Scouts with additional needs
Find out how Scouts actively involves everyone and how we make adjustments to make that possible
We know if you’ve got a young person in your care with additional needs, doing something new can be scary – for both of you!
We pride ourselves on our inclusivity and we do our best to make sure all our members can take part. There’s a lot of flexibility within the Scouts programme to meet individual needs, whatever that may be.
What do I need to do?
When you’re first thinking of joining Scouts, contact your local group. Your local volunteers will get in touch to arrange a chat with you to find out more about your young person.
This isn’t an interview or screening process, it’s simply to make sure we understand your young person’s needs and how we can make reasonable adjustments to make sure your young person will get the most out of Scouts.
This conversation will just be the start of our ongoing partnership with you as a parent or carer. It'll help to form an individual support plan which will document what's been discussed and the support planned for the young person.
We appreciate things are constantly changing, and as our volunteers work alongside you to plan individual support for your young person, we encourage you to keep them up-to-date so they know how to provide the best experience.
The Additional Needs Grants Programme
Open to both young people and adults with additional needs, our Additional Needs Grants Programme helps offer support to individuals.
With this grant you may receive up to £500 funding to secure:
- The provision of portable equipment, such as ramps, induction loop systems or play equipment
- Translators, signers for large events or adult training, provision of appropriate signage and information systems at events
- Training for volunteers to support those with additional needs in Scouts, such as Makaton or BSL training
Permanent adaptations to buildings cannot be funded.
Young people thrive in secure surroundings, at home and away. Wherever we go, we’re serious about keeping them safe.
At Scouts, we encourage all members to take part, achieve and reach their full potential. Our programme, badges and activities are designed to be flexible to reflect a person’s individual needs.
At Scouts, our main priority is to make sure that everyone, be that our young people or our volunteers, feel welcome and comfortable to take part. Find out more about what Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) means to us, including the reasonable adjustments and support available.