Upcoming Events
The Sensory Place has an incredible lineup of activities planned for Weeks 3 to 6 of the summer holidays! From alpaca visits and surfing to forest school, soft play, and exclusive swimming hires, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Check out the weekly schedules below for dates, times, and activities:
🦙 Week 3 (7th – 9th August): Includes indoor rockpooling, Train Master, exclusive swimming in Washington, Battlekarts, and Anvil Alpaca visits!
🐴 Week 4 (10th – 16th August): Featuring pond dipping at Washington Wildfowl Park, forest school, horse riding, soft play, and gymnastics.
🌊 Week 5 (17th – 21st August): Highlights include York Maze, surfing at South Shields, Moana workshop, Arcade Warehouse, and felt making. 🐐 Week 6 (24th – 29th August): Pygmy goat experiences, summer disco, den building, Supertramps, and much more!
📩 To book or find out more information, drop an email to: Hello@thesensoryplace.net
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Looking for inclusive, accessible, and fun activities over the summer holidays? ⚽🎾🚴♂️
Smile Through Sport is offering an amazing lineup of summer activities for children, young people, and adults with SEND running from 20th July through 30th August 2026.
Whether you’re looking for frame running, wheelchair sports, boccia, adapted cycling, or outdoor games in National Trust settings, there’s something for everyone!
🌟 Junior Programme Highlights (Ages 4+)
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Outdoor Games: Gibside & Crook Hall / Souter Lighthouse (FREE)
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Multi-Sport: Cramlington, Sunderland, Hexham & Newcastle
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Athletics & Frame Running: Gateshead International Stadium
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Wheelchair Basketball & Tennis: Birtley Leisure Centre
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Fun Sessions (Soft Play & Sensory Room): Cedars Academy, Gateshead
🌟 Adult Programme Highlights (Ages 18+)
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Adapted Cycling: Newburn Activity Centre, Newcastle
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Outdoor Games: Gibside National Trust & Souter Lighthouse
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Multi-Sport: Wallsend, Hexham & Newcastle
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Boccia: Cramlington & North Tyneside
📲 How to Book:
Spaces must be booked in advance! Visit their website or contact the team directly:
👉 Website: www.smilethroughsport.com/whats-on/
📞 Phone: 07934 227 276
📧 Email: info@smilethroughsport.com
#InclusiveSports #DisabilityActivities #SmileThroughSport #SENDSupport #Summer2026
Looking for brilliant, accessible events to keep the kids entertained over the summer holidays? Our friends at Square Peg Activities have an unbelievable lineup of themed sessions and day trips planned right through to late August!
From Nerf battles and pizza making to day trips, sensory sessions, and art workshops, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. 🎨🍕🦁
Key Details:
- 🗓️ When: Running throughout July and August 2026
- 📍 Location: 37-39 Gate Lane, Sutton Coldfield, B73 5TR
- 👨👩👧👦 Who: Designed for disabled children and their siblings (Please note: Adults must stay on site)
- 🥪 Extras: Lunch is served at all in-house events! Plus, the Gaming Room, Youth Den, Sensory Room, and Gardens are open during sessions unless stated.
🎟️ Info & Booking: Spaces go quickly, so be sure to secure your spots online!
Book directly here: https://squarepegcharity.simplybook.it/v2/?fbclid=IwY2xjawG6eXlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHU_2Bi8a0hE7CPqs-vQi_YOik5KvX1eTKxPgcFB0snumTzF0Q7ULYR-vTw_aem_r6FW00ubs-TbCyEjT-D7ag#book
Many of our regular families had raised concerns with us that once their young person turns 18, and although here at the Autism Hub we have our amazing partners – Autism in Mind (AIM) who offer support to autistic adults, many families have shared their worry that ultimately and technically the support for the family themselves stops.
Families have shared with us that they get so much from our services, especially our monthly peer support groups (Cuppa & Cakes) calling it their ‘safe space’. We pride ourselves on listening to feedback, adapting, and expanding where we can on our offer here at the Autism Hub.
With that in mind we are thrilled to share that we have expanded our monthly cuppa and cake groups to include a NEW monthly group for families with autistic young adults 18+
Booking is essential.
