personal level.

This could be the right setting if you’re looking for personal assistance in:

• Letters and correspondence
• Benefits
• Housing issues
• Banking issues
• Medical appointments

Please note, this is available to people who have been assessed as not being eligible for a package of support.

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