Activities

The table below is a list of some activity and social groups across East Dunbartonshire for individuals with Additional Support Needs
Activity Description Website Contact

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. 

Visit the Sporting Aces website

Manager.thesportingaces@yahoo.com

Creatovators 

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

Visit the Creatovators website

June Grindley

07981 656 184

june@creatovators.com

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

A social group to talk about shared interests in M.A.G.S subjects, meeting every Thursday at the Kirkintilloch town hall from 5-7pm, alternating between group discussion and board games (aged 15 ½ +). Contact Ashleigh before attending.

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Outreach team leader – Ashleigh.grant-ng@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Midpoint 

An informal drop-in group for those on the Autism Spectrum (16+). An open space for you to do whatever activities you like – ie. playing games, doing homework, playing pool, doing personal art projects, chatting, or reading books. Bishopbriggs Community Church Hall every Wednesday from 6-8pm. Contact Ashleigh before attending.

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Outreach team leader – Ashleigh.grant-ng@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Womens group (Kirkintilloch and Milngavie)

An opportunity for neurodivergent women (16+) to socialise and take part in fun activities chosen by the women who come. E.g. games nights, movie nights, themed pamper parties and hearing from external speakers about health issues that matter to women. Wednesday’s, 6pm-8pm at The Park Centre, Kirkintilloch G66 1LF and 6.30-8.30pm the Allander resource centre, Milngavie. (16+) Contact Ashleigh before attending.

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Outreach team leader – Ashleigh.grant-ng@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Mens group (Kirkintilloch and Milngavie)

An opportunity for neurodivergent men (16+) to socialise and take part in fun activities chosen by the men who come. Tuesdays, 6:30pm-8:30pm in the Hillhead Community Centre and Allander resource centre, Milngavie. (16+) Contact Ashleigh before attending.

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Outreach team leader – Ashleigh.grant-ng@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Bowling group

Bowling group in Kirkintilloch meeting every Monday & Tuesday (16+) from 6-8pm. Contact Ashleigh before attending.

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Outreach team leader – Ashleigh.grant-ng@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Monday social club (Kirkintilloch and Milngavie) 

An opportunity for the neurodivergent community to come together and socialise whilst taking part in games nights, karaoke and quiz nights and generally having fun. Mondays, 6pm-8pm running in both the Kirkintilloch Town Hall and 6.30-8.30pm Allander Resource centre in Milngavie. (16+) Contact Ashleigh before attending.

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Outreach team leader – Ashleigh.grant-ng@eastdunbarton.gov.uk  

New Roots Food Growing & Gardening Initiative 

Food growing initiative for those with an ASN based between Kirkintilloch, Twechar and Milngavie. Group and family sessions available contact Callum for more information. 

Visit the New Roots website

Callum Christie - newrootsfoodgrowing@gmail.com

ASN book club 

Peer-run book club for members of the Neurodivergent community (16+) every second Monday at the William Patrick Library in Kirkintilloch from 4-5pm.

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Contact the William Patrick Library for more information – 
0141 777 3141

Sounds of the Gallery band

Band based in Auchinairn for those with an ASN, meeting every Wednesday from 1:00pm-3:30pm (14+).

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Outreach team leader – Ashleigh.grant-ng@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Tourette’s Support Group

Open to those with Tourette’s and their families, meeting on the 4th Wednesday of each month at the Allander Resource Centre from 6:30-8pm.

Visit the Tourette's Scotland website

Gillian – Gillian@tourettescotland.org

Cairns Inclusive Dance sessions

Dance classes promoting friendship, fitness, confidence and performance. Classes available from pre-school to secondary/young adults. Every Thursday (Term time).

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Contact Tracey Hannah on 07707792399 or cairnsincdance@gmail.com

Aye Can Dae activities

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

Visit the Aye Can Dae Facebook page

Contact Eilidh McLaren on 07847 225 284 or ayecandae@outlook.com

Scottish Disability Sport

Website to search for sporting activities within your local area for those with an ASN.

Visit the Scottish Disability Sport website

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Creative Sparks theatre arts

An all inclusive community arts organisation running weekly youth theatre classes for young people and a host of community arts projects for adults and families.

Visit the Creative Sparks website

Contact Jennifer McDonald on 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+. 

Read the ASN Sport and Actvity Opportunities booklet

karen.borland@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

or Karen.oconnor@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

or Call 0141 777 3023

Contact point social groups

Social interaction groups twice a week in Kirkintilloch.

Visit the Contact Point website

Call Contact Point on 0141 776 4391 or contactp@yahoo.com

Creatovators drop in sessions

For those with an ASN (11+) to interact in a safe space while providing an opportunity for parents to get some peer support at the same time.

Visit the Creatovators website

info@creatovators.com

Charlie’s Big Adventure

Soft Play in the Bishopbriggs Leisuredrome, running ASN sessions twice a week.

Visit the Charlie's Big Adventure section of the EDLC website

Contact the Leisuredrome on 0141 777 3060 or leisuredrome@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

Nectarine

A facebook page created to share opportunities, events and information for young people with ASN in East Dunbartonshire.

Join the Nectarine Facebook group

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Gymboree

Play, music and sensory classes in Milngavie for 0-5 years.

Visit the Gymboree website

Contact Gymboree on 07943 911 892 or 
bearsdenandmilngavie@gymbo.co.uk

Peace Yoga

Yoga for children and young people with additional support considerations, based in Bishopbriggs.

Search ‘Peace Yoga for special needs’ on Facebook.

katie@peace-yoga-sn.co.uk

Friendship Club

Friendship Club is a Christian social group designed to support young people with learning disabilities (or other ASN). Based in St. Columba’s Hillhead Church. 6:30pm – 8pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. 

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Call Patsy on 07731772620 (no booking required)

Football Development programme

Local football sessions for 5-12 years old

Visit the Football Development Programme section of the EDLC website

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Buildovators Plus

A group for young people aged 11+ to work with Lego, explore new friendships and have a safe, supporting space. The cost is £5. 

Visit the Creatovators website

milly@creatovators.com

Some recommended groups in nearby authorities

The table below is a list of recommended groups in nearby authorities
Activity Description Website Contact

Riding for the disabled

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

Visit the Glasgow RDA website

rda@rdaglasgow.org or

Call the RDA on 0141 945 1369

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. 

Visit the meetup website

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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.

Visit the Dates N Mates website

glasgow@datesnmates.org.uk

Paragon Music

Inclusive opportunities in music, dance and theatre classes.

Visit the Paragon Music website

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Project Ability

Two 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 mental health considerations.

Visit the Project Ability website

Call Project Ability on 0141 552 2822 or email 
info@project-ability.co.uk

Indepen-dance

An inclusive dance company based at the Pearce institute.

Visit the Indepen-DANCE website

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

Glasgow Disability Alliance (GDA)

Regular free learning opportunities available to anyone disabled or with a long-term condition. Activities take place online and in person. We can offer taxis, lunch and personal assistance. 

Visit the Glasgow Disability Alliance website

Call the GDA on 0141 556 7103 or info@gdaonline.co.uk 

Shining Stars

An inclusive theatre group in Coatbridge.

Visit the Shining Stars Theatre Group website

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Bouncy Bees

A rebound and multi-sensory playroom in Glasgow.

Visit the Bouncy Bees website

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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 Useful Local ASN services’ where you can download a copy, as well as other resources.

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. 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.