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.
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.
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: Stirling
Social Meet-up: West Lothian
Social Health Walk : Dundee
Social Health walk: Fife
Social Health Walk: Glasgow Queens Park
Social Health Walk: Stirling
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.
July 2024
CANCELLED Inverness Social Meet Up
SWAN Places28 Jul, 14:00
Dumfries & Galloway Social Meet up
SWAN Places29 Jul, 10:30
August 2024
Fife Social Meet Up
SWAN Places1 Aug, 17:00
West Lothian Social Meet Up
SWAN Places6 Aug, 17:30
Glasgow Queen's Park Social Meet Up
SWAN Places7 Aug, 18:30
Edinburgh Social Meet Up
SWAN Places11 Aug, 14:00
Glasgow West End Social Meet Up
SWAN Places15 Aug, 13:30
Glasgow Bridgeton Health Walk
SWAN Places15 Aug, 18:00
Visible Mending Workshop
SWAN PlacesARC, University of Glasgow, 11 Chapel Lane, Glasgow G11 6EW - 17 Aug, 10:00 - 13:00
Are you aged 16-35 and living in or near Glasgow?
Do you love crafts and talking about being autistic?
Join us for a creative morning of 'Visible Mending' and discussion about your experiences and priorities - to inform future research which centres the needs of neurodivergent young women.
Visible mending is repair work done on textiles that is deliberately left visible - see this link for some info https://www.thecommons.earth/blog/6-types-of-visible-mending
See our News page for full details or fill in the booking form to attend.
Falkirk Social Meet Up
SWAN Places19 Aug, 16:30
Glasgow Bridgeton Social Meet Up
SWAN Places20 Aug, 13:30
Stirling Social Meet Up
SWAN Places20 Aug, 17:00
Dumfries & Galloway Social Meet Up
SWAN Places26 Aug, 10:30
East Lothian Social Meet Up
SWAN Places27 Aug, 18:00
Glasgow Queens Park Health Walk
SWAN Places28 Aug, 18:00
Dundee Social Meet-Up
SWAN Places30 Aug, 14:00
September 2024
West Lothian Social Meet Up
SWAN Places3 Sep, 17:30
Glasgow Queen's Park Social Meet Up
SWAN Places4 Sep, 18:30
Fife Social Meet Up
SWAN Places5 Sep, 17:00
Aberdeen Social Meet Up
SWAN Places7 Sep, 11:30
Edinburgh Social Meet Up
SWAN Places8 Sep, 14:00
Glasgow West End Social Meet Up
SWAN Places12 Sep, 13:30
Falkirk Social Meet Up
SWAN Places16 Sep, 16:30
Glasgow Bridgeton Social Meet Up
SWAN Places17 Sep, 13:30
Stirling Social Meet Up
SWAN Places17 Sep, 17:00
East Lothian Social Meet Up
SWAN Places24 Sep, 18:00
Dundee Social Meet Up
SWAN Places27 Sep, 14:00
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
Post-Diagnosis Groups
Pre-Diagnosis Drop-Ins
Shetland Islands Online Social Meet-Up
Wellbeing Webinars
Western Isles Online Social Meet-Up
Sign up to the SWAN mailing list for news and updates on all our groups.
July 2024
Western Isles Social Meet Up Group Online Online
SWAN Spaces29 Jul, 18:00
NatureAware Project Information Event
SWAN SpacesOnline via Zoom - 30 Jul, 17:30 - 19:00
SWAN and EarthSelf Partnership Project - Online Information Event
"NatureAware: A Coaching Adventure to Advocate for a Nature Positive World"
See our News page for full details and sign up via Eventbrite to attend
August 2024
Pre-Diagnosis Drop In Group
SWAN Spacesonline - 6 Aug, 19:00 - 20:30
Considering if you are Autistic and going through the diagnosis process (SELF or CLINICAL) or deciding to self identify 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'
Book Now
Shetland Social Meet Up Group Online
SWAN Spaces8 Aug, 18:00
Webinar - Both Sides of the Table: Autistic Experiences as an Employee and Manager
SWAN Spacesonline - 13 Aug, 17:30 - 19:00
We are delighted to welcome Sharon McKeekin as our guest speaker for our monthly wellbeing webinar 'Both Sides of the Table: Autistic Experiences as an Employee and Manager'
About this Webinar:
Navigating recruitment and employment is a struggle for most of us who are autistic. Understanding the unwritten expectations of the application and interview process, knowing what accommodations we can ask for, and finding our place in organisational cultures developed for and by neurotypical colleagues, are among the issues we face. In this webinar, Sharon will look at her own lived experiences as a job seeker and employee, and as a manager and interviewer, with the hopes of offering useful and practical advice to those looking to enter or already in the workplace. She will also share how a better understanding of her own autistic traits, as well as of concepts such as imposter syndrome, vocational awe, and weaponized gratitude have helped her feel more confident and capable in her abilities and in her role.
