Upcoming Events
Dates: 19th November, 9th December 2026. You can attend one session or both.
Times: 3.30pm-4.30pm
Location: Sense TouchBase Pears, 750 Bristol Road, Birmingham, B29 6NA
Could You Be Missing Out on Council Tax Support?
If you help look after a family member or friend, you may be entitled to Council Tax discounts, reductions or other support that you have never been told about.
This Carers Rights Day, carers are invited to attend a free community event bringing together local organisations, information, advice and practical support.
As part of the event, Carers Support will be hosting a Know Your Rights session focused on Council Tax support for carers, helping you understand what support may be available and whether you could be missing out.
The session will cover:
- Council Tax discounts and reductions
- Council Tax disregards
- Who may be eligible for support
- Common myths and misconceptions
- Where to get further advice and information
You’ll hear from a specialist speaker, have the opportunity to ask questions, and leave with practical information you can use straight away.
Many carers miss out on financial support simply because they don’t know what is available. Carers Rights Day is an opportunity to learn more about your rights, understand what support you may be entitled to and connect with organisations that can help.
The event will also feature advice stalls from local organisations, practical information workshops and the Invisible Army: Stories of Carers exhibition.
Event Details
Date: Thursday 19 November 2026, 4pm to 6pm
Location: Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust, The Hub
Cost: Free entry, including tea, coffee and cake
Come along and find out whether you’re receiving all the support you’re entitled to as a carer.
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.
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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/
Join Forward Carers for an informative online session exploring Carers leave and your rights in the workplace.
Learn how the Carer’s Leave Act and other rights can support you as a working Carer and approach conversations with your employer about your entitlements.
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:
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Organisation: Family Focus North East
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Venue: Deckham Family Hub
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Start Date: Friday 28th August
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Frequency: Fortnightly (every two weeks)
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Age Group: Children aged 10–13 years along with their parents/carers
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Cost: Free
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Contact Email: familyfocus2026@gmail.com
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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:
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Feeling anxious or overwhelmed
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Experiencing low mood
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Struggling with emotional regulation
Key Information:
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No referral is required
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No diagnosis is needed
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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.
📍 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!
Want to join us for a virtual cuppa and a chat regularly?
We run an online carer support group via Zoom, held on the third Friday of every month from 12–1pm.
This is a safe, friendly, welcoming virtual space for carers to come along and find out what support is available as an unpaid carer.
You will have the opportunity to share experiences and gain mutual support. It’s a great way to meet other carers who may be in similar situations and an opportunity to learn about relevant topics that you might find useful in your caring role.
To book, contact our Support Line on 0113 380 4300.
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VI (Visually Impaired) Weekly Tennis: 12:30pm – 3:00pm (Spring/Summer: Brentwood Tennis Centre | Autumn/Winter: Graves Tennis Centre)
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Serving Autism: 10:00am – 11:00am
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Yorkshire Para Standing Tennis Club: 11:00am – 12:00pm
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Cardio Tennis: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
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Walking Tennis: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
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Sensory Tennis: 11:00am – 12:00pm
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Mencap & Gateway Adult Tennis Inclusive (LD): 12:00pm – 1:00pm
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Wheelchair Tennis Inclusive Group: 1:00pm – 2:00pm (Graves Tennis Centre)
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Women’s Group: 11:00am – 12:00pm (Brentwood)
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Women’s Doubles Tennis: 12:00pm – 1:00pm (Brentwood)
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Cardio Tennis: 1:00pm – 2:00pm (Brentwood)
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Walking Tennis: 2:00pm – 3:00pm (Brentwood)
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Women’s Tennis Xpress Starter Group: 6:00pm – 7:00pm (Graves)
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Kids Tennis Inclusive: 1:00pm – 1:45pm & 2:00pm – 2:45pm (Spring/Summer: Brentwood Tennis Centre | Autumn/Winter: Hallamshire Tennis & Squash Club)
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Email Ben: benabilitytennis@gmail.com
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Open Court Enquiries: yorkshireopencourt@gmail.com
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Website: https://www.abilitytennis.co.uk
Organisation: 1Voice – Communicating Together
Date: Friday 20th November 2026
Time: 1:00 pm
Venue: Online
Details:
An informal, supportive online get-together for parents and carers of people who use AAC. A welcoming space to ask questions, share experiences, and discuss a wide range of topics relating to life with AAC alongside others who understand the journey.
Please note that this session is for 1Voice members (free membership is required to receive meeting access).
Membership sign-up: https://www.1voice.info/join-us
Booking link: https://www.1voice.info/events
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.
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When: Every Friday
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Time: 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
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Location: Ridgeway Family Hub (Kalma Life)
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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/
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
Organisation: The Toby Henderson Trust
Date: Friday 20th November 2026
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Venue: Online via Zoom
Details:
An exploration of autistic experience through the lens of joy rather than diagnostic deficits. This webinar looks at the beauty of autistic joy, what it means to “info dump”, stimming, and what happens when intense joy becomes overwhelming. Grounded in the lived experiences of autistic children, young people, adults, parent carers, and practitioners.
Booking link: https://www.ttht.co.uk
Contact: admin@ttht.co.uk or call 0300 365 3055
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.
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When: Every Friday
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Time: 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
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Location: Ridgeway Family Hub (Kalma Life)
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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/
Communication through Connection
Build confident communication skills with your children and the adults supporting them
🕟 4.30pm – 6.30pm
- Tips and strategies for more connected communication with your children
- Ways to communicate with clarity with professionals and other adults in your child’s life.
Led by Steering Group member Rachael, this workshop will share strategies, underpinned by clean language and non-violent communication, to help you build more confident communication, exercise healthy boundaries and create stronger relationships with your child and those supporting them.
Join us to learn together and connect with a group of parents who face the same challenges you do and just ‘get it’.
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.
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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).
Children can also enjoy archery using safe inflatable equipment. This session runs on Saturdays from 9:30am to 10:15am at the Brierley site.
For more information or to book a place, email Jo at jo@snapsyorkshire.org.