This summer, Grace House has been bringing children, young people, and families together through a range of inclusive summer activities designed for children with disabilities and additional needs, their siblings, and families.

From paddleboarding and sports sessions to science, outdoor adventures, and creative activities, our programme has provided opportunities to learn new skills, build confidence, make friends, and create lasting memories in a safe and welcoming environment.

We’re proud to offer accessible holiday activities where everyone can join in, feel included, and enjoy new experiences at their own pace.

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Summer Activities

A huge thank you to our families, staff, volunteers, and partners for making this summer so special.

what does Grace House means to you?

We’re excited to share that Grace House North East will be part of the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend, taking place in Sunderland this May.

As part of the celebrations, Grace House has been invited to contribute to a special electronic art exhibition in Keel Square, showcasing the voices and creativity of our young people.

Over recent weeks, our children and young people have been exploring the theme:
“What does Grace House mean to you?” 🧡

Through their artwork and ideas, they’ve shared powerful messages about friendship, support, confidence, and belonging, all of which will be displayed on the big screen during the event.

📍 Keel Square, Sunderland
📅 Saturday 23rd May

This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our community and raise awareness of the support Grace House provides to disabled children, young people, and their families across the North East.

We’re incredibly proud to be involved and are looking forward to seeing you there! 💫

For more information, please contact:
📧 [email protected]

Jack first came to Grace House after performing at the Royalty Theatre. He joined our Social Group, where he met new people and built confidence in a friendly and supportive space.

Soon after, Jack began our supported work experience in Sunderland. Before joining us, Jack had studied Catering at City of Sunderland College, gaining a Level 2 qualification. He enjoyed working with food and wanted to gain real workplace experience.

Jack's story

How We Supported Jack

Grace House provided a Work Experience Coordinator to support Jack each week. He helped with:

• Reception duties

• Making posters

• Supporting events and campaigns

• Learning office and workplace skills

Because Jack was interested in food and business, we connected him with a local Sunderland organisation, Sunshine Co-operative.

Jack then started a weekly work placement, supported by Grace House staff, where he gained experience in a shop environment and learned about fresh, local food.

The Positive Impact

Over time, Jack became more confident and independent.

Sunshine Co-operative later asked Jack to continue working with them without support. After four months, Jack was offered paid work hours each week, which he is now managing with support from a DWP benefits advisor.

Jack experienced:

✔ Improved confidence
✔ New job skills
✔ Better communication
✔ Stronger independence
✔ Positive workplace relationships

Outcomes Achieved

• Happier and more confident

• Improved life and work skills

• A clear path towards employment

• Feeling valued and included

Jack’s Words

“I have loved my work experience at Grace House. It has been just the best. I have done a lot of new things. I have been on the reception desk, made posters, helped with campaigns (delivering posters for warm spaces) and events (Christmas celebration) and spent some time working in a shop.”

Jack's story

Making a Difference in Sunderland and the North East

Grace House North East provides disability support services in Sunderland that focus on real opportunities for young people and young adults with additional needs.

Through supported work experience, social groups, and community partnerships, we help people build brighter futures.

Jack’s story shows how the right support can lead to confidence, independence, and employment.

Get Involved

If you are looking for disability support in Sunderland or the North East, including work experience programmes and social groups for young adults, Grace House North East is here to help.

Together, we support young people to reach their full potential.

Jack's story

Parent Carer Support Programmes in Sunderland – Grace House North East

At Grace House North East, we provide dedicated Parent Carer Programmes to support families caring for children and young people with disabilities, additional needs, autism, ADHD, and hidden disabilities across Sunderland and the North East.

Our services are designed to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation, and offer practical and emotional support in a welcoming community environment.

parent carer support book club

Project 1: Starts 3rd February (3 weeks – finishing 17th February)

Project 2: Starts 10th March (3 weeks – finishing 24th March)

parent carer support sewing

Parent Carer Coffee Morning

Our next Parent Carer Coffee Morning Wednesday 4th March

Join us for our fortnightly Coffee Morning, a relaxed space to connect, chat and enjoy a cuppa together.

Learn more about our programmes and support

Meet other parent carers

Chat with Vicki and Wendy from our team

Every fortnight on Wednesday

9.30am – 11.30am

Book your place here: https://bookwhen.com/gracehouse

Registration is required.

tea time coffee break

We’re launching a convenient tea time coffee break especially for parent carers!

Tuesdays

4:00pm – 5:30pm

FREE

Drop in for a cuppa, relax, and connect with other parent carers in a friendly, supportive space, all while your child is safely engaged in their session.

A little time for you at the end of the day

No pressure, just support and community.

