NAS Surrey Branch Newsletters and Calendar

We publish a newsletter every two months which you can receive by email by becoming a member of the branch (free of charge).

 

You can download the current issue using the link on the right.

 

Every issue includes:

  • A calendar of all our meetings – online and in-person around Surrey
  • Details of upcoming talks, webinars and seminars, including events organised by other organisations
  • Information about family activities, including those organised by other organisations
  • News and information, including details of consultations
  • Information specifically for autistic adults and people who know them
  • Requests for participation in research projects

 

About Us

We are a local Branch of the National Autistic Society which works for autistic people and runs services such as schools, clubs and adult centres. It has over 20,000 members, over 100 local branches and works in partnership with more than 50 local autism societies.

 

The NAS exists to transform lives by being a trusted source of support and practical advice for autistic people and their families at key stages in life and change attitudes by working with businesses, policymakers, autism professionals and the public to reduce isolation and open up opportunities in society as a whole.

 

National Autistic Society, 42 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH www.autism.org.uk. Registered charity, number 269425.  Company limited by guarantee number 1205298.

 

The National Autistic Society is a registered charity, number 269425 – this is also the charity number for the branch. The NAS is a company limited by guarantee: number 1205298.

The views expressed in Surrey News are not necessarily those of the National Autistic Society, and reference to any specific services or approaches to autism does not imply endorsement. 

 

All material is copyright NAS Surrey Branch and cannot be reproduced without permission.

NASSB Newsletter October – November 2026

This issue includes…

Our calendar of in-person meetings for parents of autistic children, plus groups for parents/carers of autistic adults, girls and those with PDA – p3.

  • Space Science Talk by astrophysicist Prof Alan Smith – p5
  • Children’s Christmas Party, Redhill – p5
  • Online talk on parenting neurodiverse children by Dr Ellie Atkins – p6
  • Free EarlyBird and Teen Life courses from NAS Family Support – p6
  • SEND play sessions in Bookham, Farnham, Woking, Camberley, Warlingham and Dorking – p 7 & 8
  • Activities for children with SEND at Surrey Libraries – p7
  • Free seminar on PDA and sleep – p7
  • New EBSNA group in Hale – p8
  • Additional needs Showcases in Caterham and Guildford – p8
  • Can you contribute to Surrey Autism Strategy? – p9
  • Family Voice Surrey EBSNA Survey – p9
  • Carers’ Rights events in Woking and Guildford – p10

 

Information for Adults, Young People and their families:

  • Neurodiverse online social group – p10
  • Autism Friendly Surrey meet-ups – p11
  • Paid Art workshop in Farnham – p11
  • Free neurodiverse-friendly digital workshops – p12
  • Appeer ‘Explore’ workshops for young women and girls aged 16 – 25 – p12

NASSB Newsletter August – September 2026

This issue includes…

Our calendar of in-person meetings for parents of autistic children, plus groups for parents/carers of autistic adults, girls and those with PDA – p3.

  • Where to find Holiday Activities for Children – p4
  • FREE Parent/Carer Courses from NAS Family Support Service – p5
  • Lego Workshops in Surrey – p5
  • Consultation on Education Other Than At School (EOTAS) – p6
  • Free SEND Advice in Guildford – p6
  • FREE Surrey Adult Learning Courses for Parents of Autistic Children – p7
  • Express Yourself Art Competition for Under-25s – p8
  • Inclusive Games in Woking – p9
  • Drama Classes for Teens 13+ and Young Adults – p 9
  • Support for Young People Preparing for Adulthood – p10
  • Free Activities for Adults and Children in Walton – p10
  • New Inclusive Activity and Skills Hub in Farnham – p10

 

Information for Adults, Young People and their families:

  • Adults Board Games Afternoon at Woking Library – p11
  • Connect To Work Programme – p11
  • Support Group for Siblings of Autistic People – p11
  • Adults’ Meet-Up in Reigate – p12
  • Outdoor Event at The Grange in Bookham – p12

NASSB Newsletter June – July 2026

This issue includes…

Our calendar of in-person meetings for parents of autistic children, plus groups for parents/carers of autistic adults, girls and those with PDA – p3.

