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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 (both cis and trans) 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.


Aberdeen: Meet-Up

Ayr: Meet-Up

Borders: Meet-Up

Dumfries & Galloway: Meet-Up

Dundee: Meet-Up

East Lothian: Meet-Up

Edinburgh: Meet-Up

Falkirk: Meet-Up

Fife: Meet-Up

Fife: Walk

Glasgow: Bridgeton Meet-up

Glasgow: Book Club

Glasgow: Queen’s Park Meet-up

Glasgow: Queens Park Walk

Glasgow: West End Meet-up

Shetland: Meet-Up

Stirling: Meet-up

Stirling: Walk

Stonehaven: Meet-Up

West Lothian: Meet-Up

Oban: Walk

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.

September 2025
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14th

Edinburgh Meet-Up

SWAN Places
14 Sep, 14:00 -
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15th

Falkirk Meet-Up

SWAN Places
15 Sep, 16:30 - 18:00
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16th

Glasgow Bridgeton Meet-up

SWAN Places
16 Sep, 13:30 - 15:00
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16th

Stirling Meet-Up

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

Glasgow West End Meet-Up

SWAN Places
18 Sep, 13:30 - 15:00
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25th

Sheltand Meet-Up

SWAN Places
25 Sep, 18:00 - 20:00
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25th

Glasgow Queen's Park Walk

SWAN Places
25 Sep, 18:00 - 19:00
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26th

Dundee Meet-Up

SWAN Places
26 Sep, 15:00 - 17:00
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29th

Dumfries & Galloway Meet-Up

SWAN Places
29 Sep, 10:30 - 12:00
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29th

East Lothian Meet-Up

SWAN Places
29 Sep, 18:00
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October 2025
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1st

Stonehaven Meet-Up

SWAN Places
1 Oct, 19:45 - 20:45
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2nd

Fife Meet-Up

SWAN Places
2 Oct, 17:00 - 18:30
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4th

Aberdeen Meet-Up

SWAN Places
4 Oct, 11:30 - 13:00
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7th

Borders Meet-Up

SWAN Places
7 Oct, 14:00 - 15:00
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7th

Stirling Walk

SWAN Places
7 Oct, 17:30
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7th

West Lothian Meet-Up

SWAN Places
7 Oct, 17:30 - 19:00
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8th

Ayr Meet-Up

SWAN Places
8 Oct, 18:00 - 19:00
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8th

Glasgow Queen's Park Meet-Up

SWAN Places
8 Oct, 18:30 - 20:00
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12th

Edinburgh Meet-Up

SWAN Places
12 Oct, 14:00 - 16:00
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16th

Glasgow West End Meet-Up

SWAN Places
16 Oct, 13:30 - 15:00
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20th

Falkirk Meet-Up

SWAN Places
20 Oct, 16:30 - 18:00
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21st

Glasgow Bridgeton Meet-up

SWAN Places
21 Oct, 13:30 - 15:00
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21st

Stirling Meet-Up

SWAN Places
21 Oct, 17:00 - 18:30
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23rd

Glasgow Queen's Park Walk

SWAN Places
23 Oct, 18:00 - 19:00
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27th

Dumfries & Galloway Meet-Up

SWAN Places
27 Oct, 10:30 - 12:00
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27th

East Lothian Meet-Up

SWAN Places
27 Oct, 18:00 - 19:30
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30th

Sheltand Meet-Up

SWAN Places
30 Oct, 18:00 - 20:00
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31st

Dundee Meet-Up

SWAN Places
31 Oct, 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 and volunteers.


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 (both cis and trans), 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.


Post-Diagnosis Groups

Pre-Diagnosis Drop-Ins

Autistic Parents & Carers Peer Support

Highlands and Islands Peer Support

Queer Peer Support

Students Peer Support

Sunday Peer Support

Tuesday Peer Support

Crafting Social

Wellbeing Webinars

Online Peer Support Forum

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

September 2025
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18th

Webinar - Energy Accounting With Maja Toudal

SWAN Spaces
Online - 18 Sep, 18:00 - 19:30
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Join Maja Toudal for a webinar on Energy Accounting: Neurodiversity-Affirming Stress Management and Burnout Prevention.

Book through Eventbrite.

About this Webinar:
It is, by now, widely acknowledged that stress and burnout are highly relevant topics to consider when examining quality of life and wellbeing. However, for autistic people, we often forget that the biggest sources of stress come from simply living in a world not designed for us.

When autistic psychologist Maja Toudal began her high school education, she knew that she would need to find a way to ‘survive’ the increased stress levels that a school environment would result in. This method would need to be adjustable to fluctuating needs and be capable of monitoring stress levels in a way that would allow her to see the warning signs and act before she reached burnout.

