Social Groups, Leisure and Well-being, Adults
Listed below are some groups for adults that provide leisure activities. For details about resources when out and about, such as Sunflower Lanyards, Max Cards, Autism Hour, Safe Places, Changing Places Toilets and more please click here.
Adults (all ages):
1. Neurobabes – Support Group for Neurodivergent Women
2. Scarborough Mencap: Gateway Club and Performance Group
3. Scarborough Railway Club Wednesday Night Disabled Disco
4. Accessible Swimming: Scarborough Disabled Swimming Group (SDSG)
5. Neurodiverse Inclusive Circuit Class (SDSG)
6. ScarBoccia Inclusive Sports
7. Bowls ‘n Buggies Indoor Bowling
8. IndepenDance
9. Stephen Joseph Theatre (SJT) including Fuse Youth Theatre
10. Fun and Fitness for over 50s – Twilight Move & Groove (Twilight Productions)
11. Dance Inclusive Fun Sessions Age 7+ to any age (Twilight Productions)
12. Religion/Churches: Trinity Church Scarborough
13. Religion/Churches: Mustard Seeds
14. Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA)
15. Saturdays at Sidewalk Youth Group ( Ages 14 – 25)
16. North Yorkshire Council’s ‘Living Well in North Yorkshire’ Team – Individual Support
Beyond Scarborough:
17. Sensory Room at WHISH
Adults (all ages):
1. Neurobabes – Support Group for Neurodivergent Women
Neurobabes – Support Group for Neurodivergent Women at The Self Love Club Scarborough: Come as you are and celebrate who you are! The group is free, however donations (suggested £3 – £5) to help cover running costs are welcome. Nobody will be declined if they are unable to donate. A small money box will be left near the drinks area for donations. Meeting at Yorkshire Coast Enterprise Centre, Auborough Street, Scarborough, YO11 1HT. First Saturday of the month, 6.00 – 7.00 p.m. Book via https://bookwhen.com/theselfloveclub/e/ev-skseh-20260404180000
Phone: 07463 718900. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theselfloveclubyo/
2. Scarborough Mencap: Gateway Club and Performance Group
Scarborough Mencap: This is an independent charity, affiliated with the Royal Mencap Society. Their provisions include a day service for adults, and out-of-hours services for children and adults with additional needs. They also offer social activities in the evenings at their base, Brookleigh, on Valley Road in South Cliff, Scarborough. These can be accessed by any adults with additional needs. These include a disco about once a month, on a Friday night.
The Gateway Club: The range of activities include disco, arts and crafts, indoor bowling, healthy food preparation, visits from speakers, karaoke, films and games. This is on Tuesday evenings from 5.30 – 7.30 p.m. costing £5.00 per session.
Performance Group: Meet up with friends, socialize and enjoy activities. The club is part of Mencap’s Active Community Engagement project. There will be performance-based activities available such as drama, sign, music and movement. This is on Thursday evenings from 5.30 -7.30 p.m. costing £5.00 per session.
Phone: 01723 374819 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scarborough-District-Mencap-819103218139925/
Website: http://scarboroughmencap.org.uk/ Email:hello@scarborough-mencap.org.uk
3. Scarborough Railway Club Wednesday Night Disabled Disco
Railway Club: This is a Wednesday evening social event based at the Railway Club next to the railway station. Adults with additional needs might enjoy having a quiet drink, dancing or sitting with friends in this social club environment. Non-members are welcome. Wheelchair accessible. Entrance is £1.20 or £8.00 for a yearly membership. Times are 6.00 to 9.00 p.m.
If you have questions you could leave a message on the Railway Club Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/664773570943625/
Phone: 01723 372849
4. Scarborough Disabled Swimming Group
Scarborough Disabled Swimming Group (SDSG) This group meet every second Saturday night at the pool in Scarborough Sports Village, 5.30 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. Members can swim with family and friends, take part in Aqua Relax and Sensory Play, have a quiet swim or develop their swimming skills through taking part in award schemes. There are further social opportunities including social events, organised competitions and an annual awards presentation with a meal.
Phone: Call Wendy on: 01723 363600 email: contactus@sdsg.org.uk
Website: https://www.sdsg.org.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScarboroughDSG
5. Neurodiverse Inclusive Circuit Class (SDSG)
Neurodiverse Inclusive Circuit Class: These inclusive fitness circuit classes are aimed at neurodivergent attendees, including those on the autism spectrum. They are led by an instructor at Scarborough Sports Village, in the sports hall. The classes are for Scarborough Disabled Swimming Group members – the group can be joined online or at one of the sessions. They are held on Fridays from 10.15 to 11.00 a.m. Contact SDSG for further details.