  • Autism Friendly Surrey Meeting and Updates – p5
  • Family Voice Surrey Monthly Participation Drop-in Sessions – p5
  • Free Service to Help Carers Maximise Income – p6
  • Additional Needs and Disabilities Showcase in Woking – p6
  • Free Pre-recorded Workshops for Parents of Autistic Children – p6
  • Update on Surrey Play and Leisure Short Breaks – p7
  • Drop-in Event at Surrey CC for Carers’ Week – p7
  • Esher Charity Fun Day – p8
  • ‘Moving Into Adulthood’ Advice for Surrey Families – p9
  • Results from NAS Survey on
  • Government SEND Changes – p9

 

Information for Adults, Young People and their families:

  • Making travel more accessible for autistic people – p9
  • Help for Neurodiverse Parents with Post Natal Depression – p9
  • Activities From Autism Friendly Surrey – p10
  • Gamers Lounge Events in Guildford and Woking – p10
  • Bloomin Arts Summer Creative Arts Courses – p11
  • App to Help Autistic People Self-manage Anxiety – p11
  • Weekly Sports Development Sessions in Elmbridge – p12

NASSB Newsletter April – May 2026

World Autism Acceptance Month

Our calendar of online & in-person meetings for parents of autistic children, plus groups for parents/carers of autistic adults, girls and those with PDA, plus partners of autistic people is on p3.

 Also in this issue:

  • NAS Surrey Branch AGM and Talk by Autism-Friendly Surrey – p5
  • Branch Family Crazy Golf Event near Woking – p5
  • Information on Easter Holiday Activities for Children – p6
  • Free SEND Movement & Wellbeing Event in Guildford – p6
  • Have Your Say on National SEND Reforms via the NAS – p7
  • Family Voice Surrey SEND Parent Carer Survey – p7
  • Free Courses for Parents and Carers from Surrey Adult Learning – p8
  • FREE Webinar on Alternative Provision and EOTAS – p9
  • Social Lego Building Event in Caterham for Adults and Families – p9
  • Help Raise Funds for the NAS in World Autism Acceptance Month! – p9

Information for Adults, Young People and their families:

  • Preparing Young Adults for Work and Independence – p9
  • Supported Stewarding at Guilfest, July 2026 – p10
  • Events for Adults from Autism-Friendly Surrey – p11
  • Supporting People With a Learning Disability as They Age – p11
  • New ‘Surrey Voices’ Blog – p12

NASSB Newsletter February – March 2026

See pages 3 – 4 for our calendar of online and in-person meetings for parents of autistic children, plus our special interest groups for parents/carers of autistic adults, girls and those with PDA, plus partners of autistic people.

 

See pages 3 – 4 for our calendar of online & in-person meetings for parents of autistic children, plus groups for parents/carers of autistic adults, girls and those with PDA, plus partners of autistic people.

 

  • Branch Talk and AGM – Save the Date – p4
  • Information from Autism Friendly Surrey – p5
  • World Autism Acceptance Month in April – p5
  • NAS Family Support courses – p6
  • Additional Needs Showcase in Stanwell – p6
  • Autism-friendly cinema survey – p7
  • SCC Home to school travel consultation – p7
  • Online Q&A on benefits – p7
  • Short Breaks consultation – p8
  • Surrey PDA Statement – p8
  • Drama Therapy for teens with mental health conditions – p9
  • Free courses for parents of neurodiverse children – p9
  • Meeting on ‘Ordinarily Available Provision’ – p10

 

Information for Adults, Young People and their families:

  • Guildford Autism & ADHD-friendly meet-ups – p10
  • Autism-friendly nights out in Redhill – p10
  • Monthly Group for autistic women – p10
  • Online support group for adults – p11
  • Consultation on adults short breaks policy – p11

Please note: Some articles in the front of the newsletter may also include information for young people and adults.

NASSB Newsletter December 2025 – January 2026

See pages 3 – 4 for our calendar of online and in-person meetings for parents of autistic children, plus our special interest groups for parents/carers of autistic adults, girls and those with PDA, plus partners of autistic people.

