For families, every stage of a child's life brings new experiences, opportunities and sometimes challenges. Having somewhere welcoming to turn for friendship, activities, advice and practical support can make a real difference.
That is where North East Action for Children, Parents and Inclusion (NAPI) plays an important role.
Based at Heaton Community Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne, NAPI is a charitable organisation supporting babies, children, young people, parents, carers and volunteers. Its inclusive services welcome families from all backgrounds, including children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), whether needs are diagnosed, emerging or undiagnosed.
A new identity for a growing charity
In December 2023, Leah, with the support of NAPI’s Board of Trustees, led the rebrand from Newcastle Parent and Toddler Groups Initiative to North East Action for Children, Parents and Inclusion.
The new identity reflects how the charity has grown beyond its original parent and toddler roots to support children, young people and families across different stages of life.At its heart is a simple idea: creating a community where everyone feels welcome and included.
Giving children the best start in life
NAPI’s support begins with the earliest stages of childhood, recognising the importance of the Best Start in Life and the 1001 Critical Days from pregnancy through a child’s first two years.
By providing welcoming spaces, activities, information and opportunities to meet other families, NAPI helps parents and carers build connections and confidence while supporting their child’s early development.
“A typical family could be a parent with a baby or child who wants somewhere welcoming to meet other families, a carer looking for advice or support, or a family whose child has additional or emerging needs,” explains CEO Leah EvansDodsworth.
New Family Voices
NAPI is developing Family Voices, giving parents and carers opportunities to share their lived experiences and help influence the services that support Newcastle Children and Families.
“I’m proud that we give parents and carers a voice,” Leah adds. “Listening to lived experience is incredibly important.”
New SEND Hub
That commitment is reflected in the new NAPI SEND Hub, providing support, activities, information and connections for children and young people with SEND and or additional needs and their families.
Families do not necessarily need to wait for a formal diagnosis before seeking support. “More than 1,200 children have attended our sessions, and that number continues to grow,” says Leah.
SEND UNITED
NAPI is also working in partnership with The SEND Club and Newcastle United Foundation on SEND UNITED, taking place on Saturday 7 November 2026.
The inclusive event will bring together SEND children and young people, families, siblings and carers for sport, wellbeing, creative and sensory activities, quiet spaces and opportunities to connect with organisations, services and professionals.
It represents NAPI’s wider belief in the power of organisations and communities working together to remove barriers and create opportunities.
A community where everyone belongs
Volunteers are equally valued at NAPI, with opportunities to contribute to the community while developing skills, experience and confidence.
Like all charities, NAPI also relies on funding, fundraising, donations and community support to continue and expand its work.
From the 1001 Critical Days to its SEND Hub, Family Voices and SEND UNITED, NAPI continues to evolve while keeping community and inclusion at its heart.
Whether someone arrives looking for support or wanting to offer it, the goal remains the same: to create a community where everyone has the opportunity to belong.
www.napi.org.uk
Email: admin@napi.org.uk
Tel: 0191 265 6158