Upcoming Events

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

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

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.

Book here:

Online (daytime): 6th Nov, 10pm >
In person: 11th Nov, 10am >
Online (evening): 18th Nov, 7pm >

Join Resident Visual Artist on Wednesday afternoons for accessible engaging visual art workshops at Touchbase Pears.

In our accessible studio you will be supported explore visual and tactile art; exploring new tools and techniques and develop your artistic practice. Our workshops are tailored to you, using a person-centred approach that creates space for you to explore and experiment with art in your own way and at your own pace. This Is My Art, our artistic vision written by Artistic Director – Tanya Raabe-Webber, prioritises process over product.

You don’t need to stay for the full session.

Who is it for?

Disabled people with complex needs.

**Please only book a slot for the participating artist. Parents, carers and support staff do not need to book. If you are unable to attend, please email artsandwellbeing@sense.org.uk to cancel your booking. If the workshop is fully booked, please email to be put on the waiting list. **

Access

Tactile art techniques and materials will be used.

A relaxed, welcoming space for all parent carers, whether you’re newly registered, thinking about joining Grace House, or have been with us for a while.

 Learn more about our programmes and support
 Meet other parent carers
 Chat with Vicki and Wendy from our team

Every fortnight on Wednesday
9.30am – 11.30am
Registration is required.

Book here: https://bookwhen.com/gracehouse#focus=ev-swlne-20260417180000

• Event Title: Sheffield Parent Carer Forum: Information Sessions & Drop-ins

• Organiser: Sheffield Parent Carer Forum (Shared via South Yorkshire CANN)

• Booking / More Info URL: https://sheffieldparentcarerforum.org.uk/events/

• Description: Sheffield Parent Carer Forum is hosting a series of informative, supportive sessions for parent carers. Check the booking link for specific venue locations or joining instructions.

Upcoming Sessions:

• Introduction to trauma-informed practice: Wednesday 4th November | 10:00am – 12:30pm

• Neurodivergence and eating: Thursday 12th November | 10:00am – 12:30pm

• Introduction to demand avoidance: Wednesday 18th November | 10:00am – 12:30pm

• Coffee and Chat drop-in: Thursday 26th November | 9:30am – 12:00pm

• ONLINE: Introduction to Autism: Friday 27th November | 7:00pm – 9:30pm (Virtual)

For full venue details and to book your place, visit:

https://sheffieldparentcarerforum.org.uk/events/

Are you raising a child aged 0–10 with SEND or emerging needs? Come along to our monthly coffee morning in Shipley for helpful advice and a chance to meet other parents in a similar situation. Our Family Connectors use their own lived experience to provide a supportive environment and signposting to local services.

• When: 3rd Wednesday of each month.

• Time: 10:00am – 11:30am.

• Where: Kirkgate Community Centre, 39A Kirkgate, Shipley, BD18 3EH.

• Cost: Free to attend.

• Features: Free refreshments provided; children are welcome to come along.

• Requirements: You do not need a diagnosis or a formal pathway to attend.

Registration: Families can register on the day or via the link below to access additional 1:1 support and our peer 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

Organiser: Pawsitive Action Leeds CIC

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, 15 April 2026 (Held every 3rd Wednesday of the month)

• Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

• Location: Kulture Coffee, 380 Kirkstall Rd, Leeds, LS4 2HQ

• Cost: FREE (Attendees are encouraged to support the venue by purchasing a drink or a “puppuccino”)

About the Event

A relaxed, friendly, and accessible social space for dog enthusiasts to meet. This event is explicitly LGBTQIA+ and disability inclusive.

Whether you are a dog owner or just a dog lover, all are welcome! If you are bringing a furry friend, please ensure they are friendly and non-reactive to keep the environment comfortable for everyone.

Contact Information

• Email: pawsitiveactionleeds@gmail.com

Organisation: The Toby Henderson Trust
Date: Thursday 19th November 2026
Time: 9:30 am – 11:00 am
Venue: Online via Zoom

Details:
While the festive season can be magical, it can also become overwhelming and anxiety-provoking for autistic children and young people. Delivered by team members Lynda and Alice, this free webinar explores practical ideas, insights, and coping strategies to reduce sensory overwhelm and festive anxiety for the entire family. Aimed at families with an autistic child or young person undergoing assessment.

Booking link: https://www.ttht.co.uk
Contact: admin@ttht.co.uk or call 0300 365 3055

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

We are delighted to invite you to join us for Sandwell Carers Rights Day 2026, bringing together local organisations, community partners and unpaid Carers for a day of information, advice, support and wellbeing.

Carers Rights Day is an important opportunity to recognise the invaluable contribution unpaid Carers make to our communities, raise awareness of their rights and help them access the support available across Sandwell.

📅 Thursday 19th November 2026
📍 Tipton Sports Academy Social Club, Wednesbury Oak Road, Tipton, DY4 0BS
🕙 10:00am – 2:00pm
🚗 Extensive free parking available

The venue is on one level, with accessible facilities.

What’s Happening?
Over 20 stall holders and information stands – all available throughout the day for Carers!
Free Lunch for Carers – Refreshments provided.
Hand & Shoulder Massages for Carers throughout the event.
Discover the leisure offer included with your Carer Card and take a tour of the facilities.

Workshops (11:00am – 1:00pm)

Self-care with Kaleidoscope
Legal issues workshop (awaiting confirmation)

Who is it for?

Whether you are a Carer, support someone who is, or work in a service that supports Carers, this event offers a welcoming space to discover support and meet others.

Reserve your Place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sandwell-carers-service-carers-rights-day-2026-tickets-2003765476480
More About Carers Rights Day: https://sandwellcarers.org.uk/news/carers-rights-day-2026-someone-you-know-is-a-carer-but-do-they-know-it-yet 

📍 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.

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/