"The Lioness, The most fearsome mother on the planet.......
until you meet a Special Lioness"
Claire & Amy
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The Special Lioness, based in Washington, Tyne and Wear, is a small yet ambitious charity supporting families of children with additional needs, disabilities, and life-limiting conditions. Open to all, regardless of diagnosis, the charity offers guidance, advice, and enriching experiences to enhance the lives of special families.
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Founded in 2017 by two mothers of children with profound disabilities, it originated from a shared need for connection and support in a Portage sensory group. The charity fosters friendships among parents and carers while creating joyful, memorable moments for children through fundraising efforts.
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Dedicated to cherishing every moment, The Special Lioness strives to build an inclusive, supportive community, making lasting memories and uplifting families in extraordinary circumstances.
National Diversity Awards 2025
Exciting News!
We are absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted in the Community Organisation Award for Age category at this year’s National Diversity Awards!
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This is a tremendous honour, we are truly touched that someone has recognised our ongoing efforts to push the boundaries of inclusion and accessibility. Our mission is to ensure that every child is seen, valued, and given the opportunities they deserve, because representation matters, and every family deserves to feel supported.
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At The Special Lioness, we believe in helping families thrive, not just survive. This nomination is a testament to the incredible community we’ve built together.
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Please send us all the positivity and good energy our way as we hope for a place in the winners’ circle. We’d be deeply honoured and truly grateful!
Congratulations!!
We would like to congratulate all of the amazing organisations and individuals who have also been shortlisted as finalists for this years National Diversity Awards:-
Positive Role Model Award: Age
Luke Cato, Issy Hawkins, Katie Killick, Kyrelle Lammy, Ilhora-Lee Louison BCyA, Anton Noble, Sam Ogle and Mohammad Erfan Sharifi
Positive Role Model Award: Disability
Scott Burns, David Gray-Hammond, Victoria Jenkins, Katie K, Caroline O'Neill, Karolina Pakenaite, Aidy Smith and Nick Wilson
Positive Role Model Award: Gender
Holly Hostettler-Davies, Natasha Day MBE, Hilda Hwoffie, Alex Knight, Daniella Maison, Caz May, Delyth Pannett and Steph Richards
Positive Role Model Award: LGBT
Fox Fisher, Mr DK Green, Rob Hurley, Susan Logie, Katie Neeves, G Sabini-Roberts, Patrick "Poggy" Murray Whitham and Adam Zane
Positive Role Model Award: Race, Faith & Religion
Amrit Bahia, Jakia Hussain, Mars Lord, Marsha Martin, Annisha Taylor, Mark Nam, Baljit Singh Rihal and Tumi Sotire
Community Organisation Award: Age
Black Swan Collective, The Kindness Postbox, Cornerstone Benwell, Little Hiccups, Agent Academy CIC, Start Young UK, The Special Lioness and Trekkers UK
Community Organisation Award: Disability
ADD-vance, Accessible Calderdale Disability Access Forum, GROVE Neurodivergent Mentoring & Education, Little Rainbows Doncaster, Pulp Friction, RAWD CIO, Surrey Coalition of Disabled People and West Yorkshire ADHD
Community Organisation Award: Gender
ADHD Babes, Blackburne House, Endo Buddies, Migrant Women Press, Stow Inspire, Train the Boys, Women in Data and Womenzone
Community Organisation Award: LGBT
In Focus Education & Development, LGBT Sparkle, Marching Out Together, Proud 2 b Parents, Sahir, Transparent Presence CIC, Trans Pride Hastings and The Proud Trust
Community Organisation Award: Race, Faith or Religion
Academy Achievers, Europia, Keshet UK, Nubian Jak Community Trust, Spark Inside - The Black Hero’s Journey, The Amos Bursary, Wai Yin Society and The Mango Ensemble
Community Organisation Award: Multi-Strand
Enough, Mysterious Minds, Project Accountability CIC, RISE.365, Tomorrow Meets Today, The H Foundation, Wellies-On and Windrush Foundation
Entrepreneur of Excellence Award
Segun Akinwoleola, Daniella Blechner, Shelley Cowan, Millie Flemington-Clare, Hannah Hawkney, Emma Mander, Caroline Popoola and John & Funso Uwagboe
Diverse Company Award
Airbus, Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, Department for Culture, Media & Sport, Merseyside Police, Rethink Mental Illness, Savills, Sytner Group, TUI UK, Volkswagen Group UK Ltd and YHA England and Wales
Celebrity of the Year Award
Danny Beard, Yolanda Brown OBE, Nicola Coughlan, Stephen Graham, Georgia Harrison, Vick Hope, Mark Hoyle / Ladbaby, Jamie Laing, Joe Locke & Kit Connor, Chris McCausland, Jodie Ounsley and Fatima Whitbread
Lifetime Achiever Award
Colleen Amos OBE, Jacqui Gavin BEM, Stephen Gill, Kathryn Halford OBE, Weininger Irwin, Patrick Kwesiga, Mick Lagbir Singh and Mik Scarlett Wallace
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One of the main reasons The Special Lioness was founded in 2017 was to create a common community, to give a safe environment to talk, ask for help, reach out and help others. To share valuable information, which can only be gained through going through this fight personally or to learn from other parent/carers - Knowledge = Power.
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Our open page on Facebook is available to anyone, however, we have a closed group which is private to our members only, see "The Special Lioness Group" on Facebook.
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