Upcoming Events
Our friends at The Toby Henderson Trust (Autism Hub) are hosting an in-person session: Standing Together for Your Child – Supporting Families to Advocate.
This supportive workshop is designed to help families explain their child’s needs, navigate conversations with professionals, family, and friends, and feel less alone in the process.
📅 Date: Wednesday 16th September 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
📍 Location: Autism Hub, Gordon St, South Shields, NE33 4JP
📜 A certificate of attendance will be issued.
⚠️ Important Details:
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Booking is required (limited places available).
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This workshop is for families living in the South Tyneside area.
📞 How to Book:
Email autismhub@ttht.co.uk or call 0191 816 0550 (please leave a voicemail if unanswered as missed calls cannot be returned directly).
#AutismHub #TheTobyHendersonTrust #FamilySupport #Advocacy #SouthTyneside #InclusiveSupport
Join Resident Visual Artist on Wednesday afternoons for accessible engaging visual art workshops at Touchbase Pears.
In our accessible studio you will be supported explore visual and tactile art; exploring new tools and techniques and develop your artistic practice. Our workshops are tailored to you, using a person-centred approach that creates space for you to explore and experiment with art in your own way and at your own pace. This Is My Art, our artistic vision written by Artistic Director – Tanya Raabe-Webber, prioritises process over product.
You don’t need to stay for the full session.
Who is it for?
Disabled people with complex needs.
**Please only book a slot for the participating artist. Parents, carers and support staff do not need to book. If you are unable to attend, please email artsandwellbeing@sense.org.uk to cancel your booking. If the workshop is fully booked, please email to be put on the waiting list. **
Access
Tactile art techniques and materials will be used.
Free suicide Prevention training
- Free for professionals in Leeds working with children and young people (limited spaces available until Sept 2026).
- Training available either online or in-person.
- Funded by Leeds City Council Public Health.
- Delivered by experienced workers from Leeds Survivor-Led Crisis Service with lived experience of mental health.
- Based on person centred and trauma informed approaches to mental health support.
This specialist training is designed for professionals in Leeds across education, health, social care, youth work and community services who want to:
- Gain insight and understanding of suicide thoughts and feelings include suicidal intent.
- Recognise warning signs and risk factors for suicide in children and young people.
- Learn practical techniques for early intervention and support.
- Build confidence in having safe and compassionate conversations around suicide.
- Strengthen your own internal procedures and polices and find out about referral pathways and signposting options.
The training supports schools to approach suicide prevention responsibly, and in alignment with recent national guidance. It builds on the mental wellbeing curriculum by strengthening staff confidence in recognising suicidal signs and behaviours alongside developing the skills to engage in meaningful conversations about suicide. This course provides practical tools you can apply immediately in your professional role.
Option 1 – Online Training:
This program is delivered across two online sessions. Each lasting 2 hour 15 minutes.
Participants are encouraged to attend both; however, both sessions provide valuable, independent training.
Please note this is not webinar style as it will be interactive with break out rooms and discussions. Please keep camera on if possible.
Online Session One
- Insight and understanding of suicide ideation
- Find out about statistics and context
- Discuss myths and misconceptions
- Learn how to spot signs and behaviours
- Learn how to work with someone who is suicidal
- Gain practical techniques on how to have difficult conversations around suicide with young people
- Share and reflect
Online Session Two
- Discover the impact of social media
- Learn how to work with vulnerable groups
- Examine the use of language and wording
- Identify risk and protective factors
- Learn how to manage risk levels
- Find out about the LEAN technique
- Practice case studies
- Share and reflect
Register via the links below:
Session One: Tuesday 5th May – 2pm – 4:15pm – Teams
Session Two: Thursday 21st May – 2pm – 4:15pm – Teams
Option 2 – Face-to-face training:
This program is delivered in one 5 hour training session held at Tech North in Chapel Allerton:
Thursday 23rd April – 10am – 3pm
Monday 18th May – 10am – 3pm
Monday 8th June – 10am – 3pm
Thursday 16th July – 10am – 3pm
Wednesday 16th September – 10am – 3pm
Please note there are only 10 face to face spaces so once all sessions are full there will be a waiting list.
To book by email natalie.kirby@lslcs.org.uk
Organiser
National Deaf Children’s Society
Event Description
Would you like to connect with other families, share experiences and tips, and give your child the chance to meet others like them?
Join us for a friendly chat with your local community connector. Meet other parents, learn some basic BSL (British Sign Language), and give your child the opportunity to play with other deaf children.
Key Details
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Date: 16th September
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Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
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Venue: Swalwell Community Centre, 74 Clavering Road, Gateshead, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE16 3EX
Contact Information
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Contact Email: leah.walker@ndcs.org.uk
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Website: https://www.ndcs.org.uk
Are you raising a child aged 0–10 with SEND or emerging needs? Come along to our monthly coffee morning in Shipley for helpful advice and a chance to meet other parents in a similar situation. Our Family Connectors use their own lived experience to provide a supportive environment and signposting to local services.
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When: 3rd Wednesday of each month.
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Time: 10:00am – 11:30am.
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Where: Kirkgate Community Centre, 39A Kirkgate, Shipley, BD18 3EH.
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Cost: Free to attend.
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Features: Free refreshments provided; children are welcome to come along.
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Requirements: You do not need a diagnosis or a formal pathway to attend.
