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Services & Events

Places and spaces for autistic women, girls and non-binary people

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Movement is
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SWAN Places

SWAN Places are in-person social meet-up groups in locations across Scotland. They are autistic spaces, run by autistic volunteers.

These local groups are relaxed and laid-back gatherings for all women and non-binary people who identify as autistic. 

They are safe and confidential spaces, facilitated by autistic volunteers.

SWAN Places are not structured support groups, but rather an opportunity to benefit from community and connection in an all-autistic space.

You can share, listen, or simply relax among like-minded peers who understand and support one another. 

Have a look at your local group below to find out more, and see the calendar for meeting dates.

You can contact our SWAN Places Meet-Up Volunteers if you have any questions - you'll find their emails under "How do I join?" 

You can also sign up to the SWAN mailing list for news and updates on all our groups.

Please read our Guidelines & Rules before you come along to any of our SWAN Places groups, to help ensure they are safe, supportive and friendly spaces. 

*Please always check the calendar before you go to a group as very occasionally we may have to change or cancel with short notice (only if unavoidable) and we will post any changes here.


Social Meet-up: Aberdeen

Social Meet-up: Dumfries & Galloway

Social Meet-up: Dundee

Social Meet-up: East Lothian

Social Meet-up: Edinburgh

Social Meet-up:  Falkirk

Social Meet-up:  Fife

Social Meet-up:  Glasgow Bridgeton

Social Meet-up: Glasgow Queen’s Park

Social Meet-up: Glasgow West End

Social Meet-up: Inverness

Social Meet-up: Stirling

Social Meet-up: West Lothian

Social Health Walk: Dundee

Social Health Walk: Glasgow Queens Park

Social Health Walk: Stirling

Social Health Walk: Oban

We’re working on setting up groups in other areas - if you’re interested in volunteering at an existing group, or helping set one up in your area, visit our Volunteer page.

March 2025
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31st

Dumfries & Galloway Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
31 Mar, 10:30
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April 2025
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1st

West Lothian Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
1 Apr, 17:30
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3rd

Fife Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
3 Apr, 17:00
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5th

Oban Health Walk

SWAN Places
5 Apr, 10:30
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9th

Glasgow Queen's Park Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
9 Apr, 18:30
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13th

Edinburgh Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
13 Apr, 14:00
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15th

Glasgow Bridgeton Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
15 Apr, 13:30
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15th

Stirling Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
15 Apr, 17:00
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17th

Glasgow West End Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
17 Apr, 13:30
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21st

Falkirk Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
21 Apr, 16:30
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24th

Glasgow Queens Park Health Walk

SWAN Places
24 Apr, 18:00
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25th

Dundee Social Meet-Up

SWAN Places
25 Apr, 15:00
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28th

Dumfries & Galloway Social Meet up

SWAN Places
28 Apr, 10:30
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29th

East Lothian Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
29 Apr, 18:00
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May 2025
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1st

Fife Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
1 May, 17:00 - 18:30
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6th

West Lothian Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
6 May, 17:30 - 19:00
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11th

Edinburgh Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
11 May, 14:00 - 16:00
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14th

Glasgow Queen's Park Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
14 May, 18:30 - 20:00
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15th

Glasgow West End Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
15 May, 13:30 - 15:00
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19th

Falkirk Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
19 May, 16:30 - 18:00
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20th

Glasgow Bridgeton Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
20 May, 13:30 - 15:00
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20th

Stirling Social Meet Up Group

SWAN Places
20 May, 17:00 - 18:30
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26th

Dumfries & Galloway Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
26 May, 10:30 - 12:00
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30th

Dundee Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
30 May, 15:00 - 17:00
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SWAN Spaces

SWAN Spaces are regular online groups and events. They are safe, friendly autistic-only spaces, led by autistic staff.

In SWAN Spaces, you are free to participate as little or as much as you feel comfortable - talk, join in the text chat, read the closed captions, stim, bring your pets along, wrap yourself in a cosy blanket, or just watch and listen with your camera on or off.

Friends and allies, families and carers, and professionals and practitioners who do not identify as autistic but want to learn more about autistic women, girls and non-binary people are warmly welcomed to specific events only, where stated in the event description.

All of our online events are held on Zoom and you can book a place via Eventbrite.

Have a look at our SWAN Spaces groups below to find out more and see the calendar for meeting dates.


