30 September 2024 InfoNOW News

NetworkNOW

29 November 2024, One Strawberry Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4BX, 10:30am

NetworkNOW Newcastle is the city wide network ran by InformationNOW.
NetworkNOW is back this November, join us at this session to

•   have your say about the new All Age Carers Strategy for Newcastle
•   hear updates from local services
•   get involved and tell us what’s important to you and the people you support
•   network with colleagues from across Newcastle
•   find out more about how InformationNOW can help you
• visit information stalls

*Please note places at the event are first come, first served. So please book your place early to avoid disappointment

Book your place at NetworkNOW

Winter Fuel Payment dates and amounts

People of pension age who qualify for Pension Credit can receive the Winter Fuel Payment. The amount varies between £200 and £300, depending on your circumstances. To receive the Winter Fuel Payment, you must claim Pension Credit by 21 December 2024. This allows for a 3-month backdate to the start of the Winter Fuel Payment period.

Winter Fuel Payment is paid between November 2024 and January 2025, with exact amounts depending on age and household circumstances. You will automatically qualify if you meet the eligibility criteria, including receiving Pension Credit.

To claim Pension Credit, you can apply online, by phone, or by post. You’ll need your National Insurance number and information about your income, savings, and investments.

“You could get Pension Credit” – Week of Action to drive take up – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

International Older Persons day events

Each year on 1 October, people across the world mark United Nations International Day of Older People (IDOP) to raise awareness of opportunities and challenges faced by ageing populations, and to mobilize the wider community to address difficulties faced by older people such as age discrimination.

This year’s UK theme is: “The part we play”: Celebrating the integral role of older people in our communities. Centre for Ageing Better have a range of resources and ideas to help you celebrate IDOP 2024

Newcastle is a World Health Organisation Age Friendly City, and celebrates Older peoples contributions to society throughout the whole month of October:

1 October 2024
The Creative Age: A Live Performance by Older People Across The World
This one-hour event showcases the creative talents of older performers from Wales to Brazil, New York to South Africa, and beyond, using spoken word, music and dance.

2 October 2024
Wellbeing for Life
An art session led by Tracey Tofield to celebrate Older peoples day 2024. ‘Picture the moment’ will take you on an exploration of time, memory and flow using simple art materials

2 October 2024
The Part We Play – IDOP celebration event
Join Search at West End Library to mark International Day of Older Persons (IDOP). Come along and tell us all about the fantastic contributions YOU have made in support of your community.

3, 10, 17 October 2024
Creative workshop with Cath Hodson
Join artist Cath Hodson for paper-based visual arts and printing on Level 2 of Newcastle City Library. with charity Equal Arts this Older People’s Month. All sessions are for people 55+ and those living with dementia

8 October 2024
Do you care about care?
A screening of this documentary produced by Newcastle University by The Elders Council of Newcastle. The film delves into the lives of care professionals and challenges societal views on ageing and care homes.

8, 16, 22 October
Creative Hatton
Join artist Meg Randall at Hatton Gallery for free ceramics and printing Workshops with charity Equal Arts this Older People’s Month. All sessions are for people 55+ and those living with dementia

26 October 2024
Our Voices Were Heard
An age-positive new theatre show by The Elders Council of Newcastle and Unfolding Theatre. Through protest songs and real-life stories of taking action, a group of older people reflect on making their voices heard over the decades and where that leaves us now

29 October 2024

Playing Out: Project Closing Workshop

An interactive exhibition made in response to community conversations, exploring our connections with place and space as our own playing fields.

31 October 2024
Creative workshop with Jackie Wood
Join artist Jackie Wood, who will be leading the Christmas-themed creative workshops at Newcastle City Library with charity Equal Arts this Older People’s Month. All sessions are for people 55+ and those living with dementia.

Read more on InformationNOW about Older persons day events in Newcastle

Kinship Networking Event

24 October, Banqueting Hall, Civic Centre, NE1 8QH. 10am to 2pm

Are you a Connected Carer, Special Guardian or have a Child Arrangement or Resident Order? Do you live in Newcastle or have a Newcastle Child in your care?

