The Thursday Club is for people over 18 years old with disabilities. It helps people make friends. Each week, there is a fun activity to learn new skills and feel good.

The club is very popular so there is now a waiting list. If you want to join or find more about it, please email: hannah@smileforlife.org.uk.

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? 

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.

Newcastle Libraries works with the British Wireless for the Blind Fund. They offer easy-to-use audio equipment for people with sight loss. You can borrow this equipment for free if you:

• live in the UK

• are registered blind or partially sighted

• are over 8 years old

• get a means-tested benefit

For more information, email information@newcastle.gov.uk.

Home Education Days have been designed for home educated children to benefit from our curriculum-linked workshops, which reflect current and relevant STEM themes and topics.  

Children experience working like scientists in a lab setting which they would not have access to at home. Families can also explore the science centre at leisure rather than having a ‘school style’ schedule to follow.

Each session has a different theme, so workshops will change each time you visit. Keep scrolling for details of upcoming sessions. 

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.

Join us for a range of sports, games and activities. A welcoming and friendly session for children to engage in activities, or have space to do their own thing. 

All needs & abilities are catered for. Siblings are welcome too. For children and young people 8-19 year olds.

Each session costs £3

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

For more information, please call or email.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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:

23rd July, 30th July, 6th August, 13th August, 20th August, 27th August 2025

Hazlerigg Community Centre (age 5 - 12 years):11.00am - 1.00pm

Looking for fun, free activities this summer? Our Junior sessions are perfect for ages 5–12. Every day is packed with things to enjoy! Here’s what your child can look forward to: • Sports, games, and outdoor play • Arts, crafts, and creative fun • Music, dancing, and drama • A free, healthy meal every day.

Join us for fun, safe & engaging STEM, E-sports, Multiskills & Teamwork activity days!

10am to 2pm on these days:

21st July

22nd July

24th July

4th August

5th August

7th August

18th August

19th August

21st August

Drop in anytime between 10am and 12pm on the dates listed.

Each month there is a focus on a particular topic. However, you can talk with us about any other sexual health and relationships topics.

There is no cost.  Free Condoms and sexually transmitted infection (STI) test kits are available at all sessions!

For more information, please get in touch via email or phone.  

These workshops cover a wide range of topics.  Come along if you would like to learn more about sex and relationships.

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:

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

Family activities for children 0-5, (0-8 in the holidays). Come and join in healthy cooking activities and explore a range of play opportunities.

Watch our clip to see what is involved! Cook Play and Learn

Join us for family activities for children 0-8.

Once per month – first Saturday of the month. 

Family activities for children 0-5, (0-8 in the holidays). Come and join in healthy cooking activities and explore a range of play opportunities.

Watch our clip to see what is involved! Cook Play and Learn

Every Wednesday & Thursday through the summer 9am -11am and 3pm -5pm

We look forward to seeing you around the city!

To book: Show up on the day or contact us directly for more information

This is a warm and caring place to be because:

Our FREE junior sessions are a safe space for children aged between 5-11 years (please note different times for different age groups) to come and socialise, play freely, learn about the world around them and take part in activities like;

• arts and crafts
• cooking
• gardening
• group games
• sports

The sessions are led by the children, they choose what they would like to do in their youth clubs and plan their activities. Snacks and drinks are available in all sessions. 

Drop into your local library this May half term for fun farmyard crafts. 

1 hour free craft session, suitable for all the family. 

Tuesday 27th May 

Fenham Library, 11am

Gosforth Library, 2pm

Wednesday 28th May 

Blakelaw Library @ Leisure United, 11am

City Library, 11am

Newburn Library, 2pm

Thursday 29th May

Cruddas Park Library, 11am

Denton Burn Library, 11am

High Heaton Library, 11am

Kenton Library, 11am

Zig Zags with Naomi Barley

Come and meet Newcastle children’s author Naomi Barley with these special sessions to celebrate Empathy Day! 

Naomi will be reading her book 'The Zig Zags', followed by a ‘make your own aliens’ activity. 

Saturday 7th June: 11am - Fenham Library

Saturday 14th June, 11am - Gosforth Library

Saturday 21st June, 11am - East End Library

Saturday 28th June, 11am - Outer West Library