Art & Craft Group

Autistic Parents’ Space

Edinburgh Online Social Meet-Up

Moray Online Social Meet-Up

Neuroqueer Social (LGBTQIA+ Group)

Online Peer Support Forum

Stirlingshire Online Social Meet-Up

Post-Diagnosis Groups

Pre-Diagnosis Drop-Ins

Shetland Islands Online Social Meet-Up

Wellbeing Webinars

Scotland Online Social Meet-Up

Western Isles Online Social Meet-Up

Student Online Social Meet-Up

Sign up to the SWAN mailing list for news and updates on all our groups.

March 2025
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31st

Western Isles Social Meet Up Group Online

SWAN Spaces
31 Mar, 18:00
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April 2025
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1st

Pre-Diagnosis Drop In Group

SWAN Spaces
Online - 1 Apr, 13:00 - 14:30
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Considering if you are Autistic and going through the diagnosis process (SELF or CLINICAL) can be a long difficult and confusing time and it can be hard to find relevant resources and information.

This monthly drop in group is a safe space to explore, ask questions and meet other women and non-binary people at a similar point in their journey.

For more information, see the full details about this group under 'SWAN Spaces'.

Booking Now Open 

Book

4th

Post Diagnosis Group Week 5

SWAN Spaces
Online - 4 Apr, 13:30 - 15:00
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Booking now open

Week 5 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Fridays from 1:30-3pm

Friday 7th March 1:30-3pm

Friday 14th March 1:30-3pm

Friday 21st March 1:30-3pm

Friday 28th March 1:30-3pm

Friday 04th April 1:30-3pm

Friday 11th April 1:30-3pm

For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video

Book

8th

Stirlingshire Social Meet Up Group Online

SWAN Spaces
8 Apr, 18:00
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8th

Webinar - Masking and Relationships: A Conversation With Dr Amy Pearson and Kieran Rose

SWAN Spaces
online - 8 Apr, 18:30 - 20:30
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We are delighted to welcome Dr Amy Pearson and Kieran Rose for our monthly wellbeing webinar on ' Masking and Relationships: A Conversation'

Booking Now Open


About this Webinar:
 

Join us for a conversation between SWAN, and Dr Amy Pearson and Kieran Rose, authors of Autistic Masking: Understanding Identity Management and the Role of Stigma; exploring Masking and relationships for Autistic people, and answering questions from the audience.

About our Speaker:

Dr. Amy Pearson is an Assistant Professor in Psychology at Durham University, affiliated with the Centre for Neurodiversity and Development.

As an award-winning autistic developmental psychologist and researcher, her research examines factors impacting the well-being of autistic and neurodivergent individuals across the lifespan, focusing on interpersonal relationships, victimisation, social identity, masking, and stigma. Dr. Pearson utilises innovative mixed-methods approaches, including quantitative, qualitative, and arts-based research, and is dedicated to co-design and participatory methods that actively involve neurodivergent voices.

She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a member of the Experimental Psychology Society, and serves as an editor for the journal 'Neurodiversity' and deputy editor of 'Autism in Adulthood.' Her recent projects explore intimate partner violence among autistic adults and aim to create resources supporting healthy relationships within this community. Dr. Pearson’s work challenges pathologizing views of neurodivergence, advocating for affirming approaches that foster positive change.

Outside academia, Amy received an autism diagnosis in 2022. She enjoys walking with her partner and dog, participating in gym and aerial classes, reading fantasy and dark fiction, and cooking as a form of relaxation.

Kieran Rose is an internationally recognised Autistic author, academic researcher, and consultant with a background in SEND education and public service delivery for Autistic adults. Diagnosed as Autistic in 2003 and the parent of three Autistic children with varying support needs, Kieran draws on personal and professional experience to challenge stigma, deconstruct traditional autism narratives, critically reflect, and reframe understanding through an intersectional lens.

Kieran delivers specialist training and consultancy globally, working with professionals, organisations, and institutions to foster reflective practice, challenge ideologies, and promote affirming approaches to Autistic experiences and Neurodivergence. He guest-lectures at UK universities, including The Anna Freud Centre, and supervises mental health and education professionals, supporting the development of inclusive, compassionate practices. Kieran is a faculty member and consultant for the STAR Institute, a leading US-based organisation in Occupational Therapy practice and research.

Kieran’s academic research focuses on Autistic Masking, victimisation, stigma, intimate partner violence, and lifeworld approaches to care, with ongoing projects exploring Monotropism, Autistic identity, and suicidality. He is an Honorary Research Associate at the University of Sunderland and a peer reviewer for leading autism journals.

