29 September 2023 InfoNOW News

InformationNOW

InformationNOW is committed to providing the right information at the right time to people living in Newcastle.

We have produced a new page for free resources on the About Us section of InformationNOW. To improve our reach to people whose first language isn’t English we’ve created some new resources such as:

Posters for informationNOW in Arabic, Spanish & French.

Our InformationNOW flyers with reverse side about using our ReciteME tool. Available in Arabic, Farsi, French, Polish, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Urdu,

See our Free InformationNOW resources

Older Voices and City News & Views

InformationNOW has been out on the airwaves spreading the word about Older persons month, Black history month and other events and activities you can find on InformationNOW this month!

Lauren from InformationNOW joined Older Voices Radio show as a guest to talk about the websites history as part of the Elders council as well as the events and activities taking place for Older persons month. You can also hear from Hannah Christy at the Farrell Centre, Doug Hunter at Equal Arts, Clare Levi at The Elders Council of Newcastle and Pat Lowery at Newcastle Lit. and Phil society.

You can listen to Older Voices on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month at 2pm to 4pm live on 102.5FM Nova Radio North East

Richard from InformationNOW joined City News and Views Podcast as a guest to speak about Older persons Month, Black history month and other events in October.

You can listen to Radio Tyneside or listen to the podcast via InformationNOW’s News and Community Radio section and clicking ‘Listen’ and following the links.

You can also listen to both these shows by visiting LLARC’s Mixcloud channel

Cost of living payments

On 20 September the Government announced that the second Cost of Living Payment of £300 will be paid to eligible households between 31 October and 19 November.

Eligible pensioner households will also receive a further £300 payment later this year as an addition to the Winter Fuel payment.
Eligible tax credits-only customers who do not qualify for a payment from DWP will receive £300 from HMRC between 10 and 19 November.
From 20 November, people who have become retrospectively entitled, or think they should have had a Cost of Living Payment but have not received one can report it via GOV.UK.

Read the GOV.UK statement on cost of living payments here

Read more on InformationNOW about Cost of living help and support

Tax credits ending leaflet advice

If you’re in receipt of Tax Credits, you may have received a leaflet explaining they are coming to an end. This does not mean you have to claim Universal Credit yet.

For information and guidance on what to do and the facts please see the Newcastle city council Benefit Bulletin:
Universal Credit special: the problematic government leaflet and when you do (and don’t) need to claim Universal Credit

Read more on InformationNOW about Tax Credits

Go North East Bus strikes

Unite the Union has called a series of strikes at Go North East which are likely to bring many of their bus services to a halt on the following dates:
• Saturday 30th September – Friday 6th October inclusive
• Saturday 14th October – Friday 20th October inclusive

Depots affected are Consett, Gateshead, Hexham, Percy Main (North Shields), Sunderland and Washington.
Their advice to passengers is to make alternative travel arrangements. A skeleton service for buses will likely run on strike days, focusing predominantly on ensuring that school services operate where possible.

However a significant majority of Go North East bus services across the North East will not run. The skeleton service will focus predominantly on ensuring that school services operate where possible.

Read the Update on GoNorth East’s website

Read more on InformationNOW about Public transport

Newcastle carers free training or resources

Newcastle Carers offer a range of free training, events and resources to support carers in their caring role, including

Basic Moving and Handling training A training session will help carers develop their skills to confidently and safely move and handle someone as part of their caring role
Digital Resource for Carers They have partnered with Carers UK to provide carers with a specially created and comprehensive information resource that includes e-learning modules, factsheets, interactive guides

Newcastle Carers are also running a Carers’ Rights Surgery: knowing your rights as a carer on Friday, 24 November, from 9.30am to 12.30pm at Newcastle Carers Centre, Byker.

