Upcoming Events

Description

LS12 Creative is the home of Interplay Theatre’s participation work. Our monthly Sensory Open Days are themed differently each time to introduce new ideas, celebrate messy spaces, and promote play—whatever that means for you!

Designed for young people with learning disabilities, PMLD, and/or Autism, these sessions are led by the participants and our artists with very few rules or expectations. It is a relaxed, supportive environment where everyone can explore, create, and express themselves.

2026 Schedule (Saturdays)

• 11th April

• 9th May

• 6th June

• 4th July

• 1st August

• 12th September

• 3rd October

• 7th November

• 5th December

Session Times

• Morning: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

• Afternoon: 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Essential Info

• Cost: FREE

• Location: Interplay Theatre, Armley Ridge Road, Leeds, LS12 3LE.

• Transport: Accessible via the 15, 16, 72, and 508 bus routes.

How to Book

Booking is required to help us plan activities and manage capacity.

• Email: takepart@interplaytheatre.org.uk

• Call: 0113 263 8556

• Text: 07444 229628

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

Ability Tennis and Yorkshire Para Standing Tennis Club are coming together this summer to host four accessible, free taster sessions. These sessions are specifically designed for both adults and children with a physical disability who play sport standing.

Whether you are completely new to tennis or looking to get back onto the court, these sessions offer a fun, supportive, and welcoming environment to give it a go.

Event Details

• Cost: Completely FREE of charge

• Equipment: All equipment is provided, so you just need to bring yourself!

• Who it is for: Adults and children with a physical disability who play sport standing.

Dates and Times

The taster sessions run from 12:00pm to 2:00pm on the following Saturdays:

• Saturday 4th July

• Saturday 22nd August

• Saturday 12th September

(Please note: The first session took place on Saturday 27th June, but new participants are incredibly welcome to join for any of the remaining dates!)

Location

Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club

Sheffield

How to Book

Spaces can be booked directly with the event organisers. You can scan the QR code displayed on the poster in the image add00e36-97e9-40f3-ab9b-16a2be9edcbf.jpeg, or reach out using the contact details below:

• Email: parastandingyorks@gmail.com

• Mobile: 07503 156428

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.

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.

• 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.

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

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

Short Description:

A friendly, supportive 6-week community wellbeing group using simple mindfulness-based art practices to calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and support emotional balance.

Full Description:

Creative Calm is a supportive group offering a regular space to slow down, take a break from everyday pressures, and reconnect with yourself. Engaging in mindful, creative activity can help reduce stress and gently move the mind away from a “fight or flight” state toward a calmer, more grounded way of being.

No artistic experience is needed—the focus is entirely on the process of slowing down, noticing the present moment, and giving yourself time to rest.

What You’ll Experience:

• Calming the mind and body through gentle creative practice

• Reducing stress, physical tension, and supporting emotional balance

• Exploring simple, accessible mindfulness-based art techniques

• Creating dedicated space for rest, reflection, and relaxation

Event Details:

• Start Date: Monday 14th September 2026

• Duration: 6 weeks

• Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm

• Group Size: Maximum of 10 participants

• Cost: £25.00 per person, per week

• Location: To be announced (Headingley/Burley area of Leeds)

• Booking Enquiries: Leedstherapyhubcic@gmail.com

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.

Equipping our community with the skills to support one another can truly save lives. 🤝✨

PAPYRUS is delivering fully funded suicide prevention training for anyone living or working in Stockton-on-Tees, with spaces available over the coming months.

Here are the upcoming dates and course options:

🌸 SP-OT Objectives (90 minutes)

Understand the prevalence and impact of suicide, explore safe language when talking openly, recognize warning signs, and learn how to contribute to a suicide-safer community.

📅 15th September | 9:30am – 11:00am

🌸 SP-EAK Objectives (3.5 hours)

Deep dive into attitudes, myths, and stigma, recognize signs that indicate someone is having thoughts of suicide, learn how to hold open and sensitive conversations, and support someone in creating a safety plan.

📅 27th August | 9:30am – 1:00pm

📅 15th October | 1:00pm – 4:30pm

Spaces are free but limited!

👉 Reserve your place on Eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/stockton-on-tees-tees-million-4853204

#Stockton #MentalHealthTraining #PAPYRUSUK #SuicidePreventionTraining #CommunityWellbeing

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