Email: contactus@sdsg.org.uk Phone: 01723 363600
Website: www.sdsg.org.uk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScarboroughDSG/
6. ScarBoccia Inclusive Sports
Scarboccia Inclusive Sports: This group provides opportunities to play a range of indoor sports, including Boccia. Boccia is a form of indoor bowls using soft leather balls. It is an inclusive sport for all abilities, played from a seated position. Sessions cost £5.00. They are on Mondays 11.00 – 12.00p.m. at The Street, and Tuesdays 3.00 – 5.00 p.m. at Scarborough Sports Village and Fridays 4.00 – 5.30 at Hawsker Village Hall. Be active, meet people and make friends. There are opportunities to play competitively if wished.
Contact: 01723 448815 email: scarboccia@gmail.com
Website: https://scarboccia.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScarBoccia/
7. Bowls ‘n Buggies Indoor Bowling
Bowls ‘n Buggies: This is a charity run by people who are interested in encouraging those with disabilities, including those who are on the autism spectrum, to play the game of black green bowls. The club members meet every Saturday from 10 to 12 noon at Scarborough Bowls Centre. Membership is open to all who have a disability. The first session is free.
Contact: 01723 353992 or 01723 871867 Website: https://scarboroughbowlscentre.co.uk/index.php/disabled/
Email: info@scarboroughbowlscentre.co.uk or brivasey@hotmail.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scarboroughindoorbowlscentre/
8. IndepenDANCE
IndepenDANCE: This community interest company offers Club Nights exclusively for people with disabilities. These feature toned-down music, sensory lighting, dancing, and lots of fun. Club Nights are held once a month on a Monday night from 7.00p.m. to 9.00p.m. at McGinty’s Irish Pub on St. Thomas Street in Scarborough. There is a £2.50 entrance fee, and parents and carers are free. Check the Facebook page for details about the next event or call Kate on the number below.
Contact:07527 107444 Email: misskate-x@hotmail.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/misskatexx/?ref=br_rs
9. Stephen Joseph Theatre (SJT) including FUSE Youth Theatre:
Fuse Youth Theatre: This is an inclusive theatre group (age 15+) for young people who have additional needs, including those who are on the autism spectrum. The sessions encourage creativity, working together, communication and independent thinking. Members create and put on performances, too. Sessions are on Fridays 4.30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the SJT.
THEATRE SHOW AJUSTMENTS
There are two theatre spaces, one of which is the Theatre in the Round. The other space, called the McCarthy Theatre, is for theatre and cinema. SJT offer a number of adjustments that can help many people, including those who are on the autism spectrum.
Captioned performances: Spoken dialogue is displayed as text on a small screen.
Signed performances: Some performances have a BSL sign-language interpreter.
Audio described performances: Live audio commentary is interspersed in the actor’s dialogue, and transmitted by a discreet headset.
Touch tours of the stage set: These familiarisation tours are available 45 minutes before the performance begins. They need to be booked in advance.
Chilled and relaxed performances:These performances may include extra lighting, additional wheelchair spaces, and the freedom to move to alternative seating if required. The chilled and relaxed performances include a relaxed attitude to noise and movement in the auditorium.
Dementia-friendly performances: These involve some technical adaptations to the show, flexible seating options and a relaxed attitude to audience responses and movement in the auditorium. There will be provisions for a quiet room, clear visual markers and signage and additional staff to sensitively and respectfully welcome people living with dementia and their supporters to this show.
Ear-defenders: These can be borrowed free of charge from the theatre. Ask at the box office and collect from the kiosk in the upper foyer.
Recite Me: This is used by SJT to make the website more accessible. Click on ‘Accessibility Tools’ on the top right of their website pages.
TICKET PRICES
Concessions for Personal Assistants: See the information on the SJT Access Requirement Register
https://sjt.uk.com/your-visit/accessibility/access-requirement-register
Contact: 01723 370541 Email: enquiries@sjt.uk.com
Website: https://www.sjt.uk.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephenJosephTheatre/
10. Fun and Fitness for over 50s – Twilight Move & Groove (Twilight Productions)
Fun and Fitness for over 50s – Twilight Move & Groove (Twilight Productions): This is a fun and friendly gentle daytime dance feel-good fitness class for anyone who loves music and loves to move, aged 50+. The classes are perfect for staying active, boosting mood and meeting people. No pressure and no experience needed – just bring yourself and a smile. Enjoy a mix of music, move at your own pace, keep active and most importantly…have fun! The classes are on Thursdays from 12.00 p.m. to 1.00 p.m. at Roscoe Studios on Roscoe Street, Scarborough. Cost is £6.00 per session. Contact Twilight Productions to book a place.
