Upcoming Events
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
📝 About the Session
- What we will be doing: Get into the festive spirit with our wreath-making workshop! Create your own beautiful Christmas wreath while enjoying delicious festive food, seasonal treats, and plenty of Christmas cheer! Tickets are £20 per person (you will be refunded £10 after event, if attended).
- What to expect (The Vibe): The workshop will be very relaxed, with lots of guidance from Kathryn from Thistle and Twine . All materials will provided to create a beautiful moss based festive wreath.
- Who it’s for: Strictly for parents and carers of children with additional needs or disabilities. Over 18’s only.
- Date & Time: Saturday 28th November. 5pm to 6pm for refreshments. 6pm to 8pm for the Festive wreath workshop. Please do not arrive before 5pm due to the rooms being in use before 5pm.
🎤 About Our Workshop Leader
- Who is joining us: Kathryn from Thistle and Twine.
- What they will be sharing: Kathryn is an experienced florist and has run a number of these workshops before. Kathryn will show us the basics as to how to create a festive wreath and will be on hand to answer any further questions.
- About the Presenter: Kathryn is passionate about offering floral workshops to communities that may struggle to attend otherwise. She will ensure everyone has a fun and relaxed evening whilst creating a beautiful wreath to take home.
- Website / Further Info: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590125003246
🚗 Getting There & Arrival
- Venue Address: Leeds Mencap, The Vinery Centre, 20 Vinery Terrace, Leeds LS9 9LU
- Venue Website: https://www.leedsmencap.org.uk
- Parking Details: Free parking on-site with designated Blue Badge spaces at the rear of the building. There is also on-street parking.
- Finding the Little Hiccups Group: Look for the Little Hiccups sign! We will be in the activity rooms within The Vinery Centre.
- Entrance & Access: Flat, step-free entrance with automatic doors.
🚶 The Venue Space & Seating
- Room Layout: As you are arrive, we will have refreshments and food available and some Christmas tunes! At 6pm, will be able to move into the workshop area.
- Seating & Comfort: Standard chairs and tables will be used throughout.
- Lifts & Levels: The venue and room are entirely on the ground floor.
🚽 Toilets & Accessibility
- Standard Accessible Toilet: Yes, located on the ground floor close to our seating area. No Radar key required.
- Changing Places Toilet: Yes, this venue has a full Changing Places toilet available if required.
🍰 Atmosphere, Food & Drinks
- Lighting & Noise Levels: Soft, warm lighting with low-volume background music. The workshop may be noisy at times.
- Food & Refreshments: Little Hiccups is providing free hot drinks and a selection of sandwiches and cakes! Please let us know any allergies or dietary requirements when booking.
⛑️ Safety & Venue Details
- Little Hiccups Staff: As always, our staff and volunteers will be on hand to make sure everyone feels welcome. If you are nervous about coming alone, drop us a message beforehand and we will make sure someone meets you at the door!
- First Aid & Evacuation: The venue has dedicated first-aid trained staff and all emergency exits are step-free.
🎟️ How to Book
Spaces are limited so we can keep the group size relaxed and comfortable.
Bookings open on 7th September at 6pm.
Bookings for this event will close on 2nd November to allow time for the materials to be ordered.
Please book your spot below:
If you have any questions or are unsure about attending for the first time, please reach out to us at
events@littlehiccups.co.uk. We’d love to have you join us!
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_11_28-parent-carer-event-festive-wreath-workshop
Enjoy dedicated quiet time for anyone to access and enjoy the science centre, including autistic people and those with other sensory needs.
Explore the science centre with fewer visitors and less noise, and enjoy relaxed performances in our Planetarium and Science Theatre. Find out what’s on during your visit.
Lighting and sound levels will be altered where possible, to accommodate those with sensory needs. For example, hand-dryers in toilets will be turned off for the duration of the session.
Relaxed Sunday Sessions run from 10.00am – 12.00pm. You are welcome to stay after this time if you wish, but please note that our traditional programme, lighting and sound levels will gradually resume from 12.00pm.
Access Sport are hosting a morning of ‘have a go’ activities for Women & Girls aged 5-25yrs. It is aimed at D/deaf, disabled, or neurodivergent girls to find out more about female-led clubs across the city and try new sports in the process.
There will be Cricket, Fencing, Martial Arts, Squash and an hour’s Swimming pool time included all for FREE for families to attend.
🗓️Sunday 29 November, 11:30 – 2pm
📍 Fox Hollies Leisure Centre, Shirley Rd, Acocks Green, Birmingham B27 7NS
To sign up: Scan the QR code on the Flyer or click the form link here https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=_8B6mgVHFEGXQVFOK4Vg0vl84E5jBbRIsQsVhBFLPI9UOTVQNllRWTYyQjQyRlVOMThRQk1RQ1NMQy4u&route=shorturlInclusive
Dates & Times
29 Nov 2026, 12:30 – 16:30
Chesterfield, Chesterfield, UK
About
Chat, enjoy lunch, a snack, or even a cocktail. Whether you’re catching up with friends or meeting new ones, join us to enjoy the festivities and the festive tipi!
Sunday 29th November
Lunch followed by the Festive Tipi with roaring fires and festive drinks after lunch.
