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.

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:

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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 ✨ 

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. 

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.

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.