Children’s Additional Needs Network

logo
  • icon icon Facebook
  • icon icon Twitter
  • icon icon LinkedIn

Menu

  • Home
  • About
    • About WY CANN
    • Become a Member
    • Sponsors
  • Members
  • Locations
    • Bradford
    • Calderdale
    • Kirklees
    • Leeds
    • Wakefield
  • Events
  • News
  • Contact Us
logo
header image
Radius: Off
Radius: km
Set radius for geolocation
standard-title Home

Home

West Yorkshire CANN – Children’s Additional Need Network

Who Is West Yorkshire CANN?

‘CANN’ stands for ‘Children Additional Needs Network’.

West Yorkshire CANN is formed of third sector, voluntary community and statutory organisations working with families and carers with children and young people with additional needs, in West Yorkshire.

It has been established so that Member Organisations can share best practice, resources, ideas and opportunities, in order to improve access to information, training and support for families and carers across the West Yorkshire area and the region, and to help to create a more efficient and effective ‘market place’ to the benefit of all users of our services, and the organisations involved.

The aim of this website is to share those good practices and resources with the families who need them! 

West Yorkshire CANN Locations

  • Bradford Bradford
  • Calderdale Calderdale
  • Kirklees Kirklees
  • Leeds Leeds
  • Wakefield Wakefield

 

 

FIND FUN ACTIVITIES
FIND FUN ACTIVITIES

FIND FUN ACTIVITIES

Enjoy new experiences and meet other families on fun days out.

COURSES
COURSES

COURSES

Learn about available courses and get support whether you are a parents/carers or a professional.

HIRE EQUIPMENT
HIRE EQUIPMENT

HIRE EQUIPMENT

Find out where you can hire equipment.

Some Upcoming Events

Loading…

A group-based physiotherapy programme for children who want to improve their balance, coordination, and confidence in physical activity. This group is designed for children who: Are aged 8–11 years Are independently mobile (with or without a walking aid) Experience challenges with balance and coordination Have low confidence in group physical activity May be neurodiverse (e.g. autistic characteristics, ADHD, DCD — diagnosis not essential) Are willing to take part in a 6-session course in a supportive group setting Have a parent or guardian who can attend with them and support them during the sessions This group will include fun, structured activities to help children build physical confidence, improve movement skills, and connect with others in a safe and inclusive environment. Find out more: https://www.littlehiccups.co.uk/physiotherapy-support

06
Nov

“Ready for Physio” Balance and Coordination Group

Educational Sport
Bradford Calderdale Kirklees Leeds Wakefield

About the event As the legal landscape continues to evolve, charities must stay informed to protect their operations, assets, and legacy. This webinar will provide a practical overview of key developments affecting the sector, including recent changes to UK data protection laws, updates in employment legislation, essential guidance on intellectual property management, and strategies for safeguarding legacy income amid rising inheritance disputes. Join us to gain expert insights and actionable advice to help your charity stay compliant, resilient, and future-ready. Throughout the session we’ll explore:   Legacy income and inheritance disputes Engaging donors to grow legacy income involves long-term stewardship. Disputes such as contested wills or unclear intentions can threaten these gifts. We’ll  help you to understand the types of dispute which might arise and how evidence of the donor journey can help in contentious probate disputes.   Intellectual property awareness Many organisations lack a clear understanding of intellectual property (IP), especially regarding how to protect it. This can lead to complications when collaborating with third parties on content creation, as inadequate IP management may result in unexpected financial demands from those partners. We’ll address the type of IP rights which can protect your organisation and its activities, how to protect […]

