Latest News
Adult Autism Online Peer Support Group
May Meeting
Sheffield Autistic Society is hosting an online support group each month. For autistic adults 18+ only – we will meet online over Zoom. The next session of this monthly group will be on Thursday 28 May from 7pm until 8.30pm:
Everyone welcome – new members too!
Please contact Helen for more information at helen.purdie@hotmail.co.uk and she will send you the joining details if you wish to come along, Helen will let you have a copy of the group guidelines which set out what to expect at the meetings which are friendly and supportive.
No pressure to join in the conversation or have your camera on!
Autism in Schools and PINS
Autism in Schools and PINS (Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools) are national projects which aim to improve support for autistic children and young people in mainstream schools. Both focus on improving the school environment, fostering good relationships between staff, parents and students, signposting families to sources of support, and providing better access to early intervention. Autism in Schools runs at secondary schools and colleges, while PINS focuses on primary schools.
Sheffield Parent Carer Forum has been a key partner in these projects from the beginning. By running monthly parent meetings at the participating schools, our workers have been acting as conduits between parents and school staff. Feedback gathered at these meetings has been used to make improvements across the schools for pupils with any kind of additional needs – not just autism.
For details of which schools are taking part please see: sheffieldparentcarerforum.org.uk/about/autism-in-schools
Mentalmate Boxing
Everyone should have someone to talk to. It sounds so simple, yet so many people don’t have that, which is where Mentalmate comes in!
We are building a group of mental mates through boxing down at the Mentalmate Boxing Gym in the Wicker area of Sheffield 6 times per week. We have found that it is much easier to talk and discuss your feelings whilst exercising, if attendees do not wish to talk then that’s fine but it’s nice to know that you are surrounded by people who are all there for the same reason. Mixed and women only classes available.
Classes are free.
For more info and to book a session https://www.mentalmate.org/
The Autism & ADHD Show
Join us at the largest gathering of the autism and ADHD community in the UK – venues are London, Birmingham and Liverpool (June and July).
Packed with essential information, advice and learning to help you support an autistic, ADHD or AuDHD person in a home or school setting.
Our comprehensive programme of theatre sessions, workshops, advice hubs, one to one clinics, specialist services and resources has been designed to enable you to pick and choose the content which is most relevant to you.
Whether you’re pre or post diagnosis, approaching significant transition points or dealing with daily challenges, The Autism & ADHD Show can help you.
https://autismadhdshow.co.uk/
PhD opportunity
Project: Strengthening Family, School and Specialist Collaboration for Better Engagement in Obesity Support for Neurodivergent Children
This 3.5-year full-time PhD at Sheffield Hallam University includes:
Home PhD fees covered
Annual stipend of £22,152
Contribution to teaching or research activities as part of the scholarship
The project focuses on improving collaboration between families, SEND schools and specialist services to better support neurodivergent children living with obesity. Ideal for nurses or other professionals with a strong interest in neurodiversity, child health and family support.
👉 Full advert and application details here: Sheffield Hallam PhD Position
Deadline: 19 May 2026 (12 noon BST)
Parent Carer Forum Information Sessions
Over the next few weeks there are sessions on:
- Information session: Neurodivergence and eating (14 May)
- Hope for SEND: Support Group for Mums (18 May)
- Dads Chalk and Talk 20 May
- Information Session: Understanding Sensory Needs (22 May)
- Coffee & Chat (28 May)
- Information session: Introduction to demand avoidance (3 June)
- Information session: Your sensory toolkit (10 June)
- Disabled Parent Carer Group (12 June)For full information of places and times etc and to book any event please click on the link Events | Sheffield Parent Carer Forum