Hipp!!Bones provides a targeted youth club for young people with learning difficulties, disabilities, Autism and/or additional needs living in North Dorset and neighbouring counties. We predominantly cater for young people aged 11-19 years of age, although we can continue to cater for our members up to the age of 25 years of age.

Hipp!!Bones runs from Gillingham Youth & Community Centre, Cemetery Road, Gillingham from 10 am to 12 noon on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, all year round (with the exception of New Year’s Day). We offer four longer sessions across the year, in the school holidays, for off-site activities. The club encourages young people to explore new activities and gain life skills, through a variety of arts & crafts, cookery, and sporting pursuits. Air hockey, pool, and the Nintendo Wii are also available in the Coffee Bar. All activities are appropriately differentiated to meet each young person’s needs, routines are in place giving a sense of security, and staff use simple language reinforced with visual clues and sign language to support communication. We have communication aids; switches and switch activated resources to enable young people with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties  to participate independently in activities and have greater control over their immediate environment.

Hipp!!Bones staff are very knowledgeable and experienced in the fields of youth work and special education and are supported by a team of dedicated adult volunteers and young volunteers. The ground floor of the building is wheelchair accessible, and mobile hoisting facilities are available.

All young people irrelevant of ability can work towards Dorset Awards (10 hrs) and Dorset Awards Plus (20 hrs). This demonstrates how Hipp!!Bones supports and empowers young people who are disabled to live the life they choose and achieve their full potential.

We understand how difficult the journey can be to find the right provision to meet the needs of young people with additional needs and disabilities, which is why Hipp!!Bones is hugely important to its members and the community it serves. The club enables vulnerable young people to meet in a safe environment, where they can meet with friends outside school, socialise and form new friendships, and acquire the skills necessary to become more independent as they move into adulthood, thus boosting their self-esteem and confidence.

If you’d like to come along for the first time, simply send us an email, so we know to expect you. Parents/carers are welcome to stay for the first session, if they wish.

On 6th February 2026 we achieved a Charity Excellence Award ‘Quality Mark’ which provides assurance to our funders and other stakeholders of our commitment to excellence.

Parent feedback

 An exceptional environment for our wonderful young people.
Always fun and interesting activities for all.
Amazing support by the Hipp Bones staff.’ – Lisa

‘Hipp Bones is such a wonderful club for young people with learning difficulties, disabilities, Autism and additional needs. It provides a safe, welcoming and supportive environment where young people can truly thrive, build confidence, learn new skills and most importantly have fun. My son absolutely loves coming here and always leaves with a smile on his face. The staff are fantastic — caring, patient, encouraging and genuinely dedicated to helping every young person feel included and valued. We are so grateful to have a place like this in our community.’ – Bev

‘Newman really enjoys the social connections he makes at Hipp!!Bones, the familiarity of staff and volunteers is grounding for him. He also really enjoys the craft activities that are frequent and just the opportunity to have fun!’ – ~Deidre

“Hipp!!bones is a lovely safe environment which offers a wide range of activities and excursions for Josh to enjoy.
It keeps him contact with old friends , as they move on to different settings in their education etc.
It is truly the only thing that gets him up early on a Saturday morning.
He is usually first in and almost last out. The staff and volunteers ensure that all club members are included and go above and beyond to make the sessions a success.
We, as parent carers, also really appreciate the club and catch up with other parent carers at drop off/pick up.” – Sandra and Paul

Support us

If you want to make a donation without us incurring the PayPal fees please get in touch and we will give you our bank details.

Parent feedback