Services & Events

Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen - Formerly Jurys Inn,
Union Square, Aberdeen, AB11 5RG

1st Saturday  of every month - please email or check our calendar to confirm
11:30 - 1pm

This free group is led by autistic volunteers for autistic (diagnosed or self-identified) women and non-binary people over 18.

The Social Meet ups are intended to be 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.

There is no presentation, no set agenda and no obligation to participate.

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

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.

This is a relaxed drop-in, there’s no need to book, you can just come along.

We know that can feel a bit daunting some days, but remember we’re all autistic so we all feel the same, and we promise it'll be worth it!

If you have any questions, or you'd like to get in touch first, just send us an email: 
aberdeen@swanscotland.org

Please always check the calendar before you go to a group as occasionally we may have to change or cancel (only if unavoidable) last minute and we will post these changes on here.

The Crombie Room at ‘The Usual Place’ Cafe
Academy Street, Dumfries, DG1 1BZ 

Last Monday of every month (excluding December)

10.30-12.00

Please note there will be NO meeting in December 2023

This FREE group is led by autistic volunteers for autistic (diagnosed or self-identified) women and non-binary people over 18.

The Social Meet ups are intended to be 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.

There is no presentation, no set agenda and no obligation to participate.

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

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.

This is a relaxed drop-in, there’s no need to book, you can just come along.

We know that can feel a bit daunting some days, but remember we’re all autistic so we all feel the same, and we promise it'll be worth it!

If you have any questions, or you'd like to get in touch first, just send us an email:

dumfriesandgalloway@swanscotland.org

Please always check the calendar before you go to a group as occasionally we may have to change or cancel (only if unavoidable) last minute and we will post these changes on here. 

Dundee Library
The Wellgate, DD1 1DB

Last Friday of each month - check our calendar for dates
2-4pm

Please note there will be NO meeting in December, but back to normal in Jan 2024

This free group is led by autistic volunteers and welcomes all autistic (diagnosed or self-identified) women and non-binary people over 18.

The Social Meet ups are intended to be 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.

There is no presentation, no set agenda and no obligation to participate.

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

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.

This is a relaxed drop-in, there’s no need to book, you can just come along.

We know that can feel a bit daunting some days, but remember we’re all autistic so we all feel the same, and we promise it'll be worth it!

If you have any questions, or you'd like to get in touch first, just send us an email:

dundee@swanscotland.org

Please always check the calendar before you go to a group as occasionally we may have to change or cancel (only if unavoidable) last minute and we will post these changes on here.

SANTOSA Cafe

21 Albert St, Edinburgh, EH7 5LH

2nd Sunday of each month - check our calendar for dates

2-4pm

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This FREE group is led by autistic volunteers for autistic (diagnosed or self-diagnosed) women and non-binary people over 18.

The Social Meet ups are intended to be 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.

There is no presentation, no set agenda and no obligation to participate.

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

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.

This is a relaxed drop-in, there’s no need to book, you can just come along.

We know that can feel a bit daunting some days, but remember we’re all autistic so we all feel the same, and we promise it'll be worth it!

If you have any questions, or you'd like to get in touch first, just send us an email:
edinburgh@swanscotland.org

Please always check the calendar before you go to a group as occasionally we may have to change or cancel (only if unavoidable) last minute and we will post these changes on here.

Falkirk Library

Hope Street, Falkirk, FK1 5AU

3rd Monday of each month - check our calendar for dates

4.30-6.00 pm

This free group is led by autistic volunteers for autistic (diagnosed or self-diagnosed) women and non-binary people over 18.

The Social Meet ups are intended to be 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.

There is no presentation, no set agenda and no obligation to participate. 

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

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.

This is a relaxed drop-in, there’s no need to book, you can just come along.

We know that can feel a bit daunting some days, but remember we’re all autistic so we all feel the same, and we promise it'll be worth it!

If you’ve got any questions, or you'd like to get in touch first, just send us an email:
falkirk@swanscotland.org

Please always check the calendar before you go to a group as occasionally we may have to change or cancel (only if unavoidable) last minute and we will post these changes on here.

Kirkcaldy Library,
Kirkcaldy Galleries,
War Memorial Gardens,
Kirkcaldy, KY1 1YG

1st Thursday of each month - check our calendar for dates

5.00-6.30pm

This free group is led by autistic volunteers for autistic (diagnosed or self-diagnosed) women and non-binary people over 18.

