the base - day opportunities

Day Opportunities

For Young Adults With Learning Disabilities & Autism

Located in the heart of Chelmsford, our base offers a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all our members. Facilities include a fully equipped, wheelchair-accessible kitchen, a mini cinema, a games area, and a large social space – providing the perfect setting to relax, connect, and have fun. From here, members are supported in developing valuable life and social skills such as cooking, communication, and creativity, alongside activities designed to enhance both physical and mental wellbeing. Every day is filled with opportunities to enjoy, engage, and explore new experiences.

The base also provides easy access to a wide range of local community services and educational settings such as Chelmsford College, the town centre and Riverside Leisure Centre. With two mini buses and close transport links we also travel further afield, enjoying additional activities such as Box2Burn, Alt Movement and Trailnet bikes, as well as going out and about in Braintree, Maldon, Colchester, Stratford and more.

Additionally, we have our on-site business, the Washclub, committed to providing work based training, employability skills and employing those with learning disabilities and autism.

At the base, we provide support for young adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities. Please check out our other service (the hive) for support for individuals with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities and complex health needs.

Not just another day centre for adults!

Independence is always at the heart of everything we do. Our members take part in a wide range of meaningful activities, with a strong focus on getting out into the community, building life skills, socialising, and enjoying real world experiences. In fact, that’s exactly where you’ll often find us – out and about, learning and growing together.

Or call Andrew on 07880 645273

Developing life skills...

Every day we encourage and support our members to develop their individual life skills. In addition, each month, we work with the group to focus learning on a specific topic. This includes key areas such as: cooking & kitchen hygiene, healthy eating, basic household tasks, gardening, physical wellbeing, sports & activities, mental wellbeing, communication & relationships, travel training, understanding technology, computer skills, personal & online safety, money handling & budgeting skills, creativity skills, music & drama, employability skills and more…

Working with local services...

We work closely with many local services to offer our members choice and variety. Examples include the recent Gateway Cooking Course completed at Chelmsford College, regular sessions with Box2Burn, Alt Movement, Trailnet bikes and Skreens archery, as well as visits to Riverside Leisure Centre for swimming and activity sessions.

Exploring New Experiences & Activities...

We are always looking to engage in new experiences & activities. At the base, examples include visits from Animalistic Encounters, ‘Find Your Voice’ singing, police officers, first aid training, beauticians & hairdressers. Out and about, we often enjoy trips to the beach, the museum, farms & zoos, woodland walks, picnicking in the park, bowling, clip and climb, go ape, fruit picking, rowing boats in Dedham and more.

Empowering individuals to achieve “Independence”

We aim to empower individuals to develop their confidence and self esteem, to realise their own ambitions and work towards their own personal goals; whether that is building friendships and a social scene, learning basic skills such as cooking and travelling, or working towards employment. Ultimately, to become fulfilled, independent and happy adults.

We are extremely proud of our highly qualified, knowledgeable and experienced team of specialists and expert staff that have the passion and drive to offer the best care and support for our members. Together, as advocates and champions for people with disabilities, we strive to make a difference to the lives of people and their families across Essex.

We advocate for people’s rights and have big ambitions for our members.

Personal Stories

Alex Land's a Job

Jamie's Story

Andrew's Story

What our Members have to say

The difference that Independence Project has made to Andrew’s life is tangible and he engages in all the activities. Andrew is happy, safe and in absolutely the right place to grow and fulfil his potential. This is all we could possibly wish for Andrew and I am forever grateful to Andrew Denny and the team at Independence Project.

Heather Moore

Andrew's mum

Ben is in the process of transitioning from full time education to part time and because of his complex needs I was concerned about him becoming socially isolated and the impact a loss of structure and routine would have on him. Independence Project has provided him with socially inclusive experiences while also looking at his employability skills and covering the basics of education which has enabled him to grow in confidence and look forward to his future.

Gill Reeve

My son is with the Independence Project every Thursday, learning employability skills, social skills and having fun. Last week Andrew helped him put together a cv and then in the afternoon they went bowling and played pool. Andrew has a good relationship with the individuals he works with.

Dee Coe

The Independence Project is the most amazing, positive place for our young people. All of the staff are so positive and cheerful and make it a really fun and relaxed place to be. Jamie wouldn’t have coped as well last year without the help and support of Andrew and his team – thank you all so much.

Jo Jeyes

Jamie's mum

the base - day opportunities

Day Opportunities

For Young Adults With Learning Disabilities & Autism