Upcoming Events
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.
Monday, 26 October 2026, 10:00
Cannon Hall Farm, Cawthorne, Barnsley, S75 4AT View Map
Come and say hello to the animals, enjoy outdoor adventures, and discover plenty of farmyard fun at Cannon Hall Farm. With lots to see, do, and explore, it’s a great place for children to enjoy new experiences in a relaxed and family-friendly setting.
Date: Monday 26th October
Time: Cannon Hall Farm is open from 10am to 6pm. A member of the SNAPS team will be at the entrance from 10am to 12pm, please let us know if you are going to arrive after 12pm.
Location: Cannon Hall Farm, Cawthorne, Barnsley, S75 4AT.
Book your place and come along for a wonderful day!
For more information, please info@snapsyorkshire.org
https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/SNAPSCannonHallFarmAdventure
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.
Give your child the best possible start in life!
Join our My Time to Play programme, designed specifically for children aged 0–4 with vision impairment.
About the Programme
We offer fun and supportive group sessions to help your child develop practical skills and confidence through the power of play.
- Meet other parents and children
- Gain expert tips and guidance from our trained staff
- Support your child’s early development in a friendly, inclusive environment
Next Programme Details
📍 Location: Hemlington Lake & Recreation Centre
Cass House Road, Middlesbrough, TS8 9QW
📅 When: Fortnightly on Mondays
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
How to Sign Up
✅ Visit: guidedogs.org.uk/mttp
📧 Email: MTTPNewcastle@guidedogs.org.uk
📞 Call: 0800 781 1444
Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is a registered charity in England, Wales, Scotland, and Isle of Man.
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
Dates & Times
26 Oct 2026, 12:00 – 16:30
Chesterfield, Chesterfield, UK
About
A fun afternoon with autumn and Christmas crafts. Whether you’re more autumn, you’re Christmas mad, or you love both, cosy vibes are guaranteed!
Monday 26th October 2026 (half term)
Chesterfield – exact location only given to those registered for safeguarding reasons. Accessible, ample parking right outside, disabled toilet and located near to Chesterfield Railway Station.
Workshop is FREE, but a £25 deposit is required to secure your place. You will receive this back upon attending. No shows do not receive a refund on their deposit (unless extenuating circumstances).
Lunch is included! Lunch will be a light buffet. The format is as follows:
12:00-1:15pm – lunch and social
1:30-4:30pm – workshop
Contributions towards travel costs can also be claimed back depending upon where you are travelling from – more information can be found here.
Minimum age: 14-years
Maximum age: 25-years
All under-18s, and those requiring support (e.g. toileting, feeding, medical care, moving & handling etc.) MUST attend with a parent/carer/PA – this is not a respite service.
Book here:
https://www.cpteensuk.org/events-1/autumn-christmas-craft-workshop
Dates & Times: 26 Oct 2026, 12:00 – 16:30
Chesterfield, Chesterfield, UK
About
A fun afternoon with autumn and Christmas crafts. Whether you’re more autumn, you’re Christmas mad, or you love both, cosy vibes are guaranteed!
Chesterfield – exact location only given to those registered for safeguarding reasons. Accessible, ample parking right outside, disabled toilet and located near to Chesterfield Railway Station.
Workshop is FREE, but a £25 deposit is required to secure your place. You will receive this back upon attending. No shows do not receive a refund on their deposit (unless extenuating circumstances).
Lunch is included! Lunch will be a light buffet. The format is as follows:
12:00-1:15pm – lunch and social
1:30-4:30pm – workshop
Contributions towards travel costs can also be claimed back depending upon where you are travelling from – more information can be found here.
Minimum age: 14-years
Maximum age: 25-years
All under-18s, and those requiring support (e.g. toileting, feeding, medical care, moving & handling etc.) MUST attend with a parent/carer/PA – this is not a respite service.
https://www.cpteensuk.org/events-1/autumn-christmas-craft-workshop
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.
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/
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
Wednesday, 28 October 2026, 10:00
Co-op Academy Brierley, Cross Green Lane, Leeds, LS9 0BA View Map
The SNAPS Super Stars Awards offer the chance for us to celebrate the bravery, determination and positivity shown by SNAPS children, and their siblings, on a daily basis!
We will be holding a special SNAPS Super Stars Awards event. This will be a fun-filled morning and all SNAPS families are welcome. The is free to attend for SNAPS families, please register for your places below so that we know numbers and any special requirements.