  • Surrey programmes for parents/carers – p4
  • NAS ‘Stepping Up for Autism’ Courses – p5
  • Gamers Lounge events – p5
  • SEND-friendly Festive Events around Surrey – p6
  • Family Voice Surrey AGM – p6
  • Activities for home-educated children in Reigate & Horley – p7
  • Supporting children with eating & drinking differences in school – p7
  • New guides on Ordinarily Available (in-school) Provision and Alternative Provision – p8
  • Stay & Play for SEND pre-schoolers in Waverley – p9
  • SOS!SEN walk-in sessions – p10
  • All Aboard inclusive train-play sessions – p10
  • Workshop on PDA Teens in Surbiton – p10

Information for Adults, Young People and their families:

  • Autism-Friendly Communities social meet-up in Guildford – p11
  • Information session for supported internships at Amazon – p11
  • Applications open for NAS Young Ambassadors programme – p11
  • Could you contribute to Surrey Autism Reference Group? P 12

Please note: Some articles in the front of the newsletter may also include information for young people and adults.

NASSB Newsletter October – November 2025

See pages 3 – 4 for our calendar of online and in-person meetings for parents of autistic children, plus our special interest groups for parents/carers of autistic adults, girls and those with PDA, plus partners of autistic people.

  • Children’s Christmas party in Woking – p5
  • Dungeons and Dragons in Godalming – p5
  • Relaxed Pantomime ‘Beauty and the Beast’ in Guildford – p5
  • New Form for Referral to NAS Family Support Service – p6
  • Drama Club for Autistic Children and Young People – p6
  • Inclusive dance performances in Surrey libraries – p6
  • Drama Group Near Oxted – p7
  • Additional Needs Service Showcases in Ash & Redhill – p 7
  • New Support Network for Autistic Parents in Surrey – p8
  • Courses on Anxiety and School Non-Attendance – p8
  • NAS open letter Following Trump’s Claims about Autism – p8
  • Events for Carer’s Rights Day in November – p9

Information for Adults, Young People and their families:

  • Online Meeting about Caring for an Adult with Autism – p10
  • Information on Amazon Supported Internships – p11
  • Netflix Training Scheme for ND Accountants – p11
  • Guildford Social Club for Adults with a Learning Disability – p11
  • Tips for Staying Safe in the Community – p12

Please note: Some articles in the front of the newsletter also include information for young people and adults.

NASSB Newsletter August – September 2025

See pages 3 – 4 for our calendar of online and in-person meetings for parents of autistic children, plus our special interest groups for parents/carers of autistic adults, girls and those with PDA, plus partners of autistic people.

• Save the Date – Swimming Event in Woking – p4
• New ‘Stepping Up for Autism’ Course & Online Workshops – p5
• How to Have Your Say On Potential Changes to SEND Legal Rights – p5
• Round Up of Summer Activities – p6&7
• Gamers’ Lounge Sessions in Cranleigh and Guildford – p8
• Interested in an Autistic Parents Network? – p8
• Appeer Online Minecraft Build Session – p8
• Kinship Support Groups – p9

 

Information for Adults, Young People and their families:

• Consultation on Proposed Changes to Adult Social Care Funding – p9
• White Lodge Parents/Carers of Adults Group – p10
• Workshop on Healthy Eating for Carers of Autistic Adults – p10
• AS Mentoring Weekend Workshops – p11
• Share your Views on Concessionary Bus Pass Time Restrictions – p11
• Adults Group in Epsom – p12

 

Please note: Some articles in the front of the newsletter also include information for young people and adults.

NASSB Newsletter June July 2025

See pages 3 – 4 for our calendar of online and in-person meetings for parents of autistic children, plus our special interest groups for parents/carers of autistic adults, girls and those with PDA, plus partners of autistic people.

This issue also includes….

