Upcoming Events

The Toby Henderson Trust is hosting monthly support group sessions for all parents and carers, regardless of where you live. It’s a welcoming space to connect with other families, share experiences, and receive practical advice around key topics.

📍 Location: Gosforth Civic Theatre, Regent Farm Road, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 3HD

🗓️ Upcoming Sessions (1:30pm – 3:00pm):

• Tuesday 1st September: Self Care and crafts before the return to school (open to parents, children, and young people)

• Tuesday 6th October: Sleep Issues (parents only)

• Tuesday 3rd November: Toileting Issues (parents only)

• Tuesday 8th December: Preparing for Christmas (parents only)

🎟️ Booking Info: Places must be booked in advance to attend.

• Email: admin@ttht.co.uk

• Phone: 0300 365 3055

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

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

What is Chit & Chat?

A relaxed, informal online social meet for an hour once a fortnight. Come and connect with like-minded young people in a friendly, supportive, and safe space – all from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re chatting away or just listening in, everyone’s welcome.

When?

Fortnightly on Wednesdays, from 5:00–6:00pm GMT

https://www.cpteensuk.org/events

Our cricket sessions are for young people aged 11+.

We have 10 places available for each session, at the moment we have no support staff available so parents and carers will need to stay with their young person.

The sessions are being coached by a qualified Yorkshire Cricket Board coach.

The booking form is here and it is now live for bookings.

Please email ailith@sunshineandsmiles.org.uk if you have any questions.

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!

📅 Date & Time

• Date: 2nd Wednesday of the month

• Time: 19:00 – 21:00

📍 Location

The Function Room, The White Swan

High Street, Yeadon, Leeds, LS19 7TA

📝 Event Description

Join Pawsitive Action Leeds CIC for a new, casual, and friendly peer support meetup designed specifically for anyone navigating PTSD, C-PTSD, or domestic abuse (DV) trauma.

This is a safe, welcoming, and relaxed space to enjoy good company, chat, and share some dog love. There is zero pressure and no expectation to share anything you aren’t comfortable with.

Our group is facilitated by specialist canine and disability practitioners who have lived experience of trauma. Alongside being a warm space to connect, you can also help shape the future of trauma support assistance dogs with us!

🐕 Do I need to bring a dog?

No dog required! You are more than welcome to come just as you are. However, if you have a dog who is calm and comfortable in a pub environment, feel free to bring them along!

🎟️ Admission & Support:

• FREE to attend.

• As this group is hosted at a local pub, we kindly ask attendees to support our host venue by purchasing a drink or some food during the evening.

ℹ️ Please note: This is a peer support group and is not attended by clinical mental health professionals.

📧 Enquiries: pawsitiveactionleeds@gmail.com

🌐 Organisation: Run by Pawsitive Action Leeds CIC – Making Assistance Dogs Accessible to All

Join us for an informal drop-in coffee session at Scotia Works to connect with other parents and carers of neurodivergent children.

These sessions provide a welcoming space for those who have a child or young person living with ADHD or Autism, those awaiting a diagnosis, or anyone seeking advice on behaviors that may indicate neurodivergence. It is an opportunity to chat with peers who have similar concerns and meet staff from Neurodiversity Sheffield, Sheffield Family HUBS, Ryegate, and other supportive agencies.

Event Details

• Location: Scotia Works, Leadmill Road, Sheffield, S1 4SE

• Cost: Free

• Booking: No diagnosis or booking required!

What to Expect

• Expert Support: Get help, support, advice, and information from local experts in a relaxed setting.

• Community Driven: Delivered by Family Action and supported by Sheffield Parent Hub, Sheffield Family Hubs, and Sheffield City Council.

Contact Information

For more information about our service:

• Email: neurodiversity.sheffield@family-action.org.uk

• Phone: 0114 2412733 or 07816 408019

• Website: family-action.org.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.

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

📍 Venue: Sensory World, Old Westgate, Dewsbury, WF13 1NB
📅 Day: Every Thursday
🕒 Time: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM

What’s Included?

🎨 Creative Activities:

• Gluing
• Painting
• Mosaic
• Crafts (£4.00 per person)

🍽 Delicious Lunch:

• 2-course meal for just £5 per person

Why Join Us?

This is a welcoming space for adults with learning difficulties to enjoy creativity, social connection, and a hearty meal in a supportive environment.

Booking Details

📞 Call: 07801 065589
✅ Pre-booking is essential to secure your spot!

📍 Venue: Sensory World Café, Old Westgate, Dewsbury, WF13 1NB
📅 Day: Every Thursday
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Why Join Us?

Don’t feel isolated. Don’t be alone.
Our Luncheon Club is a warm, friendly space where you can enjoy good food and great company.

What’s Included?

🍽 Two-course meal for just £5
Relax, chat, and share a meal in a welcoming environment.

Who Can Come?

✅ Everyone is welcome!
Perfect for anyone looking for social connection and a delicious lunch.

Booking Details

No need to book in advance – just come along!
For more information, contact Sensory World Café.

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/

Kid’s Fitness is a great way to try out lots of different sports and games. The group is led by specialist fitness instructors who are able to safely coach children of all abilities and levels of need.

Children will enjoy getting fitter as they try out a range of activities, including Boccia, dance and team games.

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

Gateway youth club is suitable for children with a mild learning disability and/or autism and their siblings.

The wide range of activities on offer are planned collaboratively with members, including sports, games, art and crafts, films, quizzes and cooking. There are regular themed activities too, such as Halloween and Christmas parties, Easter Egg hunts and sports-themed days. Children may also choose to just relax and enjoy spending time with other young people. Gateway youth club is a great place to meet new friends and develop social skills.

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

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.