InformationNow News 19 June 2026

NEWS

InformationNOW

Did you know that we have a Screen Masking option on the Read Me bar?  Screen masking is a technique that covers the unused areas of a screen and creates a viewing area.  People can use this to hide distractions to help them to focus on the content of the text.  You can activate the Screen Masking mode on InformationNow by clicking on the accessibility button (flag, speech bubble, eye) and toggling the grey and white lined button.

Read more on InformationNow about Recite Me

Neighbourhood Networks Summer 2026

These events provide a fantastic opportunity for voluntary and community sector organisations, faith groups, local businesses and statutory organisations to come together.  They are a chance to share experiences that we can all use to inform our services and improve delivery across our city.  Our events in July 2026 are based around the theme ‘Learning Together’.

• North – Tuesday 14 July – 12.30pm to 3.30pm – Fawdon Community Centre, Fawdon Park Road, Fawdon, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 2PL
• East – Thursday 16 July – 12.30pm to 3.30pm – Walker Activity Dome, Wharrier Street, Walker, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 3BR
• Outer West – Tuesday 21 July – 9.30am – 12.30pm – St John the Evangelist Church, Kingston Park Centre, Kingston Park Avenue, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 2HB
• Inner West – Wednesday 22 July – 9.30am – 12.30pm – Cowgate Centre, 7 Houghton Avenue, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 3UT

Click here to book your place at the events.  

Welford Centre Fair

Colleagues at the Welford Centre are appealing for help in putting on this year’s summer fair. The event is taking place at the centre in Jubilee Road, Gosforth, on 27 July, with this year’s theme being a ‘Country and Western’ Day.

Colleagues are looking for any contributions which can be used as raffle prizes as well as any memorabilia that can be displayed on the day.

Previous fairs have proved a massive success, and organisers are hoping this year’s can be even bigger and better. The event helps raise money for the centre, which supports adults with learning disabilities, complex needs and autism.

Colleagues are also invited along to the event on the day.

Anyone with prizes to donate or memorabilia should contact [email protected]

Read more on InformationNow about Welford Centre

Men’s World Cup Domestic Violence

Crimestoppers have launched a new campaign to highlight the rise of domestic abuse during the football World Cup, encouraging people to ‘call time on abuse’ and anonymously report to the charity.

The prospect of a match for some people is a fearful one. Many partners find themselves on the edge of their seats for a different reason – and not a good one – when every match comes round.

A study from the National Centre for Domestic Abuse has shown that when England lose a match, domestic abuse rises by 38%. Even if England win a match there is a 26% increase – and the day following a match, win, lose or draw, domestic abuse incidents still increase by 11%.

For many victims it can be very hard to reach out for help or to report abuse; a report from a third party could protect the victim and maybe even save a life.

Click here to see the campaign

Read more on InformationNow about Crimestoppers

SPOTLIGHT ON

Newcastle’s SEND Local Offer has a new home!

The SEND Local Offer has moved to the Children and Families Newcastle website, making it easier to use, and more family‑focused.

To celebrate, families can get involved in two fun ways:

🐧 Find the penguins: Explore the SEND Local Offer pages and spot GiRTrood’s hidden penguin friends. Find them all and you could win a £10 Amazon voucher.

📸 Share a local photo: Help us make the SEND Local Offer even more local by sharing a photo we can use on the website – this could be an inclusive space or a child or young person or family having fun in Newcastle.

See the new website here

Read more on InformationNow about Moving from Childrens to Adults Social Care

Newcastle City Learning Adult Courses

Call for Summer Solstice Volunteers!

OPPORTUNITIES

National Trust Sky Gardening Workshops

Do you live in a flat or apartment?  Join a free gardening workshop near you.  Balcony Basics, Wild about Wildlife and Food Growing are all free courses being held in Byker to celebrate in the National Trust Sky Gardening Challenge.

Free refreshments and creche available – all welcome!  Take home what you plant!

Find out more here

Read more on InformationNow about Byker Sands Family Centre

Computer training course

Tuesday 14 July and Tuesday 21 July, 10.00am – 12.30pm

A brilliant course at Newcastle City Library, supporting you to develop basic computing skills, to help you access and use the internet.

CONSULTATION AND ENGAGEMENT

Your Voice: Supported Housing in Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle City Council is developing a new Supported Housing Strategy for the city and wants your help to shape it.

