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:

These football sessions are for children and young people with special needs. They help you learn football, get fit, and feel good. The sessions are friendly and supportive, so everyone can join in and have fun.

There are many types of football sessions in Newcastle. They are for people with different needs like:

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.

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:

Liberdade provide performing arts and health and well-being courses for adults with learning disabilities and autism. Activities are run from Gosforth Civic Theatre

Our arts and health activities can be part of a study programme for post-16 SEN students. They can also be an alternative to social and further education for students leaving college.

Comets is a pan-disability football programme for disabled boys and girls aged between 5 and 11. Players with a broad range of impairments and health conditions can play together.

Comets is all about playfulness, friendships and having fun. More than anything, Comets is football that breaks the old rules and replaces them with a brand new one: JUST BE YOU.

The sessions are ran by lots of brilliant and enthusiastic coaches, the kids love it every week.

If interested in attending, please contact Mandy on 07583052726.

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? 

Looking for support to get into paid employment? 
Looking for real hands-on work experience and more career opportunities? 
Motivated to get work experience to find a paid job?

NHS England Choices College is a national specialist college. We provide employment support for young adults aged 16-24 with learning disabilities/difficulties and/or Autism. 

Our person-centred approach ensures support is tailored to meet each learner’s needs. Placements are found based on the learners' skills and interests.

Swimming is an essential life skill for everyone. We believe that everyone should feel comfortable and confident in the water.

We offer a variety of swimming lessons tailored for both adults and children, including those with:

Cafe Beam at Ouseburn Farm provides a fabulous environment for young people with disabilities and learning difficulties to gain hands on work experience and learn new skills and develop confidence.

We are looking for regular volunteers to provide practical support for our youngsters usually for one morning or one afternoon on a weekly basis.  This role is extremely rewarding and varied and you will acquire a real insight into the operational side of our organisation as well as gaining valuable experience in working with people with special needs. 

We provide supported work placements to people who have learning difficulties, mental health problems, or both. We aim to empower people with the skills and experience that only real working environments can give:

• team working

• social interaction

• access to training opportunities

Our voluntary placements help to increase self confidence in the work place and beyond, improve self esteem and reduce social isolation.

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. 

Café Beam @ Gosforth provides work placements for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities, helping them gain valuable work and life skills.

What is Café Beam?
Café Beam is a place where young people can learn to work in a café environment. They help prepare food, serve customers, handle money, and more. The café serves delicious, home-cooked food using fresh, local ingredients from Ouseburn Farm.

Benefits of Joining

We have been working with the LTA to offer inclusive opportunities for tennis within the club. Our coaches have been on some additional training, and we are pleased to offer a course of SEN tennis sessions for ages 8 - 18.

When it comes to tennis, a learning disability includes conditions such as Down’s Syndrome, Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

We understand that each person’s learning disability has different symptoms and characteristics, so our expert coaches will tailor each session to suit their client’s needs.

Fun sport and friendly boccia session for SEND/disabled children and adults. Our boccia session is suitable for beginners to experienced players. A great opportunity to learn the game, improve your skills as well as meeting new people and socialise.

Each session costs £3 

To book click here: What’s On – Smile Through Sport

For more information, please call or email.  

East End Pool has inclusive swimming sessions.  These are for people with sensory needs or disabilities. 

There is a Disability changing room/shower and also a pool hoist for easy access into the pool.  We also offer changing facilities for young people with continence issues.

To find dates and times for these sessions, you can use the Better UK app or check the timetable on the website Pool Timetable at East End Pool | Better.  

We are a North East based disability sport charity. We offer many sport sessions for people with special educational needs or disabilities, including:

• SEND Activity Sessions (8-19 years old)

• Adult Adapted Cycling Session

• Adult Sport and Social Session

• Boccia Session (all ages) 

• Summer holiday activities 

To find and book a session, click here: What’s On – Smile Through Sport

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

Come along and try a range of adapted bikes. Learn to cycle and ride in a safe environment both indoor and outdoor.

Each session costs £3 

To book, click here: What’s On – Smile Through Sport

For more information, please call or email.  

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

Friday 22nd August 2025, 9.30am to 11am

Join us for a morning of fun activities, laughter and excitement. 

This is open to children with additional or higher sensory needs.

Booking is essential. Please email foundation.events@nufc.co.uk to secure your place.

Kindly supported by Sage.

A fun sport and social activity session for adults with a disability and additional needs.

Each session costs £3

To book click here: What’s On – Smile Through Sport

For more information, please call or email.