Community Focus Groups

Mind & Body

Neurodiversity Places and Meeting Schedules

​Brighton has a number of groups focusing on specific aspects of neurodiversity. It’s always best to check their website or social media before attending in case of any last-minute changes.

1. ADHD Aware (Adults)

​This is a well-established and relaxed group that offers both in-person and online drop-in sessions. You do not need a formal diagnosis to attend.

  • In-Person Drop-In Meeting:
    • When: First Wednesday of the month, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (GMT).
    • Where: Friends Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AF.
    • How to Join: No RSVP required, just turn up.
  • Online Meeting (via Zoom):
    • When: Second Wednesday of the month, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (GMT).
    • How to Join: You need to sign up for their mailing list to get the monthly newsletter, which contains the RSVP link (these sessions are popular, so it’s advised to RSVP promptly).

2. mASCot (Autism Support)

​mASCot is primarily a network for families, but they have initiatives specifically for young adults who are neurodivergent (ND).

  • Brighton Neurodiverse Community: This group is open to any young ND adults based in B&H or surrounding areas. They organise a variety of events like:
    • ​Sober Socials
    • ​Crafting Events
    • ​Gigs, Clubbing, and Gaming nights
    • ​Dungeons & Dragons Group
    • ​Online events via Discord
  • How to Join/Find Schedules: You would need to check their website for the current events calendar and to find the link to join the young adult’s group.

3. General Support & Resources

  • Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust: Their Neurodevelopmental Services website is a good starting point for official resources and information about local organisations and services for support while waiting for assessment.

​Free & Accessible Yoga and Tai Chi Type Schedules

​Finding classes that are explicitly free and explicitly labelled as “neurodiversity-specific” can be challenging, but the Brighton Natural Health Foundation (BNHF) offers low-cost or no-cost community classes, including therapeutic and gentle yoga, which are often trauma-informed and highly accessible—an excellent fit for a neurodiverse community.

Brighton Natural Health Foundation (BNHF) Community Classes

  • Chair Yoga for Chronic Health Conditions / Therapeutic Yoga:
    • Cost: No charge for the session.
    • Description: A gentle, therapeutic session that is invitational and held space, suitable for those who have experienced trauma, chronic illness, and mental health challenges. Step-free access is available.
    • Schedule: Check the BNHF Community Classes page for the latest timetable and booking details.
  • Gentle Yoga Online (Drop-in):
    • Cost: £2 optional donation.
    • Description: A gentle, mindful class suitable for all, including those new to yoga, focusing on self-compassion.
    • Schedule: Check the BNHF Community Classes page for the latest timetable and Zoom link.

​Holistic Spiritual Focussed Gathering Places

Brighton & Hove Centre for Spirituality

​This centre offers a welcoming space to explore and deepen your spiritual journey, focusing on meditation, reflection, and community.

  • Weekly Guided Meditation Groups:
    • ​They offer groups on both Tuesdays and Saturday mornings.
    • How to Join/Find Schedules: Details are on their website or by joining their Meetup group.
  • Special Events and Study/Reflection Groups:
    • ​They host retreats, contemplative pauses, and unique gatherings that sometimes include things like Labyrinth Walking (a meditative practice) and Circles of Trust.
    • Example: Labyrinth walks have been offered in the past, often with beautiful musical accompaniment.
    • How to Find Schedules: Check the “Special Events” section of their website and sign up for their newsletter.

Spirit Rising Yoga & Meditation (Brighton, MI – Potential for Online/Virtual Events)

​While this specific studio is in Brighton, Michigan (US), it’s important to mention that many holistic and spiritual centres offer online content now, and this one has a strong focus on yoga wellness and holistic health—physically, mentally, and spiritually.

  • ​If you’re interested in online options, a search for “Neurodiversity affirming yoga” often yields excellent online resources from places like Yoga for Neurodiversity and Accessible Yoga School, which offer trauma-informed, neuro-inclusive recorded and live content.

Brighton Holistic Event Listings

​You can often find a variety of one-off or regular holistic classes and workshops by searching local event sites, which include:

  • Sound Baths
  • Guided Meditations
  • Reiki Classes
  • Spiritual Awakening Workshops

​These often happen at various local venues and are best found by checking local events listings.

Neurodiversity Support Groups

  1. ADHD Aware (Adult ADHD Support Group): https://adhdaware.org.uk/
  2. mASCot (Brighton Neurodiverse Community for Young Adults): https://www.asc-mascot.com/
  3. Sussex Partnership NHS Trust (Adult Neurodevelopmental Services/Resources): https://www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/our-services/adult-neurodevelopment-services

​Free and Accessible Movement (Yoga/Tai Chi Type)

  1. Brighton Natural Health Foundation (BNHF) (Free or low-cost Gentle/Therapeutic Yoga and mindful movement): https://www.bnhf.org/ (Once there, look for the “Community Classes” section for schedules)

​Holistic Spiritual Gatherings

  1. Brighton & Hove Centre for Spirituality (Weekly Guided Meditation, Labyrinth Walks, and reflection groups): https://centreforspirituality.org/

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