No appointment is needed; just come along to find out:

If you are getting all the benefits you’re entitled to (please bring as much information about your current financial situation as possible) – Newcastle Welfare Rights Service
What grants and entitlements you could apply for – Newcastle Carers
About planning for emergencies if you’re ever unable to care for the person you usually care for – British Red Cross
About your rights at work – North of Tyne Combined Authority, Carers into Work Project
About social care and carer’s assessments – Newcastle Adult Social Care
About your rights as an asylum seeker and refugee carer – Newcastle Carers

There will be free tea/coffee refreshments. If you need more information before attending our Carers’ Rights Surgery, you can Email info@newcastlecarers.org.uk

Read more on InformationNOW about Caring for someone

ShaunOnTheTyne Farewell to the Flock

7, 8, 10 October 2023, Newcastle Civic centre

The popular ShaunOnTheTyne art trail across Newcastle comes to a close this week.

Help give the Shaun the Sheep on the Tyne flock the send off they deserve at 2 final farewell events for all the family on 7 and 8 October. All big and little sheep come together for the final time with the chance to grab a selfie or photo opportunity with your favourite Shaun sculpture one last time as well as Shaun merchandise available.

Family tickets for up to 4 people over the age of 4 can be bought. A ‘quiet hour’ session will run from 9 – 10am for those who might benefit from being in a less busy environment such as disabled people and those who have sensory needs such as autism.

On the 10th October at 6pm a grand finale auction will be held where people can bid on 37 of the flock to give them a forever home.

All profits from the events go to supporting the work of St Oswald’s Hospice, who provide specialist care to adults and children with life-limiting conditions.

Black History Month Events

New organisation on InformationNOW

October is Black History month, Black History Month aims to recognise the contributions and achievements of people with African and Caribbean heritage, and those who identify as Black British.

This year, the theme for Black History Month is ‘Saluting our Sisters.’

Saturday 7 October 2023, 1 to 5pm
Newcastle based Teakisi are hosting their fifth annual Elevate symposium on 7th October.

Performance And Creativity Taster Day

10 October 2023 2023 53–57 Blandford Square, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4HZ

Prince’s Trust Newcastle are holding a Get Started With Performance And Creativity taster Day on 10th October 2023.

This is a taster of their Get started performance and creativity course running from 16 to 20th October. The course offers young people the chance to learn from industry experts and creative professionals, develop skills, take part in development activities and create content with theatre practitioners and animators.
The course application deadline is 9 October.

Read more on InformationNOW about Support to prepare for work or a job

Princes Trust NHS customer service programme

Prince’s Trust Newcastle have launched a programme for 16-30 year olds to apply to work in NHS customer service roles

They support young people to enter the programme and are offering free support with the application and interview process.

Applicants dont have to have previous call centre experience. The Call Centre Advisor role has a starting salary of £22,383.

Email chris.leech@princestrust.org.uk to find out more.

Read more on InformationNOW about Looking for work

NGPS Social Prescribing event

People working as social prescribers in Newcastle are invited to attend a Social Prescribing Meet Up in Newcastle City Centre. The idea of the day is to create a connection with social prescribers city wide and promote a community between people who come to work to support others.

Social Prescribing has been a huge part of GP and primary health services over the last few years. This event is to celebrate the work of the Social Prescribers of Newcastle, to allow for stronger links to be made between services, for constructive problem solving between services, localities and practices, and to build and strengthen the social prescribing model through comparison of job roles, knowledge and involvement in patient care.

If you would like to book a place Email nencicb-ng.collaborativenewcastle@nhs.net

LGBTQ+ Asylum project worker

Deadline Monday, October 9, 2023 9am

Rainbow Home provide ongoing one to one support and group sessions for a growing number of LGBTQ+ people who are seeking asylum.
They have a job opportunity to work with people who identify as LGBTQ+ who are seeking asylum in the UK and who are based in N.E. England.

You can find out more and apply on VONNE here

Newcastle Arts Team Opportunities

Deadlines 9 and 25 October

Arts Development Team at Newcastle City Council in partnership with Adult Social Care and Integrated Services, are looking to appoint an Arts Producer to work across Newcastle on a Dementia Friendly Art Project.

Deadline for applications is Wednesday 25 October 2023 at 12pm See here for more details.

Elswick Leisure Centre is looking to appoint an artist in residence to work within their leisure centre in the West End of Newcastle during November 2023.

