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Music Therapy Sessions for Children with Additional Needs Welcome to our enchanting Music Rainbow Room, a vibrant space where creativity and healing harmonize. Here, children with additional needs embark on a magical journey through the world of sound and rhythm, guided by our skilled music therapists Ash and Chad. Each session is designed to foster connection, self-expression, and personal growth in a nurturing environment. A Safe and Inviting Space The Music Rainbow Room is a feast for the senses, filled with colourful instruments. This inviting atmosphere encourages children to explore their emotions and communicate in ways that resonate with them. The room is a sanctuary where every child feels valued and heard. Engaging Activities During our music therapy sessions, children participate in a variety of engaging activities tailored to their unique needs and abilities. These may include: Instrument Exploration: Children can experiment with a range of instruments, from drums to xylophones, violins, double bass and piano allowing them to discover their musical preferences. Group Activities: Collaborative music-making fosters social skills and teamwork, creating a sense of community among participants. Benefits of Music Therapy Music therapy offers numerous benefits for children with additional needs, including: Improved Communication: Music provides an alternative […]

Join the North East Autism Society for a supportive and informative Zoom webinar designed for parents and carers of autistic children and young people aged 7 and above who are experiencing low-level emotional wellbeing difficulties. 📅 Event Dates (Choose One): Monday 30th September 2025 Monday 25th November 2025 🕐 Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm 📍 Location: Online via Zoom 🎟️ Cost: Free (Booking Required) These sessions are repeat webinars, so you only need to attend one date. Places are limited, so early booking is recommended. 💬 What to Expect: Practical strategies to support your child’s emotional wellbeing A safe space to connect with other parents and carers Led by experienced professionals from NEAS 📌 Booking & Contact: 📧 Email: Rebecca.Weatherstone@ne-as.org.uk 📞 Phone: 0191 410 9974 🔗 Follow us on social media: Facebook & Instagram: @NEAutismSociety Twitter/X: @NEAutismSociety

Every Wednesday 5pm – 6pm EVERYONE ACTIVE SOFT PLAY SAFETY POLICY APPLIES – PLEASE ASK AT MAIN RECEPTION FOR MORE DETAILS FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK YOUR SLOTS PLEASE GIVE US A CALL ON 0191 5144300 SUNDERLAND AQUATIC CENTRE, STADUIM PARK,SUNDERLAND SR51SU

Do you have a child with a vision impairment aged 0-4? Give them the best possible start in life and sign up for our My Time to Play programme today. We offer fun and supportive group sessions to help your child develop the practical skills and confidence to explore their world – all through the power of play. You will meet other parents and pick up skills from our expert staff that will help you support your child’s early development with confidence. Our next programme starts at: Primrose Community Centre, Lambton Terrace, Jarrow, NE32 5QY Thursday (1000 – 1200) fortnightly Find out more at guidedogs.org.uk/mttp or contact our local team 0800 781 1444 mttpnewcastle@guidedogs.org.uk

There are still some tickets left to come and  join Team Toby for some “Festive Family Fun” in the lead up to the holidays at Holiday Inn Newcastle – Gosforth Park! Keep Sunday 30th November at 12pm – 3.30pm free!   If you are looking for a relaxed, non judgmental, anything goes afternoon – then come and join us.  We can’t wait to see you there.  You and your family will have a great fun afternoon. There will be:         GAMES              FUN CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES          RAFFLE        TOMBOLA     JUMPIN JAY THE BUBBLE WHISPERER             SANTA WITH SOME FAB PRESENTS                     FESTIVE DISCO (NOT TOO LOUD)            FESTIVE FOOD FOR ALL  The tickets are just £15 per person and this also includes festive food.  It will be an informal hot and cold buffet for the children and adults will enjoy hot turkey, stuffing and cranberry baps with roast potatoes and gravy. Give us a call on 0300 365 3055 or email vicki.armstrong@ttht.co.uk to book or to find out more information.

Are you based in Newcastle or Gateshead and have a child aged 5–11 years who is waiting for a neurodevelopmental assessment with Children and Young People’s Service (CYPS)? Join our FREE webinars, offering a variety of topics designed to support you throughout the pre-diagnostic journey. Upcoming Webinars (All free and hosted on Zoom) Pathological Demand Avoidance Monday 6th October – 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM Understanding Neurodiversity Friday 24th October – 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM Emotional Wellbeing for Parents/Carers Thursday 6th November – 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM Preparing for Christmas Friday 21st November – 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM Food Worries Monday 1st December – 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM Strategies for Children Who Struggle with Change Tuesday 9th December – 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM Personal Care Challenges Wednesday 21st January – 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM How to Book To sign up for any webinars, please email: 📧 reception@tht.co.uk Please include: Your name Your child’s RIO number (medical number from your CYPS letter) Your child’s age Your postcode  

Date: Tuesday, 2nd December 2025 Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM Location: The Autism Hub, Gordon Street, South Shields Join The Toby Henderson Trust team for a festive morning! Celebrate the Christmas season with: Free festive-themed food and drinks Crafts and activities A chance to catch up with the team or meet us for the first time Everyone is welcome! No booking required – simply drop in and enjoy the festivities.

