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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: Stirling

Social Meet-up: West Lothian

Social Health Walk : Dundee

Social Health Walk: Glasgow Bridgeton

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.

September 2024
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12th

Glasgow Queens Park Health Walk

SWAN Places
12 Sep, 18:00
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16th

Falkirk Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
16 Sep, 16:30
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17th

Glasgow Bridgeton Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
17 Sep, 13:30
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17th

Stirling Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
17 Sep, 17:00
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17th

Dundee Health Walk

SWAN Places
17 Sep, 17:30
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19th

Glasgow West End Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
19 Sep, 13:30
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19th

Glasgow Summer social - Punts Pots Bookable on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/glasgow-summer-social-punts-pots-tickets-1000582337707

SWAN Places
19 Sep, 18:30
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Bookable on Eventbrite

24th

East Lothian Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
24 Sep, 18:00
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27th

Dundee Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
27 Sep, 14:00
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October 2024
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1st

West Lothian Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
1 Oct, 17:30
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1st

Stirling Health Walk

SWAN Places
1 Oct, 17:30
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2nd

Glasgow Queen's Park Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
2 Oct, 18:30
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3rd

Fife Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
3 Oct, 17:00
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15th

Glasgow Bridgeton Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
15 Oct, 13:30
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15th

Stirling Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
15 Oct, 17:00
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15th

Dundee Health Walk

SWAN Places
15 Oct, 17:30
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17th

Glasgow West End Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
17 Oct, 13:30
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21st

Falkirk Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
21 Oct, 16:30
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25th

Dundee Social Meet-Up

SWAN Places
25 Oct, 14:00
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29th

East Lothian Social Meet Up

SWAN Places
29 Oct, 18:00
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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.


Art & Craft Group

Autistic Parents’ Space

Edinburgh Online Social Meet-Up

Moray Online Social Meet-Up

Neuroqueer Social (LGBTQIA+ Group)

Online Peer Support Forum

Rural Stirlingshire Online Social Meet-Up

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.

September 2024
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12th

Shetland Social Meet Up Group Online

SWAN Spaces
12 Sep, 18:00
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12th

Post Diagnosis Group Week 2

SWAN Spaces
online - 12 Sep, 18:30 - 20:00
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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

Book

15th

Edinburgh Group online

SWAN Spaces
15 Sep, 15:00
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16th

Post Diagnosis Group Week 3

SWAN Spaces
Online - 16 Sep, 13:00 - 14:30
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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

Book

17th

Webinar - Same Food for Self Care

SWAN Spaces
Online - 17 Sep, 17:30 - 19:00
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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 Now Open

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.


Book

19th

Post Diagnosis Group Week 3

SWAN Spaces
online - 19 Sep, 18:30 - 20:00
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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

Book

23rd

Post Diagnosis Group Week 4

SWAN Spaces
Online - 23 Sep, 13:00 - 14:30
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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

Book

24th

Moray Social Meet Up Group Online

SWAN Spaces
24 Sep, 18:00
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26th

Post Diagnosis Group Week 4

SWAN Spaces
online - 26 Sep, 18:30 - 20:00
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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

Book

30th

Post Diagnosis Group Week 5

SWAN Spaces
Online - 30 Sep, 13:00 - 14:30
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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

Book

30th

Western Isles Social Meet Up Group Online Online

SWAN Spaces
30 Sep, 18:00
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October 2024
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1st

Pre-Diagnosis Drop In Group

SWAN Spaces
online - 1 Oct, 19:00 - 20:30
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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 Now Open

Book

3rd

Post Diagnosis Group Week 5

SWAN Spaces
online - 3 Oct, 18:30 - 20:00
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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

Book

7th

Post Diagnosis Group Week 6

SWAN Spaces
Online - 7 Oct, 13:00 - 14:30
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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

Book

10th

Shetland Social Meet Up Group Online

SWAN Spaces
10 Oct, 18:00
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10th

Post Diagnosis Group Week 6

SWAN Spaces
online - 10 Oct, 18:30 - 20:00
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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

Book

20th

Edinburgh Social Meet Up Group online

SWAN Spaces
20 Oct, 15:00
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28th

Western Isles Social Meet Up Group Online online

SWAN Spaces
28 Oct, 18:00
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29th

Moray Social Meet Up Group Online

SWAN Spaces
29 Oct, 18:00
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30th

Post Diagnosis Group Week 1

SWAN Spaces
online - 30 Oct, 19:00 - 20:30
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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

31st

Post Diagnosis Group Week 1

SWAN Spaces
31 Oct, 13:00 - 14:30
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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
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5th

Pre Diagnosis Drop In Group

SWAN Spaces
Online - 5 Nov, 13:00 - 14:30
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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

6th

Post Diagnosis Group Week 2

SWAN Spaces
online - 6 Nov, 19:00 - 20:30
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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

13th

Post Diagnosis Group Week 3

SWAN Spaces
online - 13 Nov, 19:00 - 20:30
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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

14th

Post Diagnosis Group Week 3

SWAN Spaces
Online - 14 Nov, 13:00 - 14:30
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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

20th

Post Diagnosis Group Week 4

SWAN Spaces
online - 20 Nov, 19:00 - 20:30
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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

21st

Post Diagnosis Group Week 4

SWAN Spaces
online - 21 Nov, 13:00 - 14:30
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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

27th

Post Diagnosis Group Week 5

SWAN Spaces
online - 27 Nov, 19:00 - 20:30
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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

28th

Post Diagnosis Group Week 5

SWAN Spaces
Online - 28 Nov, 13:00 - 14:30
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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
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4th

Post Diagnosis Group Week 6

SWAN Spaces
online - 4 Dec, 19:00 - 20:30
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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

5th

Post Diagnosis Group Week 6

SWAN Spaces
Online - 5 Dec, 13:00 - 14:30
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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