If so, join the Family and Friends Team at their free Kinship Networking event. Meet the friendly team, seek advice and support, chat to other Kinship Carers and visit information stalls showcasing a range of specialist agencies and support services available to help you and your family.

Drop in any time between 10am and 2pm. There will also be an activity table available for those families who need to bring their little ones along. Advanced registration is preferred but not essential

Read more on InformationNOW about Family or friend (kinship) carers

Direct Payment drop in

4 October 2024, ,The Dene Centre, Gosforth, NE3 1PH, 10am to 2pm

Want to know more about employing someone through direct payments or need support with recruiting a PA (personal assistant)? Join the Direct Payment drop in for a cuppa and a chat about Direct Payments at Disability North.

Read more on InformationNOW about direct payments

Newcastle Ward Meetings

Did you know locally elected Ward Councillors host local ward meetings to meet with residents, share information about local activities and services and talk about local priorities?
Everyone is welcome to attend ward committee meetings. The next upcoming ward meetings are:

9 October 2024, Blakelaw ward at Blakelaw Social Club, NE5 3SW
10 October 2024, Parklands ward at Daft as a Brush
15 October 2024, Gosforth ward at TBC
18 October 2024, Chapel ward at Chapel House Community Centre (CHADCA)
22 October 2024 Dene and South Gosforth ward at St Georges URC
30 October 2024, Lemington ward, at TBC
7 November 2024, Denton and Westerhope ward at TBC
13 November 2024, Castle ward at TBC

You can read about upcoming ward meetings and sign up to attend on the ward committees page here

If youre not sure what your ward is or who represents you as your local councillors, you can use the My neighbourhood ward tool

Read more on InformationNOW about the communities team at Newcastle City Council

E-Visa support at Action Foundation

Do you need support to change your UK visa or biometric residence permit (BRP) to an E-Visa by the December 2024?
Action Foundation now have a phone number dedicated to E-Visa enquiries. Their E-Visa booking assistant can work with people to get the right information for E-Visa support before arranging an appointment. They can also respond to WhatsApp/Texts queries. To book an E-Visa appointment you can do the following:

WhatsApp/Text 07826266630
Email [email protected]
Attend the InterAction weekly drop-in

If you are making a request for E-visa support as a professional on behalf of a client, please ensure you include the following information:

Is it a family or single application?
Do they have access to Laptop/Tablet/Smartphone?
Confirm ithey are n possession of biometric residence permit (BRP)
Expiry date of BRP

Appointments will be issued in 1hour slots per person.

Fitness Clothes Fair

5 October 2024, The Lemington Centre, NE15 8RZ, 9am to 1pm

Come to the Fitness clothes fair at the Lemington Centre. Choose from a wide selection of second hand fitness clothes for women, men and children – tracksuits, sport T-shits, sweatshirts, hoodies, leggings, gym shorts and more. Affordable clothing at affordable prices.

If you would like to donate fitness clothes before the event they can be dropped off to Healthworks’s reception in two locations:

Health Resource Centre, Adelaide Terrace, Benwell, NE4 8BE

The Lemington Centre, Tyne View, Lemington, NE15 8RZ

Read more on InformationNOW about Fitness Clothes Fair at The Lemington Centre

Mobilise Radio Advert

If you tuned in to Heart North East recently you may have heard the new Mobilise Radio advert encouraging people who don’t realise that they’re caring for someone, to download their app for support.

Mobilise is a free online service for unpaid carers in Newcastle and the UK. You are a carer if you’re looking after a family member or friend with a disability, or long-term illness who couldn’t manage without your help. They have a range of online tools to help you. This includes help to access financial support and carers’ guides co-written with carers in their community. Watch Joe Legate, Director of Product and Marketing at Mobilise explain more and hear the advert here.