Phone: 01723 355251 Email: twilight.productions@yahoo.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twilightproductions/?locale=en_GB
11. Dance Inclusive Fun Sessions Age 7+ to any age (Twilight Productions)
Dance Inclusive Fun Sessions (Twilight Productions): These classes offer teaching strategies that celebrate every participant, from warm-up to choreography development. Dance techniques are adapted for all abilities. The classes aim to be engaging, inspiring and fun. The dance studios are on ground level and fully accessible. There is a hub for parents/carers to sit, chat and have a cuppa. The sessions will take place every Thursday from 5pm to 6pm at the Roscoe Studios on Roscoe Street, Scarborough. Cost is £5.00 per session.
Phone: 01723 355251 Email: twilight.productions@yahoo.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twilightproductions/?locale=en_GB
12. Religion/Churches: Trinity Church Scarborough
Trinity Church Scarborough: This Anglican church meets at The Street in Scarborough. All are welcome. They have two Disability and Inclusion Champions who will help all, including autistic children, young people and adults, to access church services and mid-week activities. Treehouse leaders take time to get to know how best to support children and their families.
Sensory Bags are made available for those who want them, access and Changing Places toilets have been well-considered within the building, and there are plans to livestream the services to a quieter space for those who would find it useful.
Phone: Iain and Emma 07715572999 Website: https://www.trinityscarborough.org.uk/disability-inclusion/
Email: info@trinityscarborough.org.uk Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/TrinityChurchScarborough/?locale=en_GB
13. Religion/Churches:
Ebenezer Baptist Church, Mustard Seed: Mustard Seed is a group for people with additional needs. Meetings are once a month, usually on the third Saturday of the month. The group meets in Ebenezer Church Hall, 11.45 to 2.00 p.m. Meetings include sharing and prayers, singing, dancing, music, craft, stories, and begin with members having lunch together. Admission is £2 which includes lunch. Everyone is welcome. Each Sunday there is also a small Mustard Seed class at 10.30.
Contact: John Email: pastor@ebenezerbaptist.co.uk
Website: https://www.rockofhelp.org.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EbsBaptist
14. Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA)
Riding for the Disabled Association: This organisation provides riding opportunities for people with disabilities, including those who are on the autism spectrum. Riding and interaction with horses can promote health, well-being and happiness. The RDA riding groups work with children and young people, as well as adults 18 and over. Below are some groups that are not too far from Scarborough but more groups can be found on the RDA website.
Priory View Group, Speeton, YO14 9TG, 01262 673612
Yorkshire Wolds Group, YO25 5NW, 01377 267984
Friars Hill Stables, YO62 6SL, 01439 771107
Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Website: https://rda.org.uk/rda-groups/
15. Saturdays at Sidewalk Youth Group (Ages 14 – 25)
Saturdays at Sidewalk Youth Group: This group is offered by Sidewalk Youth Organisation. It is for young people ages 14 – 25 with special educational needs, including those who are on the autism spectrum. The group meets at 1 Somerset Terrace in Scarborough on the last Saturday of the month, from 11.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. A safe space to meet others and enjoy company in a non-educational setting. A range of games are available, as are refreshments.
Email: admin@sidewalk-scarborough.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SidewalkYouthProject/?locale=en_GB
16. North Yorkshire Council’s ‘Living Well in North Yorkshire’ Team – Individual Support
North Yorkshire Council’s ‘Living Well in North Yorkshire’ Team – Individual Support: This is a personalised NYC service to help adults, including those who are on the autism spectrum, to improve their health, wellbeing and independence. This free service works with those over 18 who are currently not eligible for ongoing social care support. Initial support is over a set period of time. The support may be linked to one or more of the following: being lonely or socially isolated, having had a recent loss of a support network, including bereavement, having had a loss of confidence due to a recent change or event, requiring support with employment, and requiring face-to-face information, advice and guidance. The Living Well in North Yorkshire co-ordinators work with individuals to identify priorities, address barriers to improving well-being and independence, and to support the achievement of goals. The co-ordinators can signpost individuals to local services and provisions where required. Also, if you are part of a group and you believe that the members may benefit from hearing about this service, please make contact with the team and they will arrange to attend a meeting and talk about the ‘Living Well in North Yorkshire’ service. To self-refer or refer someone else, contact the council’s Customer Service Centre on the number below.
Phone: 03001312131 (Option 2, Social Care)
Website: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/adult-social-care/stay-independent-longer/living-well-north-yorkshire
Beyond Scarborough :
17. Sensory Room at WHISH
Sensory Room: This special space in Whitby is part of WHISH (Whitby Hidden Impairments Support and Help). It can be used free by members, or hired for £20 per hour by the public for adults or children who might benefit. Any member of the public can hire the sensory room. The multi-sensory room is a stimulating environment aimed at developing skills for children and adults with sensory differences. It can help people to gain confidence to explore their surroundings. If you would like to book the sensory room email or ring WHISH.
Phone: 01947 899685 or 07534117458 Email: whishgroup@gmail.com
If you know of further opportunities, please let us know:
scarboroughautismuk@gmail.com