Community Focus Groups

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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