Upcoming Events
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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
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!
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.
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When: Every Thursday
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Time: 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm
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Location: The Word, 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/
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.
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When: Every Thursday
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Time: 6.00 pm – 7.00 pm
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Where: Footsteps Theatre School, Idle, BD10 8PY
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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/
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
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.
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When: Every Saturday
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Time: 2.30 pm – 3.30 pm
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Where: Footsteps Theatre School, Idle, BD10 8PY
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Cost: £2 donation on entry (Dancers are encouraged to pay at the door to help practice their independent money skills).
Join Pawsitive Action Leeds CIC for their monthly Dog Walking Social, a friendly and disability-inclusive event open to all dog lovers—whether you have a canine companion of your own or just enjoy being around them!
This social walk is a great opportunity to meet new people in a relaxed outdoor setting. The group may also enjoy a picnic together after the stroll, so feel free to bring along your blankets and snacks.
🗓️ Event Details
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Recurring: Last Saturday of every month
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Time: 11:30am
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Location: Kirkstall Abbey (Meet at the Kirkstall Road main entrance)
🐾 Important Information
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Who can attend: All dogs and humans are welcome!
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Cost: Donations are welcomed. Contributions help cover the running costs of PAL CIC, travel costs for volunteers, and the development of future events and training.
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Accessibility: This event is designed to be disability-inclusive.
Many of our regular families had raised concerns with us that once their young person turns 18, and although here at the Autism Hub we have our amazing partners – Autism in Mind (AIM) who offer support to autistic adults, many families have shared their worry that ultimately and technically the support for the family themselves stops.
Families have shared with us that they get so much from our services, especially our monthly peer support groups (Cuppa & Cakes) calling it their ‘safe space’. We pride ourselves on listening to feedback, adapting, and expanding where we can on our offer here at the Autism Hub.
With that in mind we are thrilled to share that we have expanded our monthly cuppa and cake groups to include a NEW monthly group for families with autistic young adults 18+
Booking is essential.
To book a place:
Call 0191 816 0550
Email autismhub@ttht.co.uk
Or book via our website ttht.co.uk/autism-hub-events/
**Please note this group is for parent/carers only not the young adult.
For support for autistic adults please follow the link to AIMs offer in South Tyneside https://autisminmind.com/aim-south-tyneside
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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
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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.
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Contact: 0191 435 2088 | info@gracehouse.co.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
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/
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
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.
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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).
-
Description: An informal group for parent-carers to discuss a monthly book and enjoy a bit of ‘me-time’.
-
Date/Time: Every Monday (Starting 2nd February), 10:00am – 11:00am.
-
Location: Grace House, Bardolph Drive, Sunderland, SR5 2DE.
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Contact: 0191 435 2088 | info@gracehouse.co.uk
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
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
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/