Read more about Looking after someone on InformationNOW

Alphabetti Theatre visit scheme

Alphabetti theatre are offering unpaid carers, young adult carers, asylum seekers, and refugees free visits to the theatre for their upcoming ‘Scarf Season’!

To support your visit, those that claim them will receive:
– Tickets to any main programme shows
– a £6 voucher per person to use on anything in their bar
– £5 per person to go towards travel costs#

To be eligible for the tickets you must be or have experience as either an unpaid or young adult carer, refugee, or asylum seeker.

To sign up, you will be asked to fill in a form when clicking ‘book now’, if you require assistance in filling this out, please contact or visit the venue, or email Audrey at [email protected]

The scheme is available with support from the Collier charitable fund

Read more on InformationNOW about Theatres

VCSE Capacity Building Workshop

23 October 2024, One Strawberry Lane, 1pm to 4pm

Connected Voice are offering capacity building workshops for VCSE organisations working in specific areas of the North and Outer West of Newcastle.

The workshops will be interactive and activity based, covering the following areas:

Strategy
Good Governance
Funding
Community Engagement
Technology

The workshops are free to attend and funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the North East Combined Authority as the lead authority.

Before signing up, please check your organisation fits within the catchment area for these workshops by checking the Community Partnership interactive map. Your organisation must either be based in the highlighted areas, or deliver specific projects in these areas.

Book your place VCSE Capacity Building Workshop

Get Online Newcastle volunteer event

25 October 2024, City Library 10.30 am – 12pm

Get Online Newcastle are looking to expand their team of dedicated volunteers who help people get online across the city of Newcastle. This could be
the opportunity for you:

if you are over 18 and have good IT skills, knowledge of how to access and use
the internet
if you have confidence and a passion for helping others
if you have time and want to be part of a team who enjoy giving support to their local
community

Come along to the Volunteer event to find out more. You can book a place by contacting Get online Newcastle at [email protected]

Healthier You day

7 October 2024

A free ‘Healthier You’ drop in day where you can get a free health check and health information will be taking place at The Beacon on 7 October.
There are separate time for mens and womens drop ins:

9.30 am – 1.30 pm
Healthier You day (Womens) – Information Now

2pm – 6pm
Healthier You day (Mens) – Information Now

Safe 4 Life Course

Starts 2 October, West End Women and Girls Centre, 1 to 3 pm

Safe for Life Course Beginning October 2024 every Wednesday 12.30pm to 2.30pm at West End Women and Girls Centre,

Domestic abuse recovery course supporting victims and survivors on their journey to safety.
A referral can be made for anyone who identifies as a woman who has experienced Domestic Abuse. 10 week course that covers-

Understanding the dynamics of domestic abuse and the 5 different types.
How we effectively keep ourselves and families safe
The effect of domestic abuse on children
Trauma responses
Coercive control
Why domestic abuse still happens, sexism and gender inequality
The negative and positive cycle of self-esteem
Owning our emotions
Healthy relationships

Any referrals please forward onto Hayley Calvert – [email protected], crèche spaces are available for children.

Neurodiversity employment event

6 November 2024, Banqueting Hall, Newcastle Civic Centre, NE1 8QH, 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm

Work & Thrive Newcastle are hosting an employment support event for anyone looking for work, or better work who identifies as neurodiverse. Working in partnership with the North East Autism Society and other partners, the event is designed specifically to support the needs of the neurodiverse.

Book a space on the Work & Thrive: Neurodivergent employment event

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

Young Carers Worker opportunity

Deadline 21 October 2024, Interview date: 30 October 2024

Newcastle Carers recently won an ‘Outstanding Contribution to Social Change’ award at the North East Charity awards for their work with young adult carers and asylum seeker and refugee carers. Would you like to join their team?

