Information for Young People
This page has links to sites where you can play games, or find information about disability and other issues that affect you. We have also included a few links for brothers and sisters.
Remember to be safe when looking for information on the internet - more help to think about this can be found by looking at the Quality Information Checklist and Think U Know.
We have divided the information on this page into approximate age groups, but some sites may be suitable for more than one age or ability group.
Tiny tots/simple games
Boobah - a colourful and crazy world where simple mouse clicks activate some weird and wonderful games
Fireworks click anywhere on the page for your very own colourful fireworks
Kneebouncers a single key press operates these games for preschoolers
Nursery/Primary school age:
CBeebies and CBBC have a large number of games, including some wh
ich can be operated by switch users. (There is also a page about which activities on CBeebies suit children with different disabiities e.g. autism or visual impairment).
Extra Special Kids forum - is a place to chat with other kids who have additional needs
Teenage
There is a monthly magazine for teenagers written using symbols here
Cyber mentors is all about young people helping and supporting each other online.
If you're being bullied, or are feeling a bit low, or are maybe troubled by something and you're not sure what to do or who to talk to, then CyberMentors is where you can go for help. It doesn't matter how big or small you think the problem is, or whether you're being targeted online or offline, CyberMentors are here to listen and support you.
Safe surfing on
the internet - Think U Know
If you would like someone to support you to make decisions independently, and help to speak up for what you want, Snip's young person's advocacy worker might be able to help - see his website
Feeling stressed?
If you need to talk to someone in confidence about your worries, you can contact Childline by phoning 0800 1111. Calls are free (they will not show up on a phone bill) and confidential.
If you need help with bullying, try Respect Me or the anti-bullying network
Information about teen health can be found on this NHS site
Enquire has information for young adults about going to meetings and making choices at school, help with exams, and more!
Moving on from school or college (transition)
Moving on from school involves a lot of thinking about what you want in the future. There are lots of websites with information to help you decide. Follow the links below to see some which we think are useful:
One for Us is written by and for young people with learning difficulties, and covers lots of different areas
Transactive teen-zone has games and information
The transition information network has information about projects which support young people to decide what they want when they leave school, and you can ask for their newsletter.
Signpost's own website also contains more detailed information for young people and their parents on the topic of leaving school, which you may want to read on this page
Brothers and sisters/Young carers
Carers of West Lothian runs groups for young carers aged 12 and upwards - their website is at West Lothian Young Carers
Brothers and sisters can share their experiences of having a sibling with a disability at the Australian website called 'Siblings Australia' which is divided into two sites, for primary age and teenage siblings.
There is also a British website, Sibs, which has some information in its 'Young Sibs' pages.
There is a helpful fact-sheet which can be down-loaded from Contact a Family's website, but it written for adults rather than young people
Specific information for siblings can sometimes be found if you contact organisations who help with specific conditions e.g. Downs Syndrome Scotland have links to a sibling booklet for younger children Growing Up with your Brother or Sister with Downs Syndrome and another for teenagers
We have information for parents about support for siblings on our family support page.