The Social Meet ups are intended to be 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.

There is no presentation, no set agenda and no obligation to participate.

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

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.

This is a relaxed drop-in, there’s no need to book, you can just come along.

We know that can feel a bit daunting some days, but remember we’re all autistic so we all feel the same, and we promise it'll be worth it!

If you have any questions, or you'd like to get in touch first, just send us an email:
fife@swanscotland.org

Please always check the calendar before you go to a group as occasionally we may have to change or cancel (only if unavoidable) last minute and we will post these changes on here.

Glasgow Women's Library

23 Landressy St, Bridgeton, Glasgow G40 1BP

3rd Tuesday of every month - check our calendar for dates

1.30-3pm

This free group is led by autistic volunteers for autistic (diagnosed or self-diagnosed) women and non-binary people over 18.

The Social Meet ups are intended to be 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.

There is no presentation, no set agenda and no obligation to participate.

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

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.

This is a relaxed drop-in, there’s no need to book, you can just come along.

We know that can feel a bit daunting some days, but remember we’re all autistic so we all feel the same, and we promise it'll be worth it!

If you have any questions, or you'd like to get in touch first, just send us an email:
glasgow@swanscotland.org

Please always check the calendar before you go to a group as occasionally we may have to change or cancel (only if unavoidable) last minute and we will post these changes on here.

No1 Friar Street, Inverness, IV1 1RJ

Please email highlands@swanscotland.org for more details

Last Sunday of each month - check our calendar for dates

2-3.30pm

There will be NO meeting in December 2023 but back in January 2024

This free group is led by autistic volunteers and welcomes all autistic (diagnosed or self-identified) women and non-binary people over 18.

The Social Meet ups are intended to be 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.

There is no presentation, no set agenda and no obligation to participate.

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

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.

This is a relaxed drop-in, there’s no need to book, you can just come along.

We know that can feel a bit daunting some days, but remember we’re all autistic so we all feel the same, and we promise it'll be worth it!

If you have any questions, or you'd like to get in touch first, just send us an email:

highlands@swanscotland.org

Please always check the calendar before you go to a group as occasionally we may have to change or cancel (only if unavoidable) last minute and we will post these changes on here.

Bridge of Allan Library

27A Fountain Rd, Bridge of Allan, Stirling FK9 4AT

3rd Tuesday of every month - check our calendar for dates

5-6:30pm

This free group is led by autistic volunteers for autistic (diagnosed or self-diagnosed) women and non-binary people over 18.

The Social Meet ups are intended to be 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.

There is no presentation, no set agenda and no obligation to participate.

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

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.

This is a relaxed drop-in, there’s no need to book, you can just come along.

We know that can feel a bit daunting some days, but remember we’re all autistic so we all feel the same, and we promise it'll be worth it!

If you have any questions, or you'd like to get in touch first, just send us an email:
stirling@swanscotland.org

Please always check the  calendar before you go to a group as occasionally we may have to change or cancel (only if unavoidable) last minute and we will post these changes on here.

Livingston North Partnership Centre

Carmondean Centre Road,Deans

Livingston, EH54 8PT

First Tuesday of each month - check our calendar for dates

5.30 - 7.00pm

Please note there will be NO Jan meeting as our volunteers take a winter break but meetings will return on 6th Feb

This free group is led by autistic volunteers for autistic (diagnosed or self-diagnosed) women and non-binary people over 18.

The Social Meet ups are intended to be 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.

There is no presentation, no set agenda and no obligation to participate.

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

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.

This is a relaxed drop-in, there’s no need to book, you can just come along.

We know that can feel a bit daunting some days, but remember we’re all autistic so we all feel the same, and we promise it'll be worth it!

If you have any questions, or you'd like to get in touch first, just send us an email:
west.lothian@swanscotland.org

Please always check the calendar before you go to a group as occasionally we may have to change or cancel (only if unavoidable) last minute and we will post these changes on here.

This online group is for all autistic (diagnosed or self-identified) women and non-binary people who are over 18 and living in Scotland.

Online, via Zoom

The Craft Group runs fortnightly, on alternate Monday evenings, from 7-8.15pm. The term starts on September 4th and ends on December 11th

This group is for anyone who loves art and crafts, or is interested in giving it a try in the company of a friendly, supportive autistic community.