They have a job opportunity to work with and support young carers using a whole-family approach as a young carers worker. The Young Carers Team provide a range of help, such as one-to-one support, social activities, support at school, and more

Read more on InformationNOW about Young carer support

Have your say on Local Priorities

Newcastle City Council serves over 300,000 residents and provides more than 800 services to our communities including social care for adults and children, waste collection, street cleansing, planning, public health, housing, highways management, libraries and museums.

The Local priorities survey is an opportunity to have your say about your local area on topics such as public transport, traffic and parking, work and economy, housing, natural spaces and places, safety and more. Your and other residents feedback helps shape local priorities for your local ward area.

You can have your say on what your local priorities should be using the survey here

Read more on InformationNOW about Getting involved in your community

Ambulance and patient transport survey

While most people think about the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) as ambulances responding to 999 calls, nearly two-thirds of their work is answering calls to NHS111. From life-threatening emergencies to general health advice, NEAS plays a key role in the North East health system.

Their work includes:
Ambulances and paramedics
Patient transport service
999 call handling
NHS 111 calls

NEAS working with Healthwatch would like to hear your views on NEAS services, including patient transport by completing their short survey here. Your survey response can be part of improving services and adapting them for the future.

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

Smart Works 16 to 25 working group

29 October 2024, 11am to 1pm, Hadrian House, Higham Place, NE1 8AF

Smart Works Newcastle are hosting a focus group to hear directly from young woman or non-binary people aged between 16-25, They want to hear young people thoughts and opinions on what support is needed to help navigate their career paths.
They are holding a focus group during October half term to do this, breakfast and lunch provided and a goody bag as a thanks is also provided.

Contact [email protected] or 0191 691 7900 to find out more.

Read more on InformationNOW about SmarktWorks Newcastle

Digital Health Public and Patient interest group

Want to contribute and get involved with cutting edge digital health research? The digital health public, patient and community interest
(PPIE) group gives the opportunity for you to actively engage with and influence health research that affects you. The PPIE group is supported by Newcastle University and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)Biomedical research centre. You can also sign up to their newsletter to stay informed about health research and opportunities.

If you are interested please contact [email protected] or you can sign up online using their form here

Read more on InformationNOW about Getting involved in health research

Newcastle Fund projects report

The Newcastle Fund is Newcastle City Council’s main grant giving programme for voluntary and community organisations, charities and social enterprises based in Newcastle. It supports projects which use the skills and knowledge of local people to:

build community connection
improve individuals’ connections
improve health and wellbeing

Read more on Newcastle.GOV.UK about the Newcastle Fund

Connected Voice Hate Crime Advocacy

Connected Voice can provide hate crime advocacy for people affected by hate crime, aged 16 or over in Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, or Northumberland

The Hate crime advocacy service can help by:

Listening to you and understanding what you are going through
Helping you to get information about your rights and options
Supporting you to report hate crimes if you want to
Helping you to be heard and deal with others (e.g., the police)
Taking your side

Read more on InformationNOW about Connected Voice Advocacy

Autism Inclusive Employer Award

Only 30% of autistic people are in any form of employment and 68% of employers worry about getting support for an autistic employee wrong. The National Autistic Society has launched a new award to help organisations create more inclusive, understanding and supportive workplaces for autistic employees.

The Autism Inclusive Employer Award aims to increase autism understanding, support the needs of autistic staff and enable more autistic people to feel comfortable at work.

The award focuses on key areas including:

Enabling more autistic people to find and stay in work
Equipping businesses with the skills and knowledge to support autistic people at work.
Implementing reasonable adjustments that benefit autistic people, such as flexible working patterns.
Cultivating a welcoming atmosphere that supports autistic people to find and stay in work.
Promoting acceptance to support autistic colleagues to disclose their diagnosis.
Valuing diverse perspectives to create a dynamic workforce.

Read more on InformationNOW about Autism and local support services

British Sign Language emergency service video calls

Did you know there are Emergency service video calls for British Sign Language (BSL) speakers?

SignLive provides online video British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting services for Deaf and hard of hearing people. They provide interpreting services for NHS 111.

