The following is a list of some of the local parent support groups in the North East region. These groups have all given permission for their details to be included on our website.
Before going along to any meetings, please give the named contact a call on the telephone number listed to check times, dates and venues as these may have changed to those listed.
Please note, Contact a Family is not responsible for the content of any external websites that are linked through these pages. If you know any of these details are incorrect, please let us know.
Contact a Family North East has details of approximately 50 local support groups throughout the region. If a local group to you isn't listed below, please contact us on Tel: 0191 213 6300 or e-mail: northeast.office@cafamily.org.uk and we will do our best to help.
Aycliffe ADHD Parent Support Group
Nicola Minnes & Lauren Randall
Tel: 07809549988 Nicola or 07714215805 Lauren
e-mail: Aycliffeadhd@hotmail.co.uk
Web: http://aycliffeadhd.co.uk/
This parent support meets on the last Thursday of every month and holds fortnightly drop in sessions. They offer a friendly, non judgemental environment, support, have a close relationship with their local CAB and will hold outreach session in the future on behaviour management techniques and general information on ADHD
Area(s) covered: County Durham
Bishop Auckland Parent Carer Support Group
Pauline Lanagan
Tel: 01388 451 400
e-mail: planagan@durhamdalescarers.org.uk
Meetings are held each Wednesday from 10am – 12 noon at 30 Edgar Grove, Bishop Auckland. The group offers speakers, courses (through the Carers Centre), occasional lunches out and a chance to meet and talk to other carers in a friendly and non judgmental atmosphere. There is a small charge for tea/coffee and biscuits. Parents will also be able to access our other services such as therapy (at low cost), free counselling, help with carers benefit forms etc.
Area(s) covered: Wear Valley
Columbia Grange Family & Friends
Columbia Grange School, Washington
Tel: 0191 2193860
Holds a very informal coffee morning once a fortnight during term time, Friday 10am-12noon. All parent carers, guardians, grandparents of children with special needs are welcome. Current members care for children with ASD, Williams Syndrome, Epilepsy and Downs Syndrome amongst others. The group is not just for pupils of Coumbia Grange School. Occasional guest speakers will be invited.
Area(s) covered: Washington, Sunderland, Coalfields
County Durham Autistic Support Group
Helen Geldard, PO Box 35 Spennymoor Co Durham DL16 7WY
Tel: 01388 819 880
e-mail: cdasg@aol.com
Web: http://www.cdasg.org.uk
Parent run charity providing advice, information and support for families. They run an informal advice line available to anyone. Meetings held monthly at Darlington, Bishop Auckland & Stanley. Children are welcome. They also run regular group activities, conferences and workshops for parents and professionals.
Area(s) covered: County Durham
The DAN Group (Developing Autism Now)
Ken Daglish
Tel: 07946 382365
e-mail: DANgroup@hotmail.co.uk
The DAN Group was set up by parents with autistic children of primary school age, who are mostly in mainstream schools/ARCs in Newcastle. The group provides advice, support and activities for children on the Autistic Spectrum and their families, who may feel isolated from others with similar needs. Activities include regular social evenings, arts and craft activities, gym club and family outings
Area: Newcastle and surrounding area
D1GITS – Darlington and Durham Independent Group ‘Init’ Together Support
Di Butler
Tel: 07929908702
e-mail: digits.digits@virginmedia.com
For carers of children with additional support needs aged 0 to 25. This user led group meet on Tuesdays from 10.00 am to 12.00 p.m. at The William Stead in Darlington (except school holidays)
Area(s) covered: Darlington and surrounding area
Down's Syndrome North East
Anne Webster
Tel 08707 652 121
e-mail: annewebster@downssyndromenortheast.org.uk
Web: http://www.downssyndromenortheast.org.uk
Offers support and information for families who have someone with Down's Syndrome in their family. Hold regular coffee mornings and drop ins throughout the North East. Also holds social events and family activities, and regular conferences on all aspects of Down's Syndrome for both parents and professionals.
