A Reason To Get Up

Step into a world where fun and learning know no bounds.

A Reason to Get Up (ARTGU) is a vibrant year-round programme of experiences and learning for young adults with learning disabilities and autism.

ARTGU is more than just a safe and accessible space. It’s also a hub of excitement and discovery for people with learning disabilities or autism.

Whether you’re a bowling enthusiast, disco dancer, theatre lover, music maestro or sports star-in-the-making, we offer something for everyone.

Daytime Outcome Based Sessions

Designed specifically for our community of adults who might not be in full-time work or education, our daytime activities programme is a beacon of light, igniting passion and purpose in every participant.

Fit Club

This activity will aim to promote an active and healthier lifestyle towards positive physical and mental health.

Join Fit Club for an exciting journey towards a healthier, happier you! Through our partnership with a local gym, we offer dynamic weekly gym sessions, diverse monthly exercise classes (think yoga, boxfit, tai chi for example), and engaging weekly discussions on health and wellness topics.

Let's make fitness fun together!

IT & Pod

Join the IT Crowd for STEM-focused sessions every week!

It & Pod gives learners the opportunity to develop digital skill through podcasting, editing, content creation and IT projects.

Don't miss out – join us for an engaging and educational experience!

Crafty Enterprise

Embark on a journey with Crafty Creations, where art and imagination flourish!

Crafty Enterprise provides the opportunity to transform art into commercial products that can be sold both online and at markets. Led by an experienced art tutor, our sessions begun to look towards craft beyond mere creation, but instead begin to explore meaningful commercial avenues.

Join us for a journey of creativity, learning, and endless possibilities!

Ensuring every young person has an active social life

Cook with confidence

For many cooking is a door to meaningful connection with friends, family and culture.

Cook with confidence enables our supported adults to develop independence, through meal planning, budgeting and preparing recipes. Our sessions are more than just cooking, they're an adventure into the world of food!

Let's cook, grow, and create together!

Grow outdoor Collective

Transforming gardening into actively participating in the Guildford's agricultural community.

Grow outdoor collective focuses on cultivating produce while supporting conservation and environmental projects across Guildford and beyond.

Current partners for daytime sessions

The Reality of Today’s Situation

1 in 100

people are autistic (National Autistic Society)

34%

of adults with learning disabilities have no more than yearly contact with friends (Mencap)

Our Outcomes

We view our outcomes as the genuine real life changes that people make with us, or after they leave our programme. We are trying to build their futures. Some example outcomes for young people have included…

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Learning & Skills Development

Gaining practical skills in cooking, gardening, budgeting, and health

Learning how to grow food from seed to plate

Learning how to prepare healthy, nutritious meals independently

Earning hands-on experience in local kitchen gardens

Improving digital literacy and mastering basic IT tools

Learning internet safety, coding, game design, and 3D printing in IT Crowd

Exploring STEM-based activities in a supportive setting

Gaining confidence in using gym equipment and understanding
health through Fit Club

Skills in time management, communication, and
decision-making in Life Skills

Navigating relationships and personal life

Health, Wellbeing & Independence

Participating in weekly fitness sessions and monthly exercise
classes (yoga, tai chi, boxfit)

Understanding physical and mental health through wellness discussions

Building healthy habits and routines for life

Feeling more confident to live independently and make informed choices

Boosting resilience and wellbeing through structured, supportive learning

Becoming more active, strong, and self-aware

Gaining a sense of purpose and achievement from participating
in regular sessions

Creativity & Self-Expression

Exploring art in a safe and inclusive environment

Creating work through painting, sculpture, and mixed media

Participating in public exhibitions and creative events

Expressing individual identity and imagination through Crafty Creations

Receiving mentorship from professional artists and arts partners

Building pride in personal creativity and original work

Community Engagement & Social Integration

Taking part in community gardening and cookery events

Showcasing talents and skills at public events and exhibitions

Representing ARTGU through collaborations with partner organisations

Attending social, seasonal and weekend events

Connecting with new peers and building lasting friendships

Feeling part of a purposeful, community-led programme

Volunteering at halow events and becoming an advocate for ARTGU

Participating in a vibrant committee that helps shape the programme

Confidence, Leadership & Fun

Our young people gain confidence through engaging, fun sessions

Presenting ideas and helping design activities

Exploring new experiences and trying things for the first time

Feeling proud of their achievements and excited to keep learning

Leading group projects and developing responsibility

Laughing, relaxing, and having fun in a safe, supportive space

Living life to the fullest with A Reason To Get Up

Join Us

Why stay in bed when a world of adventure is waiting for you?

Join us today because every day is a reason to get up and shine.

Get In Touch

Why stay in bed when a world of adventure is waiting for you?

Contact us

Complete our short form to get in touch with us. We’ll get back to you ASAP with more information.

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