Family Hubs SEND offer
Gateshead Family Hubs have a broad range of support, services and activities for children and young people with SEND and their families/carers.
Services available for children with SEND and their parent/carers
Services available across our family hubs include:
- Daisy Chain - Gateshead Autism Hubs
- Gateshead Portage service (SENIT)
- Neuro Youth Group
- Gateshead Parent/Carer Forum
- Healthy relationships programmes
- NHS children's services
- Children's Social Care teams
- Skills for people - supporting disabled people and their families in the North East
- Gateshead 0-19 service - Growing Healthy 0-19 Gateshead and HDFT childrens health service
- Citizens Advice Gateshead
SEND activities
Free activities
We have a range of free activities for pre-school aged children and their parents/carers that can help children develop essential social skills such as sharing, turn-taking, cooperation, and empathy. These interactions help build confidence and prepare children for the social environment of nursery or school.
Group activities also stimulate language development, problem-solving, and motor skills through varied and engaging tasks like singing, storytelling, building and movement games. For parents and carers, these groups provide valuable opportunities to bond with their child, access parenting support, and connect with other families.
Free activities are available at all 9 family hubs.
Sensory Kidz
Sensory Kidz is a welcoming and supportive group for parents, carers and children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Sessions are designed to provide a safe, engaging, and sensory-rich environment where children can explore, play, and connect at their own pace. Activities are tailored to meet a variety of sensory needs, prompting development, confidence, and joy through fun and meaningful experiences. Led by experienced and compassionate staff, the sessions aim to foster a sense of community and understanding among families.
Sensory Kidz is available at Teams, and Deckham Family Hubs.
The Toy Library - specialist sensory
The Toy Library offers a valuable resource for families, providing access to a wide range of toys that support learning, development and play.
Equipment available in the Toy Library includes wobble cushions, dark dens and weighted back packs.
Sensory Rooms
Sensory rooms are specially designed spaces that provide a range of stimulating and calming sensory experiences through lights, sounds, textures, and interactive elements. These rooms are particularly beneficial for babies and their parents, offering a nurturing environment that supports early development and emotional bonding.
We have sensory rooms at Birtley, Blaydon, Winlaton, Chowdene, Deckham, Felling, Leam Lane and Teams Family Hubs.
Soft Play
Soft play is safe, engaging and developmentally supportive environment designed for babies and young children to explore, move and play freely. It typically features padded flooring, soft climbing structures, sensory toys, and interactive play zones that encourage physical activity and imaginative play.
Soft play is available at Deckham and Felling Family Hubs.
SEND Lego clubs
LEGO club is a fun , creative group for children and their parents or carers, designed to encourage imaginative play, early learning, and quality time together. Each session offers a relaxed, welcoming space where children can explore, build, and learn through hands-on activities using LEGO.
SEND Lego clubs are held at Blaydon, Winlaton, Chowdene and Felling Family Hubs.
Autism Spectrum and Language Delays Parenting Program
This program target parents of young children with autism or language delays. It aims to promote emotional regulation, social interaction, language skills, school readiness, and relationship-building. The program can be used independently or as a supplement to other parenting programs, offering flexibility to meet varying needs.
Participating in Incredible Years (IY) programs offers parents of children on the autism spectrum a wealth of benefits, enriching their journey with newfound understanding, skills, and support tailored to their child's unique communication and developmental levels.
Gateshead Autism Hubs - Multi Agency Drop-In Sessions
Multi-agency drop-ins are designed so parents/carers can meet a representative from other services and agencies who may be able to support their family, child or young person. There are two multi-agency drop-ins available to attend across Gateshead. Drop-ins are during half term only. For details of upcoming multi agency drop ins in your area visit the Daisy Chain website.
The ADHD Exchange
The ADHD Exchange is a drop-in information pod offering help, support and advice to anyone wishing to know more about ADHD.
The drop-in is held at Felling Family Hub.
View the full programmes of activities at our family hubs