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Services & Events

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

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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: Stonehaven

Social Meet-up: West Lothian

Social Health Walk: Aberdeen

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.

May 2025
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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

CANCELLED - 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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20th

Glasgow Queens Park Health Walk

SWAN Places
20 May, 18:00
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26th

Dumfries & Galloway Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
26 May, 10:30 - 12:00
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27th

East Lothian Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
27 May, 18:00
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30th

Dundee Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
30 May, 15:00 - 17:00
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June 2025
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3rd

Stirling Health Walk

SWAN Places
3 Jun, 17:30
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3rd

West Lothian Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
3 Jun, 17:30 - 19:00
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4th

Stonehaven Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
4 Jun, 19:45 - 20:45
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5th

Fife Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
5 Jun, 17:00 - 18:30
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7th

Aberdeen Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
7 Jun, 11:30 - 13:00
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8th

Edinburgh Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
8 Jun, 14:00 - 16:00
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11th

Glasgow Queen's Park Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
11 Jun, 18:30 - 20:00
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16th

Falkirk Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
16 Jun, 16:30 - 18:00
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17th

Glasgow Bridgeton Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
17 Jun, 13:30 - 15:00
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17th

Stirling Social Meet Up Group

SWAN Places
17 Jun, 17:00 - 18:30
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27th

Dundee Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
27 Jun, 15:00 - 17:00
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30th

Dumfries & Galloway Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
30 Jun, 10:30 - 12:00
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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.


Autistic Parents’ Space

Edinburgh Online Social Meet-Up

Moray Online Social Meet-Up

SWAN Queer Social

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.

May 2025
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13th

Stirlingshire Social Meet Up Group Online

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

Webinar - A Parent's Perspective: Barriers to Education & Embracing Monotropism With Helen Edgar, Autistic Realms

SWAN Spaces
online - 13 May, 19:00 - 20:30
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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...


Book

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 13:00-14:30 Week 1

SWAN Spaces
Online - 21 May, 13:00 - 14:30
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Week 1 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Wednesdays from 13:00-14:30, online via Zoom.

Wednesday 21st May 13:00-14:30

Wednesday 28th May 13:00-14:30

Wednesday 4th June 13:00-14:30

Wednesday 11th June 13:00-14:30

Wednesday 18th June 13:00-14:30

Wednesday 25th June 13:00-14:30

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

Book

22nd

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

SWAN Spaces
Online - 22 May, 19:00 - 20:30
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Week 1 of our 6-Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Thursdays from 19:00-20:30, online via Zoom. 

Thursday 22nd May 19:00-20:30

Thursday 29th May 19:00-20:30

Thursday 5th June 19:00-20:30

Thursday 12th June 19:00-20:30

Thursday 19th June 19:00-20:30

Thursday 26th June 19:00-20:30

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

Book

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

Book

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

Book

June 2025
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3rd

Stirlingshire and Clackmannanshire Online Social Meet Up

SWAN Spaces
Online - 3 Jun, 18:00 - 19:00
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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

Book

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

Book

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

Book

12th

Shetland Social Meet Up Group Online

SWAN Spaces
Online - 12 Jun, 18:00 - 19:00
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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

Book

15th

Edinburgh Social Meet Up Group Online

SWAN Spaces
Online - 15 Jun, 15:00 - 16:00
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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

Book

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

Book

19th

Autistic Parents' Space

SWAN Spaces
Online - 19 Jun, 19:00 - 20:30
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24th

Webinar - Living our best lives after a late autism diagnosis With Cos Michael

SWAN Spaces
online - 24 Jun, 18:00 - 19:30
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We are delighted to welcome Cos Michael for our monthly wellbeing webinar on 

Booking will open 13th May 17:30pm 

https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/...


About this Webinar:
 

Receiving a very late autism diagnosis raises many questions. We reflect about the past and look for information on how to adapt our future lives, as older autistic people. This webinair looks at some of the issues that affect us, with information and suggestions on health, wellbeing and self care.

About our Speaker:

Following an autism diagnosis at the age of 50, Cos spent several years at the NAS, leading their Autism and Ageing projects. She has since worked with various university research projects around health and welfare in autistic adulthood and ageing. She is now an autism and ageing consultant, delivering training and workshops; and speaking at conferences in the UK and abroad.

@cosmichael.bsky.social 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/co...

Book

24th

Moray Social Meet Up Group Online

SWAN Spaces
Online - 24 Jun, 18:00 - 19:00
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25th

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

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

Book

25th

Student Online Social Meet-Up

SWAN Spaces
Online - 25 Jun, 18:00 - 19:00
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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

Book

30th

Western Isles Social Meet Up Group Online

SWAN Spaces
Online - 30 Jun, 18:00 - 19:00
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