Area(s) covered: North East
Durham and Chester-le-Street Carers Support
Susan Doyle
Tel: 0191 387 1991
e-mail: info@dccarers.org
Web: http://www.dccarers.org
Provide support for Parent Carers in the Durham & Chester-le-Street area including individual support on many topics as well as workshops, training and social opportunities. Also run a support group called Helping Hands in partnership with SureStart which includes parents only get togethers and family trips and events
Area(s) covered: Durham and Chester-le-Street
Durham Dales Action for Carers Support Group
Lindsey Starborn, Durham Dales Action for Carers, Claire House, Victoria Road Barnard Castle DL12 8HR
Tel: 01833 630 202
e-mail: lstarborn@durhamdalescarers.org.uk
Support group has monthly meetings for parent/grandparent carers of children and young people on the Autistic Spectrum. The group meets at Claire House on Mondays. Please contact the centre for details of next meeting dates. The centre also provides support for parent carers and organises regular trips and events
Area(s) covered: Durham Dales
Dyslexia North East
Liz Ferguson
Tel: 0786 826 3696
e-mail: info@dyslexianortheast.org
Web: http://www.dyslexianortheast.org
Membership is £10 per family per year which includes free attendance at meetings, email network, Newsletter and support, or £2-00 to attend a meeting for non members. The group holds monthly meetings in term-time with speakers on relevant topics at the Royal Grammar Junior School, Newcastle upon Tyne. Information leaflets, and support with advice is available, together with the loan of books and other resources to help children at home
Area(s) covered: North East
Dyspraxia Foundation County Durham
Tina Wilson
Tel: 0191 3848 283
e-mail: tinwil@thorndale83.freeserve.co.uk
Web: http://www.durhamdyspraxia.org.uk
The group offers telephone and e mail advice and provide families with information packs
Area(s) covered: County Durham and surrounding area
Easington Parent Carer Support Group
Janette Browell
Tel: 0191 586 9134
e-mail: janette@easington-carers.co.uk
The group meets usually on the 3rd Monday morning of every month from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm at Lee House, Peterlee. Group offers emotional support; signposting; social activities to provide a break from caring and information and advice
Area(s) covered: District of Easington, County Durham
FOCAS - Families of Children on the Autistic Spectrum
Linda Dickinson
Tel: 07949 672610
e-mail: focas-contact@ntlworld.com
Web: http://www.focas-support-group.co.uk
This is a parent-led support group offering support and friendship, through shared knowledge and information and annual activities and outings
Area(s) covered: Tees Valley
Fragile X Support Group County Durham
Sarah Smith
Tel: 07588037485
e-mail: sasinfinland@hotmail.com
Web: http://www.fragilex.org.uk
The group meets on the last Wednesday of every month from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at Leadgate Childrens Centre, Consett, County Durham. They regularly have guest speakers to the group and also organise family days out normally one Sunday approx every two months. The group is open to parents/carers of children and adults with a diagnosis of Fragile X Syndrome
Area(s) covered: County Durham and surrounding area
Gateshead Cerebral Palsy Group
Joanne Watson, 21 Ravensworth Road, Birtley, Chester-le-Street DH3 1EE
Tel: 0191 4100 412
e-mail: gatesheadcerebralpalsygroup@yahoo.co.uk
Group for parents/carers of children and adults with Cerebral Palsy who aim to share information and experience, reduce isolation and create opportunities for socialising and leisure activities and help improve services for people with Cerebral Palsy and their families in Gateshead and surrounding areas. The group meets monthly, please call or e-mail for meeting dates and times.
Area(s) covered: Gateshead and surrounding area
Hartlepool Special Needs Support Group
Pat Allison, Resource Centre, 109 Park Road, Hartlepool TS26 9HR
Tel: 01429 863 766
e-mail: info@hsng.org.uk
Web: http://www.hsng.org.uk
Provides support and opportunities to families and their disabled children. Services include information sessions, parent and toddler/baby groups, out of school activities and trips, summer play schemes, short breaks, drop in days and other regular services
Area(s) covered: Hartlepool
Hexham Nurture Group
Lesley Grieve, Hexham Children's Centre, Beaufront Avenue, Hexham NE46 1JD
Tel: 01434 601698
e-mail: Lesley.Grieve@northumberland.gov.uk
Support group for parent/carers of young children with additional needs meets the third Tuesday of every month at Hexham Children's Centre. Have guest speakers and trips out during the school holidays. Come along and share experiences with other parent/carers over a coffee.
Area(s) covered: West Northumberland
Holmwood Parents ADHD Support Group
Denise Mooney, Holmwood School, Saltersgill Avenue, Easterside, Middlesbrough TS4 3PT
Tel: 01642 819157
e-mail: denise_mooney@holmwood.mgrid.org.uk
This ADHD support group is open to all parents/carers of children who display challenging behaviours. It runs once a month on Fridays from 10-11-30 a.m
Dates vary because of school timetable
Area(s) covered: North East
KICK ADHD Support Group - Keep Including Challenging Kids
Margaret Robertson
Tel: 0191 2673 761
e-mail: margaretmgg5@aol.com
Support group for parents who have a child with difficult to manage behaviour including ADD and ADHD. They meet alternate Wednesday's and Friday's, 10am-1pm at Newcastle Carers' Centre, 6 Saville Row, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Area(s) covered: Newcastle upon Tyne
Main Project
Anna Wood or Marie Hunt, Beverley School Site, Beverley Road, Saltersgill, Middlesbrough TS4 3LQ
Tel: 01642 277 450
e-mail: themainproject@hotmail.co.uk
Web: http://www.themainproject.co.uk
Provides information and advice for families of children with Autism Spectrum disorders. Have a resource library, offers training through seminars and short courses and also run a social club for secondary aged children with Autism.
