Upcoming Events
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/
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
Music Therapy Sessions for Children with Additional Needs
Welcome to our enchanting Music Rainbow Room, a vibrant space where creativity and healing harmonize. Here, children with additional needs embark on a magical journey through the world of sound and rhythm, guided by our skilled music therapists Ash and Chad. Each session is designed to foster connection, self-expression, and personal growth in a nurturing environment.
A Safe and Inviting Space
The Music Rainbow Room is a feast for the senses, filled with colourful instruments. This inviting atmosphere encourages children to explore their emotions and communicate in ways that resonate with them. The room is a sanctuary where every child feels valued and heard.
Engaging Activities
During our music therapy sessions, children participate in a variety of engaging activities tailored to their unique needs and abilities. These may include:
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Instrument Exploration: Children can experiment with a range of instruments, from drums to xylophones, violins, double bass and piano allowing them to discover their musical preferences.
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Group Activities: Collaborative music-making fosters social skills and teamwork, creating a sense of community among participants.
Benefits of Music Therapy
Music therapy offers numerous benefits for children with additional needs, including:
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Improved Communication: Music provides an alternative medium for children to express themselves, enhancing their verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
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Emotional Regulation: Engaging with music helps children manage their emotions, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
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Social Skills Development: Through group activities, children learn to interact with peers, share, and collaborate, building essential social skills.
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Boosted Self-Esteem: Creating and performing music fosters a sense of achievement, helping children gain confidence in their abilities.
Join Us in the Music Rainbow Room
We invite you to join us in the Music Rainbow Room, where every note played and every song sung is a step toward growth and healing. Together, we will create a symphony of joy, connection, and inspiration, celebrating the unique musical journey of each child. Experience the transformative power of music therapy in a space designed to uplift and empower!
With thanks to Music Connects Sunderland, Point North and RWE Great Eppleton Wind Farm Community Fund for sponsoring our sessions.
Book here: https://www.thespeciallioness.com/events
Henry Moore Lecture Theatre, Leeds Art GalleryLeeds, West Yorkshire
Saturday 5 December • 1 PM – 4 PM
Overview
A presentation and discussion with Benedict Phillips (artist) and Briony Martin (Lotus Links Founder).
NO CRY FOR HELP IS LOUD ENOUGH
1.00-2.00pm
Benedict Phillips (artist) and Briony Martin (Lotus links founder)
An introduction to the processes that brought this project into being. The experiences and inspiration that built the Lotus links community, and shaped this process. Followed by a Q & A.
2:00-4:00pm
Community exhibition & launch
Join the artist and community to explore the exhibition. Light refreshments and a separate quiet safe space will be available throughout the day in Henry Moore lecture theatre.
Exhibition description:
NO CRY FOR HELP IS LOUD ENOUGH
An installation of Photography and text made through a collaboration between Artist & Curator Benedict Phillips and the Lotus Links Peer Support community. Exploring and expressing deeply personal and emotive shared experiences of Neurodivergence in conflict with institutional processes and thinking.
This work involves considerable personal investment, discussing, exploring and finding different ways to express what is often left unsaid in public spaces and finding a way to communicate this through Art.
This work comes from a desire to tell stories in response to what has happened in the past and what is happening right now in people’s lives. It explores emotive lived experience through ideas of activism, performance, poetry and photography with a clear intention to be a provocation, and to open up a debate around the hierarchy and relationships between institutions and their policies and the individual. Highlighting the impact on parents and their children who find themselves living in conflict with the normative and ableism of our world all around them.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/no-cry-for-help-is-loud-enough-community-exhibition-and-launch-event-tickets-2002237051921
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
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
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Connect with Local Families: Meet other parent-carers walking a similar path, swap stories, and build your local support network.
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Meet the Team: Say hello to our wonderful new volunteers, Vanessa and Rebecca, who will be hosting the morning.
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A Safe, Non-Judgemental Space: Offload, share experiences, celebrate the small wins, and talk openly without needing to explain or justify.
