Upcoming Events

Fancy a calm and quiet skate with no music, no lights and fewer visitors? 

Join us for a relaxed skating session on a Sunday morning.

Sunday 15 November 2026, 10:00am – 11:00am
Sunday 6 December 2026, 10:00am – 11:00am
Sunday 3 January 2027, 10:00am – 11:00am

To book tickets for a relaxed skate, simply select one of the above skating sessions when booking online.

Situated in Times Square, just outside Life Science Centre, the rink, made of real ice, runs throughout the Christmas season, providing skaters of all ages and abilities with the ultimate festive experience. 

Skating sessions last approximately one hour (includes time to fit skates, so expect around 45 minutes on the ice).  

To guarantee a space and to avoid disappointment, we recommend booking tickets online ahead of your visit. For extra peace of mind, choose our flexi-ticket option, allowing you to change your booking if your plans change closer to the time.
https://www.life.org.uk/whats-on/event/ice-skating-relaxed-sessions

• 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.

• Contact: 0191 435 2088 | info@gracehouse.co.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.

Join WheelPower and Luiz Faye for a FREE Online Adaptive Box-Fit Class from the comfort of your homes LIVE on Zoom. 

• Luiz Faye will be your fitness trainer for this live class from WheelPower. During this online class Luiz will be taking us through a 40-minute workout that includes a short warm-up and warm down.
• The new Adaptive Box-fit classes are the perfect introduction to the sport with no equipment needed, and are suitable for most people who are unable to participate in boxing from a standing position.
• The sessions are designed to incorporate functional fitness, strength and conditioning; paying particular attention to the transfer of adaptive boxing skills and drills to increase core stability, mobility and overall upper body strength.
• Although all our sessions feature an element of adaptive boxing, experience is not necessary. In fact, you don’t even need to take the sport out of your living room so there’s no pressure to jump in the ring!  Consider it to be boxing moves for the functional benefits and not for the fight!
• All the exercises are done from a seated position and can be adapted to suit varying abilities and fitness levels.  You must, however, be guided by your body and work out to suit your needs safely.

Example programme:

• 11:00 to 11:05 – Welcome and introduction
• 11:05 to 11:45 – Workout (approx. 40 minutes)
• 11:45 to 11:55 – Q&A opportunity
• 11:55 to 12:00 – WheelPower programmes

Location

In your home or garden!

Equipment

• A laptop/computer or phone to access the class via Zoom.
• A bottle of water

Online Adaptive Box-Fit Class with Luiz

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

Sunbeams is our youngest group and is for any children from birth (or even before!) to 4 years along with their siblings, parents and carers. It is a lovely time for playing, chatting and sharing a cuppa with other familes. We always end the group with a time of singing and signing which is popular with the little ones.

We would ask people to be mindful of the vulnerability of people with Down syndrome; please do not attend a face to face session if you are unwell with something that could be passed on to others –  we are grateful for your ongoing understanding and consideration of each other.

Contact
Phone: Weekday: 07442 332678 Weekend: 07472 320168
Email: hello@sunshineandsmiles.org.uk

• 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

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,

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:

Riverside Family Hub, NE29 6DQ
2nd Sept, 7th Oct, 4th Nov and 2nd Dec 2025
6th Jan, 3rd Feb, 3rd Mar, 7th Apr

Howdon Family Hub, NE28 0AL
9th Sept, 14th Oct, 11th Nov and 9th Dec 2025
13th Jan, 10th Feb, 10th Mar, 14th Apr

Shiremoor Family Hub, NE27 0TA
16th Sept, 21st Oct and 18th Nov
20th Jan, 17th Feb, 17th Mar, 21st 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

A welcoming group for all children aged 0–5 and their families.

When:
Every Tuesday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
(Term-time only)

Where:
Sheffield Mencap, Norfolk Lodge
Park Grange Road, Sheffield, S2 3QF

What to Expect:

• Free of charge – no booking needed, just drop in!
• A chance to meet other parents
• Fun children’s activities, toys, and games
• Refreshments provided

Who is it for?
Families with children aged 0–5 looking for an inclusive, friendly environment to play and connect.

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

Date: Tuesday 17th November 2026

Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm (drop in anytime)

Location: Scope Leeds Community Hub, 3 Brewery Wharf, Dock Street, Leeds, LS10 1JF

Cost: Free

Organiser: Scope

About the Event

Scope is hosting a West Yorkshire Inclusive Employment Fair in Leeds, designed especially for disabled jobseekers and those exploring their career options.

Whether you are actively looking for work, returning to employment, or just curious about what opportunities are out there, this event provides a friendly, accessible, and supportive environment to connect directly with inclusive employers.

What to Expect

• Meet Inclusive Employers: Connect directly with employers actively looking for talent and ask questions about real job opportunities.

• Workshops & Practical Advice: Gain insight into your rights at work and learn how to comfortably request workplace adjustments and support.

• 1-to-1 Support: Chat with support organisations and advisors to help you move forward at your own pace.

Accessibility Information

The Scope Leeds Community Hub has been designed with accessibility in mind:

• Step-free entrance

• Accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities

• Quiet space available on site

• Tailored support available if you have specific access needs

Booking & Enquiries

• Book Tickets: Reserve your free place on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leeds-and-west-yorkshire-inclusive-employment-fair-tickets-1998741260916

• Email: north.community@scope.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

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/