Area(s) covered: Teesside
Mixed Emotions
Fiona Shell
Tel: 01665 833781
e-mail: fionashell@btinternet.com
This support group is for parents with a child/children with hidden disabilities. (Dyslexia,Dyspraxia,Adhd,Autism Spectrum). They meet on a Friday each fortnight from 7.30-9.00 p.m at Lesbury Village Hall, Lesbury Alnwick (including school holidays). Cost is £1.50 to cover cost of hall.
Area(s) covered: Northumberland
Murton Special Needs Support Group
Chris Shield
Tel: 07787 517873
e-mail: chrisbooby38@aol.com
Offers support to families in Easington with children with any disability aged 0 to 25. The group meets Wednesdays, 9.30-11.30am. (Not school holidays) at the Glebe Centre, Murton. The group fundraise, have trips and organise monthly group activity. The whole group (including children) also go free to the gym every week
Area(s) covered: District of Easington, County Durham
National Autistic Society – Hexham Branch
Eileen Robinson
Tel: 07786856379
e-mail: NASHexhamBranch@nas.org.uk
The group meets monthly, offering day and evening opportunities. They arrange for speakers and provide information on local support. They also provide links to “Rainbow Support Group”, a monthly coffee morning, usually held on the last Wednesday of the month. They also offer a free library of books and sensory equipment to members. The group offers telephone support via the branch mobile
Area(s) covered: Tynedale
National Autistic Society Newcastle Resource Centre
Deborah Garland
Tel: 0191 2296020
e-mail: Deborah.garland@nas.org.uk
Parent Group meets fortnightly on Thursdays from 9.30 - 11.30 a.m. at Thomas Bewick School, West Denton, Newcastle.
Fathers Group meets on the first Tuesday of each month at Brunswick Methodist Church, Newcastle. This group is for any fathers/male carers of individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Area(s) covered: North East
Newcastle East End ADHD Support
Karen Snowdon, c/o 77 Brampton Avenue, Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 3ET
Tel: 0191 2094 348
e-mail: snowdonkaren@yahoo.co.uk
The group meets Monday mornings from 10.30am-12.30pm in the family room at West Walker Family Centre, Newcastle. It is run by volunteers who all have a family member with ADHD. The group is open to parents/carers, siblings, aunts, uncles and grandparents and professionals with an interest in ADHD are welcome too. Have a small amount of books and literature which members can borrow and try to organise events and activities with funding is available.
Area(s) covered: East End of Newcastle
Newcastle Toy Library
Christine Graham, c/o Hadrian School, Bertram Crescent, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 6PY
Tel: 0191 2386 303
e-mail: ntll@freeuk.com
Web: http://www.ntll.co.uk
The group offers toy and equipment loans (by appointment); inclusive under 5s group with organised activities and soft play sessions,; activity clubs, outings and support to enable children with disabilities access to activities within their communities
Area(s) covered: Newcastle upon Tyne
PALS - Play, Activities, Listening Ear & Support
Alison Anderson
Tel: 01642 327 545
Group for parents of children on the Autistic Spectrum Disorder and their families. The group meets on Friday evenings (fortnightly/term time) at the Salvation Army in Middlesbrough.
Area (s) covered: No geographical restrictions.
Sedgefield Locality Parent Carer Group
Joanne Lancastle, Sedgefield Locality Carers Centre
Tel: 01325 313123
e-mail: joanne.lancastle@sedgefieldcarers.org.uk
Web: http://www.sedgefieldcarers.co.uk
The group meet from 10-12noon, usually on the last Tuesday of the month (term time). Occasionally the day changes so please ring for details. The group meet at the Oaks School, Rock Road, Spennymoor. Parents can enjoy a cuppa, time out from their caring role and listening to speakers from local service providers.
