Thank you for making our 2025 show such an incredible success!
Our 2025 show was a huge hit — and we’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be returning to the North West in 2026! Our 2026 North West venue is purpose built exhibition and conference centre which is also the home a North West based charity that gives back to the community and we’re proud to be supporting them in 2026.
Save the Date: 11th June 2026
Show Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Feel free to arrive at any time during the day — there’s no need to be there right at the start.
The 2026 show will feature a bustling exhibition floor packed with organisations offering advice, support, products, and services tailored to the neurodivergent community. Plus, enjoy a full schedule of insightful seminars running throughout the day across two dedicated seminar rooms.
Features; Quiet Room, Exhibition Café, Breakout Areas, Unlimited Seminars, Device Charging
Parking is onsite and is free.
***TICKETS NOW ON SALE!***
Take a look at last year’s North West show guide, held in Liverpool by clicking through the guide.
2026 Seminar Sponsor
North West Seminar Line Up
Seminar Room 1
10:00am
Cathy Wassell;
The Haven by Autistic Girls Network;
Inclusive Education and Support for Neurodivergent Learners
This presentation provides an overview of creating truly inclusive educational environments where neurodivergent learners can flourish. We'll explore key principles of neurodiversity-affirming practice, moving beyond awareness to action.
The session will emphasise the importance of understanding individual strengths, fostering positive learning identities, and building collaborative partnerships between educators, families, and support professionals.
We will also give practical examples of how these principles are applied within The Haven, an online school designed specifically for neurodivergent learners.
10:30am
Stephanie Jones;
Solicitor from HCB Solicitors;
How to secure an IDP;
How To Secure Funding For Your Child With SENs
Join one of the leading legal firms in the UK to hear how to secure funding for your child with special educational needs. Specialists from HCB Solicitors will explain how Educational Health and Care Plans and IDPs work and how this skilled and well practised firm will support your family to obtain the support you need.
This is a practical guide for parents and carers on securing a robust IDP, with step‑by‑step advice, FAQs, and a live Q&A.
*KEYNOTE SPEAKER*
11:00am
Lavinia Dowling;
The M Word CiC;
Mental Health and the Hidden Autism Language
A lot of people ‘see’ Autistic traits in individuals and assume that if it cannot be seen, it does not exist. Yet, have you considered that there are other clues that are perhaps less obvious? When neurodiverse people are struggling with feeling overwhelmed, differing types of anxiety, and, especially, Pathological Demand Avoidance, their language can be very interesting. Whilst many young people are renowned for masking their Autism, when anxious to the trained eye, you can hear and see. Join Lavinia, a Mental Health and Autism nurse specialist, in a swift journey through some of the language that gives us a few more clues about mental health through a neurodivergent lens.
11:30am
Rory Matthews;
Booost Education;
No Budget? No Problem! Everyday Tech Tips for Neurodivergent Learners
Who says you need fancy software to study smarter?
From YouTube to ChatGPT, this session explores how everyday (and free!) tech can support focus, memory, and motivation — especially for neurodivergent minds.
Don't miss this informative session from Booost Education on technology for neurodivergent minds.
12:00pm
Sarah Osborne, BA(Hons) mBANT rCNHC;
SO Nutrition;
Building Resilience with Diet and Nutrition for Neurodivergence
This empowering seminar offers valuable insights, tools, and actionable strategies to enhance resilience through balanced eating while respecting your unique needs. Led by a nutritionist and emotional eating practitioner who runs a neurodivergent nutrition clinic, this seminar will present the latest evidence-based approaches for fostering a healthier, more resilient relationship with food.
1:00pm
Brain in Hand
Seminar information coming soon
2:00pm
Thomas Jackson:
Remtek Workplace
Unlocking Potential: The Benefits of Personalised Assistive Technology Training
In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, personalised assistive technology training has become a cornerstone for enhancing individual capabilities and fostering inclusive environments.
This seminar will explore the transformative impact of tailored training programmes designed to meet the unique needs of each user.
2:30pm
Pip Help CiC;
Important Information Concerning PiP Applications
Seminar Information Coming Soon
Seminar Room 2
10:30am
Hayley Clark and Joanne Beecham;
Access 2 Learn;
Harrison's Story - a Voice for the Unheard
Using a lived experience to show how early diagnosis, early intervention, and early support can be empowering and enabling in creating a confident and positive learning journey. A brief understanding of how this ties to the company's mission and the services they offer.
*MEDIA PARTNER*
11:00am
SENDcast Podcast
2026 Seminar Description Coming Soon
11:30am
Anita Davies; Harnessing Your ADHD Brain
Join us for a seminar designed to show you that an ADHD brain is far from broken. We'll discuss how neurotypical thinking often doesn't suit our minds and explore how it feels to experience controlled ADHD. We'll discuss strategies to leverage the unique strengths of ADHD, minimising overwhelm and frustrations. This session offers valuable insights for embracing and optimising your ADHD brain.
12:30pm
Greer Jones;
The Unfinished Idea; 3 Step Rest
When dysregulation hits, a child melts down, your brain blanks, or your body goes into fight, flight, or freeze. This seminar is not about fixing everything. It is about finding your footing. Greer Jones shares a simple 3-step reset you can use in real time to move from overwhelmed to steadier. You will learn how to spot early signs, downshift your nervous system, and choose a next step that protects connection, safety, and dignity. No perfect calm required, just a pathway back. Designed for parents raising neurodivergent children. You will leave with simple phrases to use and a take-home reset prompt you can screenshot.
1:00pm
Joanne Hill; Messy Minds;
“You’re in Detention!” What if Feeling ‘In Detention’ Followed You From Childhood into Adulthood?
