Events

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 fantastic day out with the family this September? 🎡🌭🎪

Head down to Ponteland Park on Sunday 6th September for a wonderful day filled with fun, food, and entertainment for all ages—with FREE entry!

There is so much happening throughout the afternoon:

😋 Food & Drink Stalls featuring delicious local bites

👛 Market Stalls packed with local suppliers

🎠 Fairground Rides & local attractions

⛵ Business Boat Race

🎨 Kids’ ‘Duckorating’ Competition

🎫 Raffle & Prizes to be won!

Plus, The Sunshine Fund is proudly hosting the famous Ponteland Duck Race throughout the afternoon! 🦆💨

There will be 5 races with cash prizes for 1st (£50), 2nd (£25), and 3rd (£10) place winners in each slot. You can grab your racing ducks for £2 each (or £10 for a duck in every race) either on the day or in advance online to secure your spot. You don’t even have to be there on the day to win!

📅 When: Sunday 6th September

📌 Where: Ponteland Park, West Road, NE20 9TQ

🎫 Entry: FREE (Ducks £2 each)

👉 Get your ducks in advance or find out more: https://www.thesunshinefund.org/duckrace

Interested in entering the Business Boat Race or running a market stall? Email quack@thesunshinefund.org to get involved!

Description: An informal group for parent-carers to discuss a monthly book and enjoy a bit of ‘me-time’.
Date/Time: Every Monday (Starting 2nd February), 10:00am – 11:00am.
Location: Grace House, Bardolph Drive, Sunderland, SR5 2DE.
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

Online Adaptive Box-Fit Class with Luiz

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

Description: Inclusive yoga sessions designed specifically for parent-carers to help manage stress and physical health.
Date/Time: Mondays 11am-12pm & Wednesdays 1:15pm-2:15pm.
Cost: £2 per session.
Location: Grace House, Bardolph Drive, Sunderland, SR5 2DE.
Contact: 0191 435 2088 | info@gracehouse.co.uk

Event Description

We are pleased to share this learning opportunity from our network partners at BSL Search.

If you have ever wanted to learn British Sign Language, this 6-week taster programme offers a basic introduction to BSL. Developed and taught by a Deaf tutor, the course is an excellent starting point for building foundational communication skills.

Event Details

Course Length: 6-week course
Start Date: Monday 7th September 2026
Time: 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Cost: £100
Location: Online / direct course delivery (please check with the provider upon booking)

How to Book

Spaces must be booked in advance directly with the provider:

Email: Hello@bslsearch.co.uk
Website: www.bslsearch.co.uk/courses.php

Please note: This course is structured and run entirely by BSL Search. It is shared on our website on behalf of our network partners.

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

Date/Time: Every Tuesday, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm.
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

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

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.

When: Every Wednesday
Time: 11:45 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Lovabelle, Visage House, South Shields
Cost: Free for eligible families
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/

Description: Inclusive yoga sessions designed specifically for parent-carers to help manage stress and physical health.
Date/Time: Mondays 11am-12pm & Wednesdays 1:15pm-2:15pm.
Cost: £2 per session.
Location: Grace House, Bardolph Drive, Sunderland, SR5 2DE.
Contact: 0191 435 2088 | info@gracehouse.co.uk

📅 Date & Time

Date: 2nd Wednesday of the month
Time: 19:00 – 21:00

📍 Location

The Function Room, The White Swan

High Street, Yeadon, Leeds, LS19 7TA

📝 Event Description

Join Pawsitive Action Leeds CIC for a new, casual, and friendly peer support meetup designed specifically for anyone navigating PTSD, C-PTSD, or domestic abuse (DV) trauma.

This is a safe, welcoming, and relaxed space to enjoy good company, chat, and share some dog love. There is zero pressure and no expectation to share anything you aren’t comfortable with.

Our group is facilitated by specialist canine and disability practitioners who have lived experience of trauma. Alongside being a warm space to connect, you can also help shape the future of trauma support assistance dogs with us!

🐕 Do I need to bring a dog?

No dog required! You are more than welcome to come just as you are. However, if you have a dog who is calm and comfortable in a pub environment, feel free to bring them along!

🎟️ Admission & Support:

FREE to attend.
As this group is hosted at a local pub, we kindly ask attendees to support our host venue by purchasing a drink or some food during the evening.

ℹ️ Please note: This is a peer support group and is not attended by clinical mental health professionals.

📧 Enquiries: pawsitiveactionleeds@gmail.com

🌐 Organisation: Run by Pawsitive Action Leeds CIC – Making Assistance Dogs Accessible to All