Upcoming Events

Henry Moore Lecture Theatre, Leeds Art GalleryLeeds, West Yorkshire

Saturday 5 December  •  1 PM – 4 PM

Overview

A presentation and discussion with Benedict Phillips (artist) and Briony Martin (Lotus Links Founder).

NO CRY FOR HELP IS LOUD ENOUGH

1.00-2.00pm

Benedict Phillips (artist) and Briony Martin (Lotus links founder)

An introduction to the processes that brought this project into being. The experiences and inspiration that built the Lotus links community, and shaped this process. Followed by a Q & A.

2:00-4:00pm

Community exhibition & launch

Join the artist and community to explore the exhibition. Light refreshments and a separate quiet safe space will be available throughout the day in Henry Moore lecture theatre.

Exhibition description:

NO CRY FOR HELP IS LOUD ENOUGH

An installation of Photography and text made through a collaboration between Artist & Curator Benedict Phillips and the Lotus Links Peer Support community. Exploring and expressing deeply personal and emotive shared experiences of Neurodivergence in conflict with institutional processes and thinking.

This work involves considerable personal investment, discussing, exploring and finding different ways to express what is often left unsaid in public spaces and finding a way to communicate this through Art.

This work comes from a desire to tell stories in response to what has happened in the past and what is happening right now in people’s lives. It explores emotive lived experience through ideas of activism, performance, poetry and photography with a clear intention to be a provocation, and to open up a debate around the hierarchy and relationships between institutions and their policies and the individual. Highlighting the impact on parents and their children who find themselves living in conflict with the normative and ableism of our world all around them.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/no-cry-for-help-is-loud-enough-community-exhibition-and-launch-event-tickets-2002237051921

About the Course

• What we will be learning: Caring for a neurodivergent/disabled child affects the whole family, including siblings who may experience their own mix of pride, worry, frustration, and love. At the same time, parents and carers often find their own well-being slipping to the bottom of the list. This workshop explores practical ways to support siblings as they navigate their unique role and help them feel included and heard. We will also focus on you, exploring how to carve out realistic moments of self-care without guilt—knowing both are key to a thriving family environment.
• Course Structure: A structured, collaborative online workshop running from 10:00am – 12:00pm filled with real-world examples, reflection, and shared strategies.
• Who it’s for: Strictly for parents and carers of children with additional needs or disabilities. These workshops are fully funded by the Leeds Parent Carer Forum, making this identity-affirming support available to our families at no cost.

Book here:

Online (daytime): 6th Nov, 10pm >
In person: 11th Nov, 10am >
Online (evening): 18th Nov, 7pm >

Description: Enjoy a calming and restorative Baby Yoga session. Led by Kalma Life, these classes focus on gentle stretching and movement for your baby, promoting flexibility and relaxation. It’s a peaceful environment to connect with your child and share support with other neonatal families.

• When: Every Friday

• Time: 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm

• Location: Ridgeway Family Hub (Kalma Life)

• Cost: Free for eligible families

• Eligibility: Open exclusively to families who have spent time on a neonatal unit in the North East and/or Transitional Care.

How to Book: https://www.tinylives.org.uk/meet-chat-learn/

The Active Lifestyles Group meets for two hours on a Friday afternoon for a two hour trip through some of Leeds’ finest parks. 

This group is free.

Most weeks there are about 10 members joining us, with support workers where required.

Our trips are reasonably gentle. They last for the full two hours with short stops for rests when somebody needs one. 

We aim for paths and grass, rather than scrambling up rocks.

We meet at a different venue each week. Examples of parks we visit are: Roundhay, Middleton and Golden Acre.

Absolutely FREE! 

Every Friday

13:00 until 15:00

Meet at the location, which will change every week

People can join by contacting Al Mayes on 0113 2443729 or al.mayes@peopleinaction.org.uk

Description: This nurturing session focuses on the benefits of infant massage, including improved sleep, digestion, and emotional bonding. Run by Kalma Life, it provides a quiet, safe space to learn soothing techniques while connecting with a community of parents who understand the neonatal experience.

• When: Every Friday

• Time: 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm

• Location: Ridgeway Family Hub (Kalma Life)

• Cost: Free for eligible families

• Eligibility: Open exclusively to families who have spent time on a neonatal unit in the North East and/or Transitional Care.

How to Book: https://www.tinylives.org.uk/meet-chat-learn/

Book here >

Henry Moore Lecture Theatre, Leeds Art GalleryLeeds, West Yorkshire

Saturday 5 December  •  1 PM – 4 PM

Overview

A presentation and discussion with Benedict Phillips (artist) and Briony Martin (Lotus Links Founder).

NO CRY FOR HELP IS LOUD ENOUGH

1.00-2.00pm

Benedict Phillips (artist) and Briony Martin (Lotus links founder)

An introduction to the processes that brought this project into being. The experiences and inspiration that built the Lotus links community, and shaped this process. Followed by a Q & A.

2:00-4:00pm

Community exhibition & launch

Join the artist and community to explore the exhibition. Light refreshments and a separate quiet safe space will be available throughout the day in Henry Moore lecture theatre.

Exhibition description:

NO CRY FOR HELP IS LOUD ENOUGH

An installation of Photography and text made through a collaboration between Artist & Curator Benedict Phillips and the Lotus Links Peer Support community. Exploring and expressing deeply personal and emotive shared experiences of Neurodivergence in conflict with institutional processes and thinking.

