Upcoming Events
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
The Toby Henderson Trust is hosting monthly support group sessions for all parents and carers, regardless of where you live. It’s a welcoming space to connect with other families, share experiences, and receive practical advice around key topics.
📍 Location: Gosforth Civic Theatre, Regent Farm Road, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 3HD
🗓️ Upcoming Sessions (1:30pm – 3:00pm):
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Tuesday 1st September: Self Care and crafts before the return to school (open to parents, children, and young people)
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Tuesday 6th October: Sleep Issues (parents only)
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Tuesday 3rd November: Toileting Issues (parents only)
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Tuesday 8th December: Preparing for Christmas (parents only)
🎟️ Booking Info: Places must be booked in advance to attend.
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Email: admin@ttht.co.uk
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Phone: 0300 365 3055
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
Location: Turning Point Counselling, 16 Church Lane, Brighouse, HD6 1AT
Cost: Free to attend
About This Event
Does your child have Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), or are you wondering if they might have a PDA profile? Navigating life with a PDA child can feel isolating, overwhelming, and unique—and finding people who truly get it makes all the difference.
The Lightbulb Moment is delighted to welcome parent-carers to our monthly peer support meet-up at our brand-new venue in Brighouse. Whether you have a formal diagnosis, are exploring the profile, or are right at the beginning of your journey, you are warmly invited.
What to Expect
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Connect with Local Families: Meet other parent-carers walking a similar path, swap stories, and build your local support network.
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Meet the Team: Say hello to our wonderful new volunteers, Vanessa and Rebecca, who will be hosting the morning.
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A Safe, Non-Judgemental Space: Offload, share experiences, celebrate the small wins, and talk openly without needing to explain or justify.
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Signposting & Guidance: Access peer support, practical insights, and signposting to relevant resources and services.
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A Warm Brew & Welcoming Atmosphere: A relaxed, low-demand environment where you can take things at your own pace.
Venue & Accessibility
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Venue: Turning Point Counselling
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Address: 16 Church Lane, Brighouse, West Yorkshire, HD6 1AT
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Located centrally in Brighouse, within easy reach of local transport links and town-centre parking.
How to Book & Get in Touch
Spaces are informal, but booking or letting us know you are coming helps us ensure we have enough refreshments and seating ready.
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Telephone / WhatsApp: Vanessa on 07709 345056
Come along as you are—we look forward to seeing you there!
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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
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
Dates: 19th November, 9th December 2026. You can attend one session or both.
Times: 3.30pm-4.30pm
Location: Sense TouchBase Pears, 750 Bristol Road, Birmingham, B29 6NA
What is Chit & Chat?
A relaxed, informal online social meet for an hour once a fortnight. Come and connect with like-minded young people in a friendly, supportive, and safe space – all from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re chatting away or just listening in, everyone’s welcome.
When?
Fortnightly on Wednesdays, from 5:00–6:00pm GMT
Our cricket sessions are for young people aged 11+.
We have 10 places available for each session, at the moment we have no support staff available so parents and carers will need to stay with their young person.
The sessions are being coached by a qualified Yorkshire Cricket Board coach.
The booking form is here and it is now live for bookings.
Please email ailith@sunshineandsmiles.org.uk if you have any questions.
Zoom Karaoke for ages 10+
This is our Karaoke singing group, hosted by Kerry Maule on Zoom. Throughout the session we will provide music & lyrics and individuals will have the chance to sing their song while others in the group sing along at home.
If you or a young person are interested, please email adminteam@sunshineandsmiles.org.uk or message Ailith on 07442 332678 for the link and to give us your song choice!
📅 Date & Time
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Date: 2nd Wednesday of the month
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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:
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FREE to attend.
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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
Join us for an informal drop-in coffee session at Scotia Works to connect with other parents and carers of neurodivergent children.
These sessions provide a welcoming space for those who have a child or young person living with ADHD or Autism, those awaiting a diagnosis, or anyone seeking advice on behaviors that may indicate neurodivergence. It is an opportunity to chat with peers who have similar concerns and meet staff from Neurodiversity Sheffield, Sheffield Family HUBS, Ryegate, and other supportive agencies.
Event Details
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Location: Scotia Works, Leadmill Road, Sheffield, S1 4SE
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Cost: Free
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Booking: No diagnosis or booking required!
What to Expect
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Expert Support: Get help, support, advice, and information from local experts in a relaxed setting.
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Community Driven: Delivered by Family Action and supported by Sheffield Parent Hub, Sheffield Family Hubs, and Sheffield City Council.
Contact Information
For more information about our service:
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Email: neurodiversity.sheffield@family-action.org.uk
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Phone: 0114 2412733 or 07816 408019
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Website: family-action.org.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.
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