NEST Ayrshire

That is our summer of events now complete. Thank you to everyone who attended the workshops and to all the amazing teams we worked with over the summer. It was a privilege to work with you as we push towards helping Ayrshire become more inclusive for families and individuals who are neurodivergent.

There are dates scheduled on the NEST website for the rest of the year for our parent/carer workshops running across Ayrshire in person and online. If you would like to book on the workshops and would like more information, please visit our website by clicking on the link below.https://www.nest.scot/workshops

Supporting Your Autistic Child's Communication Development

Friday 6th September 2024, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Fullarton ConneXions, Church Street, Irvine KA12 8PE

This workshop is best suited to families of children and young people who are showing differences in the development of their language, communication, social interaction and play skills, ranging from children and young people who aren’t using words to children and young people engaging in conversations.

Your child may have a diagnosis of Autism however a formal diagnosis is not required to attend this session.

This workshop will be delivered by the Speech and Language Therapy service. Information will be shared on:

· The skills that are involved when we engage with others
· The differences you might notice in your child’s understanding, communication and interaction,
· Helpful tips on how to support your child to understand and to communicate as effectively as possible
· Further supports and useful resources

Please note, this workshop was previously called 'Communicating With Your Neurodivergent Child', the content has not changed so there is no need to attend again if you have been to this workshop.

Please click on the link below to our website to book a space on the workshop:
https://www.nest.scot/event-details/supporting-your-autistic-childs-communication-development-2

Introduction to ADHD

Thursday 5th September 2024
10:00am – 12:30pm

Troon Town Hall, Municipal Buildings, South Beach, Troon KA10 6EF

Would you like to know about ADHD? This workshop provides you with an opportunity to learn more about ADHD and how it affects all aspects of a person’s life.

This workshop looks at:
● ADHD - the three presentations
● Physical challenges
● Executive Function
● ADHD and sleep
● Sensory differences
● Emotional regulation
● Sources of support

Please click on the link below to our website to book a space on the workshop:
https://www.nest.scot/event-details/introduction-to-adhd-15

National Autistic Society Scotland, in partnership with Carers Scotland, are delivering a 'Growing Up' programme for unpaid carers of autistic young people going through big life changes.

This programme is a great way to provide unpaid carers with advice and information to support the autistic young person they are caring for, and provide them with the skills to help them to look after their own physical and mental health.

If you would like to book a space on the programme, please see below the email address to contact.

National Autistic Society Scotland are delighted to announce that the Growing Up Project is taking bookings for sessions from September through to May 2025.

‘Growing Up’ is a free programme of support in partnership with Carers Scotland aimed at empowering unpaid carers of autistic young people going through big life changes. Big life changes could be anything from leaving school or moving from child to adult services, to the physical and emotional changes associated with growing up.

The programme consists of a series of four free workshops for unpaid carers with an additional in-person session at the conclusion of each series. Each workshop will cover the following respectively:
· Workshop 1 - Autism and Change
· Workshop 2 - Anxiety Management: Supporting Children through anxiety and managing your own anxiety
· Workshop 3 – Parent & Carer Rights & Entitlements
· Workshop 4 - Supporting Physical and Mental Wellbeing of parents & carers

Spaces are limited to 25 attendees per series of workshops on a first-come-first-served basis, so please email [email protected] to book your space.

How Adults with ADHD Think:

ADDitude has published an article about how adults with ADHD think and how the ADHD nervous system works. If you would like to find out more and read the article, you can click on the link below.

How Adults with ADHD Think: Uncomfortable Truths About the ADHD Nervous System Easily bored, sensitive to distractions, creative, and intense. If you grew up with ADHD symptoms, chances are you always felt "different." Now here's a scientific explanation of the neurological underpinnings of behaviors and feelings associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Learn....

The National Autistic Society Scotland are delivering Parent & Carer Workshops in Ayrshire. These workshops are free and are available to book for parents & carers of autistic children living in Ayrshire.

🎉Our next batch of Parent & Carer autism workshops start on 17th September. The free workshops are 6 weeks long, and available to families of autistic children, no formal diagnosis required. Please email the team for more details/book a place. 👇
[email protected]

An Introduction to Anxiety Workshop

Thursday, 29th August 2024
10:00am - 12:00pm

CentreStage, 15 Elmbank Drive, Kilmarnock, KA1 3AE

The workshop will be aimed at those looking for an introduction to anxiety and some practical strategies for family life. We will provide some general information about anxiety, look at the impact on functioning and share some self help strategies for families to try.

If you would like to attend, please let us know using the following link. Please select RSVP and enter your details: https://www.nest.scot/event-details/an-introduction-to-anxiety-3
Please do not attend without RSVPing.