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Signposting & Guidance: Access peer support, practical insights, and signposting to relevant resources and services.
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A Warm Brew & Welcoming Atmosphere: A relaxed, low-demand environment where you can take things at your own pace.
Venue & Accessibility
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Venue: Turning Point Counselling
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Address: 16 Church Lane, Brighouse, West Yorkshire, HD6 1AT
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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.
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Telephone / WhatsApp: Vanessa on 07709 345056
Come along as you are—we look forward to seeing you there!
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VI (Visually Impaired) Weekly Tennis: 12:30pm – 3:00pm (Spring/Summer: Brentwood Tennis Centre | Autumn/Winter: Graves Tennis Centre)
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Serving Autism: 10:00am – 11:00am
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Yorkshire Para Standing Tennis Club: 11:00am – 12:00pm
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Cardio Tennis: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
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Walking Tennis: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
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Sensory Tennis: 11:00am – 12:00pm
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Mencap & Gateway Adult Tennis Inclusive (LD): 12:00pm – 1:00pm
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Wheelchair Tennis Inclusive Group: 1:00pm – 2:00pm (Graves Tennis Centre)
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Women’s Group: 11:00am – 12:00pm (Brentwood)
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Women’s Doubles Tennis: 12:00pm – 1:00pm (Brentwood)
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Cardio Tennis: 1:00pm – 2:00pm (Brentwood)
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Walking Tennis: 2:00pm – 3:00pm (Brentwood)
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Women’s Tennis Xpress Starter Group: 6:00pm – 7:00pm (Graves)
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Kids Tennis Inclusive: 1:00pm – 1:45pm & 2:00pm – 2:45pm (Spring/Summer: Brentwood Tennis Centre | Autumn/Winter: Hallamshire Tennis & Squash Club)
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Email Ben: benabilitytennis@gmail.com
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Open Court Enquiries: yorkshireopencourt@gmail.com
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Website: https://www.abilitytennis.co.uk
About the Course
- What we will be learning: Caring for a neurodivergent/disabled child affects the whole family, including siblings who may experience their own mix of pride, worry, frustration, and love. At the same time, parents and carers often find their own well-being slipping to the bottom of the list. This workshop explores practical ways to support siblings as they navigate their unique role and help them feel included and heard. We will also focus on you, exploring how to carve out realistic moments of self-care without guilt—knowing both are key to a thriving family environment.
- Course Structure: A structured, collaborative online workshop running from 10:00am – 12:00pm filled with real-world examples, reflection, and shared strategies.
- Who it’s for: Strictly for parents and carers of children with additional needs or disabilities. These workshops are fully funded by the Leeds Parent Carer Forum, making this identity-affirming support available to our families at no cost.
About Our Course Leader
Who is running the session: Laura Hellfeld (ND Nurse).- Their Expertise: Laura is Autistic/PDA and ADHD herself, a parent to two neurodiverse children, a Nurse, Sleep Consultant, and Advocate. Her specialty is supporting Autistic and ADHD individuals, focusing on foundations around mental health, strengthening family relationships, and self-advocacy. Because she lives the life and talks the talk, her teaching is structured to offer practical, supportive help to all families navigating neurodiversity.
- Website / Further Info: www.laurahellfeld.co.uk
🤝 Funded by Leeds Parent Carer Forum
Our Funding Partners: 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:
Online (daytime): 6th Nov, 10pm >
In person: 11th Nov, 10am >
Online (evening): 18th Nov, 7pm >
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
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Spotting the Signs: Recognising subtle behavioural and verbal cues when someone is struggling with thoughts of suicide.
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Having the Conversation: Practical, straightforward techniques to ask direct questions comfortably and without judgement.
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Safety Planning & Next Steps: Understanding local and national crisis resources and how to signpost effectively.
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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
These Sessions are for parents/ carers (no children, please) who want to learn more about their child’s mental health and emotional wellbeing, and explore helpful strategies for support.