06
Nov

Navigating legal change: What charities need to know​

Webinar Workshop
Bradford Calderdale Kirklees Leeds Wakefield

Leeds City College Quieter open event provides the time and space for anyone to have detailed conversations about starting college. We have multiple campuses open across different dates, you can find out more and book with details on the leaflet. Park Lane Campus Nov 4th 2025 4:30pm – 6.30pm Science, Sports, Leeds Sports Connect, Future Pathways, Step Up to A Levels (SUTA), A Levels Quarry Hill Campus Thurs 6th November 2025 4:30pm – 6:30pm Creative Arts, Education & Health Years, Health Science & Social Care, Public Services Printworks Campus Tues 11th November 2025 4:30pm – 6:30pm Animal Care and Land Management, Business, Catering and Hospitality, Digital and IT, Engineering and Manufacturing, Hair/Beauty and Media Makeup, Sustainable Technologies and Motor Vehicle, Travel and Tourism Somerville House Tues 11th November 2025 4:30pm – 6:30pm Enterprise and Employability, RE

06
Nov
+1

Quieter Open Events at Leeds City College

Educational
Leeds

We’re excited to invite you to the premiere of Lighthouse, an exciting new work from Jez Colborne – musician, composer and long-time Mind the Gap artist and collaborator! Part gig, part light show, part apocalyptic rave, Lighthouse is a euphoric new live performance commissioned by Unlimited, Bradford 2025 and Bradford Council for BD is Lit festival. Blending original music with projection, film, sculpture and movement, Jez explores his own relationship with isolation and the comfort he has found in music and the distant sounds of a siren echoing across the sea. Times:                 Friday 7th Nov, 6pm & 8pm Saturday 8th Nov, 5pm & 8pm Location:       Darley Street Market Courtyard, Darley Street, Bradford, BD1 3HH Duration:            50 minutes Tickets:               https://bradford2025.co.uk/event/lighthouse/ Mind the Gap is delighted to be supporting Jez on this project, and we’d love to see you there!

07
Nov
+1

Lighthouse by Jez Colborne

Family Fun Day
Bradford

Swimming sessions for Sunshine Families  Sessions are 40 minutes long and we will run 2 sessions of 4 pods on a fortnightly basis. The 1st pod will run from 3.15pm to 3.55pm followed by 20 minutes between sessions, with the 2nd session being from 4.15pm to 4.55pm with 20 minutes to exit the baths. Each pod will be a 1/4 of the pool – 2 shallow end pods & 2 deep end pods (your child must be able to swim without arm bands or floats for the deep end pods) with a maximum of 6 people from the same family or support bubble in each pod. All sessions must be booked in advance and spaces are released for booking the Saturday before the swim session. The link to book is: Sunshine & Smiles Swimming We will then ensure we pass family details to Bramley for the purposes of NHS track & trace & for checking into the session. There will be two teachers available on the poolside to give advice & guidance to families during the session, unfortunately teachers cannot be in the water with children due to ensuring social distancing & the session being Covid secure. You will be allocated poolside changing cubicles on arrival and will need […]

08
Nov
+3

Family swim at Bramley Baths

Family Fun Day Sport
Bradford Calderdale Kirklees Leeds Wakefield

Come along to Football World Leeds from 10am to 11am, and join two coaches, Simon & Mark for our Junior FC session for ages 7 to 16-years-old.

09
Nov
+1

Sunshine and Smiles: Intermediate Football Session for ages 4 to 16-years-old.

Sport
Bradford Calderdale Kirklees Leeds Wakefield

Does your child struggle to go to school due to feelings of worry or stress?… Have your heard of the Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) support groups led by the friendly and supportive Educational Psychologist Team. You’ll find a safe space to: Share and listen to other parents and get ideas to help Learn more about what you can do to support your child, and what you can expect from school Autumn Term 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd Oct, 10-11.30am, Shipley library Autumn Term 12th, 19th, 26th Nov and 3rd Dec, 1-2.30pm, Online You will need to be able to attend all 4 sessions Book: by e-mailing EBSA@bradford.gov.uk One Minute Guide to Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) : Bradford Local Offer | One Minute Guides – Emotionally based school avoidance EBSA