Introduction To Neurodivergence

Wednesday 4th September 2024
10:00am – 12:30pm

Ardeer Community Centre, 23 Shore Road, Stevenston, KA20 3NB

Would you like to learn more about Neurodevelopmental differences such as Autism and ADHD? This workshop provides attendees with an opportunity to learn more about Neurodiversity, the associated conditions, and understand how to access support.

This workshop looks at:

● Overview of Neurodivergence
● Who is Neurodiverse?
● Types of Neurodiversity
● Signs of Neurodivergence
● Makeup of Neurodiversity
● Why is Neurodiversity important?
● Core areas of difficulty

If you would like to attend, please let us know using the following link. Please select RSVP and enter your details: https://www.nest.scot/event-details/introduction-to-neurodivergence-12
Please do not attend without RSVPing.

Introduction to Autism Workshop

Wednesday 28th August 2024
10:00am – 12:30pm

St Columba's Parish Church Hall, Lainshaw Street, Stewarton, Kilmarnock KA3 5BU

Would you like to know more about Autism? This workshop provides attendees with an opportunity to learn more about autism and communication. The workshop aims to provide opportunities to share experiences, strategies and approaches in order to help parents and carers with understanding autism.

– This workshop will look at:

● Common myths and facts

● Autism as a spectrum

● Core difficulties within autism

● Sensory differences

● Sources of support

If you would like to attend, please let us know using the following link. Please select RSVP and enter your details: https://www.nest.scot/event-details/introduction-to-autism-10
Please do not attend without RSVPing.

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) Workshop

Tuesday, 27th August 2024
10:00am - 11:30am

Fullarton ConneXions, Church Street, Irvine, KA12 8PE

Developmental Co-ordination Disorder can affect a child/young person's ability to complete school tasks and activities. This hour and a half session aims to provide parents/carers with:
• An Introduction to Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
• Typical Features
• Strategies / advice to support children / young people with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)

If you would like to attend, please let us know using the following link. Please select RSVP and enter your details: https://www.nest.scot/event-details/developmental-coordination-disorder-dcd-4
Please do not attend without RSVPing.

Selective, Restrictive and Limited Eating Workshop

Monday, 19th August 2024
9:30am - 12:30pm
Fullarton ConneXions, Church Street, Irvine, KA12 8PE

Would you like to know more about Selective, Restrictive and Limited Eating? Then our free workshop might be just what you’re looking for.

It will cover:
• What is restrictive eating?
• Why might it develop?
• What can keep restrictive eating going?
• A parent's experience of supporting their child with ARFID.
• What can you do to support your child with their eating?
• When to seek further support.

If you would like to attend, please let us know using the following link. Please select RSVP and enter your details: https://www.nest.scot/event-details/selective-restrictive-and-limited-eating-13
Please do not attend without RSVPing.

East Ayrshire Leisure have got tons of stuff going on this summer to keep the kids entertained. There’s family and sports activities at your local sports venue, nature activities at Dean Castle Country Park, a footy themed reading challenge at libraries, an art exhibition and art camp at the Dick Institute, museum trails, theatre shows, and more!

Please click the link below to view the Summer timetable and find information on how to join the activities.

https://eastayrshireleisure.com/summer?utm_source=Newsquest_TheHerald-Scotland&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=CLY2972149&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0BMAABHTZwwiMS6CPbjhWXpwjfleDK2PD4N5bnqHc6c6QxndZ_jWUhc7cdOxaJiw_aem_ES2bjVsfSkF8gsNagJaI5w

Summer Programme East Ayrshire Leisure Trust

If you haven't made it to any of our South Ayrshire Family Focus Groups yet but would like to participate, our last one is taking place on Thursday in Maybole. Let us know you are coming here: https://www.nest.scot/event-details/south-ayrshire-neurodevelopmental-family-focus-group-2024-06-20-12-15

South Ayrshire Neurodevelopmental Family Focus Group

Do you live in South Ayrshire and care for a child or young person with a diagnosed or suspected neurodevelopmental difference?

We are looking to speak to parents and carers of children and young people with suspected or diagnosed neurodevelopmental differences to hear your experience of existing supports to help inform new services in South Ayrshire.

Please ensure you sign up to let us know you are attending this event.
RSVP here: https://www.nest.scot/event-details/south-ayrshire-neurodevelopmental-family-focus-group-2024-06-04-10-00

Introduction to Sensory Processing Workshop

Tuesday, 18th June 2024
10.00am – 12.00pm
The Ayr Ark, Citadel Quay, South Harbour Street, Ayr KA7 1JB

Would you like to learn more about sensory processing? This workshop will be delivered by the Children and Young People's Occupational Therapy service for parents and carers.

