Upcoming Events

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!

📅 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

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: Deckham Family Hub

• Start Date: Friday 28th August

• 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

The Toby Henderson Trust is launching a new monthly parent group hosted by Speech and Language Therapist, Emily. This supportive session is focused on children and young people who are diagnosed autistic, or potentially autistic, and experience Selective Mutism (also known as Situational Mutism).

It’s a welcoming space to learn more about Selective Mutism, share practical strategies, and connect with families who truly understand the journey.

✨ Details:

• When: Starting Monday 21st September | 10:00am – 11:00am

• Where: Toby House, Bedlington, Northumberland, NE22 7AD

• Who it’s for: Parents and carers supporting children/young people with Selective Mutism

🎟️ To book your place:

• Email: admin@ttht.co.uk

• Phone: 0300 365 3055

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

Time: 7.00pm – 8.00pm

Venue: The Lehar Room, Guiseley Theatre, The Green, Guiseley, LS20 9BT

Event Description: Does your child have Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), or are you wondering if they might have a PDA profile?

Come along to our monthly evening support group meet-up at our new venue in Guiseley Theatre. Hosted by The Lightbulb Moment, these sessions provide a welcoming and understanding environment to: • Connect with other families navigating similar journeys • Meet Lindsay from The Lightbulb Moment PDA team • Share experiences and advice • Receive peer and professional support

Perfect for parents and carers who find evening meet-ups easier to attend.

Cost: Free

Booking & Enquiries: To book your place or for more information, please contact Lindsay at Lindsay.clarkson@thelightbulbmomentpda.com Website: https://www.thelightbulbmomentpda.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.