Specifically for families with ‘Cared for children’ come along for a magical journey through sound, light and imagination in our free-flow open play session! Families are warmly invited to spend time exploring three unique sensory spaces designed to ignite wonder and relaxation:   • 🌧️ Rainforest Sensory Room – Immerse yourselves in the sights and sounds of the rainforest, where misty lighting, gentle animal calls, and tactile surprises bring nature to life. • 🌌 Space Sensory Room – Blast off into an interstellar experience! Glide among glowing stars, soft projections and cosmic calm in this soothing, space-themed escape. • 🎵 Music Room – Get playful with rhythm and melody in an inclusive space filled with instruments, musical toys, and joyful tunes for all ages and abilities.   🕒 Drop in, explore at your own pace, and connect with other families in a welcoming environment. Whether you’re seeking stimulation, tranquillity or shared smiles,… Book here: https://www.thespeciallioness.com/events

For parents / carers of children who are on the diagnostic pathway or post diagnosis of autism. Children must be living in Durham. One to one appointments These appointments are for families that have questions or would like to discuss any issues in confidence. These appointments are available between 9-10am and 1-3pm and must be pre-booked. Supporting your autistic child workshop The workshop will cover: worries and action planning common misconceptions differences in autistic children practical strategies to use in everyday life These sessions will run 10-12 and must be pre-booked To book please contact Rebecca Weatherstone on 0191 410 9974 or rebecca.weatherstone@ne-as.org.uk Dates and Venues: Stanley Family Hub, Clifford Road, DH9 0AB 7th Aug, 4th Sept, 2nd Oct, 6th Nov and 4th Dec Willington Family Hub, Chapel Street, DL15 0EQ 14th Aug, 11th Sept, 9th Oct, 13th Nov and 11th Dec

Our Santa Grotto Bus welcomes all ages and needs, because everybody deserves the opportunity to meet Santa.  ​This year, we’re in a NEW location! Find us on Nelson Street, between the Christmas Markets and Eldon Square entrance. ​​🎅🏽 Friday 5th – Sunday 7th December​ 🎅🏽 Friday 12th – Sunday 14th December​   While Santa’s sleigh will be getting prepared and polished for its long route on Christmas Eve, the ever-generous team at Stagecoach have very kindly arranged to bring him to Newcastle City Centre on one of their buses to pay children, adults and families in our region a very special visit! We understand that this year especially, money will be tight for most of us, which is why all visits to Santa remain FREE of charge. Our grotto bus is also fully accessible with wheelchair access. We understand that visiting Santa can be an overwhelming experience, and we can’t always predict a child’s mood – we don’t require any booking, just turn up when you can, and our team can make adaptions if your child needs it so that they feel as comfortable as possible.​ All visits to Santa are completely free, though any donations on-the-day are welcome and […]

Time & Location 14 Dec 2025, 09:45 – 11:00 Mercure George Washington Hotel, Stone Cellar Road High, Usworth, Newcastle upon Tyne, Washington NE37 1PH, UK About the event Step into the magic of Christmas with a festive morning at the George Washington Hotel! 🌟   🎨 Get creative with crafts led by Mrs Claus 🎅 Then, make magical memories as you visit Santa in his grotto –  The children will be visiting the one and only Santa Visits North East.   💫 A morning full of creativity, festive fun, and Christmas wonder for the whole family!   👫 Siblings are welcome 🚗 Free on-site parking 🎟️ Tickets are non-transferable – please see our cancellation policy on our website: Policies | The Sensory Place   https://www.facebook.com/share/14MRiE38PPz/ Book here: https://www.thesensoryplace.net/event-details/santas-christmas-experience-crafts

Dec 12, 2025, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM TSL HQ, 4-5 Baird Close, Washington NE37 3HL 🎄✨ Come one, come all to our magical Christmas Light Display! ✨🎄   Join us at our office on the evenings of 12th and 13th December for a twinkling celebration of the season. Wander through our enchanting light display, sip something warm from our open café, and pick up a festive craft bag to take the magic home with you 🎁   This is our first outdoor light display, so please dress warm. We will have a few guest appearances throughout the night. If your child is overwhelmed by big light displays, noise and busy crowds, hopefully this will be the little bit of sparkle you’re looking for!   This light display is FREE of charge, please do book a ticket so we can keep an eye on numbers and have enough goodie bags and sweet treats for everyone. We will have collection buckets by the lights, so if you feel like supporting us, we would be grateful for any help towards our electricity costs 😉   🕕 Lights on from 5pm-7pm ☕ Café serving drinks & refreshments 🎨 Craft bags available to purchase […]