Children’s Additional Needs Network

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North East CANN – Children’s Additional Need Network

Who Is North East CANN?

‘CANN’ stands for ‘Children Additional Needs Network’.

North East CANN is formed of third sector, voluntary community and statutory organisations working with families and carers with children and young people with additional needs, in North East England.

It has been established so that Member Organisations can share best practice, resources, ideas and opportunities, in order to improve access to information, training and support for families and carers across the North East area and the region, and to help to create a more efficient and effective ‘market place’ to the benefit of all users of our services, and the organisations involved.

The aim of this website is to share those good practices and resources with the families who need them! 

North East CANN Locations

  • Newcastle and Surrounds Newcastle and Surrounds

    Includes Newcastle, Hexham, Tyne Valley, Gateshead, North Shields, South Shields,…

  • Northumberland Northumberland

    Includes Alnwick, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Blyth, Morpeth, Ashington, Cramlington, Bedlington

  • Tyne & Wear and surrounds Tyne & Wear and surrounds
FIND FUN ACTIVITIES
FIND FUN ACTIVITIES

FIND FUN ACTIVITIES

Enjoy new experiences and meet other families on fun days out.

Find out more >
COURSES
COURSES

COURSES

Learn about available courses and get support whether you are a parents/carers or a professional.

Find out more >
HIRE EQUIPMENT
HIRE EQUIPMENT

HIRE EQUIPMENT

Find out where you can hire equipment.

Find out more >

Some Upcoming Events

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Park golf is a fun and simple sport that anyone can enjoy. Unlike regular golf, you only need 1 club, 1 ball, and a tee to play. You hit the ball from a teeing ground towards a hole, counting the number of strokes you take until the ball goes into the cup. The object is to put the ball in the cup with the fewest number of strokes.  Saturday 11th October 2025  10:30AM -12:30PM  Lawe Road, South Shields NE33 2AJ, UK Book here: https://www.usefulvision.org.uk/events/japan-golf/

11
Oct

Japan Golf with Useful Vision

Family Fun Day
Newcastle and Surrounds

For parents / carers of children who are awaiting a referral to the neurodevelopmental diagnostic team, on the diagnostic pathway or post diagnosis of autism. Children must be living in North Tyneside. We have the following dates available: Riverside Family Hub, NE29 6DQ 2nd Sept, 7th Oct, 4th Nov and 2nd Dec 2025 Howdon Family Hub, NE28 0AL 9th Sept, 14th Oct, 11th Nov and 9th Dec Shiremoor Family Hub, NE27 0TA 16th Sept, 21st Oct and 18th Nov   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.   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 9-10 and 12.30-4 and must be pre-booked. To book please contact Rebecca Weatherstone on 0191 410 9974 or rebecca.weatherstone@ne-as.org.uk

14
Oct
+6

North Tyneside Autism Hub

Educational Workshop
Tyne & Wear and surrounds

​From washing and dressing to toileting, periods & shaving to home adaptations and life hacks. ​ Join us for a session with Rosie, our Habilitation Specialist to discuss how small wins around the home can empower your children and boost their wellbeing and confidence. This is a relaxed, judgment-free space where you can ask questions – big or small! Our group understands the unique challenges you’re facing. Book here: https://luma.com/791fvpqq

14
Oct

Connecting Families Online: Personal Care for Young People with a vision impairment · Luma

Educational Webinar
Newcastle and Surrounds Northumberland Tyne & Wear and surrounds

For parent/carers of children who are on the diagnostic pathway or post diagnosis of autism. Children must be living in Newcastle. Supporting Your Child Workshop These sessions 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. We have the following dates available: Nunsmoor Centre, Studley Terrace, NE4 5AH 3rd Sept, 1st Oct, 5th Nov and 3rd Dec Galafield Centre, Newbiggin Ln, NE5 1LZ 10th Sept, 8th Oct, 12th Nov and 10th Dec Byker Sands, 19 Raby Cross, NE6 2FF 17th Sept, 15th Oct and 19th Nov Fawdon Childrens, Centre, Cairns Way, NE3 2SN 24th Sept, 22nd Oct and 26th Nov

15
Oct
+7

Newcastle Autism Support Hub

Educational Workshop
Newcastle and Surrounds

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

16
Oct
+4

My Time to Play – Primrose Community Centre

Additional Needs Family Fun Day Stay n Play
Newcastle and Surrounds Northumberland Tyne & Wear and surrounds

When? Wednesday 16th October 2025 Time? 12 noon – 2pm Where? The Parish Centre, Parade, Berwick, TD15 1DF Led by Jo Ladd from Berwick Contemplative Arts Enjoy refreshments and time to chat and make connections. [QR code for booking] Wellbeing Yoga Link Parking available at venue.

