Upcoming Events
A fortnightly emotional wellbeing drop-in group run by Family Focus North East for parents, carers, and children aged 10–13. No referral or diagnosis needed.
Event Details:
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Organisation: Family Focus North East
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Venue: Deckham Family Hub
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Start Date: Friday 28th August
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Frequency: Fortnightly (every two weeks)
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Age Group: Children aged 10–13 years along with their parents/carers
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Cost: Free
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Contact Email: familyfocus2026@gmail.com
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Supported by: The National Lottery Community Fund
About the Event
Calm Connections is an informal emotional wellbeing drop-in group run by Family Focus North East.
It provides a safe, welcoming space for parents, carers, and young people aged 10–13 who may be:
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Feeling anxious or overwhelmed
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Experiencing low mood
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Struggling with emotional regulation
Key Information:
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No referral is required
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No diagnosis is needed
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No pressure – just a safe space to connect and receive support
Get in Touch:
For any questions or more information, please email familyfocus2026@gmail.com.
📍 Venue: Sensory World, Old Westgate, Dewsbury, WF16 7SX
📅 Day: Every Friday
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM
What’s On?
🧩 Games & Activities:
- Scrabble
- Telephone
- Other fun word and social games
🍴 Food & Drinks:
- Available throughout the session
- Licensed bar for refreshments
Who Can Join?
✅ All welcome!
This is a friendly, inclusive space for socialising, playing games, and enjoying good company.
Booking Details
📞 Call: 07801 065589
No booking fee – just come along and join the fun!
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.
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When: Every Friday
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Time: 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
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Location: Ridgeway Family Hub (Kalma Life)
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Cost: Free for eligible families
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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.
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When: Every Friday
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Time: 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
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Location: Ridgeway Family Hub (Kalma Life)
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Cost: Free for eligible families
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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/
A social group for adults with disabilities (independent in personal care) , a diagnosis or undergoing a diagnosis, age 18+. Ticket cost includes a hot snack and a drink (direct payments are accepted). A tuck shop will also be available priced between 20p and 30p or 5 items for £1. Come and join us for a couple of hours chill out time on a Friday evening. Socialise and make new friends. Facilities available include an XBox and wii, pool, football and table tennis tables and creative activities. We also have a karaoke, silent disco equipment and a safe and secure outdoor space. There will be no Feel Good Friday on 31st October 2025.
Instructions
Participants must be registered with Grace House. Please contact Grace House to register before booking the event.
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.
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When: Every Saturday
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Time: 2.30 pm – 3.30 pm
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Where: Footsteps Theatre School, Idle, BD10 8PY
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Cost: £2 donation on entry (Dancers are encouraged to pay at the door to help practice their independent money skills).
About the Event
We are delighted to invite parents, professionals, educators, and community leaders to the Afrikindness Parenting & Inclusion Conference (APIC Live! 2026).
This year’s conference is centred around the powerful theme: “Beyond Assumptions 2.0: Reimagining Parenting, Youth Voice & Professional Practice”. It offers a vital space for a day of practical learning, networking, and meaningful conversations aimed at building stronger families and more inclusive communities.
Event Details
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Date: Saturday, 24 October 2026
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Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
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Venue: Bridge Community Conference Centre, Rider Street, Leeds, LS9 7BQ
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Organiser: Hosted by Afrikindness
Why Attend?
APIC 2026 is designed to equip attendees with practical strategies, resources, and insights. Key topics of focus throughout the day include:
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Neurodiversity & Mental Health: Understanding and supporting diverse needs.
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Safeguarding: Keeping children and young people safe in a changing world.
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Youth Voice: Empowering the next generation and making sure their perspectives are heard.
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Culturally Responsive Practice: Strengthening the vital collaboration between diverse communities and services.
Who is it For?
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Parents and guardians looking for practical guidance and support.
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Professionals working within education, health, and social care.
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Community leaders and partners dedicated to making a positive impact.
How to Register
Spaces for this impactful event are limited, so early booking is highly recommended to secure your place.
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.
Our sessions run from 9.30am to 1.30pm on Saturdays during term time.
Sessions take place at the following locations:
- Penny Field SILC, Tongue Lane, Meanwood, Leeds LS6 4QD
- Co‑op Academy Brierley, Cross Green Lane, Cross Green, Leeds LS9 0BA
Access our services
Children do not need a formal diagnosis to access SNAPS’ services. Families can self-refer, or be referred by another organisation. Sessions must be booked in advance.
Please complete our referral form and a member of the SNAPS team will be in touch:
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
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
Looking for a supportive space to make music together? OPEN is an inclusive ensemble in Leeds designed for anyone who might need extra support to make music alongside family and friends.
Bring your own instruments or use the ones provided on the day!
✨ Details:
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When: Saturdays, 26th September to 28th November 2026 (8 sessions total) | 2:15pm – 4:15pm (includes breaks)
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Where: Leeds Conservatoire, 3 Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7PD
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Who it’s for: Advised age 8+ (family and friends welcome!)
