The Special Lioness

The Special Lioness We create a safe space for the families to interact and find likeminded peers to build a supportive community to feel welcome, empowered and listened to.

An award-winning, parent-led charity's mission to support families of children with life-limiting disabilities and SEN Proudly offering the first sensory room of its kind in the North East providing a safe, stimulating space for individuals of all ages. We provide a listening ear, a support and network of peers and professionals; provide appropriate training via a specialist SEND setting, we stri

ve to empower parents to become passionate, knowledgeable and supported within their journey. Our biggest commitment is to create wonderful accessible, inclusive environments for the children to "be who they are", forget social etiquette and just explore the world around them, connect with other children and siblings and be appreciated for their uniqueness, no matter what their level of additional need. An environment for siblings to play and interact and feel equally important and celebrate their own achievements and success at being a young carer. We love to plan special money-can't-buy events such as our yearly trip onboard an adapted catamaran for the children to be skipper for the day, to plan sensory inclusive black-tie balls for the whole family and bring everyday activities within reach.

You asked… and p**f! it came true,Santa’s got extra spaces just waiting for you.In our Winter Wonderland, snowy and brig...
04/09/2026

You asked… and p**f! it came true,
Santa’s got extra spaces just waiting for you.
In our Winter Wonderland, snowy and bright,
Come believe in the magic of Christmas


https://www.thespeciallioness.com/book-online

🎃👻 HALLOWEEN IS COMING TO THE SPECIAL LIONESS! 👻🎃We are SO excited to bring you another year of roarsome Halloween activ...
04/09/2026

🎃👻 HALLOWEEN IS COMING TO THE SPECIAL LIONESS! 👻🎃

We are SO excited to bring you another year of roarsome Halloween activities! 🦁🎃

Last year, our Halloween sessions sold out incredibly quickly, so don’t leave it too late to grab your place! We have THREE spooky sessions available this year. 👻

We believe every child deserves the chance to celebrate Halloween. That’s why we create a Halloween experience that is positive, calm, quiet and sensory-friendly, giving children the opportunity to enjoy all the fun without the overwhelm. 💜

🎃 Pumpkin decorating
🎨 Halloween crafts
👻 Spooky games
🖐️ Sensory trays
🍬 Spooky treats in our tuck shop
✨ And lots more!

It’s a chance for the whole family to enjoy Halloween together, in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where children can join in at their own pace.

Come along and spend Halloween with The Special Lioness - Roaring Rainforest! 🦁💜

And who knows… Luna might even surprise us with a visit! 🐾👀🎃

🎟️ Spaces are limited, and last year we sold out fast!
Don’t miss out on our spooktacular Halloween fun! 👻🎃

Care & Independence glove sling, Size 6 with mid strap, perfect condition available for collection x5 available now.
03/09/2026

Care & Independence glove sling, Size 6 with mid strap, perfect condition available for collection x5 available now.

Well it’s September after all so we can officially talk Christmas 🎅🏻 Who wants to book a visit with Santa we are almost ...
02/09/2026

Well it’s September after all so we can officially talk Christmas 🎅🏻

Who wants to book a visit with Santa we are almost full so looking to see if there’s interest to open up more special visits?!?!?

Drop us a 🎅🏻 below for ho ho yeah…

🌟 Mini & Junior GNR 2027 – Who’s joining our pride? 🌟Big wheels, tiny feet, speedy zoomers, steady movers… every kind of...
02/09/2026

🌟 Mini & Junior GNR 2027 – Who’s joining our pride? 🌟

Big wheels, tiny feet, speedy zoomers, steady movers… every kind of runner is welcome with us! 🦁💛

We’re seeing who might like to take part in next year’s Mini & Junior Great North Run. Whether your child sprints, rolls, walks, or dances their way to the finish, they’re part of our team.

Pop a comment or message if your little superstar is interested.
Let’s make 2027 joyful, inclusive and full of Lioness magic 🎉

01/09/2026

Huge thank Margaret for opening up communication for those who need it most 🥰

✨ 32 Sleeps to Go… and the Magic is Calling ✨The countdown is officially on, just 32 sleeps until our Disney Magic Ball,...
01/09/2026

✨ 32 Sleeps to Go… and the Magic is Calling ✨

The countdown is officially on, just 32 sleeps until our Disney Magic Ball, and we can feel the excitement building already.

🪄 A fun‑filled family afternoon bursting with joy, laughter, and moments that become memories to treasure forever.
🦁 A space where every child shines, every family feels wrapped in love, and the magic truly comes alive.

Get ready for:

• Sparkling smiles
• Heart‑warming surprises
• Inclusive fun for all
• A ballroom filled with pure Special Lioness magic

The story begins soon… and we can’t wait to share it with you.

https://www.thespeciallioness.com/event-details/disney-magic-ball

30/08/2026

A huge shout‑out to The Havelock Arms for inviting us to be part of your fantastic 60s Festival. We had such a great time and met some truly lovely people, including the super‑talented Malia’s Masterpieces, whose face‑paints were a total hit!

With your support, we raised £225.60.
Thank you to everyone who came along, donated, chatted, and made today so special 🦁✨

What a lovely set up here at the The Havelock Arms, loving the face paint and can’t wait for the singers at 7pm. This is...
30/08/2026

What a lovely set up here at the The Havelock Arms, loving the face paint and can’t wait for the singers at 7pm. This is a family event so come along

Come and spend your bank holiday with us at The Havelock Arms for their Festival of the 60s there’ll be games, face pain...
30/08/2026

Come and spend your bank holiday with us at The Havelock Arms for their Festival of the 60s there’ll be games, face painting, prizes, singers and fun for all.

The team at The Havelock Arms will be donating monies to us at The Special Lioness 🦁 ☮️ 🌺

Bank Holiday Sunday - 30th August
Who doesn't love a bit of Woodstock hippie magic? ✌️🌼
Grab your daisies, dust off your flares and spread the peace at The Havelock this Bank Holiday Sunday as we bring you our very own Festival of the 60s!
Expect: Face painting and glitter bar from 4pm to 6pm with Malia’s Masterpieces 🎨
• Live music from Callum Harbottle Music and Ashley Louise from 7pm till late🎤 The Special Lioness charity will be attending from 4pm with lots to do. Best hippy hound fancy dress comp - tag your hippy hound picture taken at the Havelock and upload it to our page to be in with a chance! Best adult hippy costume- grab your entry at the bar - winner announced by Ash.
• A festival photo pod 📸 - upload and tag the Havelock for a chance to win a prize!
• Flower-power vibes 🌼
• Great drinks and even better company 🍻

Fancy dress encouraged!!
Whether you're a flower child or just fancy a day out, come and join us for peace, love and music. ☮️🌈

Address

4 Baird Close, Washington
Sunderland
NE373HL

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 3pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 3pm
Thursday 9:30am - 3pm
Friday 9:30am - 3pm

Telephone

+447871415607

Website

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