InformationNow News 24 April 2026

InformationNow News 24 April 2026

NEWS

InformationNOW

InformationNow is a published author!  The Spring 2026 edition of Consumer Choices has used our How to make a good complaint  article.  Consumer Choices is an educational textbook used for adult education and secondary schools.  The article has been included as a learning resource to help students understand their consumer rights and how to raise concerns effectively and confidently.  This is a great example of the quality and accessibility of InformationNow!

Visit www.informationnow.org.uk today and keep Newcastle connected.

Local Elections

Ahead of the local elections on 7 May, we’ve added up‑to‑date polling station information to InformationNow to help residents prepare for voting. The new content makes it easier for people to find where and how to cast their vote.  From the Organisations page, search for Polling Stations on the map.

Find your polling station on the map here

Read more on InformationNow about Polling Stations

Newcastle Food Festival

Tuesday 2 to Thursday 4 May in Exhibition Park.

The Newcastle Food Festival is a family friendly celebration of international influence and local talent, expressed through international food, independent drink, live music, arts and charity.
You can expect a wide selection of artisan food and drink producers, international street food, live chef demos in the cookery theatre, live music with local groups and cover bands, performing arts, activities for the little ones, roaming entertainers and charity activities with their charity partner Tyneside & Northumberland Mind.

Click here to buy tickets

Read more on InformationNow about Tyneside and Northumberland Mind

History walk

Thursday 14 May, 11am, Cruddas Park Library

St James Environment and History Group are holding a talk about the life and achievements of Dr Ruth Nicholson, a pioneering doctor who was born in Newcastle in 1884.  Join them at Cruddas Park Library to hear about her incredible achievements and to learn more about key places in her history.

Click here to book your place

Read more on InformationNow about St James’ Heritage and Environment Group    

SPOTLIGHT ON

Tyne and Wear Citizens Newcastle Assembly

Tuesday 28 April 6 pm – 8 pm, Newcastle Cathedral

With local elections approaching across the region, Tyne & Wear Citizens is preparing for a series of Elections Assemblies where local political leaders will be invited to listen and respond to communities’ priorities. Candidates and leaders from the Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Reform UK and Green parties will be on stage together, listening to presentations from the Tyne and Wear Citizens Action Teams.

Sign up for the Newcastle Assembly here

Read more on InformationNow about Tyne and Wear Citizens   

David Attenborough turns 100

Friday 8 May, 6pm to 7.30pm, Great North Museum: Hancock
Join NHSN at the Hancock Museum to celebrate naturalist, David Attenborough’s 100th birthday!
Enjoy viewing some of Attenborough’s best moments, tasty cakes and refreshments, and discover David Attenborough-related material from NHSN’s North East Nature Archive and library collections.

SignHealth online space for deaf young people

SignHealth has co-created Deaf Wave, a new online space to support the health and wellbeing of deaf young people. The website was co-created with deaf young people and is a place to find wellbeing information, tips and stories in both BSL and English.

Read more on InformationNow about SignHealth

OPPORTUNITIES

Hadrian Trust – Grants for the North East

Hadrian Trust are offering grants of between £500 and £2,000. Projects supported will address issues in social welfare, youth, disability, the elderly, women, ethnic minorities, education, arts, and the environment.

Click here to find out more about the grants   

Free energy support and advice

The Wise Group we are available to support customers/staff with anything energy related.  They offer a free service that supported over 30,000 people in 2025, and have a large team of mentors that can offer support around:
  • Bills
  • Savings/switching
  • Debts and repayment plans
  • Applying for vouchers and grants
  • General saving tips

Click here to get in touch

Read more on InformationNow about The Wise Group

Tennis starter pack

The Lawn Tennis Association are running a promotional offer that removes the barriers to getting started with tennis. For just £4.99, families can receive:

  • A junior tennis racket, sized specifically for the child’s age
  • A set of tennis balls
  • Free postage direct to your door
  • Access to free local taster sessions (including Barclays Free Park Tennis and Big Tennis Weekend)
  • An LTA Advantage membership, unlocking exclusive benefits and discounts

Click here to find out more

Read more on InformationNow about Newcastle Parks and Allotments   

CONSULTATION AND ENGAGEMENT

The National Diversity Awards

Nominations close on 13 May for The National Diversity Awards.  The awards are a prestigious black tie event which celebrate the excellent achievements of grass-root communities that tackle the issues in today’s society, giving them recognition for their dedication and hard work.