For more information or to book a place, please contact families.admin@children-ne.org.uk or on 0191 2727 824.
Wellbeing & Self-Care
Our wellbeing is important, and we need good mental health to enable us to support our children too. In this workshop we will explore self care and how this can have a positive impact on your mental wellbeing, with optional meditation to finish.
- Wednesday 4th November
- 9:30am – 11:30am
- Cowgate Centre, NE5 3UT
Communication & Conflict
Explore the causes of conflict, improve communication, and learn practical ways to build stronger connections with your child.
- Wednesday 11th November
- 10am – 11:15am
- The Haven, Kenton, NE3 3RX
Brain Development
In this session, we’ll explore how changes in brain development affect young people’s behaviour, helping you better understand your child and reduce conflict.
- Friday 13th November
- 10am – 11:15am
- Byker Sands Family Hub, NE6 2FF
School Avoidance
Often linked to anxiety, we explore the underlying causes why children avoid school and look at practical strategies to help your child. The session also offers a safe, supportive space to share experiences and concerns.
- Tuesday 17th November
- 6pm – 7pm
- Online
Anxiety
More children are experiencing anxiety than ever before. The aim of this workshop is to explore what anxiety is, how to recognise it and the causes. Providing you with the knowledge, understanding and strategies to help your child/ children.
- Thursday 19th November
- 11am – 12:15pm
- Nunsmoor Centre, NE4 5AH
- Thursday 26th November
- 12pm – 1pm
- Online
Wednesday 11th November 2026
In this hands-on session, Jon Abrams from Inclusion London will guide you through using Inclusion London’s DRE Calculator; a chatbot tool aimed at helping you to minimise your social care costs.
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/
Come and join us once a month at Toby House for our Time to Talk sessions.
This group is for parents/carers only of children and young people of ALL ages. The group is free to attend and is for parents & carers who live in Northumberland and their child has a diagnosis of Autism. It is a chance to come along and meet and chat with other families as well as our experienced family support team.
Sessions are held at Toby House, Earth Balance Bedlington, Northumberland, NE22 7AD.
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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
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
Leeds Involving People is working with the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) to hear about people’s experiences of early years support for deaf children aged 0-5.
We’re holding two upcoming focus groups and would love to hear from people who would like to share their experiences, views and ideas.
The sessions will help us understand what support is working well, where there may be gaps and what could be improved for deaf children and their families.
📅 Focus Group 1 – Hearing Parents and Carers of Deaf Children
- Date: Wednesday 11th November 2026
- Time: 5.30pm–8.30pm
📅 Focus Group 2 – Young Deaf Adults (18–25 years)
- Date: Wednesday 25th November 2026
- Time: 5.30pm–8.30pm
📍 Venue for both sessions:
Leeds Society for Deaf & Blind People
St Mary’s Street, Leeds, LS9 7DP
🚗 Parking available
☕ Refreshments provided
👧 Children welcome
Both sessions will be informal and welcoming, with opportunities to share experiences and help shape future support for deaf children and their families.
To book your place, please text 07719 328 721 with your name and the date of the session you’d like to attend.
Please also feel free to share this invitation with anyone who might be interested. We’d really appreciate your help in reaching parents, carers and young Deaf adults across Leeds.
We hope to see you there!
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!
Rosacea can have a real impact on a person’s confidence. Changing Faces is hosting a free, interactive community webinar for people who would like to learn more about ways of covering and disguising the appearance of their rosacea.
The webinar is open to patients, people supporting patients and healthcare professionals.
If you support or treat people living with rosacea, we’d be grateful if you could let them know about it.
📢 Rosacea, skin camouflage and you
📅 Wednesday 11 November 6:30PM – 7:30PM
What attendees can expect
- Talks from expert skin camouflage practitioners who live with rosacea themselves
- Personal stories from the speakers about their own journeys
- An introduction to products that can help
- Simple demonstrations of application techniques
- Guidance on where to find professional skin camouflage support