CHILDREN with learning disabilities in Blackbird Leys now have a series of holiday activities to help them socialise outside of school.

Oxford charity Yellow Submarine launched the scheme to help the estate’s children grasp new skills and make friends during the holidays.

Based in the city centre, the organisation has reached out to Leys youngsters, aged between 11 and 19, to introduce them to services for children with learning disabilities.

The charity spent two days per week on the estate during the Easter holidays, using facilities at the new Leys Pool and Leisure Centre and community centre.

Manager Anna Chapman said this was paid for using £12,600 of funding from Oxford City Council’s Positive Futures fund.

The scheme is now set to run more activity days every Wednesday and Thursday during this year’s school holidays, using funds from the charity’s cafe in Park End Street.

Manager Anna Cheetham said: “In the Leys we’re targeting vulnerable families with young people who have a learning disability.

“We’d like to support young people in the Leys area in accessing certain facilities, first with us in a supported way, and also help them as they grow older to use them independently.

“More young people with mild-to-moderate learning disabilities are in mainstream schools and are not exposed to everything these children access. A lot of families weren’t aware of services.

“There’s no need for every young person with a learning disability to be isolated at home through the school holidays.”

Excursions took participants to the Blackbird Leys Library, Temple Cowley and the Botley Road Retail Park.

Tilly Woodley, 18, who has severe learning disabilities, said: “We did wheelchair basketball, lacrosse and break dancing, it was all brilliant. I wish it had started on the Leys earlier, it was great having it so close to home.”

Miss Cheetham said: “We take ideas from the kids and explore the local community. We encourage them to bring their bus passes and learn how to use public transport if they don’t already.”

The scheme will next run during the May half-term holiday.

Visit yellowsubmarine.org.uk for more details