The Wildside- learning through nature

The Wildside- learning through nature The Wildside- learning through nature (previously known as Whitley Wildlings) is a community interes
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25/08/2026

📢Don't forget, it's our third and final Summer Fair at Riverside Best Start Family Hub tomorrow.

⌚10am-1pm and it's completely free 👀

Bouncy castle, games, crafts, tombola and a special session from Kalma Life North Tyneside too.

There's something for everyone so bring all the family along 🎡🎪🎨

🐸 For those who have reached out in the past about our 8 week ConnectEd project 🐸The next cohort starts at the end of Se...
24/08/2026

🐸 For those who have reached out in the past about our 8 week ConnectEd project 🐸

The next cohort starts at the end of September and will run into November. We are working our way through the waiting list and have emailed the next group of participants. PLEASE check your inbox and junk folders. If you have not already confirmed your place by email, your spot will be passed onto the next family on the list. PLEASE ACCEPT (or cancel!) YOUR PLACE ASAP (deadline this Thursday August 27th).

Referral forms remain open and automatically put you on our waiting list. We plan on running these projects several times a year.

Thank you 🌿

What does holiday club mean to you? What do you look for in a club? To me it means freedom- the freedom to “just be” at ...
20/08/2026

What does holiday club mean to you? What do you look for in a club?

To me it means freedom- the freedom to “just be” at the end of a busy term; the freedom to make friends without judgement; the freedom to be creative, not worrying about the end result; the freedom to give it a go even if it goes wrong.

It is impossible to sum up all of the amazing experiences, friendships, tastes and magical moments that happened in just 2 weeks of holiday club but it’s fair to say WE HAD A BLAST! - Jess 🐸

A little follow up note and confession from Kendra-
Keeping on top of social media over the summer holidays proved to be that one ball too many in the usual holiday juggle.

Last December the Wildside celebrated a winter market where our community came out in the pouring cold rain and wind, sang carols, danced and laughed and most of all celebrated one another. It was so incredibly humbling seeing how many of you had spent the autumn making chutnies, jams, gins and other wonderful baked goods, as well as sharing your art and craft- all in an effort to raise money in order to offer free and subsidized places for our summer holiday club!

So here is a huge thank you to each and every one of you because folks, you made this happen! Thank you!!!

Also, the Wildside turned 5 this month! Woop! Maybe we can celebrate together over another winter fest ‘26? 😁

Thank you for being here and we sincerely hope you’re all finding moments to breathe, play and enjoy your summer! 🌿

Spaces available in our family sessions this coming week. Why not unwind/ restore a little before the regular routines s...
20/08/2026

Spaces available in our family sessions this coming week. Why not unwind/ restore a little before the regular routines start back up. Quiet/ ALN sessions also available!

Why not join us at our Riverside site in North Shields tomorrow (11.08) for our SEN friendly/ Quiet Forest school sessio...
10/08/2026

Why not join us at our Riverside site in North Shields tomorrow (11.08) for our SEN friendly/ Quiet Forest school session 🌿

Would be lovely to see you! 🌿
27/07/2026

Would be lovely to see you! 🌿

Hazy summer days, rustling in the grasses, buzzing of flies, flapping of wings, cooling splashes, sipping of fresh mint ...
13/07/2026

Hazy summer days, rustling in the grasses, buzzing of flies, flapping of wings, cooling splashes, sipping of fresh mint and rosemary teas, crumbling of mud pies, crunching of carrots, plucking of sugar snap peas, juicing of black currants and strawberries, pulling and baking of rhubarb, tending to and nurturing the environment and each other, the sharing of recipes and stories, lending of hands, words of encouragement between strangers, big steps taken, little steps taken, laughter, tears, ooo’s and aaaah’s, observing, listening, playing. Together. Just here.

🌿 this is our LAST WEEK of our regular term-time sessions. Please check our website for details and dates for our summer holiday programmes! Lots happening between our two sites ☺️ regular groups starting back up in September, we really hope you’ll join us! 🌿

This 💚
26/06/2026

This 💚

We just wanted to send out a little recap of our Connect-Ed project. We recently completed our first roll out of this 8 ...
25/06/2026

We just wanted to send out a little recap of our Connect-Ed project. We recently completed our first roll out of this 8 week project and have been so blown away by the positive and encouraging feedback from everyone involved.

This work matters. Safe outdoor spaces matter. Play matters. Listening matters. Childhood matters. Parenting matters. Reframing things, looking from a different angle, trying things differently, taking risks, being brave, trusting- it all matters.

One of the biggest observations participants and therapists fed back on is how it felt much more like a collaboration as opposed to professional vs client relationship. The power dynamic shifted and felt more equal outside amongst the mud kitchens, trees, and around the fire.

We’ve only scratched the surface….

8 week course, child-led outdoor play alongside a speech and language therapist, occupational therapist and psychologist- and all fully funded by the RC/ TNL Community Fund grant.

We will be running several of these 8 week projects a year with the next one starting this coming autumn (dates, self-referral process, details to come!)

Thank you again to everyone involved and everyone’s support!

24/05/2026

💙 ONE FOR THE DADS/STEP DADS/MALE CARERS 💙

New to our radar, a charity dedicated to supporting male carers of children with complex needs, disabilities and/or life limiting conditions - Harry's Pals Charity.

They have a webinar opportunity next WEDNESDAY for any of our families who may be interested in signing up to learn more and to connect. 💙

👇👇👇👇👇👇

At Harry’s Pals, we know that dads and male carers supporting children with complex needs, disabilities or life limiting illnesses are often carrying an enormous amount of stress and responsibility.

Men’s mental health matters, and we understand how important it is to have spaces where men feel comfortable talking, connecting and being supported by others who truly understand their experiences.

That’s why we’re inviting dads and male carers to join our upcoming webinar with guest speaker Paul Meadows from SENDS 4 Dad.

This relaxed online session will include:
✨ An introduction to SENDS 4 Dad and the support they offer
✨ Signposting to other supportive groups and services for men
✨ Open group discussion and shared experiences
✨ A safe and understanding space to connect with others

You do not have to navigate this journey alone.

📅 Wednesday 27th May
🕖 7pm

If you’re a dad or male carer supporting a child with additional needs or disabilities, we’d really encourage you to come along and join the conversation.

Please share with anyone who may benefit 💙

For the link to the webinar, please get in touch at [email protected]

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9 Bridge Terrace
Shiremoor
NE270TA

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