To book a place:
Call 0191 816 0550
Email autismhub@ttht.co.uk
Or book via our website ttht.co.uk/autism-hub-events/
**Please note this group is for parent/carers only not the young adult.
For support for autistic adults please follow the link to AIMs offer in South Tyneside https://autisminmind.com/aim-south-tyneside
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Description: An informal group for parent-carers to discuss a monthly book and enjoy a bit of ‘me-time’.
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Date/Time: Every Monday (Starting 2nd February), 10:00am – 11:00am.
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Location: Grace House, Bardolph Drive, Sunderland, SR5 2DE.
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Contact: 0191 435 2088 | info@gracehouse.co.uk
Come along for a magical journey through sound, light and imagination in our free-flow open play session! Families are warmly invited to spend time exploring three unique sensory spaces designed to ignite wonder and relaxation:
• 🌧️ Rainforest Sensory Room – Immerse yourselves in the sights and sounds of the rainforest, where misty lighting, gentle animal calls, and tactile surprises bring nature to life.
• 🌌 Space Sensory Room – Blast off into an interstellar experience! Glide among glowing stars, soft projections and cosmic calm in this soothing, space-themed escape.
• 🎵 Music Room – Get playful with rhythm and melody in an inclusive space filled with instruments, musical toys, and joyful tunes for all ages and abilities.
🕒 Drop in, explore at your own pace, and connect with other families in a welcoming environment. Whether you’re seeking stimulation, tranquility or shared smiles, each room offers something a little different and every child is free to discover in their own way.
📍 Perfect for families of children with additional needs. Our team is here to ensure the experience is accessible, comforting and full of delight.
We also have a fully accessible changing area with hoist and full size medical bed.
Huge thanks to Baily Thomas Foundation for sponsoring these sessions.
Join WheelPower and Luiz Faye for a FREE Online Adaptive Box-Fit Class from the comfort of your homes LIVE on Zoom.
- Luiz Faye will be your fitness trainer for this live class from WheelPower. During this online class Luiz will be taking us through a 40-minute workout that includes a short warm-up and warm down.
- The new Adaptive Box-fit classes are the perfect introduction to the sport with no equipment needed, and are suitable for most people who are unable to participate in boxing from a standing position.
- The sessions are designed to incorporate functional fitness, strength and conditioning; paying particular attention to the transfer of adaptive boxing skills and drills to increase core stability, mobility and overall upper body strength.
- Although all our sessions feature an element of adaptive boxing, experience is not necessary. In fact, you don’t even need to take the sport out of your living room so there’s no pressure to jump in the ring! Consider it to be boxing moves for the functional benefits and not for the fight!
- All the exercises are done from a seated position and can be adapted to suit varying abilities and fitness levels. You must, however, be guided by your body and work out to suit your needs safely.
Example programme:
- 11:00 to 11:05 – Welcome and introduction
- 11:05 to 11:45 – Workout (approx. 40 minutes)
- 11:45 to 11:55 – Q&A opportunity
- 11:55 to 12:00 – WheelPower programmes
Location
In your home or garden!
Equipment
- A laptop/computer or phone to access the class via Zoom.
- A bottle of water
The Sensory Place has an incredible lineup of activities planned for Weeks 3 to 6 of the summer holidays! From alpaca visits and surfing to forest school, soft play, and exclusive swimming hires, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Check out the weekly schedules below for dates, times, and activities:
🦙 Week 3 (7th – 9th August): Includes indoor rockpooling, Train Master, exclusive swimming in Washington, Battlekarts, and Anvil Alpaca visits!
🐴 Week 4 (10th – 16th August): Featuring pond dipping at Washington Wildfowl Park, forest school, horse riding, soft play, and gymnastics.
🌊 Week 5 (17th – 21st August): Highlights include York Maze, surfing at South Shields, Moana workshop, Arcade Warehouse, and felt making. 🐐 Week 6 (24th – 29th August): Pygmy goat experiences, summer disco, den building, Supertramps, and much more!
📩 To book or find out more information, drop an email to: Hello@thesensoryplace.net
Sunbeams is our youngest group and is for any children from birth (or even before!) to 4 years along with their siblings, parents and carers. It is a lovely time for playing, chatting and sharing a cuppa with other familes. We always end the group with a time of singing and signing which is popular with the little ones.
We would ask people to be mindful of the vulnerability of people with Down syndrome; please do not attend a face to face session if you are unwell with something that could be passed on to others – we are grateful for your ongoing understanding and consideration of each other.