  • Carers Week 2025 – p4
  • Children’s Adventure Crazy Golf Event 29th July – p5
  • Free Play Session for under-8s – p5
  • Additional Needs Service Showcases in Ripley and Ewell – p5
  • Have Your Say on SCC Improvements to EHC Needs Assessment – p6
  • Families Needed to Test New Surrey EHCP Portal – p6
  • Survey about Appeer Activities in Sheerwater – p7
  • Midweek Drama and Science Groups for 12 – 17 Year Olds – p7
  • Activity Days for Families and Young People from Learning Space – p8
  • Skills-Based Programme for 16-25 Year Olds with Complex Needs – p8
  • Gamers Lounge dates – p8
  • Meeting Report: Talk by Lianne Grist on living with Autism and ADHD (AuDHD) – p9 -10

Information for Adults, Young People and their families:

  • ‘A Reason to Get Up’ Groups – p10
  • Webinar for Parents of Neurodivergent Adults – p10
  • Creative Drama Diploma – p10
  • LinkAble Inclusive Games – p11
  • Learning Disability Awareness Picnic in the Park, Ottershaw – p11
  • Bowls Sessions for Adults with Learning Disabilities in Epsom- p12
  • Nightclub Experience for Adults – p12

Please note: Some articles in the front of the newsletter also include information for young people and adults.

NASSB Newsletter April – May 2025

 

This issue includes….

See pages 3 – 4 for our calendar of online and in-person meetings for parents of autistic children, plus our special interest groups for parents/carers of autistic adults, girls and those with PDA, plus partners of autistic people.

  • Surrey Helpline update – p4
  • NAS Surrey Branch AGM & talk on AuDHD – p5
  • World Autism Acceptance Month events – p5
  • Post-16 Transport Consultation – p6
  • Ordinarily Available Provision event – p6
  • NW Surrey Additional Needs Showcase – p6
  • SEND Bowling in Guildford – p7
  • Guildford Museum relaxed opening – p7
  • Express CIC comedy night in Surbiton – p8
  • SEN Soft Play & Youth Club in Caterham – p8
  • Fun Zone day in Farnborough – p9
  • Pilot Group for siblings of autistic people – p9

Information for Adults, Young People and their families:

  • Active with Autism sessions in Walton – p10
  • Guildford Social Club for adults with Learning Disabilities – p10
  • Updated employment resources from the NAS – p10
  • Autistic Burnout virtual conference – p11
  • New respite facility in Woking- p11
  • ‘Managing my Health’ event – p12

Please note: Some articles in the front of the newsletter also include information for young people and adults.

NASSB Newsletter February – March 2025

This issue includes….

See pages 3 – 4 for our calendar of online and in-person meetings for parents of autistic children, plus our special interest groups for parents/carers of autistic adults, girls and those with PDA, plus partners of autistic people.

  • Climbing Event, Walton-on-Thames – p4
  • NAS Family Support Service Courses – p5
  • Free Dramatherapy Sessions in Guildford – p5
  • Challengers Stay and Play Sessions in Guildford & Farnham – p6
  • Weekday Soft Play SEND Sessions at Woking Leisure Centre – p6
  • Midweek Play Sessions for SEN Children and their Siblings – p6
  • Round-Up of Activities for Children & Young People – p7
  • Autism Reality Bus in Guildford – p8
  • Additional Needs Service Showcases in Leatherhead and Egham – p8
  • Resources to Support Transition for Children with EHCPs – p9
  • Drumming and Disney Drama Workshops in Oxted – p9
  • Household Fund to help Unpaid Carers – p10
  • Gaming Session at Overworld for Autistic Girls aged – p10

Information for Adults, Young People and their families:

  • All-Age Autism Strategy Adult reference group – p11
  • Volunteering Support in Banstead & Reigate – p11
  • Find Out About NESCOT’s Supported Internship Programme – p11
  • Y-MANIA Valentine Disco – P11

 

Please note: Some articles in the front of the newsletter also include information for young people and adults.

NAS Surrey Branch Newsletter December 2024 – January 2025

This issue includes….

Our calendar of online and in-person meetings for parents of autistic children, plus our special interest groups for parents/carers of autistic adults, girls and those with PDA, plus partners of autistic people – p3-4

• Free Activities for Children Not Receiving Short Breaks – p4
• Contribute Your Stories for Surrey’s Updated PDA Statement – p5
• Stay and Play Session for Autistic Under-5s in Godalming – p6
• New Appeer Online Session for 13 – 18 year old Girls – p6
• Have Your Say on Surrey All Age Autism Strategy – p7
• Creative Connections Sessions for Home-Educated Children – p7
• Gamers Lounge in Guildford – p8
• Family Voice Surrey Transition to Secondary School Group – p8
• Parent SEND Law Training from IPSEA – p8
• Have Your Say in Mental Health Transitions Survey – p9
• Research Request: Study into Cancer Care for People with Learning Disabilities – p10

Information for Adults, Young People and their families:
• Adult Social Care & Public Health Travel Policy Consultation – p11
• Yoga Sessions for Autistic Women in Woking – p11
• Workshop for Adults to Better Understand their Diagnosis – p11
• Silent Disco in Surbiton – p12

Please note: Some articles in the front of the newsletter also include information for young people and adults.