This work involves considerable personal investment, discussing, exploring and finding different ways to express what is often left unsaid in public spaces and finding a way to communicate this through Art.

This work comes from a desire to tell stories in response to what has happened in the past and what is happening right now in people’s lives. It explores emotive lived experience through ideas of activism, performance, poetry and photography with a clear intention to be a provocation, and to open up a debate around the hierarchy and relationships between institutions and their policies and the individual. Highlighting the impact on parents and their children who find themselves living in conflict with the normative and ableism of our world all around them.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/no-cry-for-help-is-loud-enough-community-exhibition-and-launch-event-tickets-2002237051921

Twirly21s is a lovely continuation from our early development groups, designed specifically for children with Down syndrome aged 5 to 12.

These sessions are more than just a dance class; they provide a consistent space for parents and children to keep in touch, share experiences, and grow together. Our dancers focus on coordination, rhythm, and confidence in a fun, friendly environment.

Classes are delivered by Claire King, who has a wealth of experience working with young children with Down syndrome.

• When: Every Saturday

• Time: 2.30 pm – 3.30 pm

• Where: Footsteps Theatre School, Idle, BD10 8PY

• Cost: £2 donation on entry (Dancers are encouraged to pay at the door to help practice their independent money skills).

https://www.downsyndromebradford.com/

Children can also enjoy archery using safe inflatable equipment. This session runs on Saturdays from 9:30am to 10:15am at the Brierley site.

For more information or to book a place, email Jo at jo@snapsyorkshire.org.

SNAPS offers friendly, inclusive football sessions for children with additional needs and their siblings, aged 4–16. All abilities are welcome, with a focus on fun! Sessions run every Saturday between 9:30am and 1:30pm at the Broomfield site, with four one-hour classes tailored to different age groups and abilities.

Smilers for ages 8-18 years on a Saturday morning, every 2 weeks. This week Made with Music will be leading fun and interactive singing and music session.

You can book onto the session here.

Made with Music is a charity in Leeds who provide accessible and educational live music experiences for families and young people. They use signing and singing to encourage learning and fun.

This session is for children aged 8-18 and Made with Music encourage everyone to join in to allow each individual to enjoy the personal and social benefits singing brings to a group.

Siblings are welcome. Bookings will close at 4pm on Friday. Enjoy!

Siblings Welcome!

📍 Location:
Sensory World
Old Westgate
Dewsbury, WF13 1NB

🗓 When:
Every Saturday, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Starting 1st November

✅ For children and young people with SEND or suspected SEND.

Why You’ll Love It

• ✔ Fully accessible facilities
• ✔ Fantastic, friendly staff
• ✔ Inclusive and diverse environment
• ✔ Wide range of engaging activities
• ✔ Safe and secure setting
• ✔ Outdoor garden space

Cost: FREE
Contact for details: Sensory World 07801 065589

Location: Sensory World, Old Westgate, Dewsbury, WF13 1NB
Time: Saturdays, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Start Date: November 1

Join us for FREE inclusive clubs designed for children and young people with SEND or suspected SEND:

• Explorers Club (Ages 0–12)
• Teens Club (Ages 13–25)

Why You’ll Love It:
✔ Fully accessible facilities
✔ Friendly, experienced staff
✔ Embracing diversity
✔ Wide range of fun activities
✔ Safe and secure environment
✔ Outdoor garden space

Booking & Details:
Call 07801 065589 for more information

Description

LS12 Creative is the home of Interplay Theatre’s participation work. Our monthly Sensory Open Days are themed differently each time to introduce new ideas, celebrate messy spaces, and promote play—whatever that means for you!

Designed for young people with learning disabilities, PMLD, and/or Autism, these sessions are led by the participants and our artists with very few rules or expectations. It is a relaxed, supportive environment where everyone can explore, create, and express themselves.

2026 Schedule (Saturdays)

• 11th April

• 9th May

• 6th June

• 4th July

• 1st August

• 12th September

• 3rd October

• 7th November

• 5th December

Session Times

• Morning: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

• Afternoon: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Essential Info

• Cost: FREE

• Location: Interplay Theatre, Armley Ridge Road, Leeds, LS12 3LE.

• Transport: Accessible via the 15, 16, 72, and 508 bus routes.

How to Book

Booking is required to help us plan activities and manage capacity.

• Email: takepart@interplaytheatre.org.uk

• Call: 0113 263 8556

• Text: 07444 229628

Saturday Stars groups run every Saturday morning during term-time. All groups are suitable for children from their reception year at school up to age 17.

Children are supported to progress towards their own personal goals within our core values: relationships, community, independence, confidence and wellbeing.

At the end of each term children receive a star certificate to celebrate their achievements.

All sessions are for children aged 5-17 years and are £4 per session, with spaces booked for the term and paid monthly. A free taster session is offered for all activities.

If interested, please email: childrensprojects@sheffieldmencap.org.uk or call 0114 2767757

Organisation: The Sensory Place
Date: Saturday 7th November 2026
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Venue: Holmside Park, Edmondsley, Chester le Street, DH7 6EY
Cost: £15 per person
Age: 14+

Details:
A dedicated activity session designed for parent carers and young carers aged 14 and over to try out axe throwing in a supportive, relaxed environment.

Booking link: https://thesensoryplace.net/book-online