Upcoming Events
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/
Does your child enjoy music? Would they like to explore sound in a creative and supported way? Would you like to be part of our group music sessions which are full of smiles, laughter and enrichment? This is the place to be!
About the event
Music Therapy Sessions for Children with Additional Needs
Welcome to our enchanting Music Rainbow Room, a vibrant space where creativity and healing harmonize. Here, children with additional needs embark on a magical journey through the world of sound and rhythm, guided by our skilled music therapists Ash and Chad. Each session is designed to foster connection, self-expression, and personal growth in a nurturing environment.
A Safe and Inviting Space
The Music Rainbow Room is a feast for the senses, filled with colourful instruments. This inviting atmosphere encourages children to explore their emotions and communicate in ways that resonate with them. The room is a sanctuary where every child feels valued and heard.
Engaging Activities
During our music therapy sessions, children participate in a variety of engaging activities tailored to their unique needs and abilities. These may include:
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Instrument Exploration: Children can experiment with a range of instruments, from drums to xylophones, violins, double bass and piano allowing them to discover their musical preferences.
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Group Activities: Collaborative music-making fosters social skills and teamwork, creating a sense of community among participants.
Benefits of Music Therapy
Music therapy offers numerous benefits for children with additional needs, including:
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Improved Communication: Music provides an alternative medium for children to express themselves, enhancing their verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
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Emotional Regulation: Engaging with music helps children manage their emotions, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
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Social Skills Development: Through group activities, children learn to interact with peers, share, and collaborate, building essential social skills.
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Boosted Self-Esteem: Creating and performing music fosters a sense of achievement, helping children gain confidence in their abilities.
Join Us in the Music Rainbow Room
We invite you to join us in the Music Rainbow Room, where every note played and every song sung is a step toward growth and healing. Together, we will create a symphony of joy, connection, and inspiration, celebrating the unique musical journey of each child. Experience the transformative power of music therapy in a space designed to uplift and empower!
With thanks to Music Connects Sunderland, Point North and RWE Great Eppleton Wind Farm Community Fund for sponsoring our sessions.
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:
Nunsmoor Centre, Studley Terrace, NE4 5AH
3rd Sept, 1st Oct, 5th Nov and 3rd Dec 2025
7th Jan, 4th Feb, 4th Mar, 1st Apr 2026
Galafield Centre, Newbiggin Ln, NE5 1LZ
10th Sept, 8th Oct, 12th Nov and 10th Dec 2025
14th Jan, 11th Feb, 11th Mar, 8th Apr 2026
Byker Sands, 19 Raby Cross, NE6 2FF
17th Sept, 15th Oct and 19th Nov 2025
21st Jan, 18th Feb, 18th Mar, 15th Apr 2026
Fawdon Childrens, Centre, Cairns Way, NE3 2SN
24th Sept, 22nd Oct and 26th Nov
28th Jan, 25th Feb, 25th Mar, 22nd Apr
Charlton Street Hub, Charlton Street, NE15 8RN
21st Jan, 18th Feb, 18th Mar, 15th Apr
The Treehouse Early, Years Centre, Brunel Terrace, NE4 7NL
28th Jan, 25th Feb, 25th Mar, 22nd 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
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Organiser: Sheffield Parent Carer Forum
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Format: Recurring Event
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Time: 9:45am – 2:45pm
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Dates to Select:
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Thursday 12th November 2026
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Wednesday 2nd December 2026
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Monday 14th December 2026
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Monday 11th January 2027
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Location: Online / Virtual
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Booking URL: https://sheffieldparentcarerforum.org.uk/about/neurodisability-training-project/
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Description: Delivered by Sheffield Parent Carer Forum, this online training session is designed for professionals and practitioners working with children aged 0–12, focusing on Autism and ADHD.
Session Times: 9:45am – 2:45pm
Location: Online
Places must be booked in advance. To register for any of the scheduled dates, visit:
https://sheffieldparentcarerforum.org.uk/about/neurodisability-training-project/
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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
A relaxed, welcoming space for all parent carers, whether you’re newly registered, thinking about joining Grace House, or have been with us for a while.
Learn more about our programmes and support
Meet other parent carers
Chat with Vicki and Wendy from our team
Every fortnight on Wednesday
9.30am – 11.30am
Registration is required.
Book here: https://bookwhen.com/gracehouse#focus=ev-swlne-20260417180000
Join our welcoming community of parents and carers of children aged 0–10 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or emerging needs for informal advice and support. These regular sessions are hosted by our friendly Family Connectors who share their lived experience of raising children with SEND to offer understanding, support, and signposting to services.
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When: 1st Wednesday of each month.
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Time: 10:00am – 11:30am.
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Where: Park Lane Centre, Park Lane, Bradford, BD5 0LN.
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Cost: Free to attend.
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Features: Free refreshments are provided, and children are very welcome.
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Requirements: No diagnosis or formal pathway is necessary to join us.
Registration: While you can register on the day, signing up in advance allows you to access 1:1 support and join our friendly WhatsApp group. Register here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=UNBN7Z7jDk6pmUCX-a-xZe1LCptBUiBNlPO4JzShuMFURjFWU0ZUNUJPTDMxTEs1TEhYSTRTRFFaQS4u&route=shorturl
Description: Join us for a stimulating and supportive Baby Sensory session. These classes are designed to engage your baby’s senses through light, sound, and texture, providing a wonderful bonding experience for you both. It is also a brilliant opportunity to meet other neonatal parents in a relaxed setting.
