Additional support needs Activity Groups

Social groups within East Dunbartonshire

Below is a list of some activity and social groups within East Dunbartonshire for individuals with Additional Support Needs.

Activity

Description

Website

Contact details

The Sporting Aces

Multi-sports at recreational level for people with a Learning disability and/or Autism in Kirkintilloch. Groups for ages 5+, all sessions are free. 

The Sporting Aces [opens in a new window]

Manager.thesportingaces@yahoo.com

Creatovators

Sessions for those with an ASD in East Dunbartonshire including Lego therapy, group activities and Playscheme. Targeted at younger children but open to all ages.

Creatovators [opens in a new window]

June Grindley – 07981 656 184 or june@creatovators.com

The Spectrum Film Club

A monthly inclusive cinema night at Kilmardinny house in Bearsden for people with an ASN of all ages, films decided by a committee of autistic film buffs

The Spectrum Film Club

Local area co-ordinators – LACs@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

M.A.G.S.S. (‘Manga, Anime, Games and Sci-fi Society)

An informal social group to talk about shared interests in M.A.G.S, meeting on the first and third Thursday of every month in Kirkintilloch from 5-6pm (14+)

 

Local area co-ordinators –LACs@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Gardening group

Gardening group for those with an ASN based in Milngavie (14+)

 

Local area co-ordinators – LACs@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Sounds of the Gallery band

Band based in Kirkintilloch for those with an ASN, meeting every Wednesday from 2-4pm (14+)

 

Local area co-ordinators – LACs@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Womens group

Weekly group for females with an ASN to meet and socialise, taking part in various activities across East Dunbartonshire & Glasgow (16+)

 

Local area co-ordinators – LACs@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Bowling group

Bowling group in Kirkintilloch meeting every Tuesday (currently operating a waiting list for new members)

 

Local area co-ordinators – LACs@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Aye Can Dae activities

Wellbeing workshops and activities for adults with an ASN including music/dance classes and social opportunities

Aye Can Dae activities [opens in a new window]

Eilidh Swatton – 07847 225 284 or ayecandae@outlook.com

EDICT Autism-specific groups

Creative art groups for people with an ASN in East Dunbartonshire

EDICT Autism-specific groups [opens in a new window]

0141 578 0251 or main.office@edictarts.co.uk

Disability sport finder

Website to search for sporting activities within your local area for those with a disability

Disability Sport Finder [opens in a new window]

 

Meetup.com

A range of social groups for specific interests in Glasgow and East Dunbartonshire (ie. anime fans, walking groups, dancing groups, music lovers etc.) Has some ASD-specific meetup groups.

Meet Up [opens in a new window]

 

Creative Sparks theatre arts

All-inclusive arts school with classes in acting, singing and dancing in East Dunbartonshire. Ages 5-18

Creatives Spark Theatre Arts [opens in a new window]

Jennifer McDonald – 07828 731 407 or jen@creativesparktheatrearts.co.uk

Active schools ASN opportunities

Booklet containing details of sports opportunities for those with an ASN in East Dunbartonshire for ages 4+.

Contact active schools co-ordinators for a copy of the booklet or more information

karen.borland@eastdunbarton.gov.uk or Karen.oconnor@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

or 0141 777 3023

Campsie View Monday Fun

Play sessions for children under 2 years old with complex medical and learning needs. New attendees must be referred by a health professional

 

Claire Beattie – 0141 955 2339

Contact point social groups

Social interaction groups twice a week in Kirkintilloch

Contact Point [opens in a new window]

0141 776 4391 or contactp@yahoo.com

NAS social programmes

Social groups across Glasgow and East Dunbartonshire for people with Autism

National Autistic Society [opens in a new window]

 

Speech Language Communication Company youth group

Social groups for people between 11-18 years old who struggle with speech, language and communication, based in Bearsden

Speech Language Communication Company youth group [opens in a new window]

Laura – 07525 852 853 or YouthClub@s-l-co.uk

Speech Language Communication Company ‘Get a buddy’

Befriending service for people aged 17-24 with severe speech and language difficulties, based in Bearsden

Speech Language Communication Company [opens in a new window]

admin@s-l-co.uk or 01382 202 644

ENABLE social groups

A range of groups across East Dunbartonshire and Glasgow

Enable [opens in a new window]

enabledirect@enable.org.uk or 01698 737 000

Some popular groups in Glasgow city -

Riding for the disabled

Horse riding sessions for people with disabilities of all ages, based in Summerston

Glasgow RDA [opens in a new window]

rda@rdaglasgow.org or 0141 945 1369

Dates n mates

A range of social groups for people with a Learning Disability over 18 years old eg. club nights, karaoke, speed dating, quiz nights, bowling etc.

Dates n mates [opens in a new window]

0141 427 2957 or dnm@c-change.org.uk

Paragon music

Inclusive opportunities in music, dance and theatre classes

Paragon music [opens in a new window]

0141 354 0234 or admin@paragon-music.org

Project ability

2 different art groups – ‘Aspire’ for people 18+ with learning difficulties to work on their own art project, and ‘Reconnect’ for people who are suffering from ill mental health

Project ability [opens in a new window]

0141 552 2822 or
info@project-ability.co.uk

Independance

An inclusive dance company based at the Pearce institute

Independance [opens in a new window]

admin@indepen-dance.org.uk or 0141 552 3555

Glasgow Disability Alliance

Weekly social groups open to anyone with an ASN, including creative writing, mindfulness, languages and tai chi (among others)

Glasgow Disability Alliance [opens in a new window]

0141 556 7103 or info@gdaonline.co.uk

If you know of any changes to the groups or know of any other groups which should be included in this list then please contact Local Area Co-ordinators (LAC’s) – LACs@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

This list will be updated regularly. If you would like to be sent the most recent copy then either contact LACs or google search ‘East Dunbartonshire Council ASN activities’ where you can download a copy.

There is also a local monthly parent and carers forum for those who have a caring responsibility for an autistic person. The meetings are on the 2nd Wednesday of every month from 6-8pm, alternating between online on MS Teams and in person in Kirkintilloch. They offer a chance to get some peer support from those in similar situations, as well as hearing from invited guest speakers on a range of topics. If you would like to come along then please contact LAC’s to be added to the mailing list.   

Local Area Co-ordinators for East Dunbartonshire –

George.Burt@eastdunbarton.gov.uk
Hannah.murray@eastdunbarton.gov.uk
Ashleigh.Grant-Ng@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Local Area Co-ordinator lead for Glasgow –

Raymond.traynor@sw.glasgow.gov.uk