Stay and Play

STAND’s Stay and Play sessions are at the heart of what we do. These gatherings provide a safe, inclusive, and sensory-friendly environment where neurodivergent children can play, explore, and connect at their own pace. Unlike mainstream groups, our sessions are designed with the specific needs of neurodivergent children in mind, with structured zones for calm play, active movement, and social interaction.

For many families, Stay and Play is more than just playtime — it’s a lifeline. Parents and carers can relax, knowing their child is in a space where differences are embraced, not judged. They also have the chance to connect with other families who truly understand their experiences, building friendships and reducing the isolation so many face.

Our sessions use specialist sensory equipment such as weighted toys, fidgets, and noise-reducing resources, alongside creative arts and crafts activities. This combination supports children with emotional regulation, encourages self-expression, and builds confidence in a fun and relaxed way. Volunteers and trustees are always on hand to offer support, ensuring the sessions feel welcoming and inclusive for everyone.

Through Stay and Play, STAND not only provides children with opportunities to thrive but also fosters a sense of belonging and community for whole families. These sessions demonstrate the power of small, grassroots projects in creating meaningful, lasting change for neurodivergent families.

At the moment, our Stay and Play events take place within East Lothian, but we hope to be able to expand this to other local authority areas as the charity grows.

We currently run regular monthly sessions in Port Seton Community Centre on one Sunday morning per month.

We know that every child has different needs, so we run two sessions each time: 

Quiet Session (10–11am): A calmer, lower-capacity session designed for children who prefer a gentler environment.

General Session (11–12pm): A busier, more active session with plenty of space for play and social interaction.

Families who attend the Quiet Session are welcome to stay on for the General Session — there’s no need to leave when the first hour ends.

Stay and play will be advertised on social media and Eventbrite.