12:30pm.
Chesterfield – exact location is only disclosed to those registered due to safeguarding reasons. However, the venue is fully accessible with a large disabled toilet. There is a Changing Places facility directly opposite. The venue is informal and relaxed. It serves a wide range of food and drinks, including all-day brunch, small plates, burgers, sandwiches, hot drinks, mocktails & cocktails. Festive Tipi outside lunch venue (<1 minute walk).
Each ‘CP Teen’ can claim back up to £45 for their and a +1’s food/drink. Contributions towards travel costs can also be claimed back depending upon where you are travelling from – more information can be found here.
£10 refundable deposit. You will receive your deposit(s) back upon attending. No shows do not receive a refund on their deposit(s) (unless extenuating circumstances).
Minimum age: 14-years
Maximum age: 25-years
The magic returns! The much-loved Santa Experience is back with a new festive twist this year.
Join Santa’s little helpers in a new corner of the North Pole, as the elves prepare for the most important night of the year – Christmas Eve!
Expect live festive science experiments at the NEW Elf Show in their Christmas workshop, before being greeted by Santa himself with a special gift and Christmas Eve kit (Reindeer food, hot chocolate mix and a sweet treat) to take home.
This session includes British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation for the Elf Show.
You can also marvel at the wonders of the festive night sky as you watch the award-winning full-dome show created by the talented Life team: What Santa Sees.
In this immersive 360°show, join Santa and his reindeer as he sets off to travel the globe on Christmas Eve. With the stars as his guide, will he make it back before dawn?
Please note that BSL interpretation is not available for the Planetarium show, What Santa Sees.
This is a new Santa Experience event and will take place on the upper level of the science centre. If you’ve visited in previous years, expect a fresh new take on this much-loved festive event!
At these BSL sessions, we allow for one carer free per child (see eligible form of proof).
Sunday 29 November, 3:30pm – 4:45pm & 5:15pm – 6:30pm
You can visit the science centre on the day of your booking at any time between 10:00am – 5:00pm, but please ensure you check-in on time for your booked Santa Experience time slot.
Images are for illustrative purposes and demonstrations are subject to change.
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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
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
Anjali Dance Company and Access Sport are working together to offer dance sessions for learning disabled and neurodivergent young people and young adults. First session is FREE and then £3 for all other sessions.
🗓️Mondays 5:30 – 6:30pm, term time
📍 Moseley Community Hub, 496 Moseley Rd, Balsall Heath, Birmingham B12 9AH
To sign up: Scan the QR code on the flyer, or click this link https://eequ.org/book/anjali-inclusive-dance-classes-birmingham-with-anjali-dance-company-26495
You can also email info@anjali.co.uk or call 07482169667 if you have any questions,
Specifically for families with ‘Cared for children’ 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, tranquillity or shared smiles,…
Book here: https://www.thespeciallioness.com/events
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
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.
Organisation: North East Autism Society
Date: Tuesday mornings
Time: 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Venue: Byker Sands Family Centre, 19 Raby Cross, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 2FF
Age: 5 and under
Details:
A weekly Family Development parent and toddler group for children aged 5 and under who are going through the diagnostic process or have a diagnosis of autism. Sessions must be pre-booked in advance.
Booking & contact: Contact Lauren Abbott on 07795 320 314 or email lauren.abbott@ne-as.org.uk
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VI (Visually Impaired) Weekly Tennis: 12:30pm – 3:00pm (Spring/Summer: Brentwood Tennis Centre | Autumn/Winter: Graves Tennis Centre)
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Serving Autism: 10:00am – 11:00am
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Yorkshire Para Standing Tennis Club: 11:00am – 12:00pm
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Cardio Tennis: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
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Walking Tennis: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
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Sensory Tennis: 11:00am – 12:00pm
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Mencap & Gateway Adult Tennis Inclusive (LD): 12:00pm – 1:00pm
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Wheelchair Tennis Inclusive Group: 1:00pm – 2:00pm (Graves Tennis Centre)
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Women’s Group: 11:00am – 12:00pm (Brentwood)
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Women’s Doubles Tennis: 12:00pm – 1:00pm (Brentwood)
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Cardio Tennis: 1:00pm – 2:00pm (Brentwood)
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Walking Tennis: 2:00pm – 3:00pm (Brentwood)
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Women’s Tennis Xpress Starter Group: 6:00pm – 7:00pm (Graves)
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Kids Tennis Inclusive: 1:00pm – 1:45pm & 2:00pm – 2:45pm (Spring/Summer: Brentwood Tennis Centre | Autumn/Winter: Hallamshire Tennis & Squash Club)
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Email Ben: benabilitytennis@gmail.com
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Open Court Enquiries: yorkshireopencourt@gmail.com
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Website: https://www.abilitytennis.co.uk
Organisation: North East Autism Society
Date: Tuesday afternoons
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Venue: Carnegie Building, Atkinson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 8XS
Age: 5 and under
Details:
A weekly Family Development parent and toddler group for children aged 5 and under who are going through the diagnostic process or have a diagnosis of autism. Sessions must be pre-booked in advance.
Booking & contact: Contact Lauren Abbott on 07795 320 314 or email lauren.abbott@ne-as.org.uk