Making Sense Together
13 August 2026
11:00 to 15:00
07788353397
Town Centre
Free
Darlington Borough Council
Join us in the market square to support people with learning disabilities or autism, to promote inclusivity for all, and to join in some calm, sensory, free, fun. 
The free event aims to offer a safe and welcoming space for families to come and meet specialist organisations to find out about support and help for parents and guardians in an informal setting. Making Sense Together has a programme of drop-in activities including music, arts and learning for their children to enjoy and an accessible space to visit and includes a quiet place for calm and reflection in St Cuthbert’s Church with quiet colouring activities. 
Our events team is busy programming a variety of sensory, learning and engaging activities and are in the process of putting together a Visual Story Welcome Information pack, which will contain information about the event and what to expect during your visit. We will add this here as soon as it's ready... we just want you to get the date on your calendar! 
We’d really value your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions—including any recommendations for activities that could make the day even more engaging.
If you’d like to join us and exhibit, please complete the registration form here:
Register Your Interest APPLY TODAY
Register Your Interest APPLY TODAY
Confirmed Exhibitors (list will be updated)
| Arcus LGBT | At Arcus we pride ourselves on being a nationwide LGBT+ counselling service, but our doors are open to everyone! |
| Daisy Chain Project | We support and empower autistic and neurodivergent individuals through the provision of holistic person-centred services, whilst promoting training, wellbeing, inclusion and acceptance regionally and nationwide. |
| Darlington Association on Disability | As an organisation we provide a range of accessible and inclusive play, leisure and youth opportunities. Through our Young Leaders group we give young people the opportunity to develop self-advocacy skills and have a voice. |
| Darlington Carers | Darlington Carers Support offers a variety of different services to local Carers. We can work with you to help you find the information you need finding your way through the maze of services and support available to you as a Carer. |
| Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub | NHS funded Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub. We are here to connect the people of Darlington to the services and support they require. |
| Darlington Library | Darlington Library houses Lending Libraries, a Study, The Hive, Centre of Local Studies & Art Gallery |
| Darlington Mental Health Support Team | The Darlington Mental Health Support Team will be at Making Sense for advice and guidance. |
| Funky Fidgets Shop | Sensory toys and equipment |
| Children's Health Service | Focus: Neurodiversity, emotional wellbeing, child development, inclusion, SEND. |
| Hiyed | Supported employment and job opportunities |
| Kanes World Foundation | Support and events for SEND families |
| Keystage Door | At Key Stage Door we offer an Alternative Education Provision in Performing Arts based at Darlington Hippodrome 2 days a week. |
| Durham and Darlington Talking Therapies | Support neurodiverse people in their current employment roles (retention), to return to work after sickness (reasonable adjustments), find new employment possibilities, support with interview preparation, help with entering training or education to suit needs. |
| Sendelightgifts | Sensory toys & equipment, educational toys and therapy aids |
| SEND Fusion | All inclusive groups and activities |
| Tandem | Help and support to gain skills, build confidence and move closer towards employment. |
Workshops and Activities
- Wild Science - interactive science experiements and learning
- Intertwined - inclusive movement with Stacey
- MIss Print - craft based activity
- Yvonne Preston - craft based activity
- Facepainting and glitter
- Interactive Sensory Bus
- Wild Child with Jemma Ransom
- Bubbleplay
Public toilets are available:
Dolphin Centre - including accessible toilets
The Market Hall
The Cornmill Shopping Centre
Ear defenders Some people find wearing ear defenders useful when visiting events. * There is no music planned at this event.
•There are cycling parking stands surrounding the market square.
•Taxi drivers can drop visitors off at Darlington Market Square.
•Regular trains come to Darlington train station 730m
•Buses travel into the town centre, depending which route your arrive on all bus stops.
•Using map and navigation apps can help plan your route.