Registration: Families can register on the day or via the link below to access additional 1:1 support and our peer WhatsApp group. Register here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=UNBN7Z7jDk6pmUCX-a-xZe1LCptBUiBNlPO4JzShuMFURjFWU0ZUNUJPTDMxTEs1TEhYSTRTRFFaQS4u&route=shorturl
Working with schools can sometimes feel daunting, especially when you’re trying to make sure your young person’s needs are understood and supported. This time together will focus on preparing yourself for productive communication with teachers and staff. We’ll explore how to get ready for meetings so you feel confident, what information is most useful to share, and ideas on how to express concerns when you are possibly feeling under-supported. Along the way, you’ll be introduced to practical tools such as a meeting preparation checklist and ready-to-use communication templates to help you structure emails and conversations with staff. We’ll also look at strategies for keeping communication ongoing and finding approaches that work for your family and your young person.
Each in-person course will have a max of 15 attendees and will be in a Workshop format.
The course will run 10am-12pm and there will be lunch provided afterwards as well as time for questions for the in-person course. When booking, please do let me know of any dietary requirements. Bookings close a week before the event to allow planning.
We apologise – but these courses are not suitable for children and there is no childcare available.
Accessibility
– The ground is all one level
– There are disabled toilets and a Changing Place
– There is plenty of parking around the back of the building (including Blue Badge spaces) and more on the streets around the building.
Please do let us know if you have an access requirements.
Meet your Instructor
Laura is Autistic/PDA and ADHD herself. She is a Nurse and Sleep Consultant, Advocate, and also a parent to two Neurodiverse children. So she is living the life and talking the talk. Her speciality is support of Autistic/ADHD people, but her teaching is created in way that can be helpful for all families as the foundations are around mental health, strengthening family relationships and self-advocacy.
Website: www.laurahellfeld.co.uk
Funded by Leeds Parent Carer Forum
We’re proud to share that these Laura ND Nurse workshops have been fully funded by Leeds Parent Carer Forum, ensuring parents and carers can access this valuable, identity-affirming support at no cost. Their commitment helps make these sessions inclusive and accessible for families navigating autism and neurodiversity.
Book here: https://www.littlehiccups.co.uk/educational-informative/
Cost: Free (Booking essential)
About the Event: A supportive workshop for families, focused on explaining your child’s needs, navigating conversations with professionals, family, and friends, and feeling less alone in the process.
Please note: This workshop is for families living in the South Tyneside area.
Event Details:
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Date: Wednesday 16th September 2026
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Time: 10am – 11:30am
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Location: Autism Hub Gordon St, South Shields, NE33 4JP
How to Book: If you are interested in joining, please book your place by emailing or calling:
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Email: autismhub@ttht.co.uk
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Telephone: 0191 816 0550
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Please note: Please leave a voice message, as missed calls cannot be replied to.
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
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
Organiser: Pawsitive Action Leeds CIC
Event Details
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Date: Wednesday, 15 April 2026 (Held every 3rd Wednesday of the month)
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Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
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Location: Kulture Coffee, 380 Kirkstall Rd, Leeds, LS4 2HQ
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Cost: FREE (Attendees are encouraged to support the venue by purchasing a drink or a “puppuccino”)
About the Event
A relaxed, friendly, and accessible social space for dog enthusiasts to meet. This event is explicitly LGBTQIA+ and disability inclusive.
Whether you are a dog owner or just a dog lover, all are welcome! If you are bringing a furry friend, please ensure they are friendly and non-reactive to keep the environment comfortable for everyone.
Contact Information
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Email: pawsitiveactionleeds@gmail.com
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!
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
📍 Venue: Sensory World, Old Westgate, Dewsbury, WF13 1NB
📅 Day: Every Thursday
🕒 Time: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
What’s Included?
🎨 Creative Activities:
- Gluing
- Painting
- Mosaic
- Crafts (£4.00 per person)
🍽 Delicious Lunch:
- 2-course meal for just £5 per person
Why Join Us?
This is a welcoming space for adults with learning difficulties to enjoy creativity, social connection, and a hearty meal in a supportive environment.
Booking Details
📞 Call: 07801 065589
✅ Pre-booking is essential to secure your spot!
📍 Venue: Sensory World Café, Old Westgate, Dewsbury, WF13 1NB
📅 Day: Every Thursday
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Why Join Us?
Don’t feel isolated. Don’t be alone.
Our Luncheon Club is a warm, friendly space where you can enjoy good food and great company.
What’s Included?
🍽 Two-course meal for just £5
Relax, chat, and share a meal in a welcoming environment.
Who Can Come?
✅ Everyone is welcome!
Perfect for anyone looking for social connection and a delicious lunch.
Booking Details
No need to book in advance – just come along!
For more information, contact Sensory World Café.
Description: A fun and rhythmic session for you and your little one! Baby Bounce uses songs, rhymes, and gentle movement to support early language development and physical coordination. It’s a great way to boost your baby’s confidence while chatting with other parents who have had similar neonatal journeys.
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When: Every Thursday
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Time: 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm
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Location: The Word, 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/
Kid’s Fitness is a great way to try out lots of different sports and games. The group is led by specialist fitness instructors who are able to safely coach children of all abilities and levels of need.
Children will enjoy getting fitter as they try out a range of activities, including Boccia, dance and team games.
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
Gateway youth club is suitable for children with a mild learning disability and/or autism and their siblings.
The wide range of activities on offer are planned collaboratively with members, including sports, games, art and crafts, films, quizzes and cooking. There are regular themed activities too, such as Halloween and Christmas parties, Easter Egg hunts and sports-themed days. Children may also choose to just relax and enjoy spending time with other young people. Gateway youth club is a great place to meet new friends and develop social skills.
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