Pathways 4 All is a parent-led charity, providing leisure services for children and young people with disabilities/ additional needs (0-25 years old). Our primary service is a specialist play and activity provision, the Tim Lamb Centre (in the grounds of the Rising Sun County Park, Benton). Our centre is open to families from across the North East region.

Nystagmus Network is a charity that helps people with nystagmus, a condition where the eyes move uncontrollably. They offer many services to support families and children with nystagmus.

Support Services

Retina UK is the national charity for families living with inherited retinal dystrophies. We fund research and provide information and support to those affected by inherited sight loss and the professionals who support them.

We support anyone with the following visual impairments: Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), Rod Cone dystrophy, Cone Rod dystrophy, Choroideremia, Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS), Usher syndrome, Stargardt disease.

A parent and toddler group is a welcoming and friendly group of adults. This includes mothers, fathers, childminders or carers.

They all come together in their own community with their children who are under the age of 5.  This group has experience welcoming children and carers who have a disability or special need.

Northern Stage is a theatre in Newcastle City Centre, very close to Haymarket. You can enjoy plays, dance, comedy and musicals on all of our three stages.

We have family shows throughout the year and at Christmas we have two magical shows one for under 5s and one for over 5s. 

The Royal National Institute of Blind People is the UK's sight loss charity. They offer practical and emotional support to blind and partially sighted people, their families and carers. They raise awareness of the experiences of blind and partially sighted people and campaign for change to make our society more accessible for all. They want to change our world so there are no barriers to people with sight loss.

SEN sessions at the Owl Tree Community Nest. Children can run, climb, and explore in the larger hall with a soft play area.  They can also use the sensory room. Included is a reserved table in the main café for families with SEN children. For children aged 0-5, but older children are welcome.

Every other Friday: 1:30pm - 5:00pm

Every other Monday: 10:30am - 2:30pm

No need to book in advance. You can arrive and leave anytime between the times shown.  

A dedicated trampoline session for customers with special educational needs and disabilities. These sessions will not be available for the general public. Trampoline socks must be worn. 

Thursdays: 3:00pm-6:00pm

Tickets can be booked online https://bookings.better.org.uk/location/newcastle-trampoline-gym/trampoline-park or by contacting the centre directly.

Each paying ticket admits one carer free of charge.

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:

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).

Useful Vision is a service for visually impaired children around the North East. We provide positive opportunities and jam-packed events. Our support for children and families helps them to flourish.

Our activities and services can help children learn new skills and make new friends – reducing social isolation through increased confidence and self-esteem.

You can register your child for support from Useful Vision and to be able to attend events. 

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:

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a… MOUSE! 

Join Mouse on a daring Christmas Eve mission to deliver a present in a captivating festive tail told with original music, puppets and lots of opportunity to squeak along and join in!

A friendly and relaxed group to enjoy with your children aged 0 to 5. 

For children with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Every Wednesday 10am to 11am during term time. 

No need to book.