NAS Surrey Branch Newsletter October – November 2024

This issue includes….

Our calendar of online and in-person meetings for parents of autistic children, plus our special interest groups for parents/carers of autistic adults, girls and those with PDA, plus partners of autistic people – p3-4

  • Raise Money for NAS Surrey Branch for free! – p4
  • NAS Surrey Branch Children’s Christmas Party – p5
  • Space Science Talk by Astrophysicist Prof Alan Smith
  • Family Voice Annual Event – p5
  • Illuminated Christmas Steam Train on the Watercress Line – p6
  • Carers’ Rights Fair in Ashford – p6
  • Additional Needs Showcase in Cranleigh – p6
  • Gamers Lounge Events in Guildford – p7
  • Free E-Learning Courses for Parents on EHCPs and SEND – p8
  • Guides to Needs Assessments and Carer’s Assessments – p9
  • Mindworks Out of Hours Helpline – p9

Information for Adults, Young People and their families:

  • Have Your Say on Autism-Friendly Events in Surrey – p10
  • Online Group for Women with Neurodivergent Partners – p10
  • Board Game / Quiz evenings at The Light Redhill – p11
  • Information Sessions for Adult Sibling Carers of Autistic People – p12

Please note: Some articles in the front of the newsletter also include information for young people and adults.

We publish a newsletter every two months which you can receive by email by becoming a member of the branch (free of charge).

 

You can download the current issue using the link on the right.

 

Every issue includes:

  • A calendar of all our meetings – online and in-person around Surrey
  • Details of upcoming talks, webinars and seminars, including events organised by other organisations
  • Information about family activities, including those organised by other organisations
  • News and information, including details of consultations
  • Information specifically for autistic adults and people who know them
  • Requests for participation in research projects

 

About Us

We are a local Branch of the National Autistic Society which works for autistic people and runs services such as schools, clubs and adult centres. It has over 20,000 members, over 100 local branches and works in partnership with more than 50 local autism societies.

 

The NAS exists to transform lives by being a trusted source of support and practical advice for autistic people and their families at key stages in life and change attitudes by working with businesses, policymakers, autism professionals and the public to reduce isolation and open up opportunities in society as a whole.

 

National Autistic Society, 393 City Rd, London EC1V 1NG www.autism.org.uk. Registered charity, number 269425.  Company limited by guarantee number 1205298.

 

The National Autistic Society is a registered charity, number 269425 – this is also the charity number for the branch. The NAS is a company limited by guarantee: number 1205298.

The views expressed in Surrey News are not necessarily those of the National Autistic Society, and reference to any specific services or approaches to autism does not imply endorsement. 

 

All material is copyright NAS Surrey Branch and cannot be reproduced without permission.

NASSB Newsletter April – May 2025

 

This issue includes….

See pages 3 – 4 for our calendar of online and in-person meetings for parents of autistic children, plus our special interest groups for parents/carers of autistic adults, girls and those with PDA, plus partners of autistic people.

  • Surrey Helpline update – p4
  • NAS Surrey Branch AGM & talk on AuDHD – p5
  • World Autism Acceptance Month events – p5
  • Post-16 Transport Consultation – p6
  • Ordinarily Available Provision event – p6
  • NW Surrey Additional Needs Showcase – p6
  • SEND Bowling in Guildford – p7
  • Guildford Museum relaxed opening – p7
  • Express CIC comedy night in Surbiton – p8
  • SEN Soft Play & Youth Club in Caterham – p8
  • Fun Zone day in Farnborough – p9
  • Pilot Group for siblings of autistic people – p9

Information for Adults, Young People and their families:

  • Active with Autism sessions in Walton – p10
  • Guildford Social Club for adults with Learning Disabilities – p10
  • Updated employment resources from the NAS – p10
  • Autistic Burnout virtual conference – p11
  • New respite facility in Woking- p11
  • ‘Managing my Health’ event – p12

Please note: Some articles in the front of the newsletter also include information for young people and adults.

