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 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? 

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.

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.

A group for women in the North East (18+) with learning disabilities and/or autism.  Make new friends, do new things and feel safe whilst doing so.  Anyone who identifies as a women is welcome.  

Trips out, coffee morning, pamper sessions and MORE.

There is no cost to attend the group.  On days where there are entry fees, ticket costs, or food and drinks, group members much pay for themselves.  

Email andrea.mullen@skillsforpeople.org.uk or call 0191 281 8737 to learn more. 

Have an amazing experience at our summer holiday family activities. Lunch is also provided. These sessions are fully funded for all eligible children aged 11-16 years with SEN additional needs or who are in receipt of free school meals and living in Newcastle upon Tyne. Children must attend with parent or carer.

Tuesdays and Thursdays 29th July until 21st August 2025:

We have a fantastic range of activities planned this summer ☀️

The Tim Lamb Centre is a specialist play and leisure facility for children with disabilities / additional needs and their siblings.  Please bring evidence of your child's disability/ additional needs with you on your first visit. We are open 10-4pm every day during the school holidays.

*Family membership is available to any family who has a child with disabilities/ additional needs.

Come along to our friendly interest and social group. It is for people aged 18+ with learning disabilities or autism. We enjoy doing things such as:

• singing karaoke

• bingo and games

• playing pool

• visiting museums

• and more!

Want to find out where we'll be going and what we'll be doing? Then look for our monthly Groups Newsletters posted on our Skills for People Facebook Page.

For children and young people with SEND aged 14 to 24 years old

Join us for an action-packed summer school where there is something new to try each day; sign up and you can enjoy sports, gaming, dance, film, and crafts with dedicated arts professionals to help you learn new skills. The week ends with 'Fun day Friday' featuring a film screening of your choice.  We invite you to takeover GCT with your energy and enthusiasm.

Monday 18 - Friday 22 August, 2025. 10am - 3pm

🎉 Summer Holiday Club! 🎉
📍 Where? St Hughs Church, Gosforth, NE3 3HS
📅 When? Every Wednesday 10-1pm during the summer holidays
🍕 What? 

Each week is a different fun activity including; cooking, baking, pool table, foosball, video games, board/card games, arts & crafts, balloon modelling and much more.

Our Holiday Clubs are for children aged 7-15 with SEND however a diagnosis is not required and siblings are welcome too! £12 per child.
Sessions will be led by Natalie at Mochii and are supported by the Kings Trust ✨ 

Join us for a fun and engaging experience at the Youth Group (for ages 6-14, low/medium needs). 

Meet new friends, participate in activities, and grow together in a supportive environment. Activities include:

• arts and crafts

• cooking and baking 

• board games 

• video games

• pool, air hockey and table football

Only £12 for 3 hours of fun and games.

St Hughs Church is wheelchair accessible. 

Join us for a chilled evening with like minded people including those with additional needs and disabilities. Take part part in activities including: 

• board game battles

• video game battles

• baking 

• movie nights

• bowling

• mini golf

• meals out

An opportunity to make friends in a fun, safe, and non judgemental environment. 

Location depends on weekly activity.

Wednesday 30th July 2025

Come along to our 2025 Summer Fair. Entry is free. You can enjoy:

• tombola and raffle

• cake stall

• tea, coffee and mocktails

• arts and craft activities

• good quality pre-loved clothes 

All money raised will help keep the Geordie Mums group running. It supports mums with a learning disability and/or autism.