Services & Events
Places and spaces for autistic women, girls and non-binary people
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: Aberdeen
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.
April 2025
Aberdeen Health Walk
SWAN Places19 Apr, 10:30
Falkirk Social Meet Up
SWAN Places21 Apr, 16:30
Dundee Social Meet-Up
SWAN Places25 Apr, 15:00
Dumfries & Galloway Social Meet up
SWAN Places28 Apr, 10:30
East Lothian Social Meet Up
SWAN Places29 Apr, 18:00
May 2025
Fife Social Meet Up
SWAN Places1 May, 17:00 - 18:30
Oban Health Walk
SWAN Places3 May, 10:30
Aberdeen Social Meet Up
SWAN Places3 May, 11:30
Stirling Health Walk
SWAN Places6 May, 17:30
West Lothian Social Meet Up
SWAN Places6 May, 17:30 - 19:00
Edinburgh Social Meet Up
SWAN Places11 May, 14:00 - 16:00
Glasgow Queen's Park Social Meet Up
SWAN Places14 May, 18:30 - 20:00
Glasgow West End Social Meet Up
SWAN Places15 May, 13:30 - 15:00
Falkirk Social Meet Up
SWAN Places19 May, 16:30 - 18:00
Glasgow Bridgeton Social Meet Up
SWAN Places20 May, 13:30 - 15:00
Stirling Social Meet Up Group
SWAN Places20 May, 17:00 - 18:30
Glasgow Queens Park Health Walk
SWAN Places20 May, 18:00
Dumfries & Galloway Social Meet Up
SWAN Places26 May, 10:30 - 12:00
Dundee Social Meet Up
SWAN Places30 May, 15:00 - 17:00
June 2025
West Lothian Social Meet Up
SWAN Places3 Jun, 17:30 - 19:00
Fife Social Meet Up
SWAN Places5 Jun, 17:00 - 18:30
Aberdeen Social Meet Up
SWAN Places7 Jun, 11:30 - 13:00
Edinburgh Social Meet Up
SWAN Places8 Jun, 14:00 - 16:00
Glasgow Queen's Park Social Meet Up
SWAN Places11 Jun, 18:30 - 20:00
Falkirk Social Meet Up
SWAN Places16 Jun, 16:30 - 18:00
Glasgow Bridgeton Social Meet Up
SWAN Places17 Jun, 13:30 - 15:00
Stirling Social Meet Up Group
SWAN Places17 Jun, 17:00 - 18:30
Glasgow West End Social Meet Up
SWAN Places19 Jun, 13:30 - 15:00
Dundee Social Meet Up
SWAN Places27 Jun, 15:00 - 17:00
Dumfries & Galloway Social Meet Up
SWAN Places30 Jun, 10:30 - 12:00
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 and Clackmannanshire 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.
April 2025
Edinburgh Group online
SWAN Spaces20 Apr, 15:00
Western Isles Social Meet Up Group Online Online
SWAN Spaces28 Apr, 18:00
Moray Social Meet Up Group Online
SWAN Spaces29 Apr, 18:00
Student Online Social Meet-Up
SWAN SpacesOnline - 30 Apr, 18:00 - 19:00
May 2025
Pre-Diagnosis Drop In Group
SWAN SpacesOnline - 6 May, 19:00 - 20:30
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
Shetland Social Meet Up Group Online
SWAN SpacesOnline - 8 May, 18:00 - 19:00
Stirlingshire Social Meet Up Group Online
SWAN SpacesOnline - 13 May, 18:00 - 19:00
Webinar - A Parent's Perspective: Barriers to Education & Embracing Monotropism With Helen Edgar, Autistic Realms
SWAN Spacesonline - 13 May, 19:00 - 20:30
We are very delighted to welcome Helen Edgar as our guest speaker for our monthly wellbeing webinar in May on A Parent's Perspective: Barriers to Education & Embracing Monotropism
Booking Open
More About this Webinar
By sharing my lived experience as an Autistic person, parent to two neurodivergent children and an Early Years/Primary teacher with over 20 years working in SEND settings, I am offering a space to discuss why so many Autistic and neurodivergent families are struggling in the education system and experiencing mental health difficulties - burnt-out parents and burnt-out children. We will explore if an understanding of the theory of monotropism could help at home/school and through professional practice by reframing the deficit-based medical model of Autism and adopting a neuro-affirming approach.