Area(s) covered: Sedgefield locality
Small Steps – Seize the Day
Judith Roberts
Tel: 07939029744
e-mail: seizetheday.smallsteps@yahoo.co.uk
Web: http://seizetheday-smallsteps.webs.com
This parent support group aims to raise awareness of epilepsy and provide emotional support for families of small babies who have epilepsy and resulting developmental delay. This is to help the social inclusion of this group of people. The group meets fortnightly on a Friday between 1.00-3.00pm at Pelton Sure Start
Area(s) covered: County Durham
SNAPS - Special Needs Activities with Parents Support
Ruth Benson
Tel: 01642 530292
email: r.benson4@ntlworld.com
SNAPS is a parent led support group which provides term and holiday activities for the whole family who has a child or young person with special or additional needs, age range 0 -25 years. Families are given a chance to enjoy activities together and an opportunity to meet with others in similar situations. Parents/Carers/Guardians are responsible for their own children/young people. SNAPS Plus for 18 -25 year olds with Carers attending, on the 1st Wednesday of a month. Also run S.N.I.P.S Special Needs Information & Parents Support which meets Wednesdays term time 10am-12noon
Area covered - Tees Valley
Stockton Parent Support for Families and Special Needs Groups
Amanda Vince, Gloster House, Falcon Court, Preston Farm Business Park, Stockton on Tees TS18 3TS
Tel: 01642 674238
e-mail: stocktonps@yahoo.co.uk
Web: http://www.stocktonparentsupport.co.uk
Provides information, support, activities and participation projects for disabled children and young people and their families. Current activities include discos, cheerleading, arts & crafts and sportability. Has three participation projects for young people; helping to design an accessible play area, a disco committee and a Disability Forum for young people.
Area(s) covered: Stockton-on-Tees
Sunderland ADHD Support Group
Tel: 0191 5550109
e-mail: Linda@sunderlandadhdsupportgroup.co.uk
Web: http://www.sunderlandadhdsupportgroup.co.uk
A support group run by parents/carers for parent/carers of ADHD children/young people and any co-existing disorders. Meetings are held monthly at The Carer's Centre, Toward Road, Sunderland. Meetings are informal with tea, coffee and refreshments available. A guest speaker is invited along to some meetings.
Area(s) covered: Sunderland
Sunderland & South Tyneside Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) Support Group
Pauline Donaldson
Tel: 0191 455 6959
e-mail: me-cfs@blueyonder.co.uk
Web: http://www.mecfs.co.uk
Group meets on the third Wednesday of each month (except December) at the Customer Service Centre Bunny Hill Hylton Lane Sunderland. Membership is free and open to all. The group also issue a quarterly newsletter
Area(s) covered: Sunderland and South Tyneside
Sunderland Carers' Centre Parent Carer Group
Sunderland Carers' Centre, 12 Toward Road, Sunderland SR1 2QF
Tel: 0191 5673 232
e-mail: info@sunderlandcarers.co.uk
Web: http://www.sunderlandcarers.co.uk/
Group for parents of children (under 18) with special needs and disabilities. The group meets on the second Thursday the month at Sunderland Carers' Centre, 10.30am-12noon. Meetings are usually an informal exchange of information and mutual support with some updates on policy issues, events, etc. There are also occasional speakers.
Area(s) covered: Sunderland
Sunderland, Washington & Coalfields Parent Carers Council
Tel: 0191 4175322
e-mail: spcc.office@yahoo.co.uk or swcpcc@googlemail.com
Web: http://www.swcpcc.org.uk/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=48925264897
Parents working together to create change, for children and young people to be able to learn, make friends, have a voice and be part of ordinary school and community life. They Parent Carers Council works with the families of children and young people who have special educational or additional needs, disabilities, emotional and behavioural difficulties or who are experiencing difficulties fitting in with school or community life for any reason. Hold regular monthly meetings and coffee mornings.
Area(s) covered: Sunderland and Washington
Teesdale Autistic Group - TAG
Lindsey Starborn, Durham Dales Action for Carers
Tel: 01833 630202
e-mail: lstarborn@durhamdalescarers.org.uk
TAG is a peer support group that meets monthly at Claire House in Barnard Castle for coffee and an occasional speaker, the dates vary although are usually on a Monday morning between 10.00 am and 12.00 pm. The group is run by parent carers of children who are on the Autism Spectrum but carers of adults are also welcome to attend
Area(s) covered: Teesdale, County Durham
Tees Valley Dyspraxia Support Group
Marie Holroyd
Tel: 07581347688
Email: jigsawclub@hotmail.co.uk
This group meets every Saturday from 1.00–3.00pm at the Belle Vue Centre, Kendall Road, Hartlepool. The group offers support to parents and children with Dyspraxia and associated conditions. They have an artist in residence and sports coaches. This is a time for parents to relax while the children develop their skills
Area(s) covered: Tees Valley
Tees Valley FASD
e-mail: TeesValleyFASD@mail.com
Web: http://www.teesvalleyfasd.weebly.com
Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/c3bqs8g
Tees Valley FASD is a support group for families raising children with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in the Tees Valley area which includes: Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Darlington and Redcar & Cleveland. The group meets at the George Hardwick Foundation, Stockton-on-Tees
Area(s) covered: Tess Valley (although those outside are welcome)
Tourette Syndrome North East
Jac Campbell
Tel: 07501 620200
e-mail: jac.campbell@homecall.co.uk
The group is run by and for people in the North East affected by Tourette Syndrome. Meetings are friendly and informal and offer families a unique opportunity to meet with others who understand.
Area(s) covered: North East
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