They’re keen to hear from:

• People with lived experience of supported housing
• Organisations and individuals who provide supported housing in Newcastle

There are several ways you can take part:

1) Share your views online

Complete a short survey about your experiences on Lets Talk Newcastle: https://www.letstalknewcastle.co.uk/consultations/614/participate. Open to anyone You can respond anonymously

2) Join a focus group

Over the summer, we’ll be holding a series of focus groups for people with different experiences of supported housing. If you’d like to take part, find out more or host a session for your organisation:  Email: [email protected]

3) Join a lived experience group

We’re creating a small core group of people with lived experience to work with us throughout the strategy development process. Joining the group includes:

• Taking part in monthly meetings (June 2026 – March 2027)
• A chance to shape the strategy directly
• Payment provided for your time and expertise

If you are interested in being part of the core group register your interest using the online form: Supported Housing Coproduction Group Registration form

Want to find out more? Email: [email protected]

4) Supported Housing Provider survey

If you provide supported housing in Newcastle, you can complete a short survey about your experiences: Supported Housing Provider survey

Dementia Network Meeting

Tuesday 14 July – 10am – 11.30am

Marie Curie Hospice, Marie Curie Drive, Newcastle NE4 6SS

3rd Newcastle Dementia Network meeting, the meeting is open to anyone with an interest in dementia — professionals, carers, and community partners.

Feel free to bring along any updates, resources, or news you’d like to share, or send to us to share on your behalf. If you weren’t able to make it to previous meetings you are very welcome to join us this time, no need to have attended before.

Click here to confirm attendance or email [email protected]

Read more on InformationNow about Marie Curie Newcastle

Antisocial Behaviour Webinar

ASB Awareness Week is the national campaign bringing together housing, policing, local government, charities and community partners to shine a spotlight on ASB, strengthen local responses, and amplify the rights of victims.

ASB Help are hosting a free webinar to provide some practical advice on what to do if you, or your neighbours, are having issues.

Read more about the campaign here

Read more on InformationNow about Anti-social behaviour

REPORTS AND RESOURCES

Monty in the Community

It was great to see the latest outreach impact report from Newcastle GP Services on Monty, the community health bus. Monty is a purpose-built mobile clinic, staffed by qualified and experienced nurses and healthcare professionals, providing a range of services in areas of greatest need.

Services include health checks, cervical screening, blood pressure checks, vaccinations, smoking support and diabetes screening – often identifying the need for further investigations at an early stage. Over 37 different locations have been visited, helping many patients who otherwise may not have come forward. With 97% of patients recommending the service, it’s making a positive difference to people’s lives.

Find out more about Monty here

Read more on InformationNow about Newcastle GP Services

Smoke Free app

If you’re ready to stop smoking, why not download the Smoke Free app?

• 24/7 access to expert stop smoking advisors
• Personalised quit plan that works around real life
• Practical tools to help you manage cravings
• Clear, easy tools to track progress and self-motivate
• Support from other quitters in the community
• Vapes, medication or nicotine replacements delivered to your door, where eligible

Find out more here

Read more on InformationNow about Giving up smoking

UPCOMING EVENTS

Galena – Exploring the site of the Elswick Lead Works Exhibition

15 – 27 June at Newcastle Art Centre, 67 Westgate Road, NE1 1SG

Galena tracks a landscape awaiting development.  Through sound, film, painting and print, Julia Heslop, Taryn Edmonds and Martin Heslop explore the site of the Elswick Lead Works on the River Tyne, where a new housing development is planned.

Find out more about the exhibition here

Read more on InformationNow about Newcastle Arts Centre

Great Northern Contemporary Craft & Art Fair

18 – 21 June 2026 Sports Central, Northumbria University

A standout summer event bringing the very best in craft, art and design.

You can find out more and book tickets here.

Read more on InformationNow about Northumbria University

Summer Birds of Gosforth Nature Reserve

Join local birder Matthew Harrison for a guided walk around Gosforth Nature Reserve, in search of the reserve’s most iconic summer birds.

Likely species for this walk include: Kingfisher, Bittern, Marsh tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Common Tern.

Click here to find out more and book tickets

Read more on InformationNow about Gosforth Nature Reserve

NEW AND UPDATED ON INFONOW

White Ribbon UK

Updated organisation

White Ribbon UK works to engage men and boys to end violence against women and girls.

Read more on InformationNow about White Ribbon UK

Last updated: June 19, 2026