About our Speaker:
Sharon McMeekin is Head of Workforce Development with the Digital Preservation Coalition where she leads on training and professional development projects for an international audience. Sharon is a qualified archivist and a regular guest lecturer for information management courses at Universities in the UK and abroad. She was previously a trustee of the Scottish Council on Archives. In her own time, Sharon is a skills magpie, loving to learn new things, as well as frequently adding to her increasingly out of control Lego collection. She also spends time with her dog, Pretzel, and her tortoise, Ted. After receiving her Autism diagnosis at 44, Sharon found the SWAN post-diagnosis group to be incredibly helpful, and has since joined the board of trustees with the hope of supporting the organisation in their excellent work.
Edinburgh Social Meet Up Group online
SWAN Spaces18 Aug, 15:00
Western Isles Social Meet Up Group Online online
SWAN Spaces26 Aug, 18:00
Moray Social Meet Up Group Online
SWAN Spaces27 Aug, 18:00
September 2024
Post Diagnosis Group Week 1
SWAN Spacesonline - 2 Sep, 13:00 - 14:30
Booking for this course will open on 01st August 4:30pm
Week 1 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This course will run for 6 weeks on Mondays 1-2:30pm
Monday 02nd September
Monday 09th September
Monday 13th September
Monday 23rd September
Monday 30th September
Monday 07th October
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Pre-diagnosis Drop in Group
SWAN SpacesOnline - 3 Sep, 10:00 - 11:30
Booking for this session will open 01st August 4:30pm
Considering if you are Autistic and going through the diagnosis process (SELF or CLINICAL) can be a confusing time, feel isolating and 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 at a similar point in their journey.
Post Diagnosis Group Week 1
SWAN Spacesonline - 5 Sep, 18:30 - 20:00
Booking for this course will open on 01st August 4:30pm
Week 1 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This course will run for 6 weeks on Thursdays 6:30-8pm
Thursday 05th September
Thursday 12th September
Thursday 19th September
Thursday 26th September
Thursday 03rd October
Thursday 10th October
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Post Diagnosis Group Week 2
SWAN SpacesOnline - 9 Sep, 13:00 - 14:30
Booking for this course will open on 01st August 4:30pm
Week 2 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This course will run for 6 weeks on Mondays 1-2:30pm
Monday 02nd September
Monday 09th September
Monday 13th September
Monday 23rd September
Monday 30th September
Monday 07th October
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Post Diagnosis Group Week 2
SWAN Spacesonline - 12 Sep, 18:30 - 20:00
Booking for this course will open on 01st August 4:30pm
Week 2 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This course will run for 6 weeks on Thursdays 6:30-8pm
Thursday 05th September
Thursday 12th September
Thursday 19th September
Thursday 26th September
Thursday 03rd October
Thursday 10th October
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Edinburgh Group online
SWAN Spaces15 Sep, 15:00
Post Diagnosis Group Week 3
SWAN SpacesOnline - 16 Sep, 13:00 - 14:30
Booking for this course will open on 01st August 4:30pm
Week 3 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This course will run for 6 weeks on Mondays 1-2:30pm
Monday 02nd September
Monday 09th September
Monday 13th September
Monday 23rd September
Monday 30th September
Monday 07th October
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Webinar - Same Food for Self Care
SWAN SpacesOnline - 17 Sep, 17:30 - 19:00
We look forward to welcoming Scott Neilson and Laura Hellfeld as guest speakers for our monthly wellbeing webinar titled 'Same Food for Self Care'
Booking for this webinar will open Monday 26th August 4:30pm
About this Webinar (full description will be on eventbrite booking)
Scott Neilson and Laura Hellfeld will bring us together to explore the Neurodivergent food trait of ‘same food’. Same foods are foods that we have a great attachment to, our personal favourites. We may eat these foods every day in order to bring ourselves routine or comfort.
We will then explore our emotional & sensory responses to our chosen same food. We will explore how our same foods therefore provide an important piece to our mental well-being & self-care.
