Upcoming Events

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

The Toby Henderson Trust is launching a new monthly parent group hosted by Speech and Language Therapist, Emily. This supportive session is focused on children and young people who are diagnosed autistic, or potentially autistic, and experience Selective Mutism (also known as Situational Mutism).

It’s a welcoming space to learn more about Selective Mutism, share practical strategies, and connect with families who truly understand the journey.

✨ Details:

• When: Starting Monday 21st September | 10:00am – 11:00am

• Where: Toby House, Bedlington, Northumberland, NE22 7AD

• Who it’s for: Parents and carers supporting children/young people with Selective Mutism

🎟️ To book your place:

• Email: admin@ttht.co.uk

• Phone: 0300 365 3055

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.

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

You’re invited to join us for a day of connection, learning, and great conversation with the Inclusive Club Network in Birmingham.

We’re bringing together clubs, coaches, and volunteers from across the city to explore how we can embed inclusion in community sport.

The event will feature:

• Upskilling Workshops – short taster workshops to get clubs thinking about different inclusive practices and easy wins
• Lived Experience Panel Discussion – hear their story and ask them about their journey
• Networking with other community clubs in Birmingham!

Whether you’re just starting out or building on existing work, this event is designed to support and inspire you.

There will be food, drinks, and plenty of time to chat and ask questions.

🗓️Wednesday 23 September

🕕Time: 10:00am – 15:00pm

📍Location: Sense, Touchbase Pears, Bristol Road, Selly Oak, B29 6NA

For more information and to book: Inclusive Club Network Birmingham

A relaxed, welcoming space for all parent carers, whether you’re newly registered, thinking about joining Grace House, or have been with us for a while.

 Learn more about our programmes and support
 Meet other parent carers
 Chat with Vicki and Wendy from our team

Every fortnight on Wednesday
9.30am – 11.30am
Registration is required.

Book here: https://bookwhen.com/gracehouse#focus=ev-swlne-20260417180000

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/

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

WheelPower is the national charity for wheelchair sport and its our mission to support disabled people of all ages to lead healthier and more active lives through movement, activity and sport.

We understand that there are many people in our community working with people with physical disabilities, and this short online course is here to give you the knowledge and confidence in your own organisations.  Time is precious which is why we have re-engineered this course content to make the very best of your limited time. Leave confident to adapt any session for wheelchair users

Upcoming Dates

• Thursday 14 May 2026 0930 – 11:30 (with Louise Hunt-Skelley)
• Thursday 30 July 2026 0930 – 11:30 (with Louise Hunt-Skelley)
• Thursday 24 September 2026 – 0930 – 1130 (with Pete Edwards)

Course Format

Will now take place in two parts. All attendees will be sent the link to the Online Training module upon signing up to the course and will be asked to complete this prior to attending the Tutor Led element.

• Part 1: Self-Guided Learning Module (45–60 minutes)
  This module helps learners understand how to include people with spinal cord injuries and other physical impairments in sport and activity. It explores barriers and opportunities to participation, appropriate language, and practical off-court considerations to make activities more accessible and inclusive.
• Part 2: Tutor-Led Online Course via Zoom (Approx. 2 hours)
  This interactive session includes breakout discussions and insights from our tutor’s lived experience. You’ll explore inclusive sports and adaptable activities for people with physical disabilities. The course aims to build your confidence in supporting disabled people to access and enjoy sport and activity.

Who is the course suitable for?

If you are a teacher, coach, sports student, physiotherapist, or occupational therapist striving to adapt your sports session for wheelchair participants, then this training is for you.

Future Opportunities

This course will enable you to support WheelPower in the delivery of programmes and events as well as other governing bodies, organisations and clubs that provide opportunities for disabled people to participate in wheelchair sport and physical activity.

After the course each participant will be provided with further support from WheelPower Sports Team should you have additional questions, or need us to help you make contact with organisations local to you.

Cost

This training course costs us £500 to organise. We kindly ask for a donation to help cover these costs. Your support will enable us to continue providing access to sport for people with physical disabilities.

Contact

If you have any questions about this course please contact the team via sport@wheelpower.org.uk

Engaging Wheelchair Participants in Sport

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