Upcoming Events

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.

Our course helps professionals, parents and carers use music to unlock communication and creativity. The training includes interactive workshops, real-world examples, and take-home resources.

Book your course: https://jessiesfund.org.uk/our-work/training/making-music-with-special-children/ 

Who is the course for?

The course is open to anyone working with or caring for children who have additional needs, complex needs, or life-shortening illnesses. Whether you’re a musical novice or have some experience you will go away with plenty of ideas and practical techniques that you can start using straight away. Even if you are an accomplished musician, our course will teach you how your skills can be applied in this new context, giving you the confidence to bring your music to children with special educational needs and disabilities.

What will the course cover?

Exploring musical instruments

Working with pulse and rhythm

Singing

Using iPads for music

Approaches to working one-to-one

Working with groups

How much does it cost?

Course fees

Jessie’s Fund subsidises your training, so your contribution for the whole two-day course will be just £95. This includes refreshments and a light lunch on both days.

Book course in York

Book course in London

• 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

Our course helps professionals, parents and carers use music to unlock communication and creativity. The training includes interactive workshops, real-world examples, and take-home resources.

Book your course: https://jessiesfund.org.uk/our-work/training/making-music-with-special-children/ 

Who is the course for?

The course is open to anyone working with or caring for children who have additional needs, complex needs, or life-shortening illnesses. Whether you’re a musical novice or have some experience you will go away with plenty of ideas and practical techniques that you can start using straight away. Even if you are an accomplished musician, our course will teach you how your skills can be applied in this new context, giving you the confidence to bring your music to children with special educational needs and disabilities.

What will the course cover?

Exploring musical instruments

Working with pulse and rhythm

Singing

Using iPads for music

Approaches to working one-to-one

Working with groups

How much does it cost?

Course fees

Jessie’s Fund subsidises your training, so your contribution for the whole two-day course will be just £95. This includes refreshments and a light lunch on both days.

Book course in York

Book course in London

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

Provider: PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide & Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council

Duration: 3.5 Hours

Cost: Free (Fully funded by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council)

Format: Available as both online interactive webinars and in-person sessions across Rotherham

Dates: Recurring monthly sessions running from September 2026 to March 2027

About the Training

Working or volunteering within Rotherham’s voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector often means you are the first point of contact for individuals and families experiencing crisis or overwhelm.

SPEAK is a specialist 3.5-hour suicide prevention training session developed by PAPYRUS. It is designed to equip staff and volunteers with the essential skills, practical language, and confidence needed to spot the signs of distress, open up a supportive conversation, and guide someone towards safety.

What the Session Covers

• Spotting the Signs: Recognising subtle behavioural and verbal cues when someone is struggling with thoughts of suicide.

• Having the Conversation: Practical, straightforward techniques to ask direct questions comfortably and without judgement.

• Safety Planning & Next Steps: Understanding local and national crisis resources and how to signpost effectively.

• Building Confidence: Overcoming fear, stigma, and misconceptions around discussing suicide openly.

Who Should Attend?

This fully funded training is open to anyone who works or volunteers within a community group, charity, or social enterprise based in Rotherham.

How to Book Your Place

Places are funded but must be booked in advance via Eventbrite. Select your preferred date and format (online or in-person) using the link below:

👉 Book Your Free Place: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/rotherham-metropolitan-borough-council-4829561

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.

• When: Every Wednesday

• Time: 11:45 am – 12:30 pm

• Location: Lovabelle, Visage House, South Shields

• Cost: Free for eligible families

• 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/

• 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