After 10 years of clinical implementation in several countries, showing powerful results, Energy Accounting has become a holistic, visual and structured method that is adaptable to any neurotype, as well as a range of disabilities which may affect stress levels. Furthermore, the method can be used by the individual themselves, or in collaboration with a clinician. Based on practical use rather than theoretical models, it moves away from set programs and towards tailoring the intervention to the individual.

Energy Accounting addresses stress and burnout directly, but also flips stress management on its head, asking the all-important question: Why not be proactive?

About our Speaker:

Maja Toudal is an autistic and ADHD psychologist, speaker, and author from Denmark. Her first book, What Your Autistic Child Wants You To Know, combines her personal and professional perspectives to advise parents on the inner lives of autistic children. Her second book, Energy Accounting, provides a practical guide to self-exploring and making adjustments to improve quality of life. Maja takes a neuro-affirmative approach in her work as a clinician and educator, acknowledging each person’s strengths and resources, as well as the real-life challenges that may require adaptive strategies for the individual. Currently, she focuses on clinical work and future book projects, as well as the podcast Autistic Tidbits and Tangents, which she hosts alongside Dr. Kara Dymond and Bruce Petherick.

Maja Toudal - Autistic psychologist, speaker, educator & author

Energy Accounting | Book by Energy Accounting

Book

18th

Autistic Parents & Carers Peer Support

SWAN Spaces
Online - 18 Sep, 19:00 - 20:30
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21st

Sunday Peer Support

SWAN Spaces
Online - 21 Sep, 15:00
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24th

Students Peer Support

SWAN Spaces
Online - 24 Sep, 18:00
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29th

Highlands and Islands Peer Support

SWAN Spaces
Online - 29 Sep, 18:00 - 19:00
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October 2025
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1st

Post Diagnosis Group Wednesdays 11:00-12:30pm Week 1

SWAN Spaces
Online - 1 Oct, 11:00 - 12:30
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Week 1 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Wednesdays 11:00-12:30 via ZOOM

Booking will open on 10th September 4:30pm through our Eventbrite

Dates for this course are:

Wednesday October 1st 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday October 8th 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday October 15th 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday October 22nd 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday October 29th 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday November 5th 11:00-12:30pm

For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video or contact info@swanscotland.org

2nd

Post Diagnosis Group Thursdays 6:30-8:00pm Week 1

SWAN Spaces
Online - 2 Oct, 18:30 - 20:00
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Week 1 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Thursdays 18:30-20:00 via ZOOM

Booking will open on 10th September 4:30pm through our Eventbrite

Dates for this course are:

Thursday October 2nd 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday October 9th 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday October 16th 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday October 23rd 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday October 30th 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday November 6th 6:30-8:00pm

For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video or contact info@swanscotland.org

6th

Crafting Social

SWAN Spaces
Online - 6 Oct, 19:00 - 20:00
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8th

Post Diagnosis Group Wednesdays 11:00-12:30pm Week 2

SWAN Spaces
Online - 8 Oct, 11:00 - 12:30
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Week 2 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Wednesdays 11:00-12:30 via ZOOM

Booking will open on 10th September 4:30pm through our Eventbrite

Dates for this course are:

Wednesday October 1st 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday October 8th 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday October 15th 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday October 22nd 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday October 29th 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday November 5th 11:00-12:30pm

For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video or contact info@swanscotland.org


9th

Queer Peer Support

SWAN Spaces
Online - 9 Oct, 18:00 - 19:00
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9th

Post Diagnosis Group Thursdays 6:30-8:00pm Week 2

SWAN Spaces
Online - 9 Oct, 18:30 - 20:00
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Week 2 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Thursdays 18:30-20:00 via ZOOM

Booking will open on 10th September 4:30pm through our Eventbrite

Dates for this course are:

Thursday October 2nd 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday October 9th 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday October 16th 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday October 23rd 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday October 30th 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday November 6th 6:30-8:00pm

For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video or contact info@swanscotland.org

14th

Tuesday Peer Support

SWAN Spaces
Online - 14 Oct, 18:00
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15th

Post Diagnosis Group Wednesdays 11:00-12:30pm Week 3

SWAN Spaces
Online - 15 Oct, 11:00 - 12:30
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Week 3 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Wednesdays 11:00-12:30 via ZOOM

Booking will open on 10th September 4:30pm through our Eventbrite

Dates for this course are:

Wednesday October 1st 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday October 8th 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday October 15th 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday October 22nd 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday October 29th 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday November 5th 11:00-12:30pm

For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video or contact info@swanscotland.org

16th

Post Diagnosis Group Thursdays 6:30-8:00pm Week 3

SWAN Spaces
Online - 16 Oct, 18:30 - 20:00
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Week 3 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Thursdays 18:30-20:00 via ZOOM

Booking will open on 10th September 4:30pm through our Eventbrite

Dates for this course are:

Thursday October 2nd 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday October 9th 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday October 16th 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday October 23rd 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday October 30th 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday November 6th 6:30-8:00pm

