Swimming is an essential life skill for everyone. We believe that everyone should feel comfortable and confident in the water.

We offer a variety of swimming lessons tailored for both adults and children, including those with:

Explore the science centre with fewer visitors, less noise, and enjoy relaxed performances in our planetarium and Science Theatre. Lighting and sound levels will be altered where possible to accommodate those with sensory needs. For example, hand-dryers in toilets will be turned off for the duration of the session.

Relaxed Sunday Sessions run from 10:00am - 12:00pm. You are welcome to stay after this time if you wish, but please note that our traditional programme, lighting, and sound levels will gradually resume from 12:00pm.

To support your visit you can:

TimbaDash Theatre presents 'Timba Time!' at the Alan Shearer Activity Centre.

On the 3rd Sunday of every month we have Timba-Time, a sensory storytelling play space for people with learning disabilities and their families.

It is essential that you ring 0191 267 8118 to book your place. You must be a member at the Alan Shearer Centre to book, but please know that it is free to join.

Join us for inclusive sessions of dance, movement, and aerial at Dance City, held two Sundays per month. 

This group is inclusive and has just 10 places so that we can welcome all abilities and needs. Pre booking recommended and Under 5s are welcome but a parent/guardian must be present.

Each session costs £8.75 or £7 for Accessible Price (click here to learn more Pricing - Dance City)

To book, go to the relevant page and click 'Book Now':

Browse and borrow a wide range of toys for children (0-5) with special educational needs. These can help with your child's learning and development. Toys can be borrowed for up to 4 weeks.  

The library is open Monday to Friday during term time.

Come to the Tree House Early Year's Centre (map below).  

For more information, you can call 0191 278 8458 or email treehouseenquiries@newcastle.gov.uk 

This is a free service for those who care for children with additional needs. Browse a wide range of suitable, quality and specialist toys.  You can borrow 4 toys for up to 4 weeks.  

For more details on this service please contact us on 0191-2656158 or email admin@napi.org.uk

These sessions are open to families with a pre-school aged (0-5) disabled child.

The children can access all our normal facilities including the:

• soft play

• sensory room

• trampoline hall

• outdoor play garden for free play

11.30am – 12 noon Music and Movement

12.30 – 1.30pm Messy Play

Our Early Years Lead Leanne Johnson-Read is available to chat with parents.

Children must be supervised at all times.

£4 per child (babies under 1 year old are free).

These sessions are open to families with a disabled child/young person (and siblings).  During these sessions, families can use our:

• soft play area

• sensory room

• trampoline hall

• outdoor play garden

• and more!

On a Wednesday Evening (term time), we run an arts and craft session ‘Get Crafty’ with a playworker leading the activity.

Friday 5-8pm (term-time only)

The Tim Lamb Children's Centre

This youth group is for young adults (18+). The club encourages the young people to socialise.  Take part in age-appropriate activities with supervision from a committed staff team.

Pre-registration and advance booking is essential.

Cost: £8 per session (additional cost for 1:1 support required). Payment in full is due at the beginning of each half-term. The centre can’t offer refunds for missed sessions unless agreed beforehand.

Thursdays 4.30-6.30pm (term-time only)

Tim Lamb Children's Centre 

This is a supervised youth club for teenagers aged 13-17 years.  Activities will focus on social relationships and friendship building.  Teenagers are closely supervised and supported by caring and experienced playworkers.

Pre-registration and advance booking is essential.

Tuesday 4.30-6.30pm (term-time only).

Tim Lamb Children's Centre

This group is a supervised youth club for children aged 8-14 years.  Activities include: 

• arts and crafts

• cookery

• games

• and more

All children are closely supervised and supported by caring and experienced playworkers.

Pre-registration and advance booking for our All In club is essential.

These football sessions are for children and young people with special needs. They help you learn football, get fit, and feel good. The sessions are friendly and supportive, so everyone can join in and have fun.

There are many types of football sessions in Newcastle. They are for people with different needs like:

Join us for a range of sports, games and activities. A welcoming and friendly session for children to engage in activities, or have space to do their own thing. 

All needs & abilities are catered for. Siblings are welcome too. For children and young people 8-19 year olds.

Each session costs £3

To book, click here: What’s On – Smile Through Sport

For more information, please call or email.  

Fun sport and friendly boccia session for SEND/disabled children and adults. Our boccia session is suitable for beginners to experienced players. A great opportunity to learn the game, improve your skills as well as meeting new people and socialise.

Each session costs £3 

To book click here: What’s On – Smile Through Sport

For more information, please call or email.  

Contact is the UK charity for families with disabled children. They support families, bring families together and help families take action for others. They give support through:

Have an amazing experience at our summer holiday family swim. Lunch is also provided. These sessions are fully funded for all eligible children aged 3-16 years with SEN additional needs or who are in receipt of free school meals and living in Newcastle upon Tyne. Children must attend with parent or carer.

All family swim sessions run for 45 minutes from 10:30am, 11:30am, and 1:00pm

Have an amazing experience at our summer holiday family activities. Lunch is also provided. These sessions are fully funded for all eligible children with SEN additional needs or who are in receipt of free school meals and living in Newcastle upon Tyne. Children must attend with parent or carer.

Arcadea are running fun and creative summer camps. These are for disabled and autistic young people aged 16 to 25

Radio Camp

Come and learn the art of radio!

• Wednesday 30th July 2025 - 10am to 3pm

• Wednesday 6th August 2025 - 10am to 3pm

Art Camp

Develop your art practice!

• Wednesday 13th August 2025 - 10am to 3pm

• Wednesday 20th August 2025 - 10am to 3pm

For children and young people with SEND aged 14 to 24 years old

Join us for an action-packed summer school where there is something new to try each day; sign up and you can enjoy sports, gaming, dance, film, and crafts with dedicated arts professionals to help you learn new skills. The week ends with 'Fun day Friday' featuring a film screening of your choice.  We invite you to takeover GCT with your energy and enthusiasm.

Monday 18 - Friday 22 August, 2025. 10am - 3pm

🎉 Summer Holiday Club! 🎉
📍 Where? St Hughs Church, Gosforth, NE3 3HS
📅 When? Every Wednesday 10-1pm during the summer holidays
🍕 What? 

Each week is a different fun activity including; cooking, baking, pool table, foosball, video games, board/card games, arts & crafts, balloon modelling and much more.

Our Holiday Clubs are for children aged 7-15 with SEND however a diagnosis is not required and siblings are welcome too! £12 per child.
Sessions will be led by Natalie at Mochii and are supported by the Kings Trust ✨ 

Join us for a fun and engaging experience at the Youth Group (for ages 6-14, low/medium needs). 

Meet new friends, participate in activities, and grow together in a supportive environment. Activities include:

• arts and crafts

• cooking and baking 

• board games 

• video games

• pool, air hockey and table football

Only £12 for 3 hours of fun and games.

St Hughs Church is wheelchair accessible. 

Join us for a chilled evening with like minded people including those with additional needs and disabilities. Take part part in activities including: 

• board game battles

• video game battles

• baking 

• movie nights

• bowling

• mini golf

• meals out

An opportunity to make friends in a fun, safe, and non judgemental environment. 

Location depends on weekly activity.