Supporting your Independence

We provide a range of information, advice and support services relating to all aspects of disability. Our quality advice and support is free*, confidential and impartial. We also work to support carers and those working within the health and social care system.

Click here to find out more: Independent Living – Disability North

*There is a charge for some of our Direct Payment/payroll Support Services

Newcastle Vision Support, formerly Newcastle Society for Blind People, was first established in 1867 and has been supporting visually impaired and blind people in Newcastle for 150 years.

Children Today helps provide specialised equipment for children and young people with disabilities throughout the UK. The aim is to ensure that every disabled child and young person fulfils their potential and leads an active childhood.

We believe the provision of specialised equipment has a direct and immediate impact on a child’s quality of life and independence, and is vital in helping them to overcome obstacles and achieve their potential. Equipment can include wheelchairs, walking frames, tricycles and other mobility aids along with multi-sensory equipment.

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.

Whether you need to hire a wheelchair in Newcastle, rent a disability hoist in Blackpool or hire a mobility scooter in London, you're at the right place - Strive Mobility

Newcastle and Gateshead Step Up Hub service is for men and women over the age of 18 years who need some specialist support to live in the community.

Specialist Rehabilitation Services

The Children’s Trust is the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury and neurodisability. We deliver rehabilitation, education and community services through skilled teams who work with children and young people, and their families.

Trinity Post-16 Solutions Ltd offers bespoke packages to young people aged 16-25 who have additional support needs.

Learners who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities (LLDD) are provided with a study programme that equips them with the skills needed for adulthood.

EHCP outcomes are at the heart of the programme to equip learners to: Live as independently as possible; prepare for employment and the world of work; become involved in social and community activity; live a healthy lifestyle.

We have several elements to our bespoke programmes, including:

At Rapid Ramp, we specialise in the design, manufacture and installation of high-quality modular wheelchair ramps and steps. Our ready-stocked products allow for an infinite number of configurations, ensuring a perfect fit for every project. We cater primarily for commercial and public buildings – both temporary and permanent.

Designability is a national charity that enables disabled people to live with greater independence.

Introducing Wizzybug!

Wizzybug is a fun, innovative powered wheelchair provided FREE of charge to young children in the UK by Designability, a charity based in Bath.

Who is Wizzybug designed for?

Rehab Jigsaw provides independent occupational therapy services throughout the UK. We have an experienced, professional team delivering bespoke yet cost effective solutions. We work with clients experiencing the effects of illness or injury upon their ability to complete day to day activities at home, work or in education. Rehab Jigsaw was established by Occupational Therapists and is managed by Occupational Therapists.

This service is provided externally to the NHS.

AFK helps disabled children and young people to live independent and fulfilling lives.

PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide provide confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person through the helpline, HOPELINE247.

We engage communities and volunteers in suicide prevention projects and deliver training programmes to individuals and groups. This includes equipping local councils, healthcare professionals and school staff with suicide prevention skills.

This is a free service for those who care for children with additional needs. Browse a wide range of suitable, quality and specialist toys.  You can borrow 4 toys for up to 4 weeks.  

For more details on this service please contact us on 0191-2656158 or email admin@napi.org.uk

Free tandem or tag-along bike to anyone with a disability or additional need.

What we do:

We lend, at no cost (i.e. for free), tandems and tag-alongs to (and only to) people with disabilities or additional needs, who are unable to ride a bike safely on their own, so that they can enjoy the wonders of cycling.

What you need to do:

The Tree House Early Years Centre provides a range of Educational, Social, Therapeutic and Health activities / services for children aged 0-5 with SEND, and their families.

The centre was officially opened by councillor Lesley Storey in September 2023. The following video showcases the opening of the Centre and highlights some of facilities and activities available for children and their families.

We are Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy Charity!

As the UK’s largest music therapy charity, we use music to enrich the lives of people with life-limiting illness, disabilities or feelings of isolation.

There are one-to-one music lessons delivered by music therapists. This is suited for people with autism or learning difficulties. Click here to learn more and to apply: Accessible music learning - Nordoff and Robbins.

This service is not provided by the NHS.

Browse and borrow a wide range of toys for children (0-5) with special educational needs. These can help with your child's learning and development. Toys can be borrowed for up to 4 weeks.  

The library is open Monday to Friday during term time.

Come to the Tree House Early Year's Centre (map below).  

For more information, you can call 0191 278 8458 or email treehouseenquiries@newcastle.gov.uk 

Moving On Asthma has been developed by the Respiratory Research Team at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.

As a team, we are passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people with asthma and this resource is designed to both support clinicians in adolescent health and equip young people with self-management skills as they prepare for the move to adult care. 

We are located inside Kingston Park Community Centre. We are close to Kingston Park Metro station and shopping centre. We have a large main hall and a lovely all weather outdoor area.

We offer educational childcare for children aged 2 - 4 years. 

We encourage outdoor play every session. During outdoor play children learn about the world around them. They are free to explore at their own pace, as well as try out new experiences during planned activities.

The preschool is situated within the Blakelaw and Cowgate Families Matter Community Hub located on Lindfield Avenue nest door to Thomas Walling Primary School. Children have access to a wide range of developmentally appropriate good quality toys and equipment. We have At Home Bags that allow parents/carers to help their children continue their learning in their home environment. Staff are all qualified in Early Years with some staff having qualifications of Level 4 and above.