About Us

About Us

North East Action for Children Parents and Inclusion (NAPI) recognises that the needs of children and their families are diverse and individual. NAPI provides and promotes services and support to children and families, local communities, volunteers and organisations. NAPI empowers the social, educational and health needs of all those involved.

Our Vision


We strive for a society in which every child feels loved, safe and happy and has equal opportunities to thrive. We envision a future where everyone works together to celebrate and value childhood. 


Our Values


  • We cherish childhood – We believe that every child matters, at every stage of their life. Childhood should not be seen as a means to aend, it is a unique journey.
  • We respect – Every person that comes through our doors is an individual with their own needs. We offer an inclusive service to all.
  • We collaborate and inform – We work together with children and families, and the voluntary, public and private sectors to share information and provide early years support.
  • We empower – Any contact that a child experiences in their development is meaningful. We empower people to act in the best interest of children, always.


NAPI works with children and families primarily under 5 to provide access to appropriate quality services which:


  • Develop happier confident parents who are able to make choices for themselves and their families.
  • Move children through their stages of development in order to promote their confidence, skills, self-esteem and emotional well-being.
  • Promote the value of play.
  • Promotes Inclusion.


In order that these children and families can:


  • Engage and connect with their communities.
  • Have a smooth transition through their education and do well at school.
  • Become financially self-sufficient.


NAPI offers advice, information, support and listening ears from a qualified and experienced staff team to ensure happy, safe, well resourced and welcoming environments. In order to do this NAPI provides:


  • A Service Manager to provide a legal framework for the organisation and to co-ordinate the delivery of the service.
  • A team of Parent and Toddler Support Workers.
  • A team of Parent Carer Panel Support Workers.
  • A team of Toy Librarians.
  • A team of Inclusion Workers.
  • An Additional Needs Support Worker.
  • A team of children and families Support Workers. 

Meet the Team

NAPI Management Committee

NAPI is overseen by a voluntary Management Committee. These volunteers represent all areas of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Claire Lewis- Is the Chair for NAPI Management Committee and has been on the committee for a number of years. Claire use to run St Margaret's Parent and Toddler Group.

Kate Lockhart - Kate is our Deputy Chair and Treasurer of the NAPI Management Committee. Kate is also the community development officer for wallsend children community. A professional drama facilitator, the creative director and CEO of little big mouth threatre company and project worker for the Josephone and Jack project (SEN).

Rachel Ronan - Rachel is the secretary for NAPI management committee and joined in july 2023. Rachel is the manager of Woodlands private day nursery.

Emma Vicarage - Has just recently joined are Trustee board and is the manager of the Heaton Community Centre.

Karen Williams - Is our new Management Committee Member. Karen previously managed NAPI for 25 years as the Project Manager.


We are looking for New Trustee Board Members please enquire if interested.

Where are we

We are based at Heaton Community Centre, Trewhitt Road, Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne. NE6 5DY


You can take the following buses: 1, 62, 63, 307, 308, 309, 310. You can also take the metro to Chillingham Road station then walk down Chillingham Road till you reach the main shops then turn right onto Trewhitt Road until you reach Addycombe Terrace.


Please note when visiting the NAPI office or Toystore please use the car park in the Trewhitt Road complex. Please drive no more than 5mph as children may be in the car park. When on foot in the car park please be aware of vehicles coming in and going out. Street parking is available during busy times.

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