999 BSL is the Emergency Video Relay Service for people who speak British Sign Language (BSL). Download their app or use their website to make BSL video calls to the Emergency Services: Police, Ambulance, Fire and Coastguard services.

Support for Deaf and hard of hearing on Information Now

Introduction to Community Organising Training

1, 9 16 and 23 October, the Turf at St John’s, 1 to 3 pm

This Citizens UK training will help you understand how community organising can be used to build relationships, develop leaders and collectively build power to make changes that are important to you and your community.
See the poster attached

Book a place on Introduction to community organising

Knife Crime Awareness Training for Practitioners

6 November 2024, Banqueting Hall, Newcastle Civic Centre, NE1 8QH, 9:45am

The Northumbria Violence Reduction Unit offers Knife Crime Awareness training for practitioners.

These 2 hour sessions give professionals a better understanding of this topic including the law around knives and offensive weapons, factors that increase a person’s vulnerability to becoming both a perpetrator and a victim, and awareness of some local and national initiatives to tackle knife crime.

This training is suitable for anyone working with young people and also those working in other settings where this could potentially be an issue.

Book a place online here

Read more about Personal Safety on Information Now

Weekly Health walks at Healthworks

Healthworks are running weekly walks. Join a community walking group for a weekly health walk and chat. Get out and about, meet other people, socialise, improve your fitness and manage your weight. Walks happen across Newcastle, you can contact for more details about upcoming walks.

5 October 2024: Derwent River/ Blaydon walk

9 October 2024: Newburn River walk,

16 October 2024: Cruddas Park to Quayside loop

23 October 2024: Exhibition Park walk

Read more on InformationNOW about Weekly Health walk

African Lives in Northern England: hidden history

12 October 2024, City Library, 33 New Bridge Street West, NE1 8AX, 1:30pm

As part of Black History month this October, Join a free talk about the hidden history of black lives in Newcastle at City Library.
This talk by the African Lives in Northern England Project will engage the audience in exploring our hidden history: the people of African descent who walked the streets of Newcastle. You can find out more about african lives in the North East on their website

Apple day at Scotswood garden

12 October 2024, Scotswood garden, NE15 6TT

Scotswood Gardens Annual Apple day is back. An apple filled afternoon of free fun for everyone including apple juicing, cakes and apple pancakes on the fire, winter crafts, activities for adults and children, apple themed competitions, winter wildlife

Read more and book a space on InformationNOW for Apple Day 2024 @ Scotswood garden

Creative Culture Trust CIO

Creative culture trust CIO work with arts charities, non-profit organisations, community organisations or individuals to provide free access to arts workshops, groups and sessions. They provide access to property in otherwise vacant units at spaces such as John Marley centre in Newcastle and the Athenaeum building in Sunderland

They run children and young peoples creative groups on a Saturday :

Lego Philosophy and architecture club for children aged 8 to 11 years old. A 4 week course exploring architecture and philosophy through Lego!
9:30am to 11am.

Philosophy club for children aged 8 to 12 years old
12pm to 1:30pm

Debate club for children aged 8 to 12 years old who speak english as a 2nd language.
2pm to 3:30pm

Read more on InformationNOW about Arts in Newcastle

The Carents Room

The Carents Room is a free online resource for people supporting and caring for older parents. It has a range of information and resources to help you keep your parents safe and well. You can also follow The Carents Room on social media for information and regular tips

Read more on InformationNOW about The Carents Room – Information Now

Top tips for supporting carers in your workplace

New article

This article looks at some top tips and resources for carers to be supported at work and for employers to support carers

Read more on InformationNOW about top tips for supporting carers in your workplace

Interpreting and translation

updated article

Interpreters provide a service for patients, people using care and support services, carers, social workers and clinicians to help them understand each other when they do not speak the same language. There are a range of organisations that provide interpreting and translation services in Newcastle. This article gives information on some of these.

Read more on InformationNOW about Interpreting and translation – Information Now

Last updated: October 1, 2024