Upcoming Events

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!

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.

• When: Every Thursday

• Time: 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm

• Location: The Word, 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/

Dance21 is our high-energy dance group for young people aged 12 and over.

These sessions focus on creative movement, socialising, and fitness. It is a fantastic way for older young people to build their self-esteem, learn new routines, and catch up with friends every week.

Like our junior group, these sessions are led by Claire King, ensuring a supportive and expert-led environment for all participants.

• When: Every Thursday

• Time: 6.00 pm – 7.00 pm

• Where: Footsteps Theatre School, Idle, BD10 8PY

• Cost: £3.50 donation on entry (This allows our dancers to practice handling money and paying for their own sessions).

How to Join

We are always looking to welcome new faces to our dance family! If you would like to attend or have any questions about the sessions, please visit our website or get in touch.

Find out more: https://www.downsyndromebradford.com/

A fortnightly emotional wellbeing drop-in group run by Family Focus North East for parents, carers, and children aged 10–13. No referral or diagnosis needed.

Event Details:

• Organisation: Family Focus North East

• Venue: Galafield Family Hub

• Start Date: Friday 4th September

• Frequency: Fortnightly (every two weeks)

• Age Group: Children aged 10–13 years along with their parents/carers

• Cost: Free

• Contact Email: familyfocus2026@gmail.com

• Supported by: The National Lottery Community Fund

About the Event

Calm Connections is an informal emotional wellbeing drop-in group run by Family Focus North East.

It provides a safe, welcoming space for parents, carers, and young people aged 10–13 who may be:

• Feeling anxious or overwhelmed

• Experiencing low mood

• Struggling with emotional regulation

Key Information:

• No referral is required

• No diagnosis is needed

• No pressure – just a safe space to connect and receive support

Get in Touch:

For any questions or more information, please email familyfocus2026@gmail.com.

The Active Lifestyles Group meets for two hours on a Friday afternoon for a two hour trip through some of Leeds’ finest parks. 

This group is free.

Most weeks there are about 10 members joining us, with support workers where required.

Our trips are reasonably gentle. They last for the full two hours with short stops for rests when somebody needs one. 

We aim for paths and grass, rather than scrambling up rocks.

We meet at a different venue each week. Examples of parks we visit are: Roundhay, Middleton and Golden Acre.

Absolutely FREE! 

Every Friday

13:00 until 15:00

Meet at the location, which will change every week

People can join by contacting Al Mayes on 0113 2443729 or al.mayes@peopleinaction.org.uk

Twirly21s is a lovely continuation from our early development groups, designed specifically for children with Down syndrome aged 5 to 12.

These sessions are more than just a dance class; they provide a consistent space for parents and children to keep in touch, share experiences, and grow together. Our dancers focus on coordination, rhythm, and confidence in a fun, friendly environment.

Classes are delivered by Claire King, who has a wealth of experience working with young children with Down syndrome.

• When: Every Saturday

• Time: 2.30 pm – 3.30 pm

• Where: Footsteps Theatre School, Idle, BD10 8PY

• Cost: £2 donation on entry (Dancers are encouraged to pay at the door to help practice their independent money skills).

https://www.downsyndromebradford.com/

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!

Join Pawsitive Action Leeds CIC for their monthly Dog Walking Social, a friendly and disability-inclusive event open to all dog lovers—whether you have a canine companion of your own or just enjoy being around them!

This social walk is a great opportunity to meet new people in a relaxed outdoor setting. The group may also enjoy a picnic together after the stroll, so feel free to bring along your blankets and snacks.

🗓️ Event Details

• Recurring: Last Saturday of every month

• Time: 11:30am

• Location: Kirkstall Abbey (Meet at the Kirkstall Road main entrance)

🐾 Important Information

• Who can attend: All dogs and humans are welcome!

• Cost: Donations are welcomed. Contributions help cover the running costs of PAL CIC, travel costs for volunteers, and the development of future events and training.

• Accessibility: This event is designed to be disability-inclusive.

 Many of our regular families had raised concerns with us that once their young person turns 18, and although here at the Autism Hub we have our amazing partners – Autism in Mind (AIM) who offer support to autistic adults, many families have shared their worry that ultimately and technically the support for the family themselves stops.

Families have shared with us that they get so much from our services, especially our monthly peer support groups (Cuppa & Cakes) calling it their ‘safe space’. We pride ourselves on listening to feedback, adapting, and expanding where we can on our offer here at the Autism Hub.

With that in mind we are thrilled to share that we have expanded our monthly cuppa and cake groups to include a NEW monthly group for families with autistic young adults 18+

Booking is essential.

To book a place:

Call 0191 816 0550

Email autismhub@ttht.co.uk

Or book via our website ttht.co.uk/autism-hub-events/

**Please note this group is for parent/carers only not the young adult.

For support for autistic adults please follow the link to AIMs offer in South Tyneside https://autisminmind.com/aim-south-tyneside

• 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

• 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

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,

• Organiser: Sheffield Parent Carer Forum

• Format: Recurring Event

• Time: 9:45am – 2:45pm

• Dates to Select:

  • Thursday 26th November 2026

  • Friday 29th January 2027

  • Thursday 11th February 2027

• Venue / Location: Niagara Conference and Leisure Centre, Niagara Road, Sheffield, S6 1LU

• Booking URL: https://sheffieldparentcarerforum.org.uk/about/neurodisability-training-project/

• Description: Delivered in person by Sheffield Parent Carer Forum, this comprehensive training course is aimed at practitioners and professionals supporting children aged 0–12 with Autism and ADHD.

Session Times: 9:45am – 2:45pm

Venue: Niagara Conference and Leisure Centre, Sheffield

To book your place on your preferred date, please visit:

https://sheffieldparentcarerforum.org.uk/about/neurodisability-training-project/

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

Book here: https://www.littlehiccups.co.uk/events/2026-12-29-christmas-party