As well as being the newest SNAPS Saturday site, Co-op Academy Brierley is a fantastic venue that’s fully accessible and has a large car park.
As part of the event, we will also be presenting the annual SNAPS Super Stars Awards. If you’ve not made your nominations yet don’t worry! Details on how to make your Super Stars nomination(s) will be sent to you in an email after registering for your places at the awards party.
You can nominate your child for anything you wish – from trying their best at their favourite sport/activity, to being a kind caring sibling.
We will present each child with a certificate and small keepsake to mark their achievement.
We hope to see you there!
📝 About the Event
- What we will be doing: Step beyond the Yellow Brick Road into an exciting musical theatre workshop inspired by the spellbinding world of Wicked! Children will explore performance techniques, dance, physical theatre, Defying Gravity–style imagination, and music. They’ll learn choreographed movement phrases inspired by Glinda, Elphaba, and the citizens of Oz to create their own mini-production together. Every participant will receive an Emerald City Certificate of Achievement!
- Is it structured? Yes, Kathleen will guide the group through themed creative activities and choreographed movement phrases in a supportive, relaxed environment.
- Who it’s for & Ability Range: Aimed at an ability range roughly between 6–11 years (though age alone won’t exclude anyone). Siblings are very welcome to join! If a child falls outside this ability range, we kindly ask that a parent or carer stays to support them 1:1.
- Social Story: You can download our Musical Theatre Social Story here to help prepare for your visit.
🎤 Meet Your Instructor
Who is running the session: Kathleen- About Kathleen: Kathleen is a freelance Teacher and Choreographer with over 30 years of experience in performing arts, dance therapy, and educational settings. She is a huge advocate for equality, diversity, accessibility, inclusion, and belonging. Kathleen is a proud mum and carer to three wonderful children (two of whom are neurodivergent) and was recently diagnosed with ADHD herself!
🚗 Getting There & Arrival
- Venue: Swillington Primary School
- Parking & Arrival: Parking is available on-site. Someone will be at the gate to let you into the car park on arrival. If you happen to be running late (we completely get it—life happens!), simply press the buzzer at the gate/entrance to be let in.
- Finding Little Hiccups: Look out for our Little Hiccups team on arrival—we’ll be ready to welcome you and show you straight to the main hall!
🚶 Moving Around Inside
- Building Layout & Doors: The building is fully secure with perimeter fencing. Access inside is entirely flat with wide, accessible doors. We have dedicated access to the main school hall where the workshop takes place.
🚽 Toilets & Changing Facilities
- Standard Toilets: Accessible toilets and standard facilities available for all attendees.
- Changing Places Toilet: Yes, a fully equipped Changing Places facility is available on-site.
🎧 Sensory & Expectations
- Sensory/Chill-Out Area: Parents, carers, and children will have access to the school’s The Calm Room / Chill-Out Room as a waiting and quiet space, complete with comfortable seating and sensory items.
- What NOT to expect: No scary flying-monkey moments (keeping it bright and joyful!), no sudden loud bangs or magical “explosions”, no real spell books or potions, and absolutely no pressure to perform alone or do anything uncomfortable.
- What children CAN expect: A safe, inclusive space to build confidence, share “Ozian” ideas, try new stage skills, and make new friends in a wonderfully “wicked” atmosphere!
👨👩👧 Parent & Carer Information
- Waiting Area: A comfortable waiting space is available in the school’s The Calm Room / Chill-Out Room for parents and carers. Parents/carers must remain on-site for the duration of the session.
- 1:1 Support: Children who require 1:1 support are warmly welcome to attend with a parent/carer and join in the fun together. You do not need to book a separate ticket for the supporting adult.
- Siblings: Siblings are welcome! Please ensure they are booked on if they wish to participate.
⛑️ Safety & Support
- Access Needs: We want our workshops to be inclusive to all. Please use the comments box when booking to let us know of any access or support requirements so we can tailor the experience.
- Little Hiccups Staff: Our friendly staff and volunteers will be on hand to make sure everyone feels welcome and supported.
🎟️ How to Book
Ready to join the Emerald City Adventure? Book below to secure your child’s spot!
For any specific questions about this workshop or accessibility arrangements, please feel free to drop us an email at
events@littlehiccups.co.uk and we will be happy to help!
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/2026-10-28-musical-theatre-workshop-emerald-city-adventure/
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