Youth Link Newcastle is for young people living with a disability or additional needs. It matches young people to a peer mentor.  They can help with working towards a goal and overcoming challenges. 

The service is available to young people living in a Newcastle Postcode, aged from 11 to 18.

Some examples of how a peer mentor could help you include:

For parents/carers of children who are on the diagnostic pathway or post diagnosis of Autism.

Children must be living in Newcastle.

Supporting your autistic child workshop

These sessions will cover:

• worries and action planning

• common misconceptions

• differences in autistic children

• practical strategies to use in everyday life

These sessions will run 10-12 and must be pre-booked.

Run by the NSPCC, Childline is a free, private and confidential service where children and young people under the age of 19.  This includes those with additional needs or disabilities.  You can talk to a counsellor about any issue they’re facing.

Online, on the phone, anytime.

Newcastle Parent Carer Forum (PCF) are a group of volunteer parents and carers who work in partnership with Newcastle Local Authority, Health, Education and Social Care providers to make sure that the services they deliver meet the needs of children, young people and their families.

We aim to act as “the voice” of Newcastle’s parents and carers of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Serving hot breakfasts, lunchtime favourites and top-quality coffee. Cafe Hope Cowgate is a place for families and people from the local community to enjoy affordable meals in a friendly space. Based at our Cowgate Centre site, its profits help keep our life-changing services accessible to babies, children, young people and their families.

The North East Autism Society run a Family Networking Group, a closed group on Facebook which aims to empower, educate and connect parents, families and carers by: 

• Increasing knowledge

• Sharing useful information 

• Connecting people   

You can find out more here: Family Networking - North East Autism Society

EarlyBird is a course for parents who have a child under 5 with a diagnosis of autism. It is a 10-week course consisting of 8 face to face group sessions and 2 home visits.

The programme aims to support parents post diagnosis and establish good practice in supporting their child at an early age.

Does your child have a special educational need or disability?

Come to our support group. It’s a friendly place for parents and carers to chat and get advice.

• Get advice from professionals.

• Talk to other parents and carers.

• Share ideas.

This group meets on the first Monday of every month. 

No need to book - just turn up.

For parent and carers we host a weekly Coffee Morning every Thursday between 9.30 – 11.30am, (term-time only).  Our coffee mornings provide an opportunity for parents to chat to other families and mutually support each other.  

Coffee Morning refreshments are provided free of charge.

Families with pre-school or home educated children are welcome to bring your child(ren) with you, but please be aware they remain your responsibility at all times.

A course to help parents/carers manage the behaviour of people with learning disabilities and/or autism. It will help you understand their behaviour and ways to support them.

Find out more about Positive Behaviour Support here: Positive Behavioural Support

For more information about this course, call 0191 281 8737 or email information@skillsforpeople.org.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.

For parents/carers of children who are on the diagnostic pathway or post diagnosis of Autism. Children must be living in Newcastle.

Supporting your autistic child workshop

These sessions will cover:

• worries and action planning

• common misconceptions

• differences in autistic children

• practical strategies to use in everyday life

We have the following dates available:

Contact is the UK charity for families with disabled children. They support families, bring families together and help families take action for others. They give support through:

Do you have an autistic child (with or without diagnosis) and need support? Do you live in Newcastle?

As part of the Autism Central programme, Daisy Chain provides a range of in-person learning workshops. These cover many different topics to help support individuals and families.

Tuesday 5th August 2025, 1.30pm to 3pm
Tuesday 2nd September 2025, 1.30pm to 3pm
Tuesday 7th October 2025, 1.30pm to 3pm
Tuesday 4th November 2025, 1.30pm to 3pm
Tuesday 2nd December 2025, 1.30pm to 3pm

We can support you if your child (aged 5 to 11) are waiting for a neurodevelopmental assessment.

We are running Monthly Cuppa and Cake Parent Support drop-ins for parents and carers both in Metrocentre Community Hub in Gateshead and Gosforth Civic Centre.

A friendly and welcoming monthly support group. For parents and carers of children with a special educational need or disability.

• Chat to other parents and carers

• Get advice from professionals

• Share ideas and strategies 

No need to book. Just turn up!

Dates

A group for parents and carers of children aged 2 to 5.

This group will help you:

• understand autism

• learn strategies to support your child's development

• focus on play and sensory development

• maintain routines and boundaries

• learn how to support your child with language and social skills 

There are 12 sessions every Thursday starting on 11th September 2025. Sessions will take place at Byker Sands Family Hub.

For more information or to book: