At the moment it certainly feels like good news stories can be quite hard to come by, but here at LD:NorthEast we have some very good news to share! We are absolutely delighted to announce that once again we have been successful in securing funding from Children in Need for our Early Years Project.

The Early Years Project has been providing support to children and families across North Tyneside since 2012, all funded by Children in Need. We support children to learn and develop through play, and bring families together. Our groups and activities are designed for children from birth to 5 years who have learning and/or physical disabilities, communication difficulties, complex health needs or life limiting conditions.

We offer support for parents and carers to help relieve anxieties, and provide lots of activities and groups that encourage children to learn and socialise through play. Everything we do is inclusive and tailored to individual needs.

Chief Executive Jacqui Thompson said “Our Early Years Project is at the heart of everything we do here at LD:NorthEast, we are grateful to Children in Need for their continuous support; this project has had a huge impact on children for the past 9 years supporting so many babies / children and families. We are honoured once again to be working closely with Children In Need in the years ahead”

We are delighted to announce and welcome Leanne Johnson-Read who has now joined us as our SEND Early Years Project Lead.

Leanne said “I have been working in the Specialist Education system for over 20 years. I have always loved the relationship between myself and all the young children I’ve worked with, but have always wanted to be able to do more to help the families too! I am so fortunate to be given this opportunity to now work with you all and look forward to meeting you all very soon”.

To find out more about our Early Years Project visit www.ldne.org.uk/services-for-children/ or contact our Projects Manager Julie on 0191 2622261 / julie.redpath@ldne.org.uk