Leeds Portage Service

15/01/2026

The NPA (National Portage Association) has called on the government to fund all local authorities so that Portage services can be provided in all areas of the country. For children with SEND, getting support as early as possible is crucial for their development. Need is wide-spread and children should have equal opportunities to receive support regardless of where they live. If you and your family have benefited from Portage or you know about the work that we do and would like to support us, please consider signing the petition below.

We call on the Government to fund all Local Authorities to provide portage services in every area, as we believe this will ensure a young child with developmental delay and disability can have more successful outcomes.

12/12/2025

We had a lovely time at our Portage Christmas Party today!🎄Lots of sensory exploration was seen in the ice and we had lots of fun splashing in the water☺️Thank you to Little Owls Two Willows in Beeston who had their nursery decorated beautifully and who allowed us to use their space again this year. We really appreciate the support.

Our biggest thank you goes to all of the families who have participated in the Portage service this year! Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication and for the many hours you welcomed us into your homes. We have celebrated so many successes and feel thankful to have been part of the journey in each child's development and progress 🥰

We hope you all have a wonderful and peaceful break with family and friends and wish you a joyful 2026!

04/12/2025

Temperatures are dropping ❄️❄️ Do you need a coat or know someone that would benefit from a FREE one? The can help. Free coats are now available at 28 locations across Leeds, and the rails will be replenished every week.

Please only take one coat per family member to ensure there are enough coats to help other families this winter, and please note that items provided are NOT for resale.

For full details on where you can get a free coat (opening days & times) please visit www.wearandshareleeds.org.uk

13/11/2025

Following the success of the SEND Parent Carer drop in's at Swarcliffe, evening sessions have now been organised in Seacroft for families who struggle to attend during the day. These will be run by SEND co-ordinator Hope who is very knowledgeable and can support on a range of concerns you may have.

21/10/2025

Can you believe Baby Week UK turns 10 this November! 🎉

We’re inviting activity organisers, play spaces, parent groups, early years settings, education, wellbeing & maternity teams to get involved by adding free or low-cost events to our website 👉 https://babyweek.co.uk/all-events/

You can list events by location or date (e.g. all library sessions, or all Monday events at your venue). Just include the time, date, link & place in the description. Our main events include:

👶🏻 Baby & Toddler Takeover at Thackray Museum of Medicine on 18 November
🥗 Healthy Parent, Healthy Baby Conference for Professionals on 20 November
🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Play Sessions with Leeds Dads on the weekend
🧸 Pop-up events with LEEDS BABY BANK

📅 Please only add events running 14–20 November. We can’t wait to make it the biggest year ever!

Any questions, please email info@babyweek.co.uk

21/10/2025

08/10/2025

Does your little one struggle with brushing teeth? Do they have difficulty at mealtimes with being in contact with different foods? Are they becoming overwhelmed with so much sensory input from these experiences?

ToothPASTE offers lots of helpful tips and strategies that you can try in a way that aims to be small and manageable for your child. Their website is simple to use and has videos you can watch and resources you can download.

Although it's geared towards supporting children with autism, the strategies can be used for all children in making slow and steady steps towards having good oral health and nutrition.

Advice and support for families of young autistic children to care for their teeth and gums.

29/09/2025

Drop in sessions start this week on Thursday 2nd October at Swarcliffe Community Centre. Whatever your concerns are, whatever challenges you are facing, these drop in sessions offer a listening ear in a friendly environment.

12/09/2025

Would you like help with how to provide a healthy, happy and supportive home for your family? Have you got children that are under the age of 5? Then why not join a HENRY group?!
We have some face to face HENRY groups that are due to start in the next couple of months. The face to face HENRY group is 2 hours long - see details bellow regarding times, dates and venue details for the groups that are coming up.
HENRY is a 8 week programme that covers a range of different topics such healthy eating habits, parenting styles and behaviour management. You are also gifted an amazing toolkit that will help to support you on your parenting journey.
To book a place on a HENRY group, please click on the Eventbrite link bellow -
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/leeds-community-healthcare-0-19-phins-73400088013
HENRY also have their own website, which has lots of useful tips and resources - please click on the link bellow for the HENRY organisation website -
https://www.henry.org.uk/

12/09/2025

Offering choices to children can have many benefits:
Avoid meltdowns
Build confidence
Cultivate a sense of value
Teach responsibility
Foster creativity
Develop problem-solving skills

28/08/2025

Do you have questions surrounding SEND? Are you looking for a service that could support you but don't know where to start? Would you like to meet other parents in similar situations? Monthly drop-in's are coming to Swarcliffe Community Centre in October so why not drop into their launch event next Thursday for a coffee and a chat to find out more. All the information is below☺️

22/08/2025

Our Chats & Tots stay & play sessions return on Friday 12th September!

A relaxed group for parents of a child 0-5 with additional needs. Sensory room & soft play. Gain peer support & informal advice from the Family Support Team.

Free, no need to book, all welcome!