IMPORTANT INFO - this webinar has an optional creative section
Participants can have a piece of paper, crayons, pens, or markers on hand for the creative section of the webinar. At the same time, participation in this way is not necessary and those attending are welcome into the webinar to just have a listen.
About our Speakers
Laura Hellfeld is an AuDHD (Autistic, ADHD) health care professional, consultant and advocate. Their education includes a Masters in Nursing (RN, MSN), licensure in Public Health Nursing (PHN) and certification as a Sleep Consultant. They work as an independent Nurse Consultant to support the neurodivergent community and educate other care professionals to understand their unique support needs.
Laura specializes in PDA, distress behaviours and self-care like eating and sleep. They are also Associate Editor of the magazine publication, Autistic Revolution.
Scott Neilson:
Scott is an Autistic Trainer, Mentor and Consultant based in Lanarkshire, Scotland. They are dedicated to creating a world where Autistic people can thrive Autistically. Scott has over 25 years of personal experience as an Autistic person, in addition to over 5 years of professional experience supporting Autistic people and their families within various settings and organisations. They now do this independently under ‘Autistically Scott’. Within the past few years, they have delivered training sessions to hundreds of professionals, including teachers, social workers, educational psychologists and therapists.
Post Diagnosis Group Week 3
SWAN Spacesonline - 19 Sep, 18:30 - 20:00
Booking for this course will open on 01st August 4:30pm
Week 3 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This course will run for 6 weeks on Thursdays 6:30-8pm
Thursday 05th September
Thursday 12th September
Thursday 19th September
Thursday 26th September
Thursday 03rd October
Thursday 10th October
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Post Diagnosis Group Week 4
SWAN SpacesOnline - 23 Sep, 13:00 - 14:30
Booking for this course will open on 01st August 4:30pm
Week 4 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This course will run for 6 weeks on Mondays 1-2:30pm
Monday 02nd September
Monday 09th September
Monday 13th September
Monday 23rd September
Monday 30th September
Monday 07th October
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Post Diagnosis Group Week 4
SWAN Spacesonline - 26 Sep, 18:30 - 20:00
Booking for this course will open on 01st August 4:30pm
Week 4 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This course will run for 6 weeks on Thursdays 6:30-8pm
Thursday 05th September
Thursday 12th September
Thursday 19th September
Thursday 26th September
Thursday 03rd October
Thursday 10th October
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Post Diagnosis Group Week 5
SWAN SpacesOnline - 30 Sep, 13:00 - 14:30
Booking for this course will open on 01st August 4:30pm
Week 5 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This course will run for 6 weeks on Mondays 1-2:30pm
Monday 02nd September
Monday 09th September
Monday 13th September
Monday 23rd September
Monday 30th September
Monday 07th October
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
October 2024
Pre-Diagnosis Drop In Group
SWAN Spacesonline - 1 Oct, 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 for this group will open 26th August 4:30pm
Post Diagnosis Group Week 5
SWAN Spacesonline - 3 Oct, 18:30 - 20:00
Booking for this course will open on 01st August 4:30pm
Week 5 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This course will run for 6 weeks on Thursdays 6:30-8pm
Thursday 05th September
Thursday 12th September
Thursday 19th September
Thursday 26th September
Thursday 03rd October
Thursday 10th October
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Post Diagnosis Group Week 6
SWAN SpacesOnline - 7 Oct, 13:00 - 14:30
Booking for this course will open on 01st August 4:30pm
Week 6 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This course will run for 6 weeks on Mondays 1-2:30pm
Monday 02nd September
Monday 09th September
Monday 13th September
Monday 23rd September
Monday 30th September
Monday 07th October
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Post Diagnosis Group Week 6
SWAN Spacesonline - 10 Oct, 18:30 - 20:00
Booking for this course will open on 01st August 4:30pm
Week 6 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This course will run for 6 weeks on Thursdays 6:30-8pm
Thursday 05th September
Thursday 12th September
Thursday 19th September
Thursday 26th September
Thursday 03rd October
Thursday 10th October
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Post Diagnosis Group Week 1
SWAN Spacesonline - 30 Oct, 19:00 - 20:30
Booking for this course will open on 23rd September 4:30pm
Week 1 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This course will run for 6 weeks on Wednesdays 7:00-8:30
Wednesday 30th October 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 6th November 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 13th November 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 20th November 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 27th November 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 04th December 7:00-8:30pm
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Post Diagnosis Group Week 1
SWAN Spaces31 Oct, 13:00 - 14:30
Booking for this course will open on 23rd September 4:30pm
Week 1 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This course will run for 6 weeks on Thursdays 1-2:30pm
Thursday 31st October 1-2:30pm
Thursday 7th November 1-2:30pm
