Young People's Services
Sycamore Trust U.K. offers a range of services designed for Autistic young people and / or people with Learning Disabilities. All staff and volunteers receive up-to-date training to allow them to support our young people in the appropriate manner
Youth Services
Youth Groups [Life & Social Skills Programme]
We deliver a 12-month life and social skills programme, funded by City Bridge Foundation, which runs on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings in term time.
The Life & Social Skills Programme for 2026/27 started in April 2026. The youpth groups running in Becontree are full and we have a small number of places left at the Wednesday evening group, which runs in Rainham. At present, this programme is not funded beyond March 2027, so there are no waiting lists or reserve lists.
The programme is open to young people aged 10 to 17 years old with a diagnosis of mild to moderate {higher functioning) autism who live in the London boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, Havering, or Redbridge. Young people who live in one of the three boroughs and have been referred to CAMHS for an autism assessment may also be eligible.
Running for 12-months from April to the following March, the members cover 30 life skills topics split into six modules:
- Relationships
- Social Skills
- Health and Hygiene
- Independent Travel
- Independent Living
- Wellbeing and Mental Health
The programme is an enhanced version of one we delivered from 2019 to 2023 and we know that it helps to boost self-confidence, independence, mental health, and general wellbeing.
A typical session involves each group spending half an hour working on a life skills topic followed by a fun activity chosen to promote social interaction and teamwork.
The groups are:
- Tuesday Club - 6.30pm to 8.30pm in Becontree
- Wednesday Club - 6.30pm to 8.30pm in Rainham
- Thursday Club - 6.30pm to 8.30pm in Becontree
If you wish to express an interest in referring a young person for the Wednesday group in Rainham, please email matt.dyde@sycamoretrust.org.uk
Girls Group
We are currently running a waiting list for the autistic girls groups (girls aged 10 to 17 and living in Barking & Dagenham, Havering or Redbridge)
The activity is for girls who have an autism diagnosis or have been referred to CAMHS for an autism assessment.
Sometimes, girls can avoid being diagnosed because they are good at copying others, and studies suggest that the ratio of boys with a diagnosis of autism compared to girls is 3:1. This can result in a lack of services for girls on the spectrum.
The objective of the group is to empower the members to develop social skills and independence through a variety of activities designed to stimulate friendship, cooperation, and fun!