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.

PANS (paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric syndrome) and PANDAS (paediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric syndrome associated with strep) are devastating neuropsychiatric conditions that are currently poorly recognised, diagnosed and supported both medically and in schools.  

One estimate suggests that up to 1 in 200 children suffer from this condition. 

This Facebook group is for local parents of disabled children and young people.  Once you join you can ask other parents about problems you are having and where to get help and share your experiences with one another. 

This page also provides information on activities happening locally including coffee mornings and drop in events.

To find out what is happening, check out the flyers featured on their Facebook group and socials:

Treloar School and College offers physically disabled children and young people a specialist environment where education and learning take place alongside therapy and care.  Treloar’s offers day and residential placements, aged 2 to 25 years.  Each student is supported by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals on-site.

Whether you need to hire a wheelchair in Newcastle, rent a disability hoist in Blackpool or hire a mobility scooter in London, you're at the right place - Strive Mobility

Children Today helps provide specialised equipment for children and young people with disabilities throughout the UK. The aim is to ensure that every disabled child and young person fulfils their potential and leads an active childhood.

We believe the provision of specialised equipment has a direct and immediate impact on a child’s quality of life and independence, and is vital in helping them to overcome obstacles and achieve their potential. Equipment can include wheelchairs, walking frames, tricycles and other mobility aids along with multi-sensory equipment.

We are a Community Interest Company (non profit organisation), providing a range of services in the North East around Deaf and Hearing Impairment. We consult Forum Members for advice and guidance on different projects and issues.

Deaf and hearing working together in Tyne and Wear, breaking down the barriers that Deaf or hearing impaired people face in our society. This includes training, British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation, Support and general advice and guidance.

The Access Fund is a grant scheme. It can help children and young people with educational needs and/or disabilities take part in activities within their community alongside their non-disabled peers. It can help with the cost of taking part in local activities. This may include but is not limited to sporting, performing arts, or recreational activities.

Who is eligible to apply? 

The Toby Henderson Trust (TTHT) is an independently funded charity supporting autistic children, their families and carers.  After 15 years at Whitehouse Farm the trust has recently moved to Toby House, Earth Balance, Bedlington, Northumberland.

We are the one and only charity in the North East focused on life changing early intervention with autistic children (aged 2 to 7). Our service users tell us early intervention can transform the life of a child…

At Rapid Ramp, we specialise in the design, manufacture and installation of high-quality modular wheelchair ramps and steps. Our ready-stocked products allow for an infinite number of configurations, ensuring a perfect fit for every project. We cater primarily for commercial and public buildings – both temporary and permanent.

We work in partnership with people with a learning disability, and all our services support people to live life as they choose.

Our work includes:

Live Well Learn Well provides one-to-one and small group coaching to young people. Our coaching enables young people to overcome barriers to learning, and helps them to develop the confidence and motivation they need to succeed in school.

We work with young people who struggle with a range of issues, including low self-esteem, anxiety, poor body image, and exam stress.

We also coach adults who work in education, with a focus on stress management and preventing burnout.

The Autism Education Trust (AET) was set up in part by the National Autistic Society. Recognised by the Department of Education, it provides high quality training to schools and educational settings.

From September 2020 Newcastle City Council is an Autism Education Trust (AET) Training Hub.

The Mulberry Bush School is an acclaimed therapeutic residential special school for children with severe social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. These are children who have suffered early trauma, neglect and abuse and their behaviours are often very high risk, chaotic, aggressive and/or sexualised.

Based in Stockton, Sunderland and Newcastle, the College provides day and residential education for young people between the ages of 16 and 25 years with an autism spectrum condition (ASC). Students come from across the country to access this specialist provision that enables them to achieve their personal ambitions.

The majority of our students have additional and complex needs including learning disabilities, ADHD, mental health conditions, behaviours that challenge and sensory issues.

Young Epilepsy is a national charity that supports the 112,000 children and young people under 25 with epilepsy in the UK.

There is a huge demand for information and support for parents and professionals and a need to improve access to, and quality of, health and education services.

We have a range of services including our helpline, health information resources, training courses for professionals in health, social care and education and the promotion of good practice in schools.

Beacon Films CIC is a training and production organisation for people with learning disabilities, autism and additional needs.  We have been given multiple awards for our work.

Throughout the year, we offer a variety of filmmaking projects.  There are also some volunteering opportunities on short film commissions. 

We are a local registered charity providing group transport services for the elderly, disabled, youth and community groups. Most of our 16 seat minibuses have accessible lifts and wheelchair friendly interiors. Modern, wheelchair accessible minibuses available from all depots.

We also deliver a furniture re-use and recycling service. 

If you need a minibus, good quality home or office furniture, or transport-related training we can help. 

Education and Services for People with Autism Limited is a Registered Charity with over 24 years’ experience of supporting people on the autism spectrum.

ESPA’s services include:

Inspired Support helps people with learning difficulties or autism.  They aim to help develop talents, social skills, life skills, and more. There is a particular focus on the needs and wants of the individual and having fun.  Sessions are led by local professionals and can focus on:

Sporting Chance is a local community organisation. We aim to overcome some of the barriers young people may face and we strive to provide a holistic service to all our members. 

Dimensions helps people with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs live fulfilling lives in their communities. They offer personalized support to give individuals more voice, choice, and control. With 7,000 staff, Dimensions works with families and those they support to improve services. Their goal is to empower people to lead happy, ordinary lives.

Through our person-centred approach we support:

Newcastle Libraries offers reading for pleasure, audiobooks and DVDs, access to information, computers and internet/email access, free learning materials and study space. For more information, please visit our website at https://library.newcastle.gov.uk/

Our Access and Inclusion Service can help with essential information and guidance on a range of statutory areas including:

Who can use the service?

We deliver to anyone living in Newcastle:

• Who is unable to visit their local library due to either permanent or temporary ill health

• Who has caring responsibilities

• Who has a permanent disability

How to apply

Contact us by phone on 0191 278 7878 or by email to kenton.library@newcastle.gov.uk