The Lighthouse Child Development Centre offers a range of workshops and support sessions for children under 5 years old. The team will also actively engage with the community through participation in various local events.

Workshops and support sessions

Pre-support virtual sessions

For those awaiting assessment under the Lighthouse Autism pathway. These sessions cover what to expect and then advice on play and communication and are run on the date below from 10.00am to 12.00pm. Links sent via email. Please email to book a place: epunft.Lighthouse.ASD@nhs.net

Dates: 28 January, 4 March, 6 April, 8 July, 9 September and 25 November 2025.

Toileting workshops

These sessions are run by the Continence Team. Virtual sessions take place from 10.00am to 12pm. Links are sent via email before the session. Please email to book a place: epunft.Lighthouse.ASD@nhs.net

Dates: 11 February, 15 May, 16 July, 14 October 2025.

Restrictive eating workshop

Face to face sessions run from 10am to 12pm on the dates below. Please email to book a place: epunft.Lighthouse.ASD@nhs.net

Dates: 3 February 2025 at The MegaCentre Rayleigh, 20 March at St Cedds Church (143 Bridgwater Drive, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS2 6QS), 30 June at The MegaCentre Rayleigh, 2 October at St Cedds Church.

Sleep virtual workshop

Please email to book a place: epunft.Lighthouse.asd@nhs.net

Date: 26 February 2025. Session runs from 10.00am to 12.00pm and the link will be emailed to you 5 mins before session begins.

Following a diagnosis of Autism

Following a diagnosis of Autism or if your child already has a diagnosis of Autism, we also offer virtual support sessions on the dates below. Please note this is the same session repeated so only need to attend one session on preferred date. Please email to book a place: epunft.Lighthouse.asd@nhs.net

Sessions run from 10.00am to 12.00om and the link will be emailed to you 5 mins before session begins

Dates: 15 April, 12 August and 11 November 2025.

Sensory Workshop

These sessions run from 10.00am to 12.00pm on the dates and venues below:

27 January at the MegaCentre Rayleigh, 3 March at St Cedds, 30 June at the MegaCentre Rayleigh and 25 September at St Cedds.

Attendance at community events

SEND Surgeries

A member of the Lighthouse Team will be present on the dates listed below. SEND Surgeries are drop-in sessions and you do not need to book. Everybody is welcome to attend.

Dates: 25 February, 25 April, 26 June, 17 October and 11 December 2025.

Coffee and chat drop-in sessions

Venue: Little Heroes. Please contact them to book a place. Dates 27 January, 12 March, 9 May and 10 October 2025.

Venue: The MegaCentre Rayleigh. Please contact them to book a place: hub@megacentrerayleigh.co.uk or 01268 779100. Dates: 13 March, 12 June and 11 September 2025.

Venue: Coffee mornings run by the Southend SEND Independent Forum. Date: 11 February, 10 June and 11 November from 10.00 to 11.30.

Venue: Making Waves. Dates: 11 April and 14 November from 10.00am to 12.00pm. To book a place please contact Making Waves All Age SEND Group.

Read more about The Lighthouse Child Development Centre | Essex Partnership University NHS Trust.