Family Support Hubs

There are Autism Family Support Hubs which run once a month in a variety of locations in the region - click here to see our locations.

What is a Family Support Hub?

Our Family Support hubs are monthly meet-ups for parents/carers and children aged 11 and under, with the exception of our teen hub in Mansfield Woodhouse. Siblings are also welcome.

No autism diagnosis is necessary.

Families can go to whichever hub is most convenient for them, and can access multiple hubs.

What is a hub like?

Relaxed and non-judgemental, the hubs offer a variety of things to do, and give children a chance to play and parents/carers a chance to chat to others or hub staff.

There's no pressure to take part in everything! Some children sit and play with one toy the whole time, others will want to run around and don’t really settle to anything - as long they're happy.

They are drop-in sessions so no need to turn up at the start or stay to the end.

Please get in touch with the hub coordinators from the list below for more information on times, dates, and the format of the hubs you are interested in.

Is there a charge?

There is a small charge for refreshments, and attendees may be asked to make a donation towards the running of the hubs, although the amount will be at their discretion.

We offer:

• Activities for the whole family;
• Advice, guidance, signposting, and information
• Parent workshops and events
• Information of support events aimed at parents and carers.

Hubs take place at:

• Chesterfield - 4.30pm - 6.30pm, first Tuesday of the month. For details, click here. More information from coordinator rebecca.evans@aem.org.uk.
• Gainsborough - 2pm-4.30pm, first Saturday of the month. For details, click here. More information from coordinator Dawn.Vamplew@aem.org.uk
• Heanor - 10am-3pm, last Saturday of the month. For details, click here. More information from Steve.McKinley@aem.org.uk
• Kirkby - 4.30pm-6.30pm, fourth Monday of the month. For details, click here. More information from coordinator claire.lee@aem.org.uk. Can't find us? Check our location here and here.
• Leicester - 10am-12.30pm, first Saturday of the month. For details, click here. More information from coordinator Lesley.Lock@aem.org.uk
• Loughborough - 4-6.30pm, usually the second Tuesday of the month. For details, click here. More information from Lesley.Lock@aem.org.uk
• Newark - 10am-12.30pm, first Saturday of the month. For details, click here. More information from coordinator Dawn.Vamplew@aem.org.uk
• Northampton - 4-6.30pm, first Monday of the month. For details, click here. More information from Lesley.Lock@aem.org.uk
• Notts City - 4.30pm-6.30pm, third Tuesday of the month. Click here for more details. More information from claire.lee@aem.org.uk
• Retford - 4pm-6pm, first Wednesday of the month. For details, click here. More information from coordinator Dawn.Vamplew@aem.org.uk.
• Rotherham - 10am-12.30pm, third or fourth Saturday of the month. For details, click here. More information from coordinator Christopher.Smith@aem.org.uk
• Teen Hub at Mansfield Woodhouse - 11am-2.30pm, third Saturday of the month. For details, click here. More information from Christopher.Smith@aem.org.uk
• Worksop - 5pm - 6.30pm, second Tuesday of the month. For details, click here. More information from coordinator kerry.macadam@aem.org.uk.