We’d love to see you there

Yoga for parent carers

Our yoga sessions, running every Monday and Wednesday

These sessions are suitable for beginners and open to all abilities, focusing on relaxation, gentle movement, and overall wellbeing.

Mondays: 11am-12pm

Just £2 per session

Beginner friendly & inclusive

Booking required via our website

https://bookwhen.com/gracehouse

NEW Singing Sessions for Parent Carers

23rd April – 28th May

10:00am – 12:00 noon

Calling all parent carers. come and join us for 6 weekly sessions and enjoy the confidence of singing out loud alongside like minded people.

No singing experience needed

No talent required

Just an open mind and readiness to have fun

Sessions will be facilitated by Michael McNally.

Just £2 per session!

The final session (28th May) will be extra special as we’ll invite children to join us during the school holidays

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out!

https://gracehouse.co.uk/book-activities/

NEW Weekly Session for Parent Carers Arts & Journaling

This relaxed and supportive session combines art, colours, textures and writing to help you explore your thoughts, reflect on your experiences, and express yourself in a creative way.

No artistic experience needed just come along and enjoy the process.

FREE for parent carers

Starting Tuesday 22nd April

10am – 12 noon

Weekly sessions (excluding school holidays)

A lovely opportunity to relax, connect with others, and boost your mental wellbeing through creativity.

Spaces are limited!

Booking required via Bookwhen: https://bookwhen.com/gracehouse

art and journaling-free sessions for parent carers

For more info please contact Wendy:

[email protected]

0191 435 2088

Walkie Talkies for Parent Carers

From 23rd April until 16th July, every Thursday, from 9:30am to 11:30am (excluding half term)

Take a little time for yourself and join our relaxed Walkie Talkies walks for parent carers. Enjoy some fresh air, gentle movement, and friendly conversation with others who understand the journey.

Dog friendly!

First session meets at Grace House

Future walking routes will be chosen together by the group.

Booking via Bookwhen: https://bookwhen.com/gracehouse

Walking for parent carers

Booking is essential.

Any questions, just get in touch:

[email protected]

0191 435 2088

Free Tennis for Parent Carers Time for You!

Grace House is delighted to offer free tennis sessions for parent carers at Thompson Park this spring and summer!

 Dates: 21st April – 14th July
 Time: 11:00am – 12:00 noon
 Location: Thompson Park Tennis Courts
 Please note: sessions will not run during half-term.

Come along for a fun, relaxed tennis session, meet other parent carers and enjoy some time outdoors. No experience is needed, everyone is welcome!

The sessions will be led by tennis instructor Ashleigh, and the group will meet her at the Thompson Park tennis courts.

 Spaces are limited, so booking is essential.

Tennis for parent carers

Any questions, just get in touch:
[email protected]
0191 435 2088

These sessions are kindly provided by Active Sunderland and RISE

New for Parent Carers Couch to 5K Limited spaces available

Beginner Running Programme

Ready to feel fitter, healthier and more confident? Our Couch to 5K programme is starting soon and places are filling quickly!

21st April – 14th July

10am – 12 noon

Led by Michael McNally, no previous running experience needed.

£25 deposit fully refunded if you attend all sessions

Ticket covers all 12 sessions

Limited spaces available don’t miss out! Book your place today. https://bookwhen.com/gracehouse

couch to 5k for parent carers

For more info please contact Wendy:

[email protected]

0191 435 2088

We have Great North Run charity places available for 2026 and are inviting runners from across the UK to run for Grace House.

By choosing Grace House as your charity, you’ll be supporting disabled children and young people across Sunderland, the North East.

sign up

Great North Run charity places

The Great North Run is one of the biggest running events in the world. Every year, thousands of people take part to raise money for charity.

If you’re looking to Sign up for the Great North Run, Run with one of the Great North Run charities, Complete your Great North Run registration, Running for Grace House is a great way to take part while making a real difference.

Charity place details

• Charity place cost: £60

• Suggested fundraising target: around £300

• No pressure – every pound raised helps, and we’ll support you throughout your journey

You don’t need to be an experienced runner. Whether it’s your first half marathon or one of many, everyone is welcome.

Who can run for Grace House?

You can run for us wherever you’re based, including Sunderland, Durham, Gateshead, South Tyneside, Wearside, Across the North East and Anywhere in the UK

Individuals, friends, families and workplace teams are all welcome.

Why run for Grace House?

Funds raised through the 2026 Great North Run help Grace House continue supporting disabled children and young people through vital services, activities and support for families across the region.

Great North Run sign up

👉 Find out more and complete your Great North Run registration here:

sign up

Run the 2026 Great North Run for Grace House

For more information about our Great North Run charity places, please contact:

Harry Forster
📧 [email protected]
📞 0191 435 2088

Run the 2026 Great North Run for Grace House and help change lives 🧡