Chill + Chat
Could this be a space for you?
Supporting a neurodivergent child or young person can mean spending a lot of time thinking about what they need.
Sometimes, you need somewhere to talk about how things are for you, too.
Chill + Chat is a relaxed, low-arousal space for parents and carers of neurodivergent children and young people.
It's a chance to meet other parents and carers, talk to people who understand, ask questions and access support from experienced Northorpe practitioners.
You don't need to arrive with a question or a problem to solve.
You can come to listen, share your experiences, have a chat, learn something new or simply take a bit of time for yourself.
Who is this for?
Chill + Chat is for parents and carers of neurodivergent children and young people who would like some time to talk, listen, learn and feel supported.
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You might recognise some of these:
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You spend a lot of time thinking about what your child needs and could do with some space to think about yourself, too.
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You have questions about neurodivergence and would like to talk them through with people who understand.
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You'd like to meet other parents and carers who have similar experiences.
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You'd simply like to get out of the house, have a cuppa and spend some time with other people who get it.
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You don't have to be struggling to come along, and you don't have to arrive knowing what you need.
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Chill + Chat is for parents and carers of neurodivergent children and young people across West Yorkshire, with sessions taking place at Northorpe Hall in Mirfield.
What is Chill + Chat?
Chill + Chat has been supporting parents and carers for around eight years and originally started as a series of information sessions, covering topics that parents were asking about.
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There were helpful talks about a range of subjects, including behaviour as communication, mental health and self-harm, anxiety and positive emotional wellbeing.
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But it soon became clear that parents wanted something more than information.
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They wanted somewhere they could talk to other parents, share experiences and feel understood by people who were going through some of the same things.
Over the years, more than 100 parents have accessed Chill + Chat in different forms, including sessions at Northorpe Hall, in schools and larger event days with guest speakers and workshops.
The format has changed over time, but that need for information, understanding and connection has remained at the heart of the group.
And now Chill + Chat is back at Northorpe Hall, with regular sessions giving parents and carers a chance to learn something new, meet others and access support from experienced practitioners.
What does Chill + Chat include?
Each session is designed to give you a bit of space to talk, learn and feel supported.
A short, focused topic
Each session includes a short learning session around a topic linked to neurodivergence. It’s a chance to learn something new, think about how it might relate to your own family and ask questions.
Time to talk
​There’s plenty of time to chat with other parents and carers, share experiences or simply listen. You don't have to take part in every conversation.
Specialist support
Experienced Northorpe practitioners are there to answer questions, offer support and signpost you to other services where appropriate.
A calm welcoming space
Sessions are informal and low-arousal, with refreshments available. You might find colouring, fidgets or other simple activities to help you relax, too.​
Space for you
Chill + Chat isn't just about what your child or young person needs. It's also about recognising that parents and carers need support in their own right.
A space to talk, learn and be supported
Every family is different, and there isn't one right way to support a neurodivergent child or young person. Chill + Chat gives you time to explore what might work for you, at your own pace.
This isn't a session where you sit and listen to someone tell you what you should be doing. It's a place for conversation, shared experiences and learning.
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You can bring your own questions, experiences or worries, or simply come along and listen. Our practitioners are there to offer support and guidance, while the group gives you the chance to hear from other parents and carers who understand.
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Ready to join us?
Our sessions are held at Northorpe Hall in Mirfield and are available to parents and carers across West Yorkshire.
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Each session will cover a different topic, and you can choose to attend during the day or in the evening, We're suggesting a £5 contribution to the session, with refreshments provided too.
If you have any questions or would like to talk to someone before booking, please contact us on 01924 492183.
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Session 1: Spoon Theory
Spoon Theory is a simple way of thinking about energy and capacity; it can be a helpful way to understand why everyday things take more out of some neurodivergent people than others.
Understanding this can help us think differently about exhaustion, daily functioning and emotional regulation, and about what we can do when our young person's capacity is running low.
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Thursday 24th September, 6pm - 8pm​
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​Monday 12th October, 10am - 12pm
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Session 2: The Escalation Curve
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The Escalation Curve is a useful way to understand what happens when emotions and behaviour become more intense.
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In this session, we'll look at how to recognise the different stages of dysregulation, what can help prevent things from escalating further, and how to support de-escalation and safety when emotions are running high.
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Thursday 19th November, 6pm - 8pm
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Monday 7th December, 10 am - 12pm
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