The group is led by one of our autistic SWAN volunteers, who is also a very talented artist and part of a neurodivergent artists collective. You will receive information and materials in advance of the session, and together you’ll learn how to make simple but beautiful creations!

Please email edinburgh@swanscotland.org for more information

This term is now fully booked. 

This space is for autistic women who are also parents (of either NT or ND children). 

Online, via Zoom

The group will run every 2 months on a Thursday evening - check our calendar for dates. 

7:30-9pm

This is an informal space for autistic women who are also parents to come together to share the highs and lows of life as an autistic parent (of either NT or ND children)

It's a chance to meet other autistic mums, access peer support and information and share thoughts and experiences within a friendly, supportive autistic community.

There will be no presentation, no set agenda and no obligation to participate.

The session will be facilitated by our autistic staff who will manage and support the discussion.

Individuals are welcome to just listen, share in the chat or discuss verbally different parenting topics and stories.

We're really looking forward to seeing you!

Please sign up to attend via the SWAN Eventbrite page.

Numbers are limited by our Zoom account, and because attendees have told us they prefer slightly smaller groups, so the conversation and text chat are more accessible.

We will email you with more detail about the sessions, including accessibility information and the joining link, once you have signed up.

This online group is for all autistic (diagnosed or self-identified) women and non-binary people over 18. The group is led by Edinburgh-based, but it is open to anyone living in Scotland.

Online, via Zoom

3rd Sunday of each month
3 - 4pm

It's a chance to access peer support and information and share thoughts and experiences with a friendly, supportive autistic community.

As with all SWAN’s online groups, you are welcome to have your camera on or off and you can join in the conversation and use the chat function as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.

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

There is no presentation, no set agenda and no obligation to participate.

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.

If you have any questions, or you'd like to attend the group, please email:
edinburgh@swanscotland.org

The Neuroqueer Social is an informal SWAN social space for all women and non-binary people who identify as autistic and LGBTQIA+ (Neuroqueer!)

The group is a safe, confidential space and you don't need to be 'out' to anyone about any aspect of your identity. 

When registering to attend, please do use the name you feel most comfortable with - this doesn't need to match your ID or other documents. You can edit your name and pronouns at any time. 

It's a chance to meet other LGBTQIA+ autistic folks, access peer support and information, and share thoughts and experiences within a friendly, supportive community.

The session will be facilitated by queer, autistic SWAN staff, who will be there to manage and support the space.

There will be no presentation or set agenda - from time to time we might offer an optional activity like colouring sheets to help us focus or feel less anxious while we chat, but we'll always let you know in the event info beforehand. 

You are welcome 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.

Online, via Zoom

The group will run every 2 months on the 2nd Thursday of the month - check our calendar for dates.

6:30-8:00pm

You need to register to attend each group via the SWAN Eventbrite page. 

The group will then run on Zoom. 

Numbers are limited by our Zoom account, and because attendees have told us they prefer slightly smaller groups so the conversation and text chat are more accessible.

Once you have registered on Eventbrite, you will receive an email with more detail about the sessions, including accessibility information and the zoom joining link.

We'll also send you some reminders in the days leading up to the event. 

PLEASE NOTE:

We currently use Eventbrite and Zoom as tools to enable us to run these online groups. 

They do have pros and cons and can be a bit stressful to navigate sometimes, so please allow yourself plenty time to get signed up and logged in before the group starts - it's fine to join a bit early as you'll just see a virtual 'waiting room' screen until the group starts and the host lets everyone in at once.

This online forum is for all autistic (diagnosed or self-identified) women and non-binary people who are over 18 and living in Scotland.

SWAN Conversations is a closed Facebook group where you can access peer support and information in a friendly, supportive autistic community.

You’ll be able to chat to other autistic women and non-binary people across Scotland, exchange thoughts and experiences and connect with others through shared interests.

Search ‘Swan Conversations’ in the Facebook search box to find the group and click ‘Join Group’. You will be asked a few membership questions before you join - this is to ensure we keep this closed group a safe space for autistic women and non-binary people in Scotland.

Your request to join will then be sent to us for approval. Please note: if you do not complete the joining questions, we will be unable to approve your membership of the group so please remember to respond.

This group session is for all women and non-binary people, over- 18 and living in Scotland, who have recently been diagnosed or self-diagnosed and would like to explore their autistic identity and what that means.

