Neurodiverse Young People
Our SEND and Neurodiversity Team offer a range of support for young people with a neurodivergence including peer support groups, 1-1 counselling and mentoring programmes.
Peer Support Groups
Our Neuro Peer Support Groups offer a space to relax, meet other neurodiverse young people and explore your interests. They are open to neurodivergent young people whether you have received a formal diagnosis or self-identify. Our groups are aimed at young people aged 11 – 25, although each group has an ‘older’ or ‘younger’ focus. To find out more about the groups in your area contact [email protected] or call 0191 273 3997.
We currently run Neuro Peer Support Groups in the following locations:
West Northumberland – these take place in Hexham and Prudhoe fortnightly. We are currently not taking new members for these groups, but for enquiries please email [email protected]
Gateshead – this group takes place in Felling Family Hub every week. To join, please complete the referral form here or contact [email protected] This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Table Top Role Playing Group
For people aged 13 – 19 (or up to age 25 with SEND) this is a weekly group for young people to learn to play table top role playing games, embarking on an adventure limited only by our own imaginations!
Based in Metro Centre Social Hub weekly. For more information contact [email protected]
The Masquer-Aid Programme
Masquer-Aid is our psycho-educational programme for young people aged 11-25 who have recently found out they’re neurodivergent or are waiting for a diagnosis. 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 with peers. We also offer 1-1 counselling for neurodivergent young people who are struggling with their mental health – participants can take part in either group, or counselling, or both.
Masquer-Aid referrals must be 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 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.
If you are a neurodivergent young person aged 16 – 25 and you are interested in being matched with an employability mentor please contact [email protected] . 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 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.
At the moment, we are not able to accept any new referrals for Youth Link. However, you can join our waitlist by completing this form!