In this talk, the Founder and CEO of Messy Minds shares her journey from being the
child always in trouble at school, to a teenager trying to cope, to an adult juggling two
jobs from 16, raising a family, teaching kickboxing for 11 years, navigating
brokendown relationships and building a senior leadership career in financial
services - all while living with undiagnosed ADHD.
At 47, everything finally made sense. Her diagnosis brought clarity, freedom and
purpose, and led her to walk away from her successful corporate career and create
Messy Minds, a strengthsbased neurodivergent organisation.
A real and relatable story about misunderstanding, masking and the lifechanging
moment you finally understand your own brain.
1:30pm
Jamie Denyer; Assembling the Avengers
After a diagnosis of ADHD & Autism at the age of 41, there were a lot of things that were “answered” for Jamie. He took that diagnosis & added it to his already impacting motivational talks that he was carrying out nationwide in schools, colleges, prisons & corporate. Just like all the other challenges life threw at Jamie that he turned into good, this was no different.. He brings the energy & inspiration to make you see that although we all have “kryptonite” in life, that we also have these neurodivergent superpowers! Total transparency of his good, bad & indifferent neurodiversity life, him being a single neurodivergent dad & his eldest daughter also having the “superpowers” too… Avengers are assembling.. be a part of it!
2:00pm
Helen Rees; Neuroble; Supporting Neurodivergent Individuals at Work and in Life: Executive Functions in Action
Executive Function (EF) challenges are a key, but often invisible barrier faced by many neurodivergent adults, impacting wellbeing, productivity, and inclusion in workplaces, businesses, and daily life. In this session, Helen Rees, founder of Neuroble, explores how strengths-based support can empower neurodivergent individuals to thrive.
Drawing on both lived experience and professional coaching expertise, Helen will share practical, brain-friendly strategies that individuals, professionals, and organisations can use to better support EF needs - helping to create environments where neurodivergent people can truly flourish.
Seminar Room 3
2025
Krystal-Bella Shaw;
Understanding Dyspraxia: A Practical Guide for Educators, Employers, and Parents
This talk provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and supporting dyspraxic individuals, designed for educators, employers, parents, and caregivers. Learn practical strategies to foster inclusivity at school, work, and home, alongside insights into the lived experiences of dyspraxic individuals. Explore how accurate representation and advocacy can make a meaningful difference.
2025
Kate Longworth & Neeki Armani; Gaia Learning;
The Power of Personalised Learning Pathways - Engaging Neurodivergent Learners
The seminar will provide insight, tips and advice to parents, educators and carers on things they can do to engage neurodivergent learners in interest-based learning and create learning pathways that work for them.
2025
Nick Ransom;
Inside Our Autistic Minds; How the BBC Hit Show Changed My Life
Journalist and consultant Nick Ransom shares insight from working on the BBC’s Inside Our Autistic Minds and advising media organisations since the programme aired. Autistic and ADHD, Nick draws on his lived experience and his work both on-air and behind the scenes. Creative industries talk a lot about inclusion, but what genuinely works in practice? This sharp, 20-minute session offers practical ideas, not generic advice, to help neurodivergent creatives thrive in environments that often overlook their needs.
2025
Mark Williams;
Ted X Speaker;
The Hidden Risk: What is the Risk of Perinatal Anxiety and Depression if You Have ADHD?
My talk will be a deeply personal and evidence-based exploration of this critical issue. With 15 years of experience working in perinatal mental health and supporting countless new parents, I will share my insights and expertise, drawing on the latest research and the stories of the many parents I have worked with over the years. Together, we will unravel the complex interplay between ADHD and parenthood, shining a light on the often-hidden risks and challenges that new parents with ADHD face. As a passionate advocate for better youth and mental health services, I have dedicated 20 years of my career to supporting people and believe with support people can grow through trauma as well, what is known as Post-traumatic Growth. With the leading cause of suicide in women being maternal mental health and with new fathers up to 47% risk of suicide, isnt it time we support all new parents for better outcomes for child development and keeping families together.
*Details and descriptions of seminars are provided by each presenter and are subject to change.
Exhibitor Line Up
Getting here
Getting There – Options
1. By Car
The Edge has on-site parking available—ample spaces for convenient access.
It’s approximately a 10-minute drive from the M6:
Junction 25 (northbound)
Junction 26 (southbound)
So if you’re driving, navigation should be straightforward. Just head for Riveredge, where the venue lies just off the motorway.
2. On Foot
If you’re nearby, walking is quite feasible. The Edge is labeled as just a short walk from central Wigan areas.
For instance, from Wigan North Western or Wigan Wallgate stations, it’s about a 10-minute walk.
3. By Train
The Edge is well-connected by rail via several lines:
Train operators:
Avanti West Coast
Northern
TransPennine Express
Nearest stations:
Wigan North Western (~0.4 miles, ~10 min walk)
Wigan Wallgate (similar distance/time)
Once you arrive at either station, set off toward Riveredge—it’s a comfortable short walk.
4. By Bus
Several bus lines stop near The Edge:
Main routes include: 352, 602, 604, 610, 640 among others.
Closest stops (walking distance):
Riveredge – ~3 minutes’ walk (~178 m)
Pottery Road – ~5 minutes’ walk (~294 m)
Clayton Street – ~7 minutes’ walk (~450 m)
Service Notes (via Moovit):
First bus (e.g., route 610) starts around 05:20, while the last (e.g., 604) goes as late as 01:07.
Additionally, most buses from the Wigan Bus Station (on Hallgate) also serve these lines and areas.
Summary Table
| Mode | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Car | On-site parking; 10 min from M6 J25/J26 |
| Walk | 10-minute walk from central stations or nearby neighbourhoods |
| Train | Served by major operators; walk from Wigan North Western or Wallgate |
| Bus | Multiple routes; stops at Riveredge (3 min walk), Pottery Road, Clayton St |