Upcoming Events
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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
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.
Fancy a calm and quiet skate with no music, no lights and fewer visitors?
Join us for a relaxed skating session on a Sunday morning.
Sunday 15 November 2026, 10:00am – 11:00am
Sunday 6 December 2026, 10:00am – 11:00am
Sunday 3 January 2027, 10:00am – 11:00am
To book tickets for a relaxed skate, simply select one of the above skating sessions when booking online.
Situated in Times Square, just outside Life Science Centre, the rink, made of real ice, runs throughout the Christmas season, providing skaters of all ages and abilities with the ultimate festive experience.
Skating sessions last approximately one hour (includes time to fit skates, so expect around 45 minutes on the ice).
To guarantee a space and to avoid disappointment, we recommend booking tickets online ahead of your visit. For extra peace of mind, choose our flexi-ticket option, allowing you to change your booking if your plans change closer to the time.
https://www.life.org.uk/whats-on/event/ice-skating-relaxed-sessions
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.
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.
The magic returns! The much-loved Santa Experience is back with a new festive twist this year.
Enjoy the festive spirit in a quieter, sensory-friendly setting, as we take you on a magical journey that you won’t experience elsewhere.
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.
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?
In the Relaxed Sunday Santa Experience: Operation Christmas Eve, lighting and sound will be adjusted, doors will be left open, and the session will be quieter, with more room to move and feel comfortable.
This is a new Santa Experience event and w
ill 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 Relaxed Sessions, we allow for 1 carer free per child (see eligible form of proof).
Sunday 22 November, 10:00am – 11:45am
Sunday 22 November, 3:30pm – 5:15pm
Sunday 6 December, 11:45am – 13:00pm
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.
https://www.life.org.uk/whats-on/event/the-santa-experience-relaxed-sessions
About the Event
- What we will be doing: Christmas is no longer Christmas without traditional annual trip to Sundown to visit Father Christmas in his magic grotto. If you have never been, Sundown in a theme park designed for under 10’s. It is especially fun at Christmas time when it is decorated into a magical wonderland! As the evenings draw in, the market square will come alive with hundreds of twinkling lights and decorations. The shops will be full of goodies, (forget those diets it’s Christmas) stocking fillers.
- Is it structured? This ticket will include the Santa Visit on the Magical Night Before Christmas Ride which includes a present for every child. Slot times are 12:15pm, 12:30pm and 12:45pm. We will let you know your timeslot closer to the event. We are taking requests if you have a preference when you book the ticket but can’t promise that we will be able to comply with everyone! Each slot has a maximum capacity. If you have a preference and/or specific reason (i.e. tube feed time, etc.) please write it in the comments and we will try my best. Otherwise it is a casual event and you can come and go as you please depending on your children.
- Who it’s for & Group Size: Suitable for all ages, although Sundown Adventureland is aimed at children 10 years old. WHEN BOOKING, PLEASE ENURE YOU SELECT THE CORRECT TICKET TYPE.
- Date & Time: Sunday 6th December. Sundown Adventureland is is open from 10am to 4pm.
- Due to rising external supplier and venue costs, our prices have slightly increased; however, we never want cost to be a barrier for our families, so please reach out to us in confidence by emailing events@littlehiccups.co.uk if this causes any difficulty.
🚗 Getting There & Arrival
- Venue Address: Treswell Road, Rampton, Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 0HX
- Venue Website: The Sundown Adventureland Christmas Spectacular 2026
- Parking & Drop-Off: There are a number Blue Badge spaces right outside the main doors. The car park is flat and tarmac.
- Finding Little Hiccups: We leave a list of names at the entrance and you can check-in and leave when you like. Please say hi when you see the team around the park!
- Entrance Doors: Flat entry with no steps.
🚶 Moving Around Inside
- Corridors & Space: The majority of this attraction is outside but there are some attractions inside, please look on the Sundown Adventureland website for more information about accessibility.
- Sundown Adventureland Accessibility: Disabled Access Information | Sundown Adventureland
- Seating: There a number of benches dotted around the park.
🚽 Toilets & Changing Facilities
- Standard Accessible Toilet: Toilets with disabled access are located at the park entrance (main toilet block), Rodeo Corral café and Crash Landings café.
- Changing Places Toilet: No, here is the Changing Places website to find the nearest one – Changing Places Toilets
- Family & All-Gender Toilets: Please ask the entrance if this is something you may need and they will advise on the toilets to use.
- Baby Changing: Available in both the ladies’ and gents’ toilets.
🎧 Sensory & Calm Spaces
- Lighting & Sound: There is a mixture of lighting and sounds throughout Sundown. If have any specific questions, please speak to a member of the team at Sundown or drop us an email and we will try and help.
- Little Hiccups Quiet Area: There is NO designated quiet area. You will get a map of the park as you arrive for all the spaces available.
🍰 Food & Drinks
- What’s Available To Purchase: Here is the information about the food and drink options at Sundown Adventureland , there are also a number of picnic benches throughout the park. Food & Drink Options | Sundown Adventureland
- Dietary Info & Bringing Your Own: Please bring any specific you need and speak to the members of staff at Sundown Adventureland about at allergies or dietary requirements.
🌳 Outdoor Spaces
- Paths & Ground: All paths around Sundown Adventureland are flat with no hills. All surfaces around the park are concrete or block paving, with the exception of the Cowboy Street which is a loose bark surface with some wooden boardwalks.
- Play & Seating: All the rides and attractions are accessible with a wheelchair to platform areas, however on all the rides you will need to be able to transfer from a wheelchair onto the ride with the help of your carer, who will have to sit with you on that ride to assist you with boarding and alighting the rides. Carers will also have to be able to assist you in the event of an emergency.
- Hazards to Note: There a number of hazards thorough the park, ensure you look at the map when you arrive.
⛑️ Safety & Support
- First Aid: There is a designated First Aid room at Sundown Adventureland, if you need any assistance, please speak to a member of the team from Sundown Adventureland.
- Emergency Evacuation: We will follow the lead of the team at Sundown Adventureland.
🎟️ How to Book
Ready to join us? Book below to secure your family’s spot on our event!
Bookings open on Monday 26th October at 6pm.
Bookings close on Thursday 26th November at 6pm.
For any specific questions about this event’s layout or accessibility arrangements, please always 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/2026-12-06-sundown-adventureland
It’s one of our favourite times of the year, and we’re excited to announce that our Sunshine and Smiles Annual Party will be taking place on Sunday 6th December!
As always, we’ll be bringing everyone together at the wonderful Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds for a fantastic day of celebrations.
We love this special opportunity to see all our Sunshine and Smiles families come together to enjoy delicious food, dancing, singing, games and plenty of fun!
Do you know a business that could help make our party even more special?
We’re on the lookout for businesses who might be able to donate a lovely raffle prize. If you know a business that could support us in this way, we’d be so grateful. Please do get in touch.
We really hope you’ll be able to join us for what promises to be another fantastic celebration.
You can book your tickets here. We would be very grateful if you would considering making a contribution of £10 per family to help toward the costs of our wonderful annual party.
We’ll be sharing more details about the exciting activities and fun we have planned. So, put the date in your diary, we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
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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
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,
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.