Deadline for applications is Monday 9 October 2023 at 12pm. See here for more details

Give your views on Healthwatch Newcastle

Healthwatch Newcastle gives general advice about health and social care. Important things, such as registering with or contacting services and making a complaint. Their website www.healthwatchnewcastle.org.uk also directs people to services that may be useful.
They also run engagement events and undertake research to get general and specific information about the public’s experience of health and social care services. Healthwatch Newcastle uses this information to influence and shape health and social care services to meet the needs by providing it to important forums such as the Health and Wellbeing Board and Newcastle Overview and Scrutiny, as well as to commissioners in the City Council and Integrated Care Board NENC (NHS).
They want to hear from the public about their views on the current information, signposting, sharing experience on health and social care services which are provided by Healthwatch Newcastle (even if you haven’t used them). They are also keen to know what they can do going forward to support people using health and social care to shape the offer appropriately.
The online survey is part of the opportunity they are offering for you to give your feedback.

https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/5YQRF3/
Deadline for responses is 16th October 2023.

the survey or questions can be provided in a different format, such as on paper, large print and you can contact info@healthwatchnewcastle.org.uk to make arrangements.

Read more on InformationNOW about Having your say about health and care services

Stakeholders give your views on Healthwatch Newcastle

The City Council has started the process of recommissioning Healthwatch Newcastle with the intention of a new contract starting on 1^st April 2024. Many of you may not know that Healthwatch Newcastle is hosted by Tell Us North. This is a statutory provision which Newcastle City Council commissions under guidance from Healthwatch England.

They invite stakeholders including VCS members, councillors, council colleagues and public sector colleagues to take part in this consultation and provide your views and experience in relation to Healthwatch Newcastle (whether or not you have used their services), so that we can shape the offer appropriately, via this MS Form:

https://forms.office.com/e/DZRJNqytKd

They will be holding a market engagement provider meeting at the Civic on 18^th October, 10 am to 12 noon and the anonymous feedback you have provided will form part of that meeting. You may be interested in attending or know charities or organisations that may be interested.
Contact kate.bowman@newcastle.gov.uk if you would like to attend.

Read more on InformationNOW about Having your say about health and care services

Digital Inclusion research

Newcastle University researcher Adam Parnaby is researching how to design a platform to support digital inclusion work in the region by enabling service providers to refer clients to one another.

To support this process, Adam would like to collect feedback from potential stakeholders on a first draft set of design specifications for the platform and explore options for how it could be governed and operated.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Adam Parnaby via email at a.w.parnaby2@newcastle.ac.uk

Read more on InformationNOW about Help getting online

Family access to healthy food survey

Calling all local food and health organisations, professionals and businesses. Sustain the alliance for better food and farming are wanting to hear your views on supporting families on low incomes unable to access public funds. The survey is aimed at learning from your experiences to help families better access healthy food including the Healthy start scheme.

You can complete the survey here

Read more on InformationNOW about the Healthy Start scheme.

Ways to wellbeing programme

Thursday 5 October 10am and 8th November 1pm

Children North East have developed their Ways to wellbeing programme to support parents who have concerns about their children’s emotional wellbeing. Young people go through brain development changes in adolescence and it can be difficult to understand a developing mental health diagnosis from this.

Thursday 5 October 2023 at Byker Sands Family Hub

Sunday 8 October 2023 at West Walker Family Centre

Read more on InformationNOW about Ways to wellbeing sessions

Northumberland Wildlife Trust Autumn programme

Northumberland Wildlife Trust have several new Autumn and Winter events for all the family and nature lovers:

Halloween Doggy Spooktacular 28 October 2023, 10am to 12pm
Bring your four legged friend along in Halloween outfit (humans can dress up too!) to visit the NWT gazebo, meet like minded people and hear about NWT work in your area. Hot food and drinks available on site.

Guide in the Hide: Saturday 21 Oct 2023 10am to 12pm

Join for a free guide in the hide session in their members’ hide at Big Waters to help develop your bird watching skills.

Northumberlandia guided walk 11 October 2023, 11am to 12pm

Join a member of the Northumberland Wildlife Trust team for a relaxed and informative walk around Northumberlandia.