There has already been an incredible response, with 20,000+ nominations and votes from across the UK, shining a spotlight on inspiring role models and unsung heroes.

To nominate or vote click here

Read more on InformationNow about DiversityNE

Lived experience research

The Office for Equality and Opportunity is carrying out research to hear from people who are struggling to get by day-to-day.  They want to better understand the situation and how public bodies can make a difference. They would like to speak with anyone who has previously or currently struggled with financial difficulties and is willing to share their experiences, especially people from rural and coastal communities, women, and people with children who are currently underrepresented within the research.

Click here to complete the survey

Read more on InformationNow about Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS)

Ouse Burn Way: Community Litter Pick

Sunday 3 May and Sunday 7 June – 10am to 11.30am

Join NHSN for a chilled nature walk and community litter pick around Gosforth.  Enjoy spotting urban wildlife while helping to keep the area clean, and of course enjoying a very well deserved cuppa after!

Reserve a spot here

Read more on InformationNow about Gosforth Nature Reserve    

REPORTS AND RESOURCES

Life Expectancy Gap

There is a widening gap in how the richest and poorest experience later life, according to a recent report from the Centre for Ageing Better.  Their Head of Research and Analysis is calling for the government to create a Commissioner for Older People and Ageing in England to tackle the huge difference that the area a person lives in can make.

Read the report here

Read more on InformationNow about Centre for Ageing Better

Women’s Health Programme

The first national plan for women’s health, published in 2022, sets out a 10-year ambition to boost the health and wellbeing of all women and girls.  Let them know your priorities and help shape the future of healthcare in our region.

Have your say here

Read more on InformationNow about North East North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB)   

Healthwatch report

Healthwatch Newcastle have published the results of their annual survey.  They asked people to consider their experiences of a range of health and/or social care services, including ambulances, dentistry and social care.

Read the full report here

Read more on InformationNow about Healthworks

Pharmacy first!

Pharmacists can help give you advice and treatment for a range of minor illnesses. If you have earache, a poorly tummy, itchy eyes or skin, a cold or sore throat or aches and pains – pop along to your local pharmacy first. You don’t need to make an appointment and you can talk in confidence about your health and wellbeing problems. They can also advise you on what to stock in your medicine cabinet.

Click here to find your nearest pharmacy

Read more on InformationNow about Pharmacy (or Chemists)

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wey Aye Lego Man

Friday 8 May to Friday 15 May 2026

After winning awards in 2025, this unique exhibition returns to One Strawberry Lane with an exciting evolution that pushes the boundaries of what LEGO can be.  What started as a celebration of neurodivergent creativity has grown into a powerful, multi-layered art experience that continues to challenge perceptions and inspire audiences.

Read more about the exhibition here

Find out more on InformationNow about New Beginnings NE Ltd

Big Pond Dip

Sunday 3 May – 10am – 11.30am

Discover the hidden wonders beneath the water’s surface! Join us for a hands-on, pond dipping session at the beautiful Havannah Nature Reserve.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Identify freshwater invertebrates
  • Use simple survey techniques
  • Score the health of a pond based on the creatures you find

Book tickets here

Read more on InformationNow about Havannah and Three Hills Nature Reserve

NEW AND UPDATED ON INFONOW

A Time 2 Talk

Updated organisation

A Time 2 Talk offers counselling and well-being support to people facing life changing events which affects their their day to day living and mental health.

Read more on InformationNow about A Time 2 Talk

Bluebird Care Newcastle

Updated organisation

Bluebird Care Newcastle provides home care services in Newcastle,  supporting customers to retain their independence in their own home and continue to enjoy living in their community in Newcastle.

Read more on InformationNow about Bluebird Care Newcastle  

Last updated: April 24, 2026