Upcoming Events
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
Dates & Times
12 Sept 2026, 12:30 – 15:30
Chesterfield, Chesterfield, UK
About
Fun & relaxed, The Saturday Lunch Club is the perfect weekend unwind. Chat, enjoy lunch, a snack, or even a cocktail. Whether you’re catching up with friends or meeting new ones, The Saturday Lunch Club offers a warm, welcoming space to meet up.
The Saturday Lunch Club will take place throughout 2026 on the following dates:
Saturday 28th February
Saturday 2nd May
Saturday 18th July
Saturday 12th September
Saturday 28th November – Christmas edition
Sign up to each date separately.
12:30pm – ALL dates.
Chesterfield – exact location is only disclosed to those registered due to safeguarding reasons. However, the venue is fully accessible with a large disabled toilet. There is a Changing Places facility directly opposite. The venue is informal and relaxed. It serves a wide range of food and drinks, including all-day brunch, small plates, burgers, sandwiches, hot drinks, mocktails & cocktails.
Each ‘CP Teen’ can claim back up to £45 for their and a +1’s food/drink. Contributions towards travel costs can also be claimed back depending upon where you are travelling from – more information can be found here.
£10 refundable deposit for each date. You will receive your deposit(s) back upon attending. No shows do not receive a refund on their deposit(s) (unless extenuating circumstances).
Minimum age: 14-years
Maximum age: 25-years
Looking for a supportive space to make music together? OPEN is an inclusive ensemble in Leeds designed for anyone who might need extra support to make music alongside family and friends.
Bring your own instruments or use the ones provided on the day!
✨ Details:
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When: Saturdays, 26th September to 28th November 2026 (8 sessions total) | 2:15pm – 4:15pm (includes breaks)
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Where: Leeds Conservatoire, 3 Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7PD
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Who it’s for: Advised age 8+ (family and friends welcome!)
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Cost/Places: Places are limited, so booking is essential.
🔗 For more information & to book: www.madewithmusic.co.uk/open
📩 Email: hello@madewithmusic.co.uk
📝 About the Session
- What we will be doing: Get into the festive spirit with our wreath-making workshop! Create your own beautiful Christmas wreath while enjoying delicious festive food, seasonal treats, and plenty of Christmas cheer! Tickets are £20 per person (you will be refunded £10 after event, if attended).
- What to expect (The Vibe): The workshop will be very relaxed, with lots of guidance from Kathryn from Thistle and Twine . All materials will provided to create a beautiful moss based festive wreath.
- Who it’s for: Strictly for parents and carers of children with additional needs or disabilities. Over 18’s only.
- Date & Time: Saturday 28th November. 5pm to 6pm for refreshments. 6pm to 8pm for the Festive wreath workshop. Please do not arrive before 5pm due to the rooms being in use before 5pm.
🎤 About Our Workshop Leader
- Who is joining us: Kathryn from Thistle and Twine.
- What they will be sharing: Kathryn is an experienced florist and has run a number of these workshops before. Kathryn will show us the basics as to how to create a festive wreath and will be on hand to answer any further questions.
- About the Presenter: Kathryn is passionate about offering floral workshops to communities that may struggle to attend otherwise. She will ensure everyone has a fun and relaxed evening whilst creating a beautiful wreath to take home.
- Website / Further Info: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590125003246
🚗 Getting There & Arrival
- Venue Address: Leeds Mencap, The Vinery Centre, 20 Vinery Terrace, Leeds LS9 9LU
- Venue Website: https://www.leedsmencap.org.uk
- Parking Details: Free parking on-site with designated Blue Badge spaces at the rear of the building. There is also on-street parking.
- Finding the Little Hiccups Group: Look for the Little Hiccups sign! We will be in the activity rooms within The Vinery Centre.
- Entrance & Access: Flat, step-free entrance with automatic doors.
🚶 The Venue Space & Seating
- Room Layout: As you are arrive, we will have refreshments and food available and some Christmas tunes! At 6pm, will be able to move into the workshop area.
- Seating & Comfort: Standard chairs and tables will be used throughout.
- Lifts & Levels: The venue and room are entirely on the ground floor.
🚽 Toilets & Accessibility
- Standard Accessible Toilet: Yes, located on the ground floor close to our seating area. No Radar key required.
- Changing Places Toilet: Yes, this venue has a full Changing Places toilet available if required.
🍰 Atmosphere, Food & Drinks
- Lighting & Noise Levels: Soft, warm lighting with low-volume background music. The workshop may be noisy at times.
- Food & Refreshments: Little Hiccups is providing free hot drinks and a selection of sandwiches and cakes! Please let us know any allergies or dietary requirements when booking.
⛑️ Safety & Venue Details
- Little Hiccups Staff: As always, our staff and volunteers will be on hand to make sure everyone feels welcome. If you are nervous about coming alone, drop us a message beforehand and we will make sure someone meets you at the door!
- First Aid & Evacuation: The venue has dedicated first-aid trained staff and all emergency exits are step-free.
🎟️ How to Book
Spaces are limited so we can keep the group size relaxed and comfortable.
Bookings open on 7th September at 6pm.
Bookings for this event will close on 2nd November to allow time for the materials to be ordered.
Please book your spot below:
If you have any questions or are unsure about attending for the first time, please reach out to us at
events@littlehiccups.co.uk. We’d love to have you join us!
Important Booking Information:
Please note that our events are heavily subsidised by Little Hiccups to support our community. Because the charity covers the remaining costs based on our final confirmed numbers (such as venue hire, refreshments, entertainers and presenter costs), we kindly ask that you let us know if your plans change. If you can no longer make it, please cancel your places by emailing events@littlehiccups.co.uk so we can reallocate the spots and prevent charity funds from being lost.
Book here: https://www.littlehiccups.co.uk/events/2026_11_28-parent-carer-event-festive-wreath-workshop
Dates & Times
29 Nov 2026, 12:30 – 16:30
Chesterfield, Chesterfield, UK
About
Chat, enjoy lunch, a snack, or even a cocktail. Whether you’re catching up with friends or meeting new ones, join us to enjoy the festivities and the festive tipi!
Sunday 29th November
Lunch followed by the Festive Tipi with roaring fires and festive drinks after lunch.
12:30pm.
Chesterfield – exact location is only disclosed to those registered due to safeguarding reasons. However, the venue is fully accessible with a large disabled toilet. There is a Changing Places facility directly opposite. The venue is informal and relaxed. It serves a wide range of food and drinks, including all-day brunch, small plates, burgers, sandwiches, hot drinks, mocktails & cocktails. Festive Tipi outside lunch venue (<1 minute walk).
Each ‘CP Teen’ can claim back up to £45 for their and a +1’s food/drink. Contributions towards travel costs can also be claimed back depending upon where you are travelling from – more information can be found here.
£10 refundable deposit. You will receive your deposit(s) back upon attending. No shows do not receive a refund on their deposit(s) (unless extenuating circumstances).
Minimum age: 14-years
Maximum age: 25-years
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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
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
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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
Specifically for families with ‘Cared for children’ 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, tranquillity or shared smiles,…
Book here: https://www.thespeciallioness.com/events
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
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Date/Time: Every Tuesday, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm.
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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
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
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.
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When: 1st Wednesday of each month.
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Time: 10:00am – 11:30am.
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Where: Park Lane Centre, Park Lane, Bradford, BD5 0LN.
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Cost: Free to attend.
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Features: Free refreshments are provided, and children are very welcome.
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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
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.
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When: Every Wednesday
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Time: 11:45 am – 12:30 pm
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Location: Lovabelle, Visage House, South Shields
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Cost: Free for eligible families
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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/