Northumberlandia Food and craft Market 1 October, 5 November and 3 December 2023

Join the Food and craft market to find high-end craft items, locally sourced food and drink, a range of Northumberland Wildlife Trust merchandise and more!
Find more Northumberland Wildlife events on InformationNOW

Healthworks Impact report

The Healthworks 2022-23 report looks back on their work for health, care and communities between April 2022 to March 2023.
The report highlights how the work contributes to reducing health inequalities in the North East and positive impacts on the health and wellbeing of local people.

Read their latest Impact Report

Read more on InformationNOW about Healthworks Newcastle

Correction: The E-bulletin of InfoNOW News 412 on 29 September incorrectly listed this report as being produced by Healthwatch, the report is from Healthworks.

Newcastle Dementia conference report

Search Newcastle, the charity supporting older people in Newcastle, facilitated a Dementia Conference with North East and North Cumbria ICB in May 2023, and the final report from the conference is now available.

Read the report here

Stand up against harassment training

4, 12, 17, 25 October 2023, Online

Research from the Suzy Lamplugh Trust has found that 80% of women in the UK have reported experiencing harassment in public spaces and 88% of people in the UK have experienced some form of unwanted behaviour on public transport in the past five years

To combat this issue, ‘stand up against street harassment bystander intervention training’ is a free training session available for people to learn how they can support and reduce street harassment.

There are several dates avaialble to book onto in October. If you would like a large group to attend either online or in person training you can Email training@suzylamplugh.org. for more details.

You can find out more about the training and book online here

Free Health Check Clinic

Every Friday 11am to 2pm, Welbeck Road, Walker, NE6 3BT

Newcastle University and St Anthony’s Community association are working together to provide free health checks for communities in the East End of Newcastle.
Students from Newcastle University school of pharmacy are offering free health checks that include blood pressure, glucose levels, cholesterol and body mass index (BMI) checks. They will give free health and lifestyle advice based on the results and signpost people to support if needed.

You can book an appointment by contacting St Anthony’s on 0191 234 5775, and choose option 4. There are 18 avaialble slots each Friday clinic.

Read more on InformationNOW about top tips for good health

Free Lateral Flow Test Kits

Newcastle City Council has, for community and voluntary organisations, free Covid test kits that can be collected from the Civic Centre. There are seven tests in each kit and 59 kits in each box. Covid guidance has not changed, and there is no mandatory requirement to test, but nowadays there is a cost if people want to check their Covid status as kits need to be bought from a pharmacist.
Kits provided by Newcastle City Council must not be sold-on and NCC takes no responsibility for testing, test results and a person’s next steps.
If your organisation would like to take a supply of test kits, please email resilience@newcastle.gov.uk stating how many boxes you would like and a time / date you would like to collect.
You can use this email address to set out any questions too.

Upcoming events and activities

Visit our Events & Activities section to see what’s happening near you this week on our calendar. Or search by location or postcode.

Older Peoples Month Events

October 1st is International Day of Older Persons, a day to raise awareness of opportunities and challenges faced by ageing populations, and celebrate their contributions to our communities. There are lots of events, activities and services celebrating Older people for the whole month in Newcastle

Parkinsons UK have two sporty sessions for older adults and people affected by Parkinson’s.

Casual cricket is a fun and accessible cricket sessions for those aged 50 + and for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s starting on 16th October.

Parkinson’s Tennis Play Your Way are accessible tennis sessions led by an experienced coach for people affected by Parkinson’s. Stay for a cuppa afterwards, refreshments provided. Every Friday at The Northumberland Club

Club a’Gogo (named after the famous 1960’s Newcastle nightclub) organise monthly music and dance events celebrating the mod culture and musical heritage of 1960s Newcastle.
Their events are for all ages who love the sounds of 60’s songs on vinyl, Mod and rythm & blues culture, want to meet like-minded people and above all have fun!
They are running a Club a’Gogo dance party on 15 October 2023 2 to 6pm.

Volunteering Matters Telephone Pals offer a weekly social chat to older people who are socially or physically isolated. This Older persons month why not volunteer to give 30 minutes a week to socialise and bring a smile to someone’s face as a telephone pal volunteer?

