Family Fund supports families living across the UK who are who are raising a disabled or seriously ill child or young person up to the age of 17. Our support is focused on those on low incomes with a child/children who have a high level of additional support needs.

At Family Fund, we believe that all families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people should have the same choices, quality of life, opportunities and aspirations as other families.

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.

The Access Fund is a grant to help disabled children and young people to participate in activities in their local community.  This can be any daytime, evening or weekend activity that the child or young person enjoys whilst their parent/carer has a break from caring.   The Access Fund seeks to support children and young people to take part in inclusive activities alongside their non- disabled peers.

Max Card is issued by North East Local Authority specialist teams to children in care, and children and young people with additional needs.

Max Card offers these children and their families or carers free or discounted entry into many museums, galleries and heritage attractions across the North East.

Just show your Max Card at the entrance and you will get in for free or at the Max Card discounted rate – see the venues page for a full list of venues offering discounts.

Residents of Karbon Housing can get specialist advice on welfare benefits, money advice, home energy or help finding work or training. Whether one off advice or the help of a dedicated caseworker is needed, Karbon’s dedicated team of expert advisers can help.

To self refer, you can email moneymatters@karbonhomes.co.uk, fill in a quick online form https://www.karbonhomes.co.uk/customer-area/my-money or phone 0808 164 0111 

Rays of Sunshine Children's Charity exists to grant the wishes of children who are living with serious or life-threatening illnesses between the ages of 3-18 who live in the United Kingdom.

Our dedicated wish team responds to all wish applications within two weeks. We do not operate a waiting list, but give every wish our immediate attention.

With your help they and their families can experience the joy and excitement of doing something they've only ever dreamt of before.

Help us turn wishes into happy memories.

Disability North is a registered charity (no. 514733) promoting inclusion, independence and choice for disabled people and their families by providing information, advice and support on any aspect of disability. Services are also provided for students or professionals working in the statutory, voluntary and the public sector.

Free tandem or tag-along bike to anyone with a disability or additional need.

What we do:

We lend, at no cost (i.e. for free), tandems and tag-alongs to (and only to) people with disabilities or additional needs, who are unable to ride a bike safely on their own, so that they can enjoy the wonders of cycling.

What you need to do:

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

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.

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

ERIC, the Children’s Bowel and Bladder Charity is the UK’s leading charity supporting all children and teenagers with a bowel or bladder problem.

For over thirty years, we have been providing information and emotional support to families about these common but often misunderstood conditions.

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

Welcome to our Newcastle and Gateshead Group

We’re here to support you and your loved ones to live well with MS.

Whether you have MS, or care about someone who does, join our group to connect with other people from the community and share experiences. We don’t want anyone to face MS alone.

From information on local services to opportunities to meet others in the area and more, our group is part of a large network of MS Society groups across the UK. We hope to meet you soon!

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.

We are Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy Charity!

As the UK’s largest music therapy charity, we use music to enrich the lives of people with life-limiting illness, disabilities or feelings of isolation.

There are one-to-one music lessons delivered by music therapists. This is suited for people with autism or learning difficulties. Click here to learn more and to apply: Accessible music learning - Nordoff and Robbins.

This service is not provided by the NHS.

Rehab Jigsaw provides independent occupational therapy services throughout the UK. We have an experienced, professional team delivering bespoke yet cost effective solutions. We work with clients experiencing the effects of illness or injury upon their ability to complete day to day activities at home, work or in education. Rehab Jigsaw was established by Occupational Therapists and is managed by Occupational Therapists.

This service is provided externally to the NHS.

Tree Tops has been developed with great foundations in the knowledge of assessment and treatment techniques of children.

Our dedicated therapists have extensive knowledge into conditions of DCD, Dyspraxia, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorders.

Quality care and support for people with learning and physical disabilities, brain injuries, autism and complex needs across the UK.

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?

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.

Moving On Asthma has been developed by the Respiratory Research Team at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.

As a team, we are passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with asthma and this resource is designed to both support clinicians in adolescent health and equip young people with self-management skills as they prepare for the move to adult care. 

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.

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