Youth club for children with additional needs forced to close temporarily as urgent volunteer appeal launched

A much-loved youth group supporting children and young people with additional needs in Leighton Buzzard has been forced to temporarily close, as the charity behind it issues an urgent plea for volunteers.

Leighton Buzzard Mencap’s weekly High 5s group, which provides a safe, joyful space for 8 to 18 year olds with additional needs and disabilities, has paused its sessions following the departure of a much-valued, long-standing volunteer leader.

For many families, High 5s is far more than a youth club. It is a place where young people can be themselves, build friendships and feel a true sense of belonging. From arts and crafts to games, music and themed activities, the sessions offer something many families struggle to find elsewhere.

Without enough volunteers to safely run the group, the decision to pause sessions has been unavoidable and heartbreaking for both families and organisers.

A spokesperson for Leighton Buzzard Mencap said: “High 5s means everything to the young people who attend and to their families. It gives them a space where they are understood, included and celebrated. Closing the doors, even temporarily, has been incredibly difficult.

"We are urgently looking for kind, reliable people from our community to step forward so we can reopen as soon as possible. Without volunteers, we simply cannot run.”

Families have described High 5s as a lifeline, providing a safe and welcoming environment where young people with additional needs can have fun, build friendships and simply be themselves. Parents say the club has helped their children grow in confidence, while also providing families with a valuable sense of community and support.

For many of the young people who attend, opportunities to socialise independently and build friendships outside school can be limited. High 5s provides a welcoming space where they can have fun, try new activities and develop confidence, while parents and carers have the reassurance that their children are safe, supported and understood.

One parent said: “High 5s has been such an important part of my son’s week for the past four years. It is one of the few places where he feels completely safe, accepted and free to be himself. The volunteers do not just supervise the children, they genuinely engage with them, helping them have fun, build confidence and feel included. For my son, it is not just a club. It is a place where he feels happy, understood and that he belongs.”

Another parent added: “As a family, we would really struggle without High 5s. It has given our son opportunities to socialise, make friends and gain independence, while giving us reassurance that he is somewhere safe and supported. We truly hope the club can continue because it means so much to so many local families.”

The charity is particularly in need of two co-leaders to share responsibility for running the group. Individuals are encouraged to come forward, as well as pairs of friends, family members or colleagues, and the charity will support in building the team. The co-leader roles are shared, helping to spread responsibilities and ensure the group can continue sustainably into the future. The charity is also looking for additional volunteers who can support sessions on a more flexible basis.

No prior experience is needed. Full training, support and DBS checks are provided. The charity is keen to hear from people who may never have volunteered before and is happy to work around individual skills and experience. The only requirement is a willingness to give a few hours on a Thursday evening during term time and a desire to make a meaningful difference.

For families who rely on the group, its absence is already being felt.

The Leighton Buzzard Mencap spokesman said: “We know there are people in our community who could make a huge difference. Whether you are looking for a new challenge, want to give something back, or simply have a few hours to spare on a Thursday evening, we would love to hear from you. You do not need experience, just enthusiasm, reliability and a willingness to help young people thrive.”

Leighton Buzzard Mencap is now calling on local residents, businesses and community groups to help spread the word and encourage volunteers to come forward.

Anyone interested in volunteering or finding out more is encouraged to get in touch at [email protected]. The team welcomes informal conversations and is happy to answer any questions before people decide whether to apply. There is no obligation, just an opportunity to find out more about how you could help.

Could you be the local hero who helps High 5s open its doors again?