The Pods at Time & Space
A unique overnight glamping experience for children and young adults with autism and learning disabilities
Imagine the excitement of staying away from home, sitting around a campfire under the stars, cooking breakfast with friends and waking up surrounded by nature.
For many children and young adults with autism and learning disabilities, opportunities like these can be difficult to find.
That’s why we created The Pods at Time & Space.
Set within our beautiful 6.5-acre outdoor space in Battlesbridge, The Pods offer a unique overnight glamping experience where young people can build confidence, develop independence and enjoy new experiences in a safe, supported environment.
Designed alongside the people who use Time & Space, every part of this project has been created with care, creativity and community at its heart.
To our knowledge, The Pods are one of the few experiences of their kind in Essex, offering a dedicated overnight glamping experience designed specifically for children and young adults with autism and learning disabilities.
MORE THAN A PLACE TO STAY
The Pods aren’t simply somewhere to sleep.
They are a space to learn, explore, socialise and grow.
Whether it’s helping to prepare meals, learning new daily living skills, spending time outdoors, making choices independently or simply enjoying an evening around the fire with friends, every stay is designed to encourage confidence, personal development and a sense of achievement.
The experience can be supported by our team or alongside a parent, carer or support worker, depending on individual needs.
CREATED BY OUR COMMUNITY
The Pods have been shaped by the young people who use Time & Space.
Each bedroom has its own unique personality, with themes and decorations chosen by our users.
From the Pink Room and Green Room to the Sausage Dog Room and Night-Time Room, every space reflects the creativity, interests and individuality of the people who spend time here.
Artwork created by our users will be displayed throughout the pods, helping to make the space feel welcoming, familiar and truly their own.
A SAFE & COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT
Our two converted shipping container pods provide four bedrooms in total and have been carefully designed to be practical, durable and comfortable.
Features include:
• Four themed bedrooms
• Heating and lighting throughout
• Shower and toilet facilities
• Accessible ramped decking
• Outdoor seating spaces
• Covered social areas
• Fire pit gathering space
• Safe and secure surroundings
Every detail has been considered to create an environment where young people can feel safe, relaxed and able to enjoy the experience.
LEARNING THROUGH EXPERIENCE
Some of the opportunities available during a stay may include:
• Preparing and cooking meals
• Learning daily living skills
• Building confidence and independence
• Developing social connections
• Enjoying outdoor adventures
• Taking part in creative activities
• Learning responsibility and teamwork
• Experiencing overnight stays away from home
For many young people, these experiences can play an important role in developing confidence and preparing for greater independence in the future.
SUPPORTING POSITIVE OUTCOMES
Every stay at The Pods is designed to offer more than just an enjoyable experience.
Through outdoor activities, overnight stays and everyday tasks, young people can work towards developing skills that support them both now and in the future.
Potential outcomes may include:
• Increased confidence and self-esteem
• Greater independence and decision making
• Improved communication skills
• Stronger social interaction
• Learning practical life skills
• Developing resilience
• Building friendships
• Greater community participation
These experiences can become important stepping stones towards greater independence and adulthood.
EVENINGS AROUND THE FIRE
One of the most loved parts of The Pods is our outdoor social area.
With seating, lighting, covered spaces and a safe fire pit area, evenings can be spent sharing stories, relaxing with friends and creating lasting memories.
As the sun sets across the grounds, the space comes alive with twinkling lights, creating a magical atmosphere that many of our young people never want to leave.
Whether enjoying toasted marshmallows, chatting with friends or simply taking in the peaceful surroundings, these moments often become the highlight of a stay.
A LOO WITH A VIEW
Our shower and toilet facilities have quickly become known as our “loo with a view”.
Set within the beautiful surroundings of Time & Space, they provide everything needed for a comfortable overnight stay while maintaining the connection to nature that makes this experience so special.
WHO IS THE PODS EXPERIENCE FOR?
The Pods at Time & Space are designed exclusively for children and young adults with autism and learning disabilities who would benefit from developing independence, building confidence and experiencing overnight stays in a safe, supportive environment.
The experience may be suitable for those who:
• Would benefit from increased independence
• Enjoy outdoor activities and experiences
• Are developing everyday life skills
• Would benefit from social interaction
• Need confidence building opportunities
• Enjoy learning through practical experiences
• Are supported by families or carers
• Receive social care support
We welcome conversations with families, carers, social workers and local authorities to explore whether The Pods could be the right experience for a young person.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
The Pods are just the beginning.
We have exciting plans to continue developing and expanding our outdoor space, creating even more opportunities for children and young adults with autism and learning disabilities to enjoy new adventures, learn valuable life skills and experience the outdoors in a way that works for them.
As Time & Space grows, so too will the opportunities available within this unique environment.
COME & SEE IT FOR YOURSELF
The Pods at Time & Space are something that truly need to be experienced in person.
We warmly encourage parents, carers, social workers, local authorities and supporting organisations to arrange a visit and explore the space for themselves.
INTERESTED IN AN OVERNIGHT STAY?
If you feel The Pods could benefit your child or young adult, speak with your social worker, support coordinator or funding provider about a referral to Time & Space. Our team will be happy to answer any questions and discuss the options available.