Find more Older persons month events on InformationNOW

Apple Day

An Apple Day event on Saturday 7th October. Join Scotswood garden for an afternoon of free fun for everyone! The line up includes:

Apple juice pressing the old fashioned way using our own press.
A chance to meet the stars of Scotswood Garden – our lovely hens.
Our own Canny Plants and Sticky Business will be selling plants and produce.
The Bangshees will be performing at 11.30am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm
Laughing yoga sessions (times tbc)
A wasp nature trail (no real wasps involved)
Hot and cold drinks and food

Booking is free but essential.

Book a space on InformationNOW

Matters of conception

Thursday 5 October, 9:30am – 3:30pm, for students aged 16-18 and school staff

Life centre are hosting a special, free event for students to explore the technology, genetics and ethics around fertility, donors and family.

This full day event is being run in partnership with the NHS, Northumbria, Sunderland, Teesside and Newcastle universities. The day will open with a keynote speech from NHS partners on site. Students will get the opportunity to participate in a series of workshops with activities including the chance to take a VR tour through the reproductive system and interpreting medical imaging. The final session of the day will be an inclusive discussion with a panel of experts as to whether our genetic heritage really matters in a modern family.
Places are free and will be initially limited to 3 students per school plus one member of school staff.

Book a space for this event on InformationNOW

Parent Carer Coffee mornings

Skills For People’s Pass it on Parents Parent-Carer coffee mornings have returned.

Come take some time for yourself and meet other parent carers, find out more about local services, events, grants or chat to members of their Family Advice and Support team.

Tuesday 3 October, 10:30am -12pm.
FAR Centre, Acanthus Avenue, Fenham, Newcastle, NE4 9YD.
Find out more on InformationNOW

Wednesday 4 October, 10:30am – 12pm
Sir Charles Parsons School, Westbourne Avenue, Walker, Newcastle, NE6 4ED.
Find out more on InformationNOW

Wednesday 11 October, 10:30am- 12pm
St Martins Centre, Roman Avenue, Walker, Newcastle, NE6 2RJ
Find out more on InformationNOW

Tuesday 17 October, 10am – 11:30 am.
Hadrian School, Bertram Crescent, Newcastle,NE15 6YP
Find out more on InformationNOW

Tuesday 24 October, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Skills for People, 4 Glendale Terrace, Byker, Newcastle, NE6 1PB.
This coffee morning is a funding session to help you apply for funding grants such as the carers wellbeing fund, Access fund and Family fund. Slots must be booked ahead of visiting by calling Skills for People.
Find out more on InformationNOW

Read more on InformationNOW about Skills For People

Laing Art gallery family events

Laing Art gallery has a range of arty groups and art camps for families this Autumn and Winter.

Little Artists – Monday 2, 9 & 16 October, 6, 13, 20 & 27 November, 4, 11 & 18 December 10.30am -11.30am
Discover the Laing with your little ones and support their early development in a fun and relaxed way, exploring a different theme each week. Each session involves a warm up with movement and motion, gallery exploration with fun interactive activities, a practical art activity with various materials and a short story time. Sessions are aimed at 1-5 year olds, although younger children are still welcome.
Book a ticket at Laing Art gallery here

Saturday Art Classes for 10-15 year olds – 7 October, 4 November and 2 December 10.15am -11.45am
An inclusive art class held on the first Saturday of every month for 10-15 year olds.
Find out more on Newcastle Support Directory
Book a ticket at Laing Art gallery here

3-day Art Camp for 7-10 year olds Tuesday 31 October – Thursday 2 November, 10am – 3pm
Over the course of three days (Tuesday-Thursday), young people are welcome to explore the galleries, talk about art, and create their own work in sessions led by a professional arts educator. Experiment with materials, learn new skills, and create a dynamic set of works in the Laing’s Art Studio!
Book a ticket at Laing Art gallery here

4-day Art Club for 11-16 year olds
Tuesday 31 October – Friday 3 November
10am – 3pm
Over the course of 4 days (Tuesday-Friday), young people are welcome to explore the galleries, talk about art, and create their own work in sessions led by a professional arts educator. Experiment with materials, learn new skills, and create a dynamic set of works in the Laing’s Art Studio!
Book a ticket at Laing Art gallery here

Read more on InformationNOW about Art galleries in Newcastle

Community Art project for World Aids day

October 29 and November 19 2023, 1 Carliol Square, Newcastle, NE1 6UF

Eyes Open HIV are a regional steering group who raise awareness of HIV and support World Aids Day (1st December) in Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside..