Outside of work, Kieran enjoys reading and watching Science Fiction and Horror, researching the Paranormal, cooking, stargazing with his children, and occasionally finding the brain space to write for his platform, The Autistic Advocate, which has been read by millions worldwide.

Amy and Kieran’s close friendship has fuelled years of impactful joint research and advocacy, and together in 2003 they published their co-authored, highly acclaimed book Autistic Masking: Understanding Identity Management and the Role of Stigma, A groundbreaking academic touchstone exploring Autistic Masking.

www.theautisticadvocate.com
www.durham.ac.uk/staff/amy-pearson/
www.amypearson6.wixsite.com/mysite/research

Book

10th

Shetland Social Meet Up Group Online

SWAN Spaces
10 Apr, 18:00
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11th

Post Diagnosis Group Week 6

SWAN Spaces
Online - 11 Apr, 13:30 - 15:00
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Booking now open

Week 6 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Fridays from 1:30-3pm

Friday 7th March 1:30-3pm

Friday 14th March 1:30-3pm

Friday 21st March 1:30-3pm

Friday 28th March 1:30-3pm

Friday 04th April 1:30-3pm

Friday 11th April 1:30-3pm

For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video

Book

17th

Autistic Parents' Space

SWAN Spaces
17 Apr, 19:00
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20th

Edinburgh Group online

SWAN Spaces
20 Apr, 15:00
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28th

Western Isles Social Meet Up Group Online Online

SWAN Spaces
28 Apr, 18:00
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29th

Moray Social Meet Up Group Online

SWAN Spaces
29 Apr, 18:00
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30th

Student Online Social Meet-Up

SWAN Spaces
Online - 30 Apr, 18:00 - 19:00
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May 2025
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6th

Pre-Diagnosis Drop In Group

SWAN Spaces
Online - 6 May, 19:00 - 20:30
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Considering if you are Autistic and going through the diagnosis process (SELF or CLINICAL) can be a long difficult and confusing time and it can be hard to find relevant resources and information.

This monthly drop in group is a safe space to explore, ask questions and meet other women and non-binary people at a similar point in their journey.

For more information, see the full details about this group under 'SWAN Spaces'.

Booking opens on Monday 14th April at 4:30pm on our Eventbrite

8th

Shetland Social Meet Up Group Online

SWAN Spaces
Online - 8 May, 18:00 - 19:00
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13th

Stirlingshire Social Meet Up Group Online

SWAN Spaces
Online - 13 May, 18:00 - 19:00
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15th

Autistic Parents' Space

SWAN Spaces
Online - 15 May, 19:00 - 20:30
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18th

Edinburgh Social Meet Up Group Online

SWAN Spaces
Online - 18 May, 15:00 - 16:00
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21st

Post Diagnosis Group Wednesdays 1-2:30pm Week 1

SWAN Spaces
Online - 21 May, 13:00 - 14:30
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Booking will open on April 22nd at 4:30pm through our Eventbrite

Week 1 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Wednesdays from 1:00-2:30pm

Wednesday 21st May 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 28th May 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 4th June 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 11th June 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 18th June 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 25th June 1-2:30pm

For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video

22nd

Post Diagnosis Group Thursdays 7-8:30pm Week 1

SWAN Spaces
Online - 22 May, 19:00 - 20:30
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Booking will open on April 22nd at 4:30pm through our Eventbrite

Week 1 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Thursdays from 7:00-8:30pm

Thursday 22nd May 7-8:30pm

Thursday 29th May 7-8:30pm

Thursday 5th June 7-8:30pm

Thursday 12th June 7-8:30pm

Thursday 19th June 7-8:30pm

Thursday 26th June 7-8:30pm

For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video

26th

Western Isles Social Meet Up Group Online

SWAN Spaces
Online - 26 May, 18:00 - 19:00
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27th

Moray Social Meet Up Group Online

SWAN Spaces
Online - 27 May, 18:00 - 19:00
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28th

Post Diagnosis Group Wednesdays 1-2:30pm Week 2

SWAN Spaces
Online - 28 May, 13:00 - 14:30
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Booking will open on April 22nd at 4:30pm through our Eventbrite.

