Events

On this page you can find information about upcoming events, as well as find links to recordings of previous events.

Upcoming events

Does Your Nervous System Need a Reset? Free Lunchtime Session

Friday 17th April
12:00 - 1:00pm
Hybrid: In-Person & Online

Join Dr Tessa Venuti Sanderson PhD - a Reading-based wellbeing specialist with over 17 years' experience and a PhD in Medical Sociology - for a free lunchtime session on breathwork and somatic practices. The session will explore how your nervous system responds to stress, guide you through breathing and gentle movement, and leave you with simple, practical tools you can use anywhere.

This event is open to all University of Reading staff and is especially relevant for those of us balancing work with parenting and caring responsibilities. If you can't make it on the day, the session will be recorded and shared afterwards.

Thriving at School and Beyond - Free In-Person/Online Event
Wednesday 6th May
6:45pm - 9:00pm
G10 Lecture Theatre, Palmer Building, Whiteknights Campus

This is a wonderful free event hosted by the University of Reading's Centre for Autism Wellbeing Hub, held as part of the University's centenary celebrations. The evening is designed to bring together autistic children and young people, their families, researchers, students, and professionals to explore what truly helps autistic young people flourish - in school and in everyday life.

The evening will feature talks from Professor Elizabeth McCrum (Pro-Vice Chancellor for Education and Student Experience), Dr Fiona Knott and Dr Jo Billington (Wellbeing Hub project leads), and Andy Smith, founder of Spectrum Gaming and a passionate advocate for amplifying young people's voices in education. There will also be refreshments and the opportunity to explore the latest autism research from the School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences.

This event is free and open to all and should hopefully be a really meaningful evening for anyone with an interest in autism, education, or family wellbeing.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/autistic-thriving-at-school-and-beyond-in-person-event-tickets-1984631845274

PACT Spring 2026 Meet Up
Thursday 16 April
11.30am – 1pm
Library Cafe

We're hosting a face-to-face meet-up on Thursday 16th April 2026, from 11:30-13:00 at the Library Cafe on Whiteknights. Join some of the committee and fellow Parents & Carers for some chat therapy with your peers over a beverage.

We are hoping to provide discounted hot drinks for attendees so let us know if you’re coming so we can plan!

Fill in the form here:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/DesignPageV2.aspx?prevorigin=Marketing&origin=NeoPortalPage&subpage=design&id=xDv6T_zswEiQgPXkP_kOX7vRZVIk4E5PharXHTYaPLpUQUtJR1lJUlZDWlA3SDlXR1NGQk9RR0JQRC4u

Past events

Recordings of some of our talks are available on MS Streams and you can find links to the videos below (University log in required):

12th June 2020 - Risk factors for child anxiety, with Prof. Helen Dodd, (formerly) UoR School of Psychology and Clinical Language Studies

https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/6b1b0ac6-fb19-4704-9a12-4ce1307d65fe

12th May 2020 - 'Spinning Plates': Homeschooling and working from home, with Prof. Helen Bilton, UoR Institute of Education

https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/7c148928-85df-48d9-bcff-f78062bd5aa8

2nd Dec 2020 - Flexible working, with Prof. Grace James, UoR School of Law

https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/ec5997bd-b740-4b1c-aa45-3f3d72be06f2

20th May 2021 - LGBT+ Perspectives on Parenting, with Rachel Fitz-Desorgher, parenting consultant

Jointly organised with the LGBT+ staff network.

https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/f22333b4-e5a2-455d-a4d1-bc5be0ae54a8

6th June 2021 - 'Engaging Dads', with Elliot Rae from Music.Football.Fatherhood

https://web.microsoftstream.com/video/0fe555d8-5a74-4ab8-af60-5e9a1ed3695e