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When: Every Wednesday
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Time: 11:45 am – 12:30 pm
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Location: Lovabelle, Visage House, South Shields
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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/
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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
The National Back Exchange recommends that everyone who has attended a moving and handling training course then attends an annual update.
A one-day course (9:30 am – 4.00 pm) £155 per person.
The course offers up-to-date content to reflect current best practice in moving and handling. The content is updated every year and is designed to refresh and consolidate existing knowledge and provide delegates with new information and skills.
Come and join us for a cuppa, chat, offload or just a good old gossip, at Portland Academy’s coffee shop, ran by parents for parents & carers. The first cuppa is on us!
Portland Academy, Weymouth Rd, Sunderland, Chapelgarth SR3 2NQ, UK
Provider: PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide & Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
Duration: 3.5 Hours
Cost: Free (Fully funded by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council)
Format: Available as both online interactive webinars and in-person sessions across Rotherham
Dates: Recurring monthly sessions running from September 2026 to March 2027
About the Training
Working or volunteering within Rotherham’s voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector often means you are the first point of contact for individuals and families experiencing crisis or overwhelm.
SPEAK is a specialist 3.5-hour suicide prevention training session developed by PAPYRUS. It is designed to equip staff and volunteers with the essential skills, practical language, and confidence needed to spot the signs of distress, open up a supportive conversation, and guide someone towards safety.
What the Session Covers
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Spotting the Signs: Recognising subtle behavioural and verbal cues when someone is struggling with thoughts of suicide.
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Having the Conversation: Practical, straightforward techniques to ask direct questions comfortably and without judgement.
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Safety Planning & Next Steps: Understanding local and national crisis resources and how to signpost effectively.
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Building Confidence: Overcoming fear, stigma, and misconceptions around discussing suicide openly.
Who Should Attend?
This fully funded training is open to anyone who works or volunteers within a community group, charity, or social enterprise based in Rotherham.
How to Book Your Place
Places are funded but must be booked in advance via Eventbrite. Select your preferred date and format (online or in-person) using the link below:
👉 Book Your Free Place: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/rotherham-metropolitan-borough-council-4829561
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.
This relaxed and supportive session combines art, colours, textures and writing to help you explore your thoughts, reflect on your experiences, and express yourself in a creative way.
No artistic experience needed
just come along and enjoy the process.
FREE for parent carers
Starting Wednesday 22nd April
10am – 12 noon
Weekly sessions (excluding school holidays)
A lovely opportunity to relax, connect with others, and boost your mental wellbeing through creativity.
Spaces are limited!
Book Now: https://bookwhen.com/gracehouse#focus=ev-swlne-20260417180000
📍 Venue: Sensory World, Old Westgate, Dewsbury, WF13 1NB
📅 Day: Every Thursday
🕒 Time: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
What’s Included?
🎨 Creative Activities:
- Gluing
- Painting
- Mosaic
- Crafts (£4.00 per person)
🍽 Delicious Lunch:
- 2-course meal for just £5 per person
Why Join Us?
This is a welcoming space for adults with learning difficulties to enjoy creativity, social connection, and a hearty meal in a supportive environment.
Booking Details
📞 Call: 07801 065589
✅ Pre-booking is essential to secure your spot!

📍 Venue: Sensory World Café, Old Westgate, Dewsbury, WF13 1NB
📅 Day: Every Thursday
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Why Join Us?
Don’t feel isolated. Don’t be alone.
Our Luncheon Club is a warm, friendly space where you can enjoy good food and great company.
What’s Included?
🍽 Two-course meal for just £5
Relax, chat, and share a meal in a welcoming environment.
Who Can Come?
✅ Everyone is welcome!
Perfect for anyone looking for social connection and a delicious lunch.
Booking Details
No need to book in advance – just come along!
For more information, contact Sensory World Café.

Join Carers Leeds to stretch your legs as we enjoy beautiful parks together in Leeds. We invite you to join us to promote your health and well-being. No equipment needed, just get your comfy shoes and enjoy a stroll and a chat together.
Organiser: The Toby Henderson Trust
About This Event
Join The Toby Henderson Trust once a month at Toby House for an informal, supportive Book Club created specifically for parents and carers of autistic children.
Each month, the group explores a specific autism-related theme with a curated selection of books to browse, read, and discuss.
Unlike traditional book clubs, there is no requirement to read a specific book beforehand—simply come along as you are to share thoughts, connect with other parents, and discover helpful new reads. Parents are also very welcome to bring along any favourite books related to the monthly theme to share with the group.
Upcoming Dates & Themes
All sessions run from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm:
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Thursday 3rd September 2026: Emotional Regulation
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Thursday 1st October 2026: Diagnosed Autistic Later in Life
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Thursday 5th November 2026: Stimming
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Thursday 3rd December 2026: An Autistic Christmas
Event Details
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Location: Toby House, Earth Balance, Bedlington, Northumberland, NE22 7AD
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Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm (Monthly on Thursdays)
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Cost: Free
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Suitability: Parents and carers of autistic children
Booking & Contact Information
Places must be booked in advance. To secure your place or find out more:
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Email: support@ttht.co.uk
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Telephone: 0300 365 3055
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Website: https://www.ttht.co.uk
Description: A fun and rhythmic session for you and your little one! Baby Bounce uses songs, rhymes, and gentle movement to support early language development and physical coordination. It’s a great way to boost your baby’s confidence while chatting with other parents who have had similar neonatal journeys.
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When: Every Thursday
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Time: 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm
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Location: The Word, South Shields
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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/