This group is a safe space for you to explore more about your autistic identity, ask questions, listen, learn and connect with others who are newly diagnosed.

Each week we will explore different topics that commonly come up post diagnosis including: understanding yourself; who do you tell and how; masking; burnout; stimming; self-care; ages and life stages and celebrating who you are.

As with all SWAN’s online groups, you are welcome to have your camera on or off and you can join in the conversation and use the chat function as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.

Online, via Zoom

This group runs for 6 weeks and is repeated throughout the year.

We alternate days and times to accommodate as many people as possible - please check our calendar or sign up to our Newsletter for updates.

The waiting list for our Post-Diagnosis groups is currently paused.

We will post updates here on our website & on the SWAN Facebook and Eventbrite pages once new dates are confirmed and the waiting list is re-opened.

Please sign up to attend via the SWAN Eventbrite page - we limit the numbers to keep these groups small, so everyone can get the most from attending.

We will email you with more detail about the sessions, including accessibility information and the joining link once you have signed up.

This group session is for all women and non-binary people, over-18 and living in Scotland, who are considering whether they might be autistic, thinking about going for a diagnosis or currently going through the diagnosis process.

Exploring whether you are autistic and going through the diagnostic process (whether self or clinical) can be a long, difficult and confusing time and it can be hard to find relevant, reliable resources and information. This drop-in group is a safe space to explore, ask questions and meet others at a similar point in their journey.

We will explore what it means to be autistic and talk about diagnosis options and the experience of going through the process. There will be a chance for questions and discussion and to look at other resources and supports available.

As with all SWAN’s online groups, you are welcome to have your camera on or off and you can join in the conversation and use the chat function as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.

Online, via Zoom

The session is repeated on the 1st Tuesday of each month

7:30-9pm

The waiting list for our Pre-Diagnosis drop-ins is currently paused.
We will post updates here on our website & on the SWAN Facebook and Eventbrite pages once new dates are confirmed and the waiting list is re-opened.

Please sign up to attend via the SWAN Eventbrite page - we limit the numbers to keep these groups small, so everyone can get the most from attending.

We will email you with more detail about the session, including accessibility information and the joining link once you have signed up.

SWAN Wellbeing Webinars are open to all autistic women and non-binary people (diagnosed, self-identified or exploring whether they may be autistic) who are over 18 and living in Scotland.

SWAN webinars are autistic-only spaces, led by autistic staff.

Friends and allies, families and carers, and professionals and practitioners who do not identify as autistic but want to learn more about autistic women and girls are warmly welcomed to specific webinars only, where stated in the event description - if you’re not sure, please do just ask us before booking.

Online, via Zoom

Usually once a month, on a Thursday evening for 1.5 hours - please check our calendar or sign up to our Newsletter for updates on upcoming webinar topics with full details on times and dates.

SWAN Wellbeing Webinars are regular online events exploring topics which relate to our autistic identities, how we support our wellbeing and what brings us joy.

They are an opportunity to connect with others, to listen, learn and exchange information, thoughts and experiences in a safe, friendly, autistic-led space, from the comfort of your own environment.

Previous webinar topics include: managing energy, autism & menopause, autistic joy, surviving and thriving as an autistic parent, writing for wellbeing, autism & ADHD, coping with anxiety, drawing as stimming and student life. We base our webinars on what you tell us you want to hear about, and we always welcome suggestions and requests.

Some webinars are facilitated by SWAN staff, and at others we have an autistic guest speaker. We usually start with a presentation, or a facilitated chat with the speaker, followed by time for questions and informal discussion. Some webinars are based around an activity such as writing or drawing. The format can vary, but we’ll always let you know what to expect before you register.

We aim to make our webinars as accessible as possible - bearing in mind that all our needs and preferences are different - and all our staff and speakers are autistic too. You are free to participate as little or as much as you feel comfortable - talk, join in the text chat or read the closed captions, stim, bring your pets along, or just watch and listen with your camera on or off.

Please sign up to attend via the SWAN Eventbrite page.

Numbers are limited by our Zoom account, and because attendees have told us they prefer slightly smaller groups, so the conversation and text chat are more accessible.

We do increase participant numbers or run webinars more than once where topics are popular or we have a special guest speaker.

Webinars are not available to watch later via recording, unless stated as an option in the event description.

You will receive an email with full details about the webinar you have signed up for, including accessibility information and the joining link once you have registered to attend.