Spectrum group
If you have any questions, would like to meet one of us before the session or if there is anything else we can help with please complete this form or send us an email.
Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Spectrum group
Spectrum is a social group for autistic and neurodivergent students; students with an existing formal diagnosis and those who are self-diagnosed or in the process of seeking a diagnosis are welcome.
Attendance is flexible, so you can come to every group meeting or only occasionally. You don't need to book, just turn up.
Our sessions are designed to provide a welcoming, relaxed, and inclusive space where you can connect with other students in a way that feels comfortable for you. There is no expectation to participate in every activity, and you are welcome to engage at your own pace. The structure below is in place at each session.
Check-in
We begin each session with a short check-in, giving everyone the opportunity to introduce themselves (if they wish), share a little about their day or week, ask questions, or talk about anything on their mind. There is no obligation to speak. If you would prefer not to participate, you can simply use one of the engagement cards to let the facilitators know.
Facilitated Activity
Lisa and Kate will offer a short optional activity designed to encourage conversation, connection, or exploration of topics relevant to student life. These activities are intended to be informal, enjoyable, and suitable for a range of communication and participation styles.
Student Choice Activity
The second part of the session is shaped by the interests of the group. Students can choose how they would like to spend this time. Activities may include:
- Board games
- Arts and crafts
- Bring your own hobby or creative project
- Listening to music
- Mario Kart or other games
- Relaxed conversation and socializing (you are also welcome to bring refreshments to the session)
- Guest speakers discussing topics chosen by the group, such as wellbeing, study strategies, careers, or neurodivergence
Students are welcome to move between activities or simply observe if that feels most comfortable.
Check-out
We finish each session with a brief check-out. This is an opportunity to share any thoughts about the session, suggest activities or topics for future meetings, let us know what you would like to see more or less of, and hear about plans for the next session. As with the check-in, participation is entirely optional.
We would like the group to reflect the interests of the students who attend so if you have any ideas please email us at spectrum@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
This year we are alternating fortnightly between a breakfast and lunch time session to allow more students to attend - we hope sessions will set you up for the day or provide a welcome break within it. Attendance is flexible, so you can come to every group meeting or only occasionally. You don't need to book, just turn up and please feel free to bring something to eat and/or drink too if you would like to.
We meet on a Wednesday in Calverley, Room G02, at our City Campus during term time.
Confirmed dates and times are as follows:
- September 23rd at 11.45am-12.45pm
- September 30th at 8.30am-9.30am
- October 7th at 11.45am-12.45pm
- October 14th at 8.30am-9.30am
- October 21st at 11.45am-12.45pm
- October 28th at 8.30am-9.30am
- November 4th at 11.45am-12.45pm
- November 11th at 8.30am-9.30am
- November 18th at 11.45am-12.45pm
- November 25th at 8.30am-9.30am
You can find our Campus Maps here, or this PowerPoint has images and descriptions on how to find us.
If you would like to be added to our mailing list please email us at spectrum@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Students who have attended Spectrum have described positives like:
- ‘Knowing that there are other students like me, with similar difficulties, succeeding at university’
- ‘Feeling less isolated’
- ‘Making friends’
- ‘Developing confidence’
Some feedback we have received is:
"I felt comfortable to have conversations with staff and students about difficulties at university and how to overcome them”
“The facilitators are absolutely brilliant and make sure everyone is included and feels welcome!”
“I found the group, once I started to attend, easy to fit in and was a welcoming space, which was very comforting through the year.”
“Spectrum is an amazing opportunity to feel a part of the autistic community. Speaking with others who are like-minded has really helped me settle in at Leeds Beckett University whether this be discussing the challenges we face or celebrating the highs. Rain or shine we always have a laugh.”
You can email Lisa and Kate who help to facilitate the group by using this link.
Spectrum is an amazing opportunity to feel a part of the autistic community. Speaking with others who are like-minded has really helped me settle in at Leeds Beckett University whether this be discussing the challenges we face or celebrating the highs. Rain or shine we always have a laugh.
