Upcoming Events

Join our welcoming community of parents and carers of children aged 0–10 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or emerging needs for informal advice and support. These regular sessions are hosted by our friendly Family Connectors who share their lived experience of raising children with SEND to offer understanding, support, and signposting to services.

• When: 1st Wednesday of each month.

• Time: 10:00am – 11:30am.

• Where: Park Lane Centre, Park Lane, Bradford, BD5 0LN.

• Cost: Free to attend.

• Features: Free refreshments are provided, and children are very welcome.

• Requirements: No diagnosis or formal pathway is necessary to join us.

Registration: While you can register on the day, signing up in advance allows you to access 1:1 support and join our friendly WhatsApp group. Register here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=UNBN7Z7jDk6pmUCX-a-xZe1LCptBUiBNlPO4JzShuMFURjFWU0ZUNUJPTDMxTEs1TEhYSTRTRFFaQS4u&route=shorturl

Come and join us for a cuppa, chat, offload or just a good old gossip, at Portland Academy’s coffee shop, ran by parents for parents & carers. The first cuppa is on us!

Portland Academy, Weymouth Rd, Sunderland, Chapelgarth SR3 2NQ, UK

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!

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

• 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/

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

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,

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

Organisation: North East Autism Society
Date: Tuesday afternoons
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Venue: Carnegie Building, Atkinson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 8XS
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

Does your child enjoy music? Would they like to explore sound in a creative and supported way? Would you like to be part of our group music sessions which are full of smiles, laughter and enrichment? This is the place to be!

About the event

Location: Turning Point Counselling, 16 Church Lane, Brighouse, HD6 1AT

Cost: Free to attend

About This Event

Does your child have Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), or are you wondering if they might have a PDA profile? Navigating life with a PDA child can feel isolating, overwhelming, and unique—and finding people who truly get it makes all the difference.

The Lightbulb Moment is delighted to welcome parent-carers to our monthly peer support meet-up at our brand-new venue in Brighouse. Whether you have a formal diagnosis, are exploring the profile, or are right at the beginning of your journey, you are warmly invited.

What to Expect

• Connect with Local Families: Meet other parent-carers walking a similar path, swap stories, and build your local support network.

• Meet the Team: Say hello to our wonderful new volunteers, Vanessa and Rebecca, who will be hosting the morning.

• A Safe, Non-Judgemental Space: Offload, share experiences, celebrate the small wins, and talk openly without needing to explain or justify.

• Signposting & Guidance: Access peer support, practical insights, and signposting to relevant resources and services.

• A Warm Brew & Welcoming Atmosphere: A relaxed, low-demand environment where you can take things at your own pace.

Venue & Accessibility

• Venue: Turning Point Counselling

• Address: 16 Church Lane, Brighouse, West Yorkshire, HD6 1AT

• Located centrally in Brighouse, within easy reach of local transport links and town-centre parking.

How to Book & Get in Touch

Spaces are informal, but booking or letting us know you are coming helps us ensure we have enough refreshments and seating ready.

• Telephone / WhatsApp: Vanessa on 07709 345056

• Website: https://www.thelightbulbmomentpda.com

Come along as you are—we look forward to seeing you there!