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
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
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
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.
Join Carers Leeds to stretch your legs as we enjoy beautiful parks together in Leeds. We invite you to join us to promote your health and well-being. No equipment needed, just get your comfy shoes and enjoy a stroll and a chat together.
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/
Short Description:
A dedicated, supportive 8-week course for parents and carers to pause, recharge, build emotional resilience, and develop practical tools to navigate daily challenges with confidence.
Full Description:
Do you ever feel like you’re carrying the weight of everyone else’s needs while putting your own to one side? Perhaps you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or struggling to find time to reconnect with yourself.
Calm Within is a supportive space created for parents and carers to pause, reflect, and recharge. Over 8 weeks, you will explore practical tools to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and self-compassion. This is not about being the perfect parent—it’s about learning to support yourself, understanding your own needs, and discovering how creating calm within yourself can positively impact every area of your life.
What You’ll Explore:
-
Finding greater calm, balance, and practical tools for everyday challenges
-
Building emotional resilience and confidence
-
Developing a deeper connection with yourself and creating healthier boundaries
-
Feeling grounded, centred, and supported in a safe, welcoming space
Spaces are intentionally kept small to ensure a warm, focused group environment.
Event Details:
-
Start Date: Thursday 24th September 2026
-
Duration: 8 weeks
-
Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
-
Tutor: Victoria
-
Group Size: Maximum of 10 participants
-
Cost: £25.00 per person, per week
-
Location: Birkenshaw, BD11 2EX
-
Booking Enquiries: Leedstherapyhubcic@gmail.com
📍 Venue: Sensory World, Old Westgate, Dewsbury, WF16 7SX
📅 Day: Every Friday
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM
What’s On?
🧩 Games & Activities:
- Scrabble
- Telephone
- Other fun word and social games
🍴 Food & Drinks:
- Available throughout the session
- Licensed bar for refreshments
Who Can Join?
✅ All welcome!
This is a friendly, inclusive space for socialising, playing games, and enjoying good company.
Booking Details
📞 Call: 07801 065589
No booking fee – just come along and join the fun!
Description: Enjoy a calming and restorative Baby Yoga session. Led by Kalma Life, these classes focus on gentle stretching and movement for your baby, promoting flexibility and relaxation. It’s a peaceful environment to connect with your child and share support with other neonatal families.
-
When: Every Friday
-
Time: 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
-
Location: Ridgeway Family Hub (Kalma Life)
-
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/
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
Description: This nurturing session focuses on the benefits of infant massage, including improved sleep, digestion, and emotional bonding. Run by Kalma Life, it provides a quiet, safe space to learn soothing techniques while connecting with a community of parents who understand the neonatal experience.
-
When: Every Friday
-
Time: 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
-
Location: Ridgeway Family Hub (Kalma Life)
-
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/
A social group for adults with disabilities (independent in personal care) , a diagnosis or undergoing a diagnosis, age 18+. Ticket cost includes a hot snack and a drink (direct payments are accepted). A tuck shop will also be available priced between 20p and 30p or 5 items for £1. Come and join us for a couple of hours chill out time on a Friday evening. Socialise and make new friends. Facilities available include an XBox and wii, pool, football and table tennis tables and creative activities. We also have a karaoke, silent disco equipment and a safe and secure outdoor space. There will be no Feel Good Friday on 31st October 2025.
Instructions
Participants must be registered with Grace House. Please contact Grace House to register before booking the event.
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).