It will cover:

Introduction to sensory processing
Strategies/advice to support your child/young person.

Please RSVP here if you would like to attend: https://www.nest.scot/event-details/introduction-to-sensory-processing-4

We're still running our Family Focus Groups throughout this month in South Ayrshire - if you can make it, please let us know you are coming along: https://www.nest.scot/event-details/south-ayrshire-neurodevelopmental-family-focus-group-2024-06-11-12-15

South Ayrshire Neurodevelopmental Family Focus Group

Do you live in South Ayrshire and care for a child or young person with a diagnosed or suspected neurodevelopmental difference?

We are looking to speak to parents and carers of children and young people with suspected or diagnosed neurodevelopmental differences to hear your experience of existing supports to help inform new services in South Ayrshire.

Please ensure you sign up to let us know you are attending this event.
RSVP here: https://www.nest.scot/event-details/south-ayrshire-neurodevelopmental-family-focus-group-2024-06-04-10-00

Communicating With Your Neurodivergent Child Workshop

13 June 2024, 10:00 – 12:30
The Ayr Ark, Citadel Quay, South Harbour Street, Ayr, KA7 1JB

Would you like to learn more about the communication differences you might notice in children who are neurodivergent?

This workshop is best suited to families of children and young people who are showing differences in the development of their language, communication, social interaction and play skills, ranging from children and young people who aren’t using words to children and young people engaging in conversations.

Your child may have a diagnosis of Autism however a formal diagnosis is not required to attend this session.

This workshop will be delivered by the Speech and Language Therapy service. Information will be shared on:

· The skills that are involved when we engage with others

· The differences you might notice in your child’s understanding, communication and interaction,

· Helpful tips on how to support your child to understand and to communicate as effectively as possible

· Further supports and useful resources

Please RSVP here: https://www.nest.scot/event-details/communicating-with-your-neurodivergent-child-5

Don't forget the open day at the Portal is this Saturday!

This event is for everyone in Ayrshire (not just North).

Please come along for some free activities if you can make it!

Selective, Restrictive and Limited Eating Workshop

11 June 2024, 09:30 – 12:30
CentreStage, 15 Elmbank Drive, Kilmarnock, KA1 3AE

Would you like to know more about Selective, Restrictive and Limited Eating? Then our free workshop might be just what you’re looking for.

It will cover:

What is restrictive eating?
Why might it develop?
What can keep restrictive eating going?
A parent's experience of supporting their child with ARFID.
What can you do to support your child with their eating?
When to seek further support.

Please RSVP here: https://www.nest.scot/event-details/selective-restrictive-and-limited-eating-12

South Ayrshire Neurodevelopmental Family Focus Group

Do you live in South Ayrshire and care for a child or young person with a diagnosed or suspected neurodevelopmental difference?

We are looking to speak to parents and carers of children and young people with suspected or diagnosed neurodevelopmental differences to hear your experience of existing supports to help inform new services in South Ayrshire.

Please ensure you sign up to let us know you are attending this event.
RSVP here: https://www.nest.scot/event-details/south-ayrshire-neurodevelopmental-family-focus-group-2024-06-04-10-00

Introduction to Autism

Friday, 24th May 2024
10:00am – 12:30pm

Monkton and Prestwick North Church Hall, 10 Monkton Road, Prestwick, KA9 1AP
(please ensure you RSVP if you wish to attend this workshop, link below)

Would you like to know more about Autism? This workshop provides attendees with an opportunity to learn more about autism and communication. The workshop aims to provide opportunities to share experiences, strategies and approaches in order to help parents and carers with understanding autism.

– This workshop will look at:

● Common myths and facts

● Autism as a spectrum

● Core difficulties within autism

● Sensory differences

● Sources of support

RSVP here: https://www.nest.scot/event-details/introduction-to-autism-8

Inspire Football - South Ayrshire

Book online here: https://clubspark.net/activesouthayrshire

Contact [email protected] with enquiries!

Selective, Restrictive and Limited Eating Workshop

21 May 2024, 09:30 – 12:30

The Ayr Ark, Citadel Quay, South Harbour Street, Ayr, KA7 1JB
(please ensure you RSVP if you wish to attend this workshop, link below)

Would you like to know more about Selective, Restrictive and Limited Eating? Then our free workshop might be just what you’re looking for. It will cover:

What is restrictive eating?
Why might it develop?
What can keep restrictive eating going?
A parent's experience of supporting their child with ARFID.
What can you do to support your child with their eating?
When to seek further support.