16
Oct

FREE ALL-ABILITIES WELLBEING YOGA & RELAXATION WORKSHOP FOR PARENT CARERS

Wellbeing Workshop
Northumberland

The sensory rainforest is designed specifically for young children with SEN of all ages. This is a vibrant and interactive environment that offers a stimulating journey through sounds, sights and textures which encourages exploration and learning in a safe and magical setting. Saturday 18th October 2025  12:30PM -2:30PM  Hartlepool Workshops, Usworth Road, Hartlepool TS25 1PD, UK Book here: https://www.usefulvision.org.uk/events/repeat-sensory/

18
Oct

Repeat Sensory with Useful Vision

Family Fun Day
Newcastle and Surrounds

Calling all South Tyneside families Would you like the opportunity to have a chance to meet multiple different services ‘in person’ and in one place? If so, then come along to The Toby Henderson Trust (TTHT) at the Autism Hub multi-agency drop in event: When: Tuesday 21st October 2025 Where: Autism Hub, Gordon St, South Shields. Time: 10am – 12pm No booking required, just pop along. Keep a look out on our Facebook page for a list of professionals/organisations that will be joining us on the day!

21
Oct

TTHT at the Autism Hubs Multi-Agency Event

Educational Exhibition
Newcastle and Surrounds Northumberland Tyne & Wear and surrounds

Guide Dogs My Time To Play Virtual Sessions 2025 for children with a vision impairment aged 0-4 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. Sessions run for seven consecutive weeks starting dates are: Friday 31st January 10.00-11.00 a.m. – with Heather & Maria Monday 3rd March 10.30-11.30 a.m. – with Imogen and Lauren Friday 2nd May 10.30-11.30 a.m. – with Maria & Celina Wednesday 2nd July 10.30-11.30 a.m. – with Sophie & Victoria Friday 5th September 10.00-11.00 a.m. – with Sharon & Abbie Friday 23rd October 10.30-11.30 a.m. – with Rebecca, Alice and Machala Give them the best possible start in life and sign up for our My Time to Play virtual programme by calling 0800 781 1444 or by using the online enquiry form https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/getting-support/getting-in-touch-form/

23
Oct

Guide Dogs My Time To Play Virtual Sessions 2025

Additional Needs Advice Webinar Workshop
Newcastle and Surrounds Northumberland Tyne & Wear and surrounds

FREE SENSORY SWIM SESSIONS OVER THE OCTOBER HOLIDAY’S Funded by Coalfields Area Committee HETTON COMMUNITY POOL & WELLNESS CENTRE TUESDAY 28TH OCTOBER 11:30-12:30PM FRIDAY 31ST OCTOBER 12-1PM Hot Food package included after session EVERYONE ACTIVE SWIMMING POOL SAFETY POLICY APPLIES – PLEASE ASK AT MAIN RECEPTION FOR MORE DETAILS EACH PERSON ATTENDING WILL NEED TO BOOKED ON TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK YOUR SLOTS PLEASE GIVE US A CALL ON 0191 526 9980 OR CALL INTO OUR CENTRE TODAY AND ASK ONE OF OUR FRONT OF HOUSE TEAM.  

28
Oct
+1

FREE SENSORY SWIM SESSIONS

Additional Needs Sport
Newcastle and Surrounds Northumberland Tyne & Wear and surrounds

Join us to get creative in the kitchen, we will be working with fresh ingredients to make some delicious Halloween themed treats with Healthworks. We will also have some Halloween crafts and games for you to join in with as a family. Wednesday 29th October 2025  10:00AM -12:00PM  Charlton Street, Lemington, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 8RN, UK Book here: https://www.usefulvision.org.uk/events/halloween-spectacular-cooking/

29
Oct

Halloween Spectacular Cooking with Useful Vision

Family Fun Day
Newcastle and Surrounds

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

29
Oct
+4

INCLUSIVE SOFT PLAY SESSIONS

Additional Needs Stay n Play
Newcastle and Surrounds Northumberland Tyne & Wear and surrounds

Join Useful Vision for pumpkin picking at Tweddle Farm. No matter the weather, it’s a great day out for everyone. Join us for Barrel Rides, Tractor Rides, animal petting, indoor soft play, foot golf and so much more! Thursday 30th October 2025  10:30AM -12:30PM  Tweddle Children’s Animal Farm, Filipoke Lane, Blackhall Colliery, Hartlepool TS27 4BT, UK Book here: https://www.usefulvision.org.uk/events/tweddle-farm-2/

30
Oct

Tweddle Farm with Useful Vision

Family Fun Day
Newcastle and Surrounds

AUTUMN PARENT CARER WELLBEING SESSION Take some time for yourself this autumn and join us for a cosy wellbeing evening. Relax with ceramic pumpkin painting and seasonal crafts, while enjoying a selection of cheese & nibbles in a friendly, welcoming space. When Thursday 30th October Where Northburn Sports & Community Centre, Crow Hall Road, Cramlington, NE23 3YP Time 7–9pm