For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video or contact info@swanscotland.org

16th

Autistic Parents & Carers Peer Support

SWAN Spaces
Online - 16 Oct, 19:00 - 20:30
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19th

Sunday Peer Support Oct

SWAN Spaces
Online - 19 Oct, 15:00 - 16:00
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22nd

Post Diagnosis Group Wednesdays 11:00-12:30pm Week 4

SWAN Spaces
Online - 22 Oct, 11:00 - 12:30
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Week 4 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Wednesdays 11:00-12:30 via ZOOM

Booking will open on 10th September 4:30pm through our Eventbrite

Dates for this course are:

Wednesday October 1st 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday October 8th 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday October 15th 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday October 22nd 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday October 29th 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday November 5th 11:00-12:30pm

For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video or contact info@swanscotland.org

22nd

Webinar - An Autistic Perspective on Anxiety, OCD and Wellbeing With Dean Beadle

SWAN Spaces
Online - 22 Oct, 18:30 - 20:00
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Join Dean Beadle for a personal insight into anxiety and OCD, and an exploration of the cornerstones of autistic wellbeing.

Book through Eventbrite.

About this Webinar
In this webinar, Dean will give a very personal insight into anxiety and OCD and reflect on what has worked for him in terms of living an authentic life around it. He will then go on to look at what he considers to be the cornerstones of autistic wellbeing.

More About Our Speaker: Dean Beadle

Dean Beadle has spent the last twenty years working as a speaker and trainer, sharing his experiences of being autistic. Known for his humorous and thought-provoking speaking style, he is passionate about creating a world that is more accessible and inclusive for autistic people. Dean has delivered inset training at schools across the UK, presented keynotes at conferences in Ireland, Germany, Belgium and Denmark and completed four seminar tours of Australia and New Zealand. He is a patron of three autism related charities

Instagram: @deanbeadlespeaker
Facebook: Dean Beadle Speaker
TikTok: dean.beadle

Book

23rd

Post Diagnosis Group Thursdays 6:30-8:00pm Week 4

SWAN Spaces
Online - 23 Oct, 18:30 - 20:00
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Week 4 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Thursdays 18:30-20:00 via ZOOM

Booking will open on 10th September 4:30pm through our Eventbrite

Dates for this course are:

Thursday October 2nd 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday October 9th 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday October 16th 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday October 23rd 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday October 30th 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday November 6th 6:30-8:00pm

For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video or contact info@swanscotland.org

27th

Highlands and Islands Peer Support

SWAN Spaces
Online - 27 Oct, 18:00 - 19:00
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29th

Post Diagnosis Group Wednesdays 11:00-12:30pm Week 5

SWAN Spaces
Online - 29 Oct, 11:00 - 12:30
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Week 5 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Wednesdays 11:00-12:30 via ZOOM

Booking will open on 10th September 4:30pm through our Eventbrite

Dates for this course are:

Wednesday October 1st 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday October 8th 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday October 15th 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday October 22nd 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday October 29th 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday November 5th 11:00-12:30pm

For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video or contact info@swanscotland.org

29th

Students Peer Support

SWAN Spaces
Online - 29 Oct, 18:00 - 19:00
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30th

Post Diagnosis Group Thursdays 6:30-8:00pm Week 5

SWAN Spaces
Online - 30 Oct, 18:30 - 20:00
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Week 5 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Thursdays 18:30-20:00 via ZOOM

Booking will open on 10th September 4:30pm through our Eventbrite

Dates for this course are:

Thursday October 2nd 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday October 9th 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday October 16th 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday October 23rd 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday October 30th 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday November 6th 6:30-8:00pm

For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video or contact info@swanscotland.org

November 2025
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5th

Post Diagnosis Group Wednesdays 11:00-12:30pm Week 6

SWAN Spaces
Online - 5 Nov, 11:00 - 12:30
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Week 6 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Wednesdays 11:00-12:30 via ZOOM

Booking will open on 10th September 4:30pm through our Eventbrite

Dates for this course are:

Wednesday October 1st 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday October 8th 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday October 15th 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday October 22nd 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday October 29th 11:00-12:30pm

Wednesday November 5th 11:00-12:30pm

For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video or contact info@swanscotland.org

6th

Post Diagnosis Group Thursdays 6:30-8:00pm Week 6

SWAN Spaces
Online - 6 Nov, 18:30 - 20:00
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Week 6 of our 6 Week Post Diagnosis Course

This group runs for six weeks on Thursdays 18:30-20:00 via ZOOM

Booking will open on 10th September 4:30pm through our Eventbrite

Dates for this course are:

Thursday October 2nd 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday October 9th 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday October 16th 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday October 23rd 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday October 30th 6:30-8:00pm

Thursday November 6th 6:30-8:00pm

For more information on our post diagnosis course please watch our information video or contact info@swanscotland.org