They are producing a community artwork project for world AIDS day and are inviting people of all artistic abilities to join an arts and crafts session.

They have sessions at ReCoCo on October 29 and November 19 2023. Those 16+ are welcome, art materials are provided as well as refreshments.

To book a free place contact : treasurer@eyesopenhiv.uk

Read more on InformationNOW about HIV and sexual health

Star and Shadow Cinema Knitting club

15 October 2023 12pm to 3:30pm

Star and Shadow Cinema have started a new knitting club fortnightly on Sundays.
A free, drop-in, knitting club for any age, ability or gender, no need to book ahead. Materials are provided but you are welcome to bring your own.

Read more on InformationNOW about Things to do in Newcastle

Housing 21

New organisation on InformationNOW

Housing 21 is a not for profit provider is a housing provider with Extra Care housing and Retirement Living available to rent in Newcastle. Their homes are for older people.

They operate in 240 local authority areas across England, managing over 23,300 Retirement Living and Extra Care properties and providing over 48,000 hours of social care each week.

Newcastle Community Stroke Service

New organisation on InformationNOW
Newcastle Community Stroke Service offers specialist rehabilitation to people at home and in the community. To use this service you must be over 18, have Newcastle GP and have a diagnosis of Stroke.

Read more on Newcastle Community Stroke Service

Johnnie Johnson Housing

New organisation on InformationNOW

Johnnie Johnson Housing is a not-for-profit housing association, providing affordable homes across the North East of England. They provide support for their tenants to:

find a home
money, benefits and debt advice
report home repairs
get support with digital skills
supported or extra care housing to help older people live independently

Food banks and free emergency food in Newcastle

Updated article on InformationNOW

If you are struggling with costs and unable to afford to eat, food banks or charities may be able to help. There are places that give free food or food vouchers to people who need it most in Newcastle.

The largest foodbank in Newcastle – Newcastle Foodbank, recently acknowledged their 10 year anniversary as a Foodbank, the Charity provides emergency food and welfare support for people and households who are experiencing financial hardship. This can be food or fuel poverty, benefits issues, debt issues or the cost of living crisis.

Read more on InformationNOW about Food banks and free emergency food in Newcastle

InfoNOW News

We hope you found it useful. Please feel free to share this information and subscribe to InfoNOW News

Want to be featured in the next InfoNOW News? Send us your news and events.

Best Wishes

Lauren and Richard

Richard White and Lauren Hoy: Prevention, Information and Advice Leads at Newcastle City Council

Last updated: October 3, 2023

29 September 2023 InfoNOW News

InformationNOW

Older Voices and City News & Views

Cost of living payments

Tax credits ending leaflet advice

Go North East Bus strikes

Newcastle carers free training or resources

ShaunOnTheTyne Farewell to the Flock

Black History Month Events

Performance And Creativity Taster Day

Princes Trust NHS customer service programme

NGPS Social Prescribing event

LGBTQ+ Asylum project worker

Newcastle Arts Team Opportunities

Give your views on Healthwatch Newcastle

Stakeholders give your views on Healthwatch Newcastle

Digital Inclusion research

Family access to healthy food survey

Ways to wellbeing programme

Northumberland Wildlife Trust Autumn programme

Healthworks Impact report

Newcastle Dementia conference report

Stand up against harassment training

Free Health Check Clinic

Free Lateral Flow Test Kits

Upcoming events and activities

Older Peoples Month Events

Apple Day

Matters of conception

Parent Carer Coffee mornings

Laing Art gallery family events

Community Art project for World Aids day

Star and Shadow Cinema Knitting club

Housing 21

Newcastle Community Stroke Service

Johnnie Johnson Housing

Food banks and free emergency food in Newcastle

InfoNOW News

Cookie settings X

Manage Preferences