RSVP here: https://www.nest.scot/event-details/selective-restrictive-and-limited-eating-11

Introduction To Neurodivergence Workshop

15 May 2024, 10:00 – 12:30

St Columba's Parish Church Hall, Lainshaw St, Stewarton, Kilmarnock KA3 5BU
(please ensure you RSVP if you wish to attend this workshop, link below)

Would you like to learn more about Neurodevelopmental differences such as Autism and ADHD? This workshop provides attendees with an opportunity to learn more about Neurodiversity, the associated conditions, and understand how to access support.

This workshop looks at:

● Overview of Neurodivergence

● Who is Neurodiverse?

● Types of Neurodiversity

● Signs of Neurodivergence

● Makeup of Neurodiversity

● Why is Neurodiversity important?

● Core areas of difficulty

RSVP here: https://www.nest.scot/event-details/introduction-to-neurodivergence-11

We are supporting 🌈 ASN SUPPORT - AYRSHIRE 🌈 and NEST Ayrshire and are pleased to announce a FREE open day at The Portal on Saturday 8th June from 12pm-3pm.

This is your chance to come along and have your say on what ASN classes/activities you would like to see offered at KA Leisure. Whilst you're there, why not let the kids have a bit of fun 😁

There will be a range of activities that include ⬇️
🔹Multisports
🔹Softplay
🔹Bouncy castles
🔹Break away room (darkened room with multicoloured lights)
🔹TribeVibe will be hosting some free sessions within the breakaway room and also offering some mindfulness/meditation sessions.

There will also be stalls on site from local services and organisations that you can speak with on the day such as:
🔹nest Ayrshire
🔹STAND - Stronger Together for Autism and Neurodivergence SCIO
🔹North Ayrshire Family Centred Wellbeing Team
🔹Communication hub within Lockhart will be joining us
🔹Nas North Ayrshire Branch
🔹Oshay’s Brain Domain

Be sure to like and share this post and we hope to see you on the 8th of June!

We still have spaces at tomorrow's workshop in Maybole!

RSVP here: https://www.nest.scot/event-details/introduction-to-neurodivergence-10

Introduction To Neurodivergence

Wednesday, 8th May 2024
10:00am – 12:30pm
St Oswald's Church Hall, Cargill Road, Maybole, KA19 8AF

Would you like to learn more about Neurodevelopmental differences such as Autism and ADHD? This workshop provides attendees with an opportunity to learn more about Neurodiversity, the associated conditions, and understand how to access support.

This workshop looks at:

● Overview of Neurodivergence
● Who is Neurodiverse?
● Types of Neurodiversity
● Signs of Neurodivergence
● Makeup of Neurodiversity
● Why is Neurodiversity important?
● Core areas of difficulty

Sign up to this workshop here: https://www.nest.scot/event-details/introduction-to-neurodivergence-10

Introduction to Autism Workshop

09 May 2024, 10:00 – 12:30
Clark Memorial Church, Bath St, Largs KA30 8BL

Would you like to know more about Autism? This workshop provides attendees with an opportunity to learn more about autism and communication. The workshop aims to provide opportunities to share experiences, strategies and approaches in order to help parents and carers with understanding autism.

– This workshop will look at:

● Common myths and facts
● Autism as a spectrum
● Core difficulties within autism
● Sensory differences
● Sources of support

RSVP here: https://www.nest.scot/event-details/introduction-to-autism-9

Girvan Youth Trust are recruiting a Project Supervisor to lead their Hand in Hand team, which helps support young people with ASN.

More details below!

VACANCY 📣

We're recruiting for a Project Supervisor to lead our Hand in Hand Team!

Open to anyone aged 18 years or over.

For an Application Pack and/or further information please contact Amy Bissett (Project Co-ordinator) in one of the following ways;

☎️ 01465 714729 (Office Hours Mon-Fri)
📧 [email protected]

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 8th May @ 12noon

Enquiries through Social Media WILL NOT be accepted.

Introduction To Neurodivergence

Wednesday, 8th May 2024
10:00am – 12:30pm
St Oswald's Church Hall, Cargill Road, Maybole, KA19 8AF

Would you like to learn more about Neurodevelopmental differences such as Autism and ADHD? This workshop provides attendees with an opportunity to learn more about Neurodiversity, the associated conditions, and understand how to access support.

This workshop looks at:

● Overview of Neurodivergence
● Who is Neurodiverse?
● Types of Neurodiversity
● Signs of Neurodivergence
● Makeup of Neurodiversity
● Why is Neurodiversity important?
● Core areas of difficulty

Sign up to this workshop here: https://www.nest.scot/event-details/introduction-to-neurodivergence-10