Are you aged 18-25 and looking after someone who needs help and support? 

If you are caring for someone who cannot manage without your support and you're not employed to do this, then you are a young adult carer. Anyone can become a carer at any point in their life. We're here to listen and support you.

AFK helps disabled children and young people to live independent and fulfilling lives.

Supporting your Independence

We provide a range of information, advice and support services relating to all aspects of disability. Our quality advice and support is free*, confidential and impartial. We also work to support carers and those working within the health and social care system.

Click here to find out more: Independent Living – Disability North

*There is a charge for some of our Direct Payment/payroll Support Services

Newcastle and Gateshead Step Up Hub service is for men and women over the age of 18 years who need some specialist support to live in the community.

Children’s (paediatric) ophthalmology service cares for children with eye and visual problems from common disorders to more severe conditions which can cause lifelong poor vision.

We see children with eye and visual problems which range from milder, common disorders such as:

Disabled Children’s Register

By law we are required to keep a Disabled Children’s Register. We use it to help us improve services now and in the future.

By being on the register you will be kept informed of what services are available and how you can get involved if you want to.  Joining the register is voluntary but if you register your child we will:

Founded in 2005 through a partnership between The FA and UEFA Hat-Trick delivers around 70 sessions each week to people in Newcastle upon Tyne and now in Gateshead.

We support the young people to reach their full potential by providing opportunities to participate in positive activities that offer training, qualifications & leadership. We work across the city of Newcastle and borough of Gateshead in areas of high deprivation, the top 10 percent of most deprived neighbourhoods  across the country. 

Our Tuesday Club is for young people with disabilities. They can stay active, make friends, and have fun. It helps them feel less alone and happier.

The club runs for two hours. There are sports and games for everyone. There is also a quiet area for relaxing.

A healthy tea is given at the club. This helps everyone stay healthy and feel good.

If interested email Hannah@smileforlife.org.uk 

Youth Link Newcastle is for young people living with a disability or additional needs. It matches young people to a peer mentor.  They can help with working towards a goal and overcoming challenges. 

The service is available to young people living in a Newcastle Postcode, aged from 11 to 18.

Some examples of how a peer mentor could help you include:

Newcastle Vision Support, formerly Newcastle Society for Blind People, was first established in 1867 and has been supporting visually impaired and blind people in Newcastle for 150 years.

Our FREE junior sessions are a safe space for children aged between 5-11 years to come and socialise, play freely, learn about the world around them and take part in activities like;

• arts and crafts
• cooking
• gardening
• group games
• sports

The sessions are led by the children, they choose what they would like to do in their youth clubs and plan their activities. Snacks and drinks are available in all sessions. 

All welcome, no need to book. 

Run by the NSPCC, Childline is a free, private and confidential service where children and young people under the age of 19.  This includes those with additional needs or disabilities.  You can talk to a counsellor about any issue they’re facing.

Online, on the phone, anytime.

The CAN project helps 16-25 year olds from Newcastle and Gateshead who may require support to transition into adulthood or make steps towards improving their confidence and reducing isolation. CAN aim to support young adults to overcome any barriers affecting them to move forward in their lives.

A mentor programme with a difference, it connects them with someone who can provide assistance tailored to their needs and ambitions. In the past, the programme has helped young people to:

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.

Vinspired.com provides inspiring high quality volunteering opportunities to gain new experiences and skills for life for 14 - 30 year olds.

The Vinspired.com platform offers you the chance to:

Cooking, Healthy Eating, Fitness & Fun

A range of activities will be on offer these will include cooking, physical activities, enrichment activities such as arts & crafts and fun, engaging ways to learn about food and nutrition.

This is a warm, caring and kind place because:

• We have a quiet/calm space for young people to chill out in.
• Activities can be adapted if needed
• We can offer peer support if required
• Parents/carers can contact staff to discuss individual needs. 

Get active with Hat-Trick. Sessions include football, cricket, tennis and more.

All sessions are free of charge and there is no referral required or waiting list.

This is a warm, caring and kind place to be because:

Get active with Hat-Trick. Sessions include football, cricket, tennis and more.

All sessions are free of charge and there is no referral required or waiting list.

This is a warm, caring and kind place to be because:

Get active with Hat-Trick. Sessions include football, cricket, tennis and more.

All sessions are free of charge and there is no referral required or waiting list.

This is a warm, caring and kind place to be because:

Get active with Hat-Trick. Sessions include football, cricket, tennis and more.

All sessions are free of charge and there is no referral required or waiting list.

This session is for children aged 12+

This is a warm, caring and kind place to be because:

Get active with Hat-Trick. Sessions include football, cricket, tennis and more.

All sessions are free of charge and there is no referral required or waiting list.

This is a warm, caring and kind place to be because:

Get active with Hat-Trick. Sessions include football, cricket, tennis and more.

All sessions are free of charge and there is no referral required or waiting list.

This is a warm, caring and kind place to be because:

 For 13-19 year olds.  A safe space to get support from Youth Workers. 

Activities include 

• sports, 
• games, 
• arts and crafts 
• food prep, cooking and a chance to eat what you make
• advice and guidance on topics that regularly affect young people.

The team also offer one to one sessions to young people who need confidential support.