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Cost/Places: Places are limited, so booking is essential.
🔗 For more information & to book: www.madewithmusic.co.uk/open
📩 Email: hello@madewithmusic.co.uk
Our family swim sessions are a popular and fun all age activity. We run two sessions on a Saturday afternoon- 3:15pm-4:15pm and 4:15pm-5:15pm. These are available from 10am on the Saturday a week before the session and can fill up fast! You can book in up to 4pm on the Friday before the session.
Click here to book Please enter details of everyone attending. There is the option to donate on booking, but absolutely no pressure to do so.
Swimming lessons
We are able to offer 8 swimming lessons per session with the qualified Bramley Baths swimming teachers. Priority is given to children and young people with Down Syndrome but if there are spaces on the day siblings and other family members can be given a lesson. You can request a lesson in the space on the online booking form.
Please note:-
- Non-swimmers will not be able to swim in the deep end (past the no armbands sign!) in accordance with Bramley’s Health & Safety policy.
- Please do not leave your belongings in cubicles. Please use the lockers provided to allow others to use the cubicles. The communal changing area is also open.
Our fortnightly football sessions are for children & young people aged 4-16. At the session we split the group and have a younger team and an older team.
Children and young people will need a parent or carer to be present throughout the session.
We have two fabulous coaches – Julie Earl and Iain.
Please click here to book.
📝 About the Event
- What we will be doing: Lush in the White Rose Centre are hosting a private, Halloween-themed party just for Little Hiccups before the centre opens to the public! We’ve opted for their “Fun and Games” package, featuring interactive games to suit everyone, hands-on product making with favourite Lush items, and a gift bag for every attendee.
- Is it structured? Yes, the Lush team will lead 1.5 hours of sensory, hands-on games and product-making activities in-store.
- Who it’s for & Group Size: Recommended for children who would benefit from a sensory event. To keep the environment calm, spaces are strictly limited to 50 people in total. Where possible, we kindly ask families to consider limiting bookings to one parent/carer to allow more children to attend (though we leave this to your discretion if additional support is needed).
- Date & Time: Sunday 25th October 2026, 9:00am – 10:30am
🚗 Getting There & Arrival
- Venue Address: Lush, Unit 62 Dewsbury Road, White Rose Centre, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS11 8LU
- Venue Website: Accessibility Guide to The White Rose Centre
- Parking & Drop-Off: Plenty of free parking is available surrounding the White Rose Centre, including designated Blue Badge spaces. All shopping centre entrances will be open as normal before store opening.
- Finding Little Hiccups: Head straight to the Lush store (Unit 62) inside the main mall, where our team and the Lush staff will be waiting to greet you.
- Entrance Doors: Flat, step-free access throughout the White Rose Centre and directly into the store.
🚶 Moving Around Inside
- Corridors & Space: Flat, step-free store floor. The party is private before public trading hours to ensure maximum room for moving around comfortably.
- Lifts & Levels: The store and surrounding mall area are fully step-free on one level. Lifts are available within the wider White Rose Centre if accessing from upper car park levels.
🚽 Toilets & Changing Facilities
- Standard Accessible Toilet: Multiple accessible toilets are situated nearby within the White Rose Centre amenities.
- Changing Places Toilet: Yes, the White Rose Centre features a full Changing Places facility.
🎧 Sensory & Calm Spaces
- Lighting & Sound: The session takes place before the shopping centre opens, making the surrounding mall area quiet and peaceful. Inside the store, activities are hands-on, tactile, and full of aromatic Lush scents!
- Sensory & Allergy Notice: All Lush products are made in an open-air environment and some contain nut oils. Please let us know in the booking comments if you or your child have any specific product or nut allergies.
🍰 Food & Drinks
- What’s provided: Food is not provided during the in-store session, but drinks/snacks can be brought along if needed. White Rose food outlets open shortly after the session finishes.
⛑️ Safety & Support
- First Aid & Support: Little Hiccups team members and trained Lush staff will be on site to support throughout.
- Emergency Evacuation: Fully step-free exits through the White Rose Centre mall corridors.
🎟️ How to Book
Bookings opening Monday 21st September at 6:00pm.
Spaces are strictly limited to 50 people total. Please book below when registration opens:
For any specific questions about this event’s layout or accessibility arrangements, please feel free to drop us an email at
events@littlehiccups.co.uk and we will be super happy to help you out!
Important Booking Information:
Please note that our events are heavily subsidised by Little Hiccups to support our community. Because the charity covers the remaining costs based on our final confirmed numbers (such as venue hire, refreshments, entertainers and presenter costs), we kindly ask that you let us know if your plans change. If you can no longer make it, please cancel your places by emailing events@littlehiccups.co.uk so we can reallocate the spots and prevent charity funds from being lost.
Book here: https://www.littlehiccups.co.uk/events/2026-10-25-sensory-halloween-party-at-lush