Friday 22nd March 2024 InfoNOW News

InformationNOW

Did you know you can get directions to an organisation with one click from an organisations page?
Did you know you can change the website into over 100 languages?
Did you know you can find information on affordable electrical goods, LGBTQIA+ support or Pets and animals?

InformationNOW is promoting Did you know? posts on our social media to help you know more about the wide range of useful information available, get the most out of the websites features, find events, activities and organisations quicker.

Look out for Did You Know posts on our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/ X and Linkedin

Read more on InformationNOW about tailoring the website to your access needs

Become a Health Champion

The Health Champion Network is made up of people who live, work, study, and volunteer across the City. They use their personal experience, knowledge, networks, and expertise to help overcome unfair differences in health and wellbeing. They do this by making sure people are able to find, understand, and use health and wellbeing information, support, and services.

They are looking for new members to join the network as health messengers, champions and advocates. Please see the poster below for information, contact and a QR code that takes you to their sign up form.

Read more on InformationNOW about Health Champions

Easter: Best Holiday Ever

Part of the Holiday Activities and Food Programme, Newcastle’s Best Holiday Ever has been running since 2019 and offers a wide range of things to do, activities, events and active sessions throughout the school holidays.
This Easter holiday families and children can take part in indoor and outdoor games, cookery skills, arts and crafts, sports, fitness and dance, health and wellbeing, quizzes, park activities, nature trails and more

Find out what’s on across the areas of Newcastle: East, Inner West, Outer West, North
Find out what’s on by age group: ages 5 to 11 or ages 11 to 16
Find out what’s available for young people with Special Education Needs and Disabilities: SEND Offer

Spaces for Everyone East Grant Scheme

The Spaces for Everyone Grant Scheme has been launched in the east end of the City. It is a new grant scheme to support projects that will improve the quality and feel of public space in and around five high streets

Chillingham Road
Heaton Road
Heaton Park Road
Shields Road
Welbeck Road

This will be a great opportunity for businesses, community groups and charities to help improve the public space in these high streets and contribute to the wider plans to improve the area.

The project’s initial engagement phase (August to October 2022) residents highlighted a number of issues in relation to the environmental streetscape, including insufficient green space and a lack of child friendly provision.
You can find more information about Spaces For everyone on Newcastle East CommonPlace here

Applicants must first read the Grant scheme criteria guide here to see if they are eligible.
If eligible you can express an interest in the scheme by contacting [email protected].
Please use ‘High Street Grants’ as your subject heading and provide a brief outline of your ideas/proposal.

Read more on InformationNOW about Green spaces in Newcastle

Energy Affordability Helpline

Problems with your energy supplier?
Worried about fuel bills?
Need an emergency fuel voucher support?
Want to save money?
Need help to get on the Priority Services Register, to pay your bills or save energy?

Citizens Advice Newcastle (CAN) give free, confidential and independent home energy advice to people who live, work or study in Newcastle. You can speak to an advisor by phone, webchat or email. For urgent matters you can drop in for advice (subject to availability) from Monday to Friday, 10am to 12pm.

Telephone: 0800 448 0721

Email: [email protected]

Read more on InformationNOW about energy saving tips

Digital Inclusion Forum

22 April 2024, 1:30pm – 3pm, Online

Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria (NENC) are holding another online event in their series of Digital inclusion forums. Health Innovation NENC has been supporting the efforts to create a regional digital inclusion forum. They have been working with partners across the region to co-develop what this might look like. join on Monday 22nd April to continue this great discussion and be part of a regional digital inclusion forum that supports, connects and drives an inclusive and accessible digital transformation agenda and supports ‘No one left behind’.

Guest speakers include:

Nicol McConnell, Digital Inclusion Lead, Sunderland City Council
Kate Holmes, Engagement and Networking Officer and Sarah Jewell, Project Lead, Digital Unite

If you are a professional working in the public, health or VCSE sector interested in digital inclusion you can book a place on EventBrite here

Read more on InformationNOW about digital inclusion in Newcastle

Care Services Careers event

Tuesday 26 March 2024, 10am – 4pm, Pandon Room, Newcastle Civic Centre, NE1 8QH

Are you a caring, compassionate, and motivated person?
Are you interested in a career in Care Services?
Care services offer the chance to work with a wide range of people, across a variety of services in Newcastle.
Join this careers event at the Civic centre to find out more about career opportunities at care services in Newcastle.

Book a space and find out more on Information Now

Volunteer Centre Drop ins

Do you have drop-in space for people to find out about volunteering?

Volunteer Centre Newcastle are trying to expand their reach and would like to start running volunteer drop-ins for people in the community.

Is there a particular time of the week where they could come along to your venue to talk to people? Or would you like to discuss with them how they can support you to find more volunteers for your organisation?

If you could support volunteer drop ins please get in touch with Matthew Brindley at [email protected]

Read more on InformationNOW about Volunteering

Get involved with The Late Shows

Deadline: Thursday 2 May 2024

The Late Shows is back on Friday 17 May in the Ouseburn Valley, then on Saturday 18 May in venues across Gateshead and central Newcastle.

The Late Shows is looking for culture enthusiasts and friendly faces to volunteer and support this May for the 16th edition of The Late Shows.

You can find out more about

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

The