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:

We care for children and young adults with progressive, life shortening conditions from across the North East.

Our team of skilled staff provide residential short breaks to local families. Up to six children and young adults can stay at any one time in our relaxed, home-from-home environment.

Children from birth to 18 can benefit from short breaks here. Teenagers benefit from their own living area – complete with games consoles, wide screen TV and PC’s.

We also care for young adults aged 18- 25 in designated, age-appropriate facilities.

Dimensions helps people with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs live fulfilling lives in their communities. They offer personalized support to give individuals more voice, choice, and control. With 7,000 staff, Dimensions works with families and those they support to improve services. Their goal is to empower people to lead happy, ordinary lives.

Through our person-centred approach we support:

Situated within the Alan Shearer Centre, our specialist home offers residential accommodation for adults with profound and multiple disabilities, offering longer term, safe and nurturing care and support. In addition, our disabled residents have full access to the on-site Activity Centre.

If you would like to see our facilities, meet the staff and discuss your individual needs, Sarah will be happy to arrange a visit. You can also speak to Sarah if you would like to enquire about a place or find out details on the referral process and the criteria for admission.

Pathways 4 All is a parent-led charity, providing leisure services for children and young people with disabilities/ additional needs (0-25 years old). Our primary service is a specialist play and activity provision, the Tim Lamb Centre (in the grounds of the Rising Sun County Park, Benton). Our centre is open to families from across the North East region.

A safe and welcoming group for autistic people to connect with each other.  

Please ring the office on 0191 281 8737 and let us know if you would like to come. 

For more information you can email emily.walsh@skillsforpeople.org.uk 

For over 35 years we've led the way in providing specialist care, education and services for children, young people and adults with autism, across the North-east of England.

Recognised for our innovation and excellence, everything we do stems from an unswerving belief in providing bespoke person-centered support. It’s at the heart of who we are to recognise the uniqueness of every human being, and to understand that as a spectrum condition no two people with autism will have the same needs or wants.

Beacon Films CIC is a training and production organisation for people with learning disabilities, autism and additional needs.  We have been given multiple awards for our work.

Throughout the year, we offer a variety of filmmaking projects.  There are also some volunteering opportunities on short film commissions. 

Inspired Support helps people with learning difficulties or autism.  They aim to help develop talents, social skills, life skills, and more. There is a particular focus on the needs and wants of the individual and having fun.  Sessions are led by local professionals and can focus on:

The FAB (Fantastic and Brilliant) Group is a group of young people aged 11 to 25 who have SEND. 

Every month, the FAB Group come together to make friends and share experiences.

Learn more on our website: https://children-ne.org.uk/fab-group/ 

We believe in the importance of a support network of people who understand.

Our Tuesday Club is for young people with disabilities. They can stay active, make friends, and have fun. It helps them feel less alone and happier.

The club runs for two hours. There are sports and games for everyone. There is also a quiet area for relaxing.

A healthy tea is given at the club. This helps everyone stay healthy and feel good.

If interested email Hannah@smileforlife.org.uk