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Empowering Ayrshire’s Neurodivergent Communities

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Workshops & Events

Find updates, recaps, and resources from our workshops, external webinars, and local events. Whether you're a parent, professional, or young person, this section highlights learning opportunities and community connections.

Woman stands by a table with brochures next to a banner about neurodevelopmental differences. The setting is a white-walled room.

Woman stands by a table with brochures next to a banner about neurodevelopmental differences. The setting is a white-walled room.

ASN Family Forum - November 2025 🌟

Clare attended the ASN Family Forum last night, connecting with families and professionals to strengthen support for children and young people with additional needs. Here’s what she had to say…

Workshops & Events

Nov 131 min read

Parent & Carer Support Group poster with date, time, and location details. Features colorful speech bubble icons and contact info for inquiries.

Parent & Carer Support Group poster with date, time, and location details. Features colorful speech bubble icons and contact info for inquiries.

East Ayrshire NAS Support Meeting - October 2025 🌟

Looking for connection and support? Come along to the East Ayrshire NAS Support Meeting – a friendly space for parents and carers to chat, share ideas and enjoy a cuppa ☕. 📍 Masonic Hall, Kilmarnock 🕖 Thursday 30th October | 7.15–8.15pm Children welcome (with supervision) Let’s build a stronger community together 💬👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Workshops & Events

Oct 271 min read

Poster for Screen Machine’s Relaxed Screening event in Brodick. Includes event details, accessibility features, ticket prices, and images of the mobile cinema and two people sitting on a pumpkin in a garden. The screening is autism-friendly and designed for neurodivergent individuals and those with additional support needs.

Poster for Screen Machine’s Relaxed Screening event in Brodick. Includes event details, accessibility features, ticket prices, and images of the mobile cinema and two people sitting on a pumpkin in a garden. The screening is autism-friendly and designed for neurodivergent individuals and those with additional support needs.

A Relaxed Afternoon at the Movies – in Brodick! 🎬

🎬 Relaxed Screening in Brodick – A Cinema Experience for Everyone. Looking for a gentle, inclusive way to enjoy film? Join us on Sunday 26 October at 2pm at Ormidale Park for a relaxed screening with Screen Machine. Perfect for autistic people, neurodivergent individuals and anyone who prefers a softer cinema setting. Book your tickets today and be part of something special 💙

Workshops & Events

Oct 242 min read

⚽ ASN Friendly Football offers a welcoming space for all abilities to enjoy the game, make friends, and feel part of the community. Find out more in our latest blog post!

⚽ ASN Friendly Football offers a welcoming space for all abilities to enjoy the game, make friends, and feel part of the community. Find out more in our latest blog post!

ASN Friendly Football – A Welcoming Space for All Abilities ⚽

⚽ ASN Friendly Football offers a welcoming space for all abilities to enjoy the game, make friends, and feel part of the community. Find out more in our latest blog post!

Services Spotlight

Oct 141 min read

Flyer for "Supporting Needs Family Engagement Hub" event at Auchenharvie Academy on October 30th, 0930-1130. Contact info included.

Flyer for "Supporting Needs Family Engagement Hub" event at Auchenharvie Academy on October 30th, 0930-1130. Contact info included.

Education Family Engagement Hub –North Ayrshire - October Session

Join us at October’s Family Engagement Hub in North Ayrshire to learn about the placement process, the G11 application, and outreach services. Hear directly from inclusion professionals and have your questions answered.

Workshops & Events

Oct 11 min read

Colorful flyer for "Journey Together" event for ages 3-10. Fridays 4-5:15 PM. Features heart, kite, puzzle pieces. Hosted by Thrive.

Colorful flyer for "Journey Together" event for ages 3-10. Fridays 4-5:15 PM. Features heart, kite, puzzle pieces. Hosted by Thrive.

Journey Together at Thrive Stewarton 🌟

Celine from NEST will be at Thrive Stewarton this Friday for Journey Together – a free, welcoming after school drop-in for families with children aged 3–10 who have additional support needs and their siblings. 🌈☕

Workshops & Events

Sep 301 min read

Executive Functioning workshop ad with a woman on a laptop screen, gears above her. Text: "Watch Anytime, Free Resource." Link: nest.scot/videos.

Executive Functioning workshop ad with a woman on a laptop screen, gears above her. Text: "Watch Anytime, Free Resource." Link: nest.scot/videos.

Executive Functioning: A Free Pre-Recorded Workshop

Executive functioning skills like planning, organising, and managing emotions can be challenging for many neurodivergent people. Our free pre-recorded workshop explores practical strategies to support executive functioning and help individuals thrive.

Learning About Neurodivergence

Sep 252 min read

Flyer with a smiling brain illustration, announcing "Have Your Say" event on October 1st, 12-1 pm, at The Place, Ayr. Background is yellow.

Flyer with a smiling brain illustration, announcing "Have Your Say" event on October 1st, 12-1 pm, at The Place, Ayr. Background is yellow.

Threesixty - Have Your Say: Creating a Safe Space for Neurodivergent Voices

Your voice matters. Join the conversation on creating a safe space for neurodiverse voices in South Ayrshire.

Workshops & Events

Sep 91 min read

FAQ image with a green question box: "What does NEST provide for people who can’t attend workshops?" Purple answer box details virtual offerings.

FAQ image with a green question box: "What does NEST provide for people who can’t attend workshops?" Purple answer box details virtual offerings.

What does NEST provide for people who can’t attend workshops in person? ❓

Can’t make it along to a NEST workshop? Don’t worry — we offer advice by phone or email, online and pre-recorded workshops, blogs, and a full resources directory through our Learn Zones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Aug 261 min read

Using Play to Raise Awareness of Occupational Therapy (East Ayrshire) 🧸

Using Play to Raise Awareness of Occupational Therapy (East Ayrshire) 🧸

Using Play to Raise Awareness of Occupational Therapy (East Ayrshire) 🧸

Discover how the Children and Young People’s Occupational Therapy Service (East) used play to raise awareness, support families

Workshops & Events

Aug 191 min read

NEST is Coming to the Isle of Arran 🌊

🌊 This August, NEST is heading to the Isle of Arran with a series of free workshops – and a special session just for professionals. From understanding neurodiversity to practical tips for supporting Autism and ADHD, there’s something for everyone. Spaces are free but limited – book your place today!

Workshops & Events

Aug 152 min read

Coping With Change workshop poster featuring a person with head in hands, text "Watch Anytime" and "Free Resource," with colorful doodles.

Coping With Change workshop poster featuring a person with head in hands, text "Watch Anytime" and "Free Resource," with colorful doodles.

Coping With Change: A Free Pre-Recorded Workshop 🌀

Change isn’t always easy — especially for neurodivergent individuals.Our Coping With Change workshop offers practical tools, emotional support, and simple strategies to help make transitions feel safer and more manageable. Watch anytime, for free, at www.nest.scot/videos.

Workshops & Events

Jul 282 min read

FAQ image with question on NEST workshops. Answers include visiting the website, joining the mailing list, and checking social media.

FAQ image with question on NEST workshops. Answers include visiting the website, joining the mailing list, and checking social media.

FAQ: How to Stay Up to Date with NEST Workshops ❓

Not sure how to keep track of our latest free workshops? Here’s how to stay in the know - without missing a thing.

Jul 22 min read

Smiling child in a yellow sweater eating noodles, displayed on a laptop screen. Text: "Pre-recorded workshop", "Free Resource", "Watch Anytime".

Smiling child in a yellow sweater eating noodles, displayed on a laptop screen. Text: "Pre-recorded workshop", "Free Resource", "Watch Anytime".

Supporting Selective and Restrictive Eating: A Free Workshop and Workbook 🍽️

Struggling with mealtimes? Our free workshop and companion workbook explore why selective and restrictive eating happens — and how to support without pressure. Watch anytime, at your own pace.

Workshops & Events

Jun 302 min read

Flyer for AAC Scotland Family Fun Day, Oct 4th 2025, 11am-4pm, Cumbernauld. Features activities, tech demos, and refreshments. QR code included.

Flyer for AAC Scotland Family Fun Day, Oct 4th 2025, 11am-4pm, Cumbernauld. Features activities, tech demos, and refreshments. QR code included.

🎉 Free Family Fun Day for AAC Users – Saturday 4th October 2025!

🎈 Does your child use AAC? Don’t miss this free family fun day on Saturday 4th October in Cumbernauld—packed with games, tech demos, and inclusive fun for ages 3–16! (Shared by NEST Ayrshire – not the organiser)

Workshops & Events

Jun 161 min read

Table with colorful brochures and flyers on neurodevelopmental differences. Banner promotes info and advice. Large window view of a track outside.

Table with colorful brochures and flyers on neurodevelopmental differences. Banner promotes info and advice. Large window view of a track outside.

🎉 Celebrating Carers Week at Riverside Sports Arena

Clare joined the Thriving Communities Carers Week Event at Riverside Sports Arena to represent NEST, offering advice and resources for carers and families. Discover how the day unfolded and why community connection matters more than ever.

Workshops & Events

Jun 121 min read

ASN Friendly Art Class poster with pink, blue, and yellow paint swatches. Free trial on June 6th, 12-1 PM at Centrestage. Contact email included.

ASN Friendly Art Class poster with pink, blue, and yellow paint swatches. Free trial on June 6th, 12-1 PM at Centrestage. Contact email included.

🎨 An Inclusive Opportunity for Creativity – ASN Friendly Art Class 🎨

🎨 Looking for a calm, creative space that supports neurodivergent young people? The Little Art School is offering a free ASN Friendly Art Class this week — a gentle, inclusive session designed to help young artists thrive. 🌈🖌️

Jun 51 min read

Carers Event flyer in pink with white text and heart design. Event on June 11, 2025, 10am-2pm, Riverside Sports Arena. Info: claire.bradbury@south-ayrshire.gov.uk.

Carers Event flyer in pink with white text and heart design. Event on June 11, 2025, 10am-2pm, Riverside Sports Arena. Info: claire.bradbury@south-ayrshire.gov.uk.

🔹 Thriving Communities: Celebrating South Ayrshire’s Carers – You’re Invited! 🔹

💜 Join the celebration! South Ayrshire’s Annual Carers Event is back — a day filled with connection, live music, food, and recognition for the amazing carers in our community. Find out more in our latest blog.

Workshops & Events

Jun 41 min read

Carers Week poster for adult carers, June 9-15, 2025. Lists daily events in various towns. Features diverse people celebrating. Contact info included.

Carers Week poster for adult carers, June 9-15, 2025. Lists daily events in various towns. Features diverse people celebrating. Contact info included.

💜 Carers Week in South Ayrshire – A Week of Celebration & Connection for Unpaid Carers 💜

🎉 Carers Week is coming to South Ayrshire! From free leisure access to live music and a carers disco — it’s a full week of celebration, connection, and appreciation for unpaid carers 💜 Find out what’s on and how to get involved.

Workshops & Events

Jun 22 min read

🗣️ Making A&E More Communication Friendly – Info Sessions for Families, Parents & Carers

🧠💬 Discover how Ayr Hospital is becoming more communication friendly! These free info sessions are designed to support families, carers, and neurodivergent individuals. Find out what’s changing and how it can help your loved ones feel more comfortable in A&E.

Workshops & Events

May 301 min read

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