Upcoming Events
Smilers and Youth for ages 8-18 meets every other Saturday morning.
This week will be a Yoga session with Debs.
You can book onto the session here– there is the option to donate when booking but absolutely no pressure to do so.
Siblings are very welcome.
Bookings will close at 4pm on Friday and please remember to cancel your place if you can no longer attend. Enjoy!
Sunflowers for ages 2-8 on a Saturday morning, every 2 weeks.
This week will be a Yoga session with Debs
These sessions encourage children to explore their imagination and use their bodies through play and movement. Accessible to all – we use props, craft, music and singing to promote a creative environment full of fun.
You can book onto the session here.
Siblings are welcome. Bookings will close at 4pm on Friday and please remember to cancel your place if you can no longer attend. Enjoy!
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
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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
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.
About the event
Join the gang for a festive panto packed with singing, silliness and plenty of audience participation at Harraton District Community Centre. Expect big laughs, catchy tunes and a whole lot of penguin‑powered chaos as the Penguins of Madagascar waddle their way into your Christmas celebrations.
🎭 Event Overview
On Sunday 13th December, the community centre transforms into a winter wonderland of mischief and music. Doors open at 2:30pm, giving families time to settle in, explore the space and get comfortable before the fun begins. The show starts at 3:00pm, bursting straight into penguin antics, cheeky humour and moments designed to get everyone joining in.
🌈 A Relaxed, Inclusive Performance
This is a relaxed performance, created so every child can enjoy the show in the way that feels right for them. Children are welcome to:
• Wander or move around
• Sit on the floor or find a cosy spot
• Join in loudly or watch quietly
• Take breaks when needed
The space is warm, welcoming and judgement‑free, it’s their show to experience however they choose.
🎄 What to Expect
• High‑energy songs and festive fun
• Plenty of audience participation
• A friendly, accessible environment
• A joyful Christmas outing for families of all kinds
A playful, heart‑warming afternoon awaits, filled with penguin‑powered magic and community cheer.
If your child is sound sensitive we would recommend bringing their ear defenders and/or any items of comfort.
Book here: https://www.thespeciallioness.com/event-details/panto-time-penguins-of-madagscar
Date: Monday 12th October
Time: 9.15am – 10.15am (Meets every 2nd Monday of the month)
Venue: The Community Hub, Hunslet Carr Primary School, Leeds, LS10 2DN
Event Description: Does your child have Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), or are you wondering if they might have a PDA profile?
Join us for our monthly friendly coffee morning hosted by The Lightbulb Moment. This is an informal, supportive space where parents and carers can: • Connect with other local families • Meet Lindsay from The Lightbulb Moment PDA team • Share lived experiences and insights • Receive guidance and support in a safe environment
Whether your child has a formal diagnosis or you are simply exploring whether PDA fits your family’s experience, everyone is warmly welcome.
Cost: Free
Booking & Enquiries: For more information or to book your place, please email Lindsay at Lindsay.clarkson@thelightbulbmomentpda.com Website: https://www.thelightbulbmomentpda.com
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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.
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
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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,
• 13 October 2026: Gateway Family Services – Health, wellbeing and community support
• 10 November 2026: Act on Energy – Practical ways to lower utility bills and access grants
• 15 December 2026: Festive fun
Time: Tuesdays, 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Location: Birmingham LGBT Centre, 151 Hurst Street, Birmingham, B5 6EW
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.
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
