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: 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
Glasgow Queens Park Health Walk
SWAN Places12 Sep, 18:00
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
Dundee Health Walk
SWAN Places17 Sep, 17:30
Glasgow West End Social Meet Up
SWAN Places19 Sep, 13:30
Glasgow Summer social - Punts Pots Bookable on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/glasgow-summer-social-punts-pots-tickets-1000582337707
SWAN Places19 Sep, 18:30
Bookable on Eventbrite
East Lothian Social Meet Up
SWAN Places24 Sep, 18:00
Dundee Social Meet Up
SWAN Places27 Sep, 14:00
October 2024
West Lothian Social Meet Up
SWAN Places1 Oct, 17:30
Stirling Health Walk
SWAN Places1 Oct, 17:30
Glasgow Queen's Park Social Meet Up
SWAN Places2 Oct, 18:30
Fife Social Meet Up
SWAN Places3 Oct, 17:00
Glasgow Bridgeton Social Meet Up
SWAN Places15 Oct, 13:30
Stirling Social Meet Up
SWAN Places15 Oct, 17:00
Dundee Health Walk
SWAN Places15 Oct, 17:30
Glasgow West End Social Meet Up
SWAN Places17 Oct, 13:30
Falkirk Social Meet Up
SWAN Places21 Oct, 16:30
Dundee Social Meet-Up
SWAN Places25 Oct, 14:00
East Lothian Social Meet Up
SWAN Places29 Oct, 18:00
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
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
Shetland Social Meet Up Group Online
SWAN Spaces12 Sep, 18:00
Post Diagnosis Group Week 2
SWAN Spacesonline - 12 Sep, 18:30 - 20:00
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
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 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.
Post Diagnosis Group Week 3
SWAN Spacesonline - 19 Sep, 18:30 - 20:00
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
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
Moray Social Meet Up Group Online
SWAN Spaces24 Sep, 18:00
Post Diagnosis Group Week 4
SWAN Spacesonline - 26 Sep, 18:30 - 20:00
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
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
Western Isles Social Meet Up Group Online Online
SWAN Spaces30 Sep, 18:00
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 Now Open
Post Diagnosis Group Week 5
SWAN Spacesonline - 3 Oct, 18:30 - 20:00
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
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
Shetland Social Meet Up Group Online
SWAN Spaces10 Oct, 18:00
Post Diagnosis Group Week 6
SWAN Spacesonline - 10 Oct, 18:30 - 20:00
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
Edinburgh Social Meet Up Group online
SWAN Spaces20 Oct, 15:00
Western Isles Social Meet Up Group Online online
SWAN Spaces28 Oct, 18:00
Moray Social Meet Up Group Online
SWAN Spaces29 Oct, 18:00
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
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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