Creating a Supportive Space for Young People with Additional Support Needs
At Hamilton Universal Connections, our ASN Juniors group was created to expand our Community Learning and Development (CLD) offerings for young people with Additional Support Needs (ASN) in the Hamilton area. This exceptional group brings together young people who experience the world in unique ways, and our approach reflects their diverse needs.
While the group is facilitated by our dedicated Hamilton UC team, we welcome young people from across South Lanarkshire. Unlike our standard age-based program entry, ASN Juniors takes a more flexible approach—families and young people collaborate with our team to determine if the group is the right fit. As a result, our current members range from P7 to S4, ensuring that every participant finds a supportive and inclusive environment tailored to their needs.
A Young-Person Led Approach
At the heart of ASN Juniors is the principle that young people should have a voice in shaping their experience. We use creative feedback methods to ensure that every member’s input is valued. While activities are chosen by the group, each session includes at least one shared activity, with every young person getting a turn within a 12-week period to select the group activity.
Many of our young people face challenges in social situations, but ASN Juniors provides a space where they feel safe, included, and empowered. The best testament to the group’s success? They choose to come back every week.
Growing Together
As our young people grow, so does the group. Changes are made with them, not for them. The goal of ASN Juniors is simple: to be a safe, welcoming space where young people can have fun without fear of being pushed beyond their comfort zone. Here, they are free to explore, connect, and thrive—on their own terms.