Riding the Rapids
A 10-week wellbeing programme for parents and carers
Parenting a child or young person who is autistic, on the pathway to an autism assessment, or has a learning disability can be challenging and, at times, overwhelming. Our aim is to give parents and carers the understanding, tools, and support they need to feel more confident and less alone.
What is Riding the Rapids?
The course focuses on:
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Understanding your child’s wellbeing and emotional needs
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Reducing stress and distress for both parent and child
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Supporting distress-related behaviours or behaviours of concern
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Helping parents feel more confident, informed, and supported
Before the programme begins, families will be offered an opportunity to meet with the team to complete assessments and required documentation.
Who is the programme for?
This funded programme is available to parents and carers who meet all of the following criteria:
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Aged 18–64 years
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A Kirklees resident
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Currently not in employment
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Has a health-related barrier to employment (this may include your own neurodivergence or mental health)
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Has a child or young person aged 4–18 years who is:
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Diagnosed as autistic, or
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On the pathway for an autism assessment
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Has a learning disability
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Please note: For this particular round of Riding the Rapids, the funding we are using requires parents and carers to be currently not in employment. This requirement relates only to this funded programme and may not apply to future runs.
If this round isn’t the right fit for you, we’d still love to stay connected. By signing up to our newsletter, you’ll be the first to hear about future Riding the Rapids programmes and other support available through Northorpe — for your neurodivergent child, and just as importantly, for you. You can join our community here.
How much does the programme cost?
The first Riding the Rapids programme is free to attend. It is part of Healthy Working Life, a joint programme of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board.
When does the programme start?
The next programme start date will begin on Wednesday 25th February. Sessions will take place on Wednesdays between 10am and 12:30pm
Places are limited, and all applications must be received by 12pm on Friday 6th February to allow time for assessment and paperwork (which we will talk you through).
How do you apply?
If you feel Riding the Rapids could support you and your family, you can apply using the link below.
If you have any questions or would like more information before applying, please contact us on 01924 492183 or email us using support@northorpe.com and we can support you to complete the form.
What Parents Say
“Riding the Rapids was a lifeline. I’d got to a point where I just couldn’t handle things anymore and felt like I was on my own. When I got there, I realised everyone was in the same boat – it really brought me out of the depths.”
“It’s been brilliant – so much taught in such a fun way.”
“I’ve learned so much. I’ll miss it.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Will you be running Riding the Rapids again in the future/ on a different day/ or different time?
We really hope to run the course again, but this will depend on future funding.
If you would like us to contact you about future Projects including Riding the Rapids please complete this form.
My child is in high school, can I attend the Primary Riding The Rapids course?
There are 2 Riding the Rapids courses that we can run, one aimed at Primary aged children, and one for teenagers. We try to match parent/carers to a course where there are other families with children of a similar age and need.
I work full time but would love to attend Riding The Rapids, do you run a course on an evening or a weekend?
This may be something that we can offer in the future. If you would like us to contact you about future projects including Riding the Rapids please complete this form.
Can I attend Riding the Rapids virtually/online?
We are unable to run this course virtually or online.
Can the Riding the Rapids course be recorded?
The course is designed to include active parent/carer engagement through personalised goals, activities and discussions. Therefore, sharing recordings of the sessions would not be appropriate due to data protection.