Thursday 14th November 1-2:30pm
Thursday 21st November 1-2:30pm
Thursday 28th November 1-2:30pm
Thursday 5th December 1-2:30pm
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
November 2024
Pre Diagnosis Drop In Group
SWAN SpacesOnline - 5 Nov, 13:00 - 14:30
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 for this group will open 23rd September 4:30pm
Post Diagnosis Group Week 2
SWAN Spacesonline - 6 Nov, 19:00 - 20:30
Booking for this course will open on 23rd September 4:30pm
Week 2 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This course will run for 6 weeks on Wednesdays 7:00-8:30
Wednesday 30th October 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 6th November 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 13th November 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 20th November 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 27th November 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 04th December 7:00-8:30pm
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Post Diagnosis Group Week 3
SWAN Spacesonline - 13 Nov, 19:00 - 20:30
Booking for this course will open on 23rd September 4:30pm
Week 3 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This course will run for 6 weeks on Wednesdays 7:00-8:30
Wednesday 30th October 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 6th November 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 13th November 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 20th November 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 27th November 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 04th December 7:00-8:30pm
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Post Diagnosis Group Week 3
SWAN SpacesOnline - 14 Nov, 13:00 - 14:30
Booking for this course will open on 23rd September 4:30pm
Week 3 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This course will run for 6 weeks on Thursdays 1-2:30pm
Thursday 31st October 1-2:30pm
Thursday 7th November 1-2:30pm
Thursday 14th November 1-2:30pm
Thursday 21st November 1-2:30pm
Thursday 28th November 1-2:30pm
Thursday 5th December 1-2:30pm
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Post Diagnosis Group Week 4
SWAN Spacesonline - 20 Nov, 19:00 - 20:30
Booking for this course will open on 23rd September 4:30pm
Week 4 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This course will run for 6 weeks on Wednesdays 7:00-8:30
Wednesday 30th October 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 6th November 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 13th November 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 20th November 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 27th November 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 04th December 7:00-8:30pm
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Post Diagnosis Group Week 4
SWAN Spacesonline - 21 Nov, 13:00 - 14:30
Booking for this course will open on 23rd September 4:30pm
Week 4 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This course will run for 6 weeks on Thursdays 1-2:30pm
Thursday 31st October 1-2:30pm
Thursday 7th November 1-2:30pm
Thursday 14th November 1-2:30pm
Thursday 21st November 1-2:30pm
Thursday 28th November 1-2:30pm
Thursday 5th December 1-2:30pm
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
n
Post Diagnosis Group Week 5
SWAN Spacesonline - 27 Nov, 19:00 - 20:30
Booking for this course will open on 23rd September 4:30pm
Week 5 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This course will run for 6 weeks on Wednesdays 7:00-8:30
Wednesday 30th October 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 6th November 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 13th November 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 20th November 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 27th November 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 04th December 7:00-8:30pm
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Post Diagnosis Group Week 5
SWAN SpacesOnline - 28 Nov, 13:00 - 14:30
Booking for this course will open on 23rd September 4:30pm
Week 5 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This course will run for 6 weeks on Thursdays 1-2:30pm
Thursday 31st October 1-2:30pm
Thursday 7th November 1-2:30pm
Thursday 14th November 1-2:30pm
Thursday 21st November 1-2:30pm
Thursday 28th November 1-2:30pm
Thursday 5th December 1-2:30pm
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
December 2024
Post Diagnosis Group Week 6
SWAN Spacesonline - 4 Dec, 19:00 - 20:30
Booking for this course will open on 23rd September 4:30pm
Week 6 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This course will run for 6 weeks on Wednesdays 7:00-8:30
Wednesday 30th October 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 6th November 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 13th November 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 20th November 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 27th November 7:00-8:30pm
Wednesday 04th December 7:00-8:30pm
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video
Post Diagnosis Group Week 6
SWAN SpacesOnline - 5 Dec, 13:00 - 14:30
Booking for this course will open on 23rd September 4:30pm
Week 6 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course
This course will run for 6 weeks on Thursdays 1-2:30pm
Thursday 31st October 1-2:30pm
Thursday 7th November 1-2:30pm
Thursday 14th November 1-2:30pm
Thursday 21st November 1-2:30pm
Thursday 28th November 1-2:30pm
Thursday 5th December 1-2:30pm
For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video