30
Oct

Autumn Parent Carer Wellbeing Session

Wellbeing
Northumberland

Children will be giving the animals their breakfast and helping to prepare the pens, before heading over to help with some Pony pampering. They will then get the chance to walk one of the Alpacas or Goats around the woodland trail before ending at the camp kitchen where a snack box will be provided for each child. Please note before booking: This is a working farm – some of the ground may have loose stones and/or be uneven. Portable loo and disabled portable loo available on site.  Friday 31st October 2025  10:00AM -1:00PM  Moor Rd, Prudhoe NE42 5NX, UK Book here: https://www.usefulvision.org.uk/events/humbles-wood-animal-activity-farm-halloween-special/

31
Oct

Humbles Wood Animal Activity Farm – Halloween Special with Useful Vision

Family Fun Day
Newcastle and Surrounds

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

06
Nov
+3

Durham Autism Support Hub

Educational Research Workshop
Newcastle and Surrounds Northumberland Tyne & Wear and surrounds

Group 1 – 10.30am to 12.30pm Group 2 – 1.30pm to 3.30pm Useful Vision invite the whole family to join us for this year’s exclusive Pantomime – ‘Cinderella’! Harriet Louise Productions with Stage Door Events will be whisking you away on a magical adventure in this enchanting pantomime, packed with laughter, music, and dazzling performances! Will Cinderella make it to the ball? Will Prince Charming find the owner of the lost slipper? There’s only one way to find out – don’t miss the fairest pantomime of them all! Saturday 13th December 2025  10:30AM -3:30PM  One Strawberry Lane, Strawberry Lane, Newcastle NE1 4BX, UK Book here: https://www.usefulvision.org.uk/events/cinderella-pantomime-groups/

13
Nov

Cinderella Pantomime Groups with Useful Vision

Family Fun Day
Newcastle and Surrounds

Join the Useful Vision team with this fun messy workshop that includes hand on experiments, such as slime, gloop making, playdough and so much more. Saturday 15th November 2025  10:00AM -12:00PM  The Lemington Centre, Union Hall Road, Lemington, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK Book here: https://www.usefulvision.org.uk/events/lets-get-messy/

15
Nov

Let’s Get Messy! with Useful Vision

Family Fun Day
Newcastle and Surrounds

Come along and join the Useful Vision team in the Roaring Rainforest, Planetarium or Music Therapy Room. Feel free to explore all 3 rooms, relax to the music and listen to the rainforest.  Saturday 22nd November 2025  11:00AM -12:30PM  4 Baird Close, Washington, Tyne and Wear NE37 3HL, UK Book here: https://www.usefulvision.org.uk/events/the-special-lioness/

22
Nov

The Special Lioness with Useful Vision

Family Fun Day
Newcastle and Surrounds

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

25
Nov

Supporting Emotional Wellbeing in Autistic Children – Free Webinar

Additional Needs Advice Educational Webinar Workshop
Newcastle and Surrounds Northumberland Tyne & Wear and surrounds

Registrations are live for our next online B&A events for 11–25-year-olds. Open for any young person 11-25 years old wop has been impacted by Meningitis. This event is open to the young person who has experienced the disease and their siblings Our 11–17-year-olds will take part in a creative session with The Crafty Hen and our 18–25-year-olds will enjoy a practical session looking at their personal strengths and how to use them to move forward positively in their lives, with Morissa from Family Action https://www.meningitisnow.org/get-support/supporting-young-people/believe-achieve/events-weekends/

02
Dec
+1

Incoming B&A Online events with Meningitis Now

Family Fun Day
Newcastle and Surrounds Northumberland Tyne & Wear and surrounds

4.30pm TIP OFF Doors open at 3pm Newcastle Eagles will take on Caledonia Gladiators in this Super League Basketball game. Please note parking at the Arena is £7.50 per Car. The car park sells out well in advance of SLB games!! If you require parking this must be booked ASAP using the link that will be sent to you with your booking confirmation email. Ear defenders are recommended for younger children. No food/liquids to be taken into the venue. The arena is a CARD ONLY venue Sunday 28th December 2025  3:00PM -6:15PM  Vertu Motors Arena, Scotswood Road, Newcastle NE4 7AF, UK Book here: https://www.usefulvision.org.uk/events/newcastle-eagles-2/

28
Dec

Newcastle Eagles with Useful Vision

Family Fun Day
Newcastle and Surrounds

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: Hemlington Lake & Recreation Centre Cass House Road, Middlesbrough, TS8 9QW Thursday (1000 – 1200) fortnightly Starting in January 2026 Find out more at guidedogs.org.uk/mttp or contact our local team 0800 781 1444 mttpnewcastle@guidedogs.org.uk

06
Jan
+1

My Time to Play – Hemlington Lake & Recreation Centre

Additional Needs Stay n Play
Newcastle and Surrounds Northumberland Tyne & Wear and surrounds

Our Sponsors

  • Irwin Mitchell

About North East CANN

'CANN' stands for 'Children Additional Needs Network'. Its a network for third sector, voluntary community and statutory organisations working with families and carers with children and young people with additional needs in the North East of England area.

Our Partners

West Yorkshire CANN
South Yorkshire CANN logo

Contact Us

info@northeastcann.org
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