Contact
Phone: Weekday: 07442 332678 Weekend: 07472 320168
Email: hello@sunshineandsmiles.org.uk
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Description: Inclusive yoga sessions designed specifically for parent-carers to help manage stress and physical health.
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Date/Time: Mondays 11am-12pm & Wednesdays 1:15pm-2:15pm.
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Cost: £2 per session.
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Location: Grace House, Bardolph Drive, Sunderland, SR5 2DE.
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Contact: 0191 435 2088 | info@gracehouse.co.uk
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Looking for inclusive, accessible, and fun activities over the summer holidays? ⚽🎾🚴♂️
Smile Through Sport is offering an amazing lineup of summer activities for children, young people, and adults with SEND running from 20th July through 30th August 2026.
Whether you’re looking for frame running, wheelchair sports, boccia, adapted cycling, or outdoor games in National Trust settings, there’s something for everyone!
🌟 Junior Programme Highlights (Ages 4+)
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Outdoor Games: Gibside & Crook Hall / Souter Lighthouse (FREE)
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Multi-Sport: Cramlington, Sunderland, Hexham & Newcastle
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Athletics & Frame Running: Gateshead International Stadium
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Wheelchair Basketball & Tennis: Birtley Leisure Centre
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Fun Sessions (Soft Play & Sensory Room): Cedars Academy, Gateshead
🌟 Adult Programme Highlights (Ages 18+)
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Adapted Cycling: Newburn Activity Centre, Newcastle
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Outdoor Games: Gibside National Trust & Souter Lighthouse
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Multi-Sport: Wallsend, Hexham & Newcastle
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Boccia: Cramlington & North Tyneside
📲 How to Book:
Spaces must be booked in advance! Visit their website or contact the team directly:
👉 Website: www.smilethroughsport.com/whats-on/
📞 Phone: 07934 227 276
📧 Email: info@smilethroughsport.com
#InclusiveSports #DisabilityActivities #SmileThroughSport #SENDSupport #Summer2026
For parents / carers of children who are awaiting a referral to the neurodevelopmental diagnostic team, on the diagnostic pathway or post diagnosis of autism.
Children must be living in North Tyneside.
We have the following dates available:
Riverside Family Hub, NE29 6DQ
2nd Sept, 7th Oct, 4th Nov and 2nd Dec 2025
6th Jan, 3rd Feb, 3rd Mar, 7th Apr
Howdon Family Hub, NE28 0AL
9th Sept, 14th Oct, 11th Nov and 9th Dec 2025
13th Jan, 10th Feb, 10th Mar, 14th Apr
Shiremoor Family Hub, NE27 0TA
16th Sept, 21st Oct and 18th Nov
20th Jan, 17th Feb, 17th Mar, 21st Apr
Supporting your autistic child workshop
The workshop will cover:
- worries and action planning
- common misconceptions
- differences in autistic children
- practical strategies to use in everyday life
These sessions will run 10-12 and must be pre-booked.
One to one appointments
These appointments are for families that have questions or would like to discuss any issues in confidence.
These appointments are available between 9-10 and 12.30-4 and must be pre-booked.
To book please contact Rebecca Weatherstone on 0191 410 9974 or rebecca.weatherstone@ne-as.org.uk
Looking for brilliant, accessible events to keep the kids entertained over the summer holidays? Our friends at Square Peg Activities have an unbelievable lineup of themed sessions and day trips planned right through to late August!
From Nerf battles and pizza making to day trips, sensory sessions, and art workshops, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. 🎨🍕🦁
Key Details:
- 🗓️ When: Running throughout July and August 2026
- 📍 Location: 37-39 Gate Lane, Sutton Coldfield, B73 5TR
- 👨👩👧👦 Who: Designed for disabled children and their siblings (Please note: Adults must stay on site)
- 🥪 Extras: Lunch is served at all in-house events! Plus, the Gaming Room, Youth Den, Sensory Room, and Gardens are open during sessions unless stated.
🎟️ Info & Booking: Spaces go quickly, so be sure to secure your spots online!
Book directly here: https://squarepegcharity.simplybook.it/v2/?fbclid=IwY2xjawG6eXlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHU_2Bi8a0hE7CPqs-vQi_YOik5KvX1eTKxPgcFB0snumTzF0Q7ULYR-vTw_aem_r6FW00ubs-TbCyEjT-D7ag#book
A welcoming group for all children aged 0–5 and their families.
