Overview

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:

You are at the heart of everything we do. We are continually investing in our campus, facilities and opportunities, to make sure you have the best experience possible.

This is reflected in high levels of student satisfaction:

Westgate Community College provides a wide range of community education courses. Each year we provide courses across around 40 subjects involving 700 part-time students.

Facilitating creative and vocational opportunities

Flow is committed to facilitating, promoting and enhancing the future for young adults with additional needs. We wish to engage young people in creative and vocational opportunities to develop their skills and self-esteem in order for them to play a purposeful role within the community.

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.

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.

Enable young people with SEN the opportunity to access activities which support and encompass Recovery & Mental Health Awareness.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• 6 week programmes
• 2hr weekly sessions
• Regular reviews
• Focus on Recovery & Mental Health
• 16-25 year olds

Physical Wellbeing
Walks, small exercise sessions, sports activities

Self-Reflection
Emotional literacy, journaling, scrap booking

We have a range of programmes from Pre-entry to Level 2 focusing on independent living skills, social and community involvement as well as work and life skills. Please note days are subject to availability and change.

Choose from the subjects below:

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.

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.