(This presentation has been inspired by last week's new DFE campaign about school readiness and a new attendance campaign in UK. We need to dismantle ableism and embrace neuro-affirming practice!)
We will send round resources and signposting after the webinar
More about our speaker
Helen is an Autistic advocate, published author and consultant. She is a parent to two neurodivergent children, both of whom have alternative provision provided via EHCPs. She is late identified Autistic and a former Early Years/Primary teacher and worked for 20 years in SEND Early Years / Primary settings near Birmingham in the UK (primarily with those with profound and multiple learning disabilities). Helen is currently working with Thriving Autistic and GROVE Neurodivergent Mentoring and Education.
Helen regularly delivers neurodiversity-affirming educational training and workshops for those supporting young people who may be experiencing barriers to education and Autistic burnout. Helen is also contributing towards Spectrum Gaming's project to create educational resources about Autistic Burnout. Helen's writing and resources have been shared widely across many charities, organisations, NHS trusts, local authorities and school settings.
Website: Autistic Realms (www.autisticrealms.com)
Twitter: www.twitter.com/autisticrealms
FaceBook: www.facebook.com/autisticrealm...
Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/autis...,
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/he...,
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auti...
Autistic Parents' Space
SWAN SpacesOnline - 15 May, 19:00 - 20:30
Edinburgh Social Meet Up Group Online
SWAN SpacesOnline - 18 May, 15:00 - 16:00
Post Diagnosis Group Wednesdays 1-2:30pm Week 1
SWAN SpacesOnline - 21 May, 13:00 - 14:30
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
Post Diagnosis Group Thursdays 7-8:30pm Week 1
SWAN SpacesOnline - 22 May, 19:00 - 20:30
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
Western Isles Social Meet Up Group Online
SWAN SpacesOnline - 26 May, 18:00 - 19:00
Moray Social Meet Up Group Online
SWAN SpacesOnline - 27 May, 18:00 - 19:00
Post Diagnosis Group Wednesdays 1-2:30pm Week 2
SWAN SpacesOnline - 28 May, 13:00 - 14:30
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
Student Online Social Meet-Up
SWAN SpacesOnline - 28 May, 18:00 - 19:00
Post Diagnosis Group Thursdays 7-8:30pm Week 2
SWAN SpacesOnline - 29 May, 19:00 - 20:30
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
Stirlingshire and Clackmannanshire Online Social Meet Up
SWAN SpacesOnline - 3 Jun, 18:00 - 19:00
Post Diagnosis Group Wednesdays 1-2:30pm Week 3
SWAN SpacesOnline - 4 Jun, 13:00 - 14:30
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
Post Diagnosis Group Thursdays 7-8:30pm Week 3
SWAN SpacesOnline - 5 Jun, 19:00 - 20:30
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
Post Diagnosis Group Wednesdays 1-2:30pm Week 4
SWAN SpacesOnline - 11 Jun, 13:00 - 14:30
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
Shetland Social Meet Up Group Online
SWAN SpacesOnline - 12 Jun, 18:00 - 19:00
Post Diagnosis Group Thursdays 7-8:30pm Week 4
SWAN SpacesOnline - 12 Jun, 19:00 - 20:30
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
Edinburgh Social Meet Up Group Online
SWAN SpacesOnline - 15 Jun, 15:00 - 16:00
Post Diagnosis Group Wednesdays 1-2:30pm Week 5
SWAN SpacesOnline - 18 Jun, 13:00 - 14:30
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
Post Diagnosis Group Thursdays 7-8:30pm Week 5
SWAN SpacesOnline - 19 Jun, 19:00 - 20:30
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
Autistic Parents' Space
SWAN SpacesOnline - 19 Jun, 19:00 - 20:30
Moray Social Meet Up Group Online
SWAN SpacesOnline - 24 Jun, 18:00 - 19:00
Post Diagnosis Group Wednesdays 1-2:30pm Week 6
SWAN SpacesOnline - 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
Student Online Social Meet-Up
SWAN SpacesOnline - 25 Jun, 18:00 - 19:00
Post Diagnosis Group Thursdays 7-8:30pm Week 6
SWAN SpacesOnline - 26 Jun, 19:00 - 20:30
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 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
Western Isles Social Meet Up Group Online
SWAN SpacesOnline - 30 Jun, 18:00 - 19:00