NASSB Newsletter February – March 2025

This issue includes….

See pages 3 – 4 for our calendar of online and in-person meetings for parents of autistic children, plus our special interest groups for parents/carers of autistic adults, girls and those with PDA, plus partners of autistic people.

  • Climbing Event, Walton-on-Thames – p4
  • NAS Family Support Service Courses – p5
  • Free Dramatherapy Sessions in Guildford – p5
  • Challengers Stay and Play Sessions in Guildford & Farnham – p6
  • Weekday Soft Play SEND Sessions at Woking Leisure Centre – p6
  • Midweek Play Sessions for SEN Children and their Siblings – p6
  • Round-Up of Activities for Children & Young People – p7
  • Autism Reality Bus in Guildford – p8
  • Additional Needs Service Showcases in Leatherhead and Egham – p8
  • Resources to Support Transition for Children with EHCPs – p9
  • Drumming and Disney Drama Workshops in Oxted – p9
  • Household Fund to help Unpaid Carers – p10
  • Gaming Session at Overworld for Autistic Girls aged – p10

Information for Adults, Young People and their families:

  • All-Age Autism Strategy Adult reference group – p11
  • Volunteering Support in Banstead & Reigate – p11
  • Find Out About NESCOT’s Supported Internship Programme – p11
  • Y-MANIA Valentine Disco – P11

 

Please note: Some articles in the front of the newsletter also include information for young people and adults.

NAS Surrey Branch Newsletter December 2024 – January 2025

This issue includes….

Our calendar of online and in-person meetings for parents of autistic children, plus our special interest groups for parents/carers of autistic adults, girls and those with PDA, plus partners of autistic people – p3-4

• Free Activities for Children Not Receiving Short Breaks – p4
• Contribute Your Stories for Surrey’s Updated PDA Statement – p5
• Stay and Play Session for Autistic Under-5s in Godalming – p6
• New Appeer Online Session for 13 – 18 year old Girls – p6
• Have Your Say on Surrey All Age Autism Strategy – p7
• Creative Connections Sessions for Home-Educated Children – p7
• Gamers Lounge in Guildford – p8
• Family Voice Surrey Transition to Secondary School Group – p8
• Parent SEND Law Training from IPSEA – p8
• Have Your Say in Mental Health Transitions Survey – p9
• Research Request: Study into Cancer Care for People with Learning Disabilities – p10

Information for Adults, Young People and their families:
• Adult Social Care & Public Health Travel Policy Consultation – p11
• Yoga Sessions for Autistic Women in Woking – p11
• Workshop for Adults to Better Understand their Diagnosis – p11
• Silent Disco in Surbiton – p12

Please note: Some articles in the front of the newsletter also include information for young people and adults.

NAS Surrey Branch Newsletter October – November 2024

This issue includes….

Our calendar of online and in-person meetings for parents of autistic children, plus our special interest groups for parents/carers of autistic adults, girls and those with PDA, plus partners of autistic people – p3-4

  • Raise Money for NAS Surrey Branch for free! – p4
  • NAS Surrey Branch Children’s Christmas Party – p5
  • Space Science Talk by Astrophysicist Prof Alan Smith
  • Family Voice Annual Event – p5
  • Illuminated Christmas Steam Train on the Watercress Line – p6
  • Carers’ Rights Fair in Ashford – p6
  • Additional Needs Showcase in Cranleigh – p6
  • Gamers Lounge Events in Guildford – p7
  • Free E-Learning Courses for Parents on EHCPs and SEND – p8
  • Guides to Needs Assessments and Carer’s Assessments – p9
  • Mindworks Out of Hours Helpline – p9

Information for Adults, Young People and their families:

  • Have Your Say on Autism-Friendly Events in Surrey – p10
  • Online Group for Women with Neurodivergent Partners – p10
  • Board Game / Quiz evenings at The Light Redhill – p11
  • Information Sessions for Adult Sibling Carers of Autistic People – p12

Please note: Some articles in the front of the newsletter also include information for young people and adults.