Neurodiverse Young People
Peer Support Groups
Our SEND and Neurodiversity Team offer a range of groups to support young people with a wide range of neurodivergence including ADHD and/or Autism. Our Neuro Peer Support Groups offer a space to relax, meet other neurodiverse young people and explore your interests. Our groups are open to neurodivergent young people whether they have received a formal diagnosis or self-identify. For general enquiries please email [email protected] .
We currently run Neuro Peer Support Groups for young people aged 11 – 25 who live in West Northumberland. These will take place in Hexham and Prudhoe fortnightly on Wednesday afternoons, 5 – 6.30pm. Referrals can be made via our online form here or for general enquiries please email [email protected]
Youth Groups
We have Neurodiverse Youth Groups, based in Felling Family Hub every week! This is great way for neurodiverse young people to meet new people, enjoy activities and grow their confidence!
To join, please complete the referral form here or contact [email protected]
Click here for information about our other youth groups.
The Masquer-Aid Programme
Masquer-Aid is a programme for young people 11-25 years’ old who have recently found out they’re neurodivergent or are waiting for a diagnosis (neuro pathway). Young people will take part in a 12-week programme where they learn about what it means to be Neurodivergent and talk about their shared experiences.
We request Masquer-Aid referrals are made through the NHS Newcastle and Gateshead Children and Young People’s Service (CYPS), who can be contacted via their website or telephone 0191 246 6913, freephone 0800 652 2864 or email [email protected]
Mentoring for Employability
We understand that sometimes things that might seem easy for some people are not always easy for everyone. As a neurodivergent young person, you may have experienced barriers to pursuing goals, being motivated, taking part in activities, accessing education or finding a job. Often, sharing your experiences of challenges with another person or asking for help can be a step towards overcoming them.
Our employability project for neurodivergent young people will help participants to increase their confidence and improve their employability skills. We will provide support to overcome barriers and develop opportunities to enter the workplace, enabling young people to move forward in their life.
A mentoring programme with a difference, members will be connected with someone who can provide guidance and support tailored to their needs and ambitions. Our mentors can provide help with:
- Exploring hopes and goals for the future
- Accessing different work experience opportunities
- Accessing qualifications
- Workshops to support interview skills and CV writing
- Gaining employment
If you are a neurodivergent young person and you are interested in being matched with an employability mentor please contact [email protected] . You can also get in touch if you know of a young person who could benefit from a mentor.
If you would like to volunteer as a mentor for this programme please click here to complete an enquiry form. All volunteer mentors will be give offered accredited training and will have expenses paid. Our team will provide ongoing support and advice as you undertake your role.
Youth Link
SEND Youth Link is the name for our young people’s peer mentoring service delivered in Newcastle. Youth Link helps to improve communication and relationships between you (if you are aged 11 to 18 years old) and your family, help you make friends, strengthen your confidence and self-esteem.
We match you with a trained volunteer (who is usually just a few years older). They will help you to look at your difficulties and help you to come up with solutions to your problems. We have helped hundreds of young people through Youth Link on issues such as bullying, loneliness, family and school problems.
This is a free service, to find out more use our contact us form, or ring our Youth Link teams in Newcastle on 0191 273 3997.
