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

Our vital service is available at no cost to families. Rainbow Trust is a charity, relying almost entirely on voluntary donations and the generosity of the public to deliver support.

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity supports families who have a child aged 0-18 years with a life-threatening or terminal illness.

We are a warm, caring and kind place because:

• We offer small group work and activities
• Parents/carers can discuss individual needs prior to visiting

Newcastle’s children’s emergency department (A&E) is at the Royal Victoria Infirmary

We have a specially designed area for children and young people who need immediate care for every kind of injury and illness you can think of.

We are a registered charity set up in 1990 in Newcastle upon Tyne, at a time when the North East had the worst levels of child health in the country (Government report Health of the Nation 1990).

Specialist Rehabilitation Services

The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury and neurodisability. We deliver rehabilitation, education and community services through skilled teams who work with children and young people, and their families.

Designability is a national charity that enables disabled people to live with greater independence.

Introducing Wizzybug!

Wizzybug is a fun, innovative powered wheelchair provided FREE of charge to young children in the UK by Designability, a charity based in Bath.

Who is Wizzybug designed for?

Be kind to your mind

There are small things we can all do to help be kind to your mind, and these can make a big difference to how we feel.

Get expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental wellbeing and make them part of your daily routine.

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.

This May Help, is a new national initiative providing mental health advice to parents and carers. This May Help is aimed at parents and carers who may have concerns about their child’s mental health and is part funded by the Quality Improvement Taskforce for Children and Young People’s Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism Inpatient Services.

Information booklets for carers who play a critical role in this journey through the care and support they offer to loved ones who also might need support at times.

Shout is the UK's first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.

We launched publicly in May 2019 and we’ve had more than 1.7 million conversations with people who are anxious, stressed, depressed, suicidal or overwhelmed and who need in-the-moment support.

As a digital service, Shout has become increasingly critical since Covid-19, being one of the few mental health support services able to operate as normal at this time.

Referral of Young Person (0-18 years old) Self-referral, referral by a parent, carer, G.P., school or relevant professional.

Single Point of Access (SPA)

The Single Point of Access (SPA) is for young people with a GP in in Newcastle and Gateshead requiring a mental health assessment or intervention. 

Referrals will be reviewed and triaged so young people are referred to the right service at the right time for onward assessment and treatment or advice and guidance.

The Tree House Early Years Centre provides a range of Educational, Social, Therapeutic and Health activities / services for children aged 0-5 with SEND, and their families.

The centre was officially opened by councillor Lesley Storey in September 2023. The following video showcases the opening of the Centre and highlights some of facilities and activities available for children and their families.

Kalmer Counselling are commissioned by Children and Young Peoples Service (CYPS) to provide counselling to children and young people with a learning disability or learning difficulty.

We also work with those who are awaiting a neurodevelopmental assessment.

Click here to download and read a copy of our flyer that explains the process.
 

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

Friends Action North East (FANE) support adults with learning disabilities and autism to meet new people and make lasting friendships.

Their services include:

• one to one mentoring programme where adults are supported to develop friendships, learn friendship skills and be more active in their community

• supported social activities

• workshops around friendship and social interaction

Visit their website to find more information: https://www.friendsaction.co.uk/

Daisy Chain offers a variety of free online learning sessions to support individuals and families. These sessions are available to families in the North East and Yorkshire.

What Autism Central Offers:

• High-quality autism education, training, and support.

• Peer educators who are autistic people, and parents and carers of autistic people, trained to support other families.

• A dedicated website for resources and information.

Who Can Join:

Where Does It Take Place?

At Gosforth Civic Theatre's Café Bar.

Who Is It For? 

Young people with learning disabilities and autism aged between 16-24 years old 

How Does It Work? 

Pathways to Working Life

This pathway is for young people with a learning disability and/or difficulty who would like to develop their skills and progress into employment whilst working on core skills such as maths and English along with employment skills. The course will help you with your personal social and economic welfare, and you will receive pastoral support to help you fulfil your aspirations and reach your goals.

Newcastle Libraries works with the British Wireless for the Blind Fund. They offer easy-to-use audio equipment for people with sight loss. You can borrow this equipment for free if you:

• live in the UK

• are registered blind or partially sighted

• are over 8 years old

• get a means-tested benefit

For more information, email information@newcastle.gov.uk.

NEAS Newcastle Autism Hubs are a supportive environment for parents and carers of autistic children. Currently these hubs offer:

• one-to-one sessions where families can discuss any issues in confidence

• workshops designed to help parents understand and support their autistic children. 

The workshops cover topics such as common misconceptions, differences in autistic children, and practical strategies for everyday life.

Supported Internship for Ages 17-24 with EHCP

Our new internship offers real-world work experience and helps you gain job skills that employers want. With dedicated mentors, you'll grow in confidence and independence.

What to Expect

The Chronicle Sunshine Fund is a local North East charity. We provide specialist and adapted equipment to children aged 0-19 living with disabilities, additional needs, chronic and terminal illness. 

We can help you get equipment that is not available from Newcastle City Council or the NHS. It can make a big different to the daily life of your child, as well as your family. 

You can learn more about applying for equipment by visiting this page.