12
Nov
+3

Emotionally Based School Avoidance Support Group

Wellbeing Workshop
Bradford

Join us for a relaxing evening at a local restaurant, brought to you by Little Hiccups. This event is designed to give parents and carers a well-deserved night off. Enjoy a friendly atmosphere, great company, and delicious food. This time we will be at: HARVESTER COLTON MILL, Stile Hill Way, Colton, Leeds LS15 9JH When it comes to family dining in Leeds, Harvester is the perfect destination. With a range of delicious menu classics to choose from, you can be sure that everyone in your family will find something they love – even the most hard to please kids. At Harvester, we believe that families should be able to enjoy quality time together without having to worry about cooking or cleaning up afterwards. So come on down to The Colton Mill Harvester and let us take care of everything while you spend quality time with your loved ones. The aim of this is to hold a regular event for parent/carers to be able to have a night off to relax and to get together. It will be held the first Wednesday every 3 months at 6pm (We’ve moved this one due to Bonfire Night!)  Over 18’s only please.  Little Hiccups will purchase vouchers […]

12
Nov

Carer’s Chill Night with Little Hiccups

Family Fun Day Parent/Carer
Bradford Calderdale Kirklees Leeds Wakefield

Tues Sept 16th: Understanding Social Care and Support for Children with Additional Needs Tues Oct 21st: Welfare benefits and other sources of funding Tues Nov 18th: EHCPs & Educational Rights – What Parents Need to Know Tues Jan 20th: Deputyship: Helping families understand how the Court of Protection works when financial decisions need to be made for children who lack capacity. Tues Feb 10th: A Guide to Catastrophic injury Claims Tues Mar 17th: Preparing for Adulthood – Employment Rights & Support for Young People with Additional Needs Tues Apr 21st: Employing Support in the Home – What Parents Need to Know Tues May 19th: Wills – How parents can make provision for children Tues June 16th: Panel Discussion (Q&A overview)

18
Nov
+6

Lunch and Learn

Educational Webinar
Bradford Calderdale Kirklees Leeds Wakefield

SEND parent carer information drop Upcoming Dates & Venues: Wed 17 Sept – Plus Net, Marlborough Street, LS1 4PE Wed 15 Oct – Otley Social Club, LS21 2DP Wed 19 Nov – The Welcome Centre, Belle Isle, LS10 3DN All sessions run from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM Speak to services and receive information and advice: · Leeds Local Offer · SENDIASS · Carers Leeds · Child Health and Disability Team (CHAD) · Speech and Language Therapy Service Workshop During the drop in we will be hosting an information workshop about Short Breaks and Fun Activities 11 till 12. Let us know if you will be attending the drop in and the workshop here: https://surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/InfoDropIn/ If you have any questions please contact LLO@leeds.gov.uk

19
Nov

SEND Parent Carer Information Drop-In

Educational Exhibition Meetup Parent/Carer
Leeds

Zoom Karaoke for ages 10+ This is our Karaoke singing group, hosted by Kerry Maule on Zoom. Throughout the session we will provide music & lyrics and individuals will have the chance to sing their song while others in the group sing along at home. If you or a young person are interested, please email adminteam@sunshineandsmiles.org.uk or message Ailith on 07442 332678 for the link and to give us your song choice!

19
Nov

Smilers Karaoke Session 10+

Music Session Webinar
Bradford Calderdale Kirklees Leeds Wakefield

You are invited to attend an event on Friday 21 November (10am until 12pm) at The Sutton Centre, Bradford BD4 8NB. There will be the opportunity to meet Dan Careless (Assistant Director of SEND and Inclusion) at Bradford Council. Listen to an update on SEND services in Bradford district, and get involved in discussions. To book, email: mahum@pfba.org.uk.

21
Nov

Help to shape SEND services in Bradford district 

Educational
Bradford

Registrations are live for our next online B&A events for 11–25-year-olds. Open for any young person 11-25 years old wop has been impacted by Meningitis. This event is open to the young person who has experienced the disease and their siblings Our 11–17-year-olds will take part in a creative session with The Crafty Hen and our 18–25-year-olds will enjoy a practical session looking at their personal strengths and how to use them to move forward positively in their lives, with Morissa from Family Action https://www.meningitisnow.org/get-support/supporting-young-people/believe-achieve/events-weekends/

02
Dec
+1

Incoming B&A Online events with Meningitis Now

Family Fun Day Webinar Wellbeing
Bradford Calderdale Kirklees Leeds Wakefield

Sunflowers for ages 2-8 on a Saturday morning, every 2 weeks. You can book onto the session here. Here is what the session will look like this week: A singing and music session with Made with Music Made with Music is a charity in Leeds who provide accessible and educational live music experiences for families and young people. They use signing and singing to encourage learning and fun. This session is for children aged 2-8 and Made with Music encourage everyone to join in to allow each individual to enjoy the personal and social benefits singing brings to a group. Siblings are welcome. Bookings will close at 4pm on Friday and please remember to cancel your place if you can no longer attend. Enjoy!