When:
Every Tuesday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
(Term-time only)
Where:
Sheffield Mencap, Norfolk Lodge
Park Grange Road, Sheffield, S2 3QF
What to Expect:
- Free of charge – no booking needed, just drop in!
- A chance to meet other parents
- Fun children’s activities, toys, and games
- Refreshments provided
Who is it for?
Families with children aged 0–5 looking for an inclusive, friendly environment to play and connect.
The Sensory Place has an incredible lineup of activities planned for Weeks 3 to 6 of the summer holidays! From alpaca visits and surfing to forest school, soft play, and exclusive swimming hires, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Check out the weekly schedules below for dates, times, and activities:
🦙 Week 3 (7th – 9th August): Includes indoor rockpooling, Train Master, exclusive swimming in Washington, Battlekarts, and Anvil Alpaca visits!
🐴 Week 4 (10th – 16th August): Featuring pond dipping at Washington Wildfowl Park, forest school, horse riding, soft play, and gymnastics.
🌊 Week 5 (17th – 21st August): Highlights include York Maze, surfing at South Shields, Moana workshop, Arcade Warehouse, and felt making. 🐐 Week 6 (24th – 29th August): Pygmy goat experiences, summer disco, den building, Supertramps, and much more!
📩 To book or find out more information, drop an email to: Hello@thesensoryplace.net
📝 About the Event
- What we will be doing: Join us for a relaxed picnic close to Royal Armouries, we are hopefully going to be able to reveal one of our newest mosaics. This is great opportunity to get together with other Little Hiccups families, whilst exploring different areas across Leeds. Don’t forget your picnic and blanket or chairs! There is lots to do around the Royal Armouries including walks by Leeds Dock and even a Water Taxi!!
- Is it structured? Nope! This is a very relaxed event – It is an opportunity to explore different areas across Leeds and meet up with other Little Hiccups families.
- Who it’s for & Group Size: This is a whole family event.
- Date & Time: Tuesday 25th August from 11am to 1pm (this is the time the Little Hiccups team will be at there but you can stay as long as want )
🚗 Getting There & Arrival
- Venue Address: Paved area in front of the entrance to the Royal Armouries, Armouries Drive, Leeds, LS10 1LT
- Venue Website: N/A
- Parking & Drop-Off: There are some Blue Badge bays close to the entrance as well as a multi-story car park near by.
- Finding Little Hiccups: Look out for our banner! We will be based in the area outside of the Royal Armouries.
🚽 Toilets & Changing Facilities
- Standard Accessible Toilet: There are number of toilets within the area, including within the Royal Armouries.
- Changing Places Toilet: There is a Changing Places within the Royal Armouries.
- Baby Changing: Baby changing is available within a number of toilet facilities in the local area.
🎧 Sensory & Calm Spaces
As this event is outside and within a public space, we are unable to offer a specific quiet space but there is lots of different areas to explore if the main park area is busy.
🍰 Food & Drinks
Please bring your own bring picnic and refreshments, as well as any chairs or blankets. There is a number of cafes and restaurants nearby if needed.
🌳 Outdoor Spaces
- Paths & Ground: The area is very accessible with ramps when needed.
- Play & Seating: Please bring your own seating with you as the area may be busy.
- Hazards to Note: We will as far away from Leeds Dock as possible but please be aware that this is near by. There is a road near by but this is not a through road.
⛑️ Safety & Support
- First Aid: Little Hiccups staff are first-aid trained and will be able to support if needed.
- Emergency Evacuation: As this is an outside event, we will follow guidance of emergency staff if needed.
We’re launching a convenient tea-time coffee break especially for parent carers!
Tuesdays 4:00pm – 5:30pm
FREE
Drop in for a cuppa, relax, and connect with other parent carers in a friendly, supportive space, all while your child is safely engaged in their session.
A little time for you at the end of the day 
No pressure, just support and community.
We’d love to see you there 
Book Now: https://bookwhen.com/gracehouse#focus=ev-swlne-20260417180000
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Date/Time: Every Tuesday, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm.
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Location: Pinnacle Performance Fitness Studio, Bradford.
- Book online: https://www.downsyndromebradford.com/