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.

My name is Kate- I am a professional drama facilitator, I am also the creative director and CEO of little big mouth theatre company, project worker for the Josephine and Jack project (SEN) and the community development officer for Wallsend children community. Children, families and vulnerable adults are at the Centre of all my job roles. I have a passion for supporting people emotionally, mentally and physically while empowering people to grow and develop as an individuals. I have 2 young children myself and being mum is my favorite job of all. I joined the NAPI committee as I have used this service personally with my 2 children and was empowered and inspired by its ethos and principles. NAPI puts children at the heart of everything and inspires families to use play as an educational tool. I am looking forward to using my skills to help NAPI keep growing and It’s a pleasure to be part of such an amazing charity. 

Rachel Ronan - Rachel is the secretary for NAPI management committee and joined in july 2023. I am currently the owner/manager of Woodlands Playgroup in High Heaton, a lovely pre-school in a children's centre. We have been running for 9 years. Prior to that I was a childminder for many years and ran South Gosforth Parent and Toddler group. I joined the committee at NAPI as throughout my childcare career, they have been there to support me and the many children I have cared for. 

Emma Vicarage - I’m centre manager and SENCO for Heaton Community Centre (HCC). I have worked for and been involved with HCC for over 20 years. I have a BA Hons degree in Early Years Practice, Level 5 in Operational Management, a NCFE Cache Level 3 Award for Special Educational Needs Coordinators in Early Years Settings and Community Development level 3. I believe that by providing local families with affordable activities and groups the whole community benefits. It helps reduce isolation, expands leisure and educational opportunities and through this improves mental health and wellbeing. I look forward to working with NAPI to provide the communities of the Northeast with more support and opportunities for the future. 

Karen Williams -  Karen previously managed NAPI for 25 years as the Project Manager.

I was appointed as a Development Worker/Service Manager in 1997 as a result of my experience of working with voluntary community groups in Gateshead which promoted the development of children under 5 and provided support for parents through community based parent and toddler groups. I personally gained a sense of belonging to my community after leaving work as a result of starting my family. I established a network of friends, some of which I am still in contact with today. My children were able to socialise with other children and adults. They moved through their development stages and educational with many of these same children and remain friends as adults. I passionately believe in the opportunities community groups provide to families. As a result of the social isolation created by the COID pandemic the need for these opportunities have never been greater. As well as the development of social skills, routines are established and skills needed for progress through cognitive development are practiced and mastered. Although I am unable to carry out an employment role within NAPI, I am ken to see it develop and reshape to meet the needs of todays families and I believe I can provide some guidance as a trustee as a result of my previous experience. 


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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