Week 2 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Wednesdays from 1:00-2:30pm

Wednesday 21st May 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 28th May 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 4th June 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 11th June 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 18th June 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 25th June 1-2:30pm

For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video

28th

Student Online Social Meet-Up

SWAN Spaces
Online - 28 May, 18:00 - 19:00
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29th

Post Diagnosis Group Thursdays 7-8:30pm Week 2

SWAN Spaces
Online - 29 May, 19:00 - 20:30
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Booking will open on April 22nd at 4:30pm through our Eventbrite

Week 2 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Thursdays from 7:00-8:30pm

Thursday 22nd May 7-8:30pm

Thursday 29th May 7-8:30pm

Thursday 5th June 7-8:30pm

Thursday 12th June 7-8:30pm

Thursday 19th June 7-8:30pm

Thursday 26th June 7-8:30pm

For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video

June 2025
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4th

Post Diagnosis Group Wednesdays 1-2:30pm Week 3

SWAN Spaces
Online - 4 Jun, 13:00 - 14:30
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Booking will open on April 22nd at 4:30pm through our Eventbrite.

Week 3 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Wednesdays from 1:00-2:30pm

Wednesday 21st May 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 28th May 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 4th June 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 11th June 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 18th June 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 25th June 1-2:30pm

For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video

5th

Post Diagnosis Group Thursdays 7-8:30pm Week 3

SWAN Spaces
Online - 5 Jun, 19:00 - 20:30
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Booking will open on April 22nd at 4:30pm through our Eventbrite

Week 3 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Thursdays from 7:00-8:30pm

Thursday 22nd May 7-8:30pm

Thursday 29th May 7-8:30pm

Thursday 5th June 7-8:30pm

Thursday 12th June 7-8:30pm

Thursday 19th June 7-8:30pm

Thursday 26th June 7-8:30pm

For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video

11th

Post Diagnosis Group Wednesdays 1-2:30pm Week 4

SWAN Spaces
Online - 11 Jun, 13:00 - 14:30
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Booking will open on April 22nd at 4:30pm through our Eventbrite.

Week 4 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Wednesdays from 1:00-2:30pm

Wednesday 21st May 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 28th May 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 4th June 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 11th June 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 18th June 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 25th June 1-2:30pm

For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video

12th

Post Diagnosis Group Thursdays 7-8:30pm Week 4

SWAN Spaces
Online - 12 Jun, 19:00 - 20:30
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Booking will open on April 22nd at 4:30pm through our Eventbrite

Week 4 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Thursdays from 7:00-8:30pm

Thursday 22nd May 7-8:30pm

Thursday 29th May 7-8:30pm

Thursday 5th June 7-8:30pm

Thursday 12th June 7-8:30pm

Thursday 19th June 7-8:30pm

Thursday 26th June 7-8:30pm

For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video

18th

Post Diagnosis Group Wednesdays 1-2:30pm Week 5

SWAN Spaces
Online - 18 Jun, 13:00 - 14:30
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Booking will open on April 22nd at 4:30pm through our Eventbrite.

Week 5 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Wednesdays from 1:00-2:30pm

Wednesday 21st May 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 28th May 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 4th June 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 11th June 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 18th June 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 25th June 1-2:30pm

For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video

19th

Post Diagnosis Group Thursdays 7-8:30pm Week 5

SWAN Spaces
Online - 19 Jun, 19:00 - 20:30
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Booking will open on April 22nd at 4:30pm through our Eventbrite

Week 5 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Thursdays from 7:00-8:30pm

Thursday 22nd May 7-8:30pm

Thursday 29th May 7-8:30pm

Thursday 5th June 7-8:30pm

Thursday 12th June 7-8:30pm

Thursday 19th June 7-8:30pm

Thursday 26th June 7-8:30pm

For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video

25th

Post Diagnosis Group Wednesdays 1-2:30pm Week 6

SWAN Spaces
Online - 25 Jun, 13:00 - 14:30
+

Booking will open on April 22nd at 4:30pm through our Eventbrite.

Week 6 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Wednesdays from 1:00-2:30pm

Wednesday 21st May 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 28th May 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 4th June 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 11th June 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 18th June 1-2:30pm

Wednesday 25th June 1-2:30pm

For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video

26th

Post Diagnosis Group Thursdays 7-8:30pm Week 6

SWAN Spaces
Online - 26 Jun, 19:00 - 20:30
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Booking will open on April 22nd at 4:30pm through our Eventbrite

Week 6 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Thursdays from 7:00-8:30pm

Thursday 22nd May 7-8:30pm

Thursday 29th May 7-8:30pm

Thursday 5th June 7-8:30pm

Thursday 12th June 7-8:30pm

Thursday 19th June 7-8:30pm

Thursday 26th June 7-8:30pm

For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video