06
Dec

Made with Music for Sunflowers (Ages 2-8)

Family Fun Day
Leeds

We are opening our doors to welcome young people with learning disabilities, PMLD and/or autism, with their families and carers. Interplay Theatre. Creating sensory theatre which places the audience at the centre of the experience. LS12 Creative. Home to all of Interplay Theatre’s participation work that happens in our building, in our area and beyond. 2025 Saturday 6th September Saturday 4th October Saturday 1st November Saturday 6th December 2026 Saturday 10th January Saturday 7th February Saturday 7th March 11am – 12.30pm or 2pm – 3.30pm These monthly free-form open days are themed differently each time and introduce ideas, celebrate messy spaces, and promotes play, whatever that means for you. Our Sensory Youth Theatre group will share music, creative play and art, and our artists are led by the participants with very few rules or expectations. Come and explore, create, and express yourselves in a relaxed and supportive environment. Booking a place means we can plan and tailor our activities to the young people and we can ensure that the sessions don’t get too busy. Find us on the 15, 16, 72 and 508 bus routes. To Book:  Email: takepart@interplaytheatre.org.uk Call: 0113 263 8556 Text: 07444 229628

06
Dec
+3

LS12 Creative Sensory Open Days

Educational Music Session Workshop
Leeds

12
Dec

New SEND Club coming to Sensory World

Youth Club
Kirklees

Smilers and Youth for ages 8-18 meets every other Saturday morning at 10.30 – 11:30. You can book onto the session here– there is the option to donate when booking but absolutely no pressure to do so. Katie Aynsley, who facilitates the sessions, has experience of working with children, young people, and adults with disabilities. She has volunteered, assisted, and taught a wide range of accessible and inclusive dance sessions within the community. She is now the academy dance tutor for Mind the Gap theatre company in Bradford and a dance support worker for Mesh Dance an inclusive youth dance company in Leeds. Katie is also a support worker providing support in the community for families and young people with additional needs. Feel free to bring a snack or lunch for after the session. Siblings are very welcome too. Bookings will close at 4pm on Saturday and please remember to cancel your place if you can no longer attend. Enjoy!

13
Dec

Yoga for Smilers and Youth (Ages 8-18)

Sport
Leeds

We’re pleased to share upcoming sessions for parents and carers this term, all taking place at Tenants Hall, Middleton. Cuppa & Crafting – relax, chat, and get creative together: Wednesday, 8th October, 10.00am -12.00pm Wednesday, 17th December, 10.00am -12.00pm Wellbeing Sessions – take time for yourself with supportive, wellbeing-focused activities (lunch included): Wednesday, 24th September, 10.00am -1.00pm Wednesday, 5th November, 10.00am -1.00pm To find out more about these sessions or book your place, please email: ali@snapsyorkshire.org

17
Dec

Parent Carer Sessions with SNAPS

Parent/Carer
Leeds Wakefield

Our Sponsors

  • Irwin Mitchell

About West Yorkshire CANN

'CANN' stands for 'Children Additional Needs Network'. Its a network for third sector, voluntary community and statutory organisations working with families and carers with children and young people with additional needs in the West Yorkshire area.

Our Partners

North East CANN Logo

Contact Us

info@westyorkshirecann.org
  • iconicon
  • iconicon
  • iconicon

Important Links

  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Statement
  • Use of Cookies

Search

  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Statement
  • Use of Cookies

© 2014 Copyright by West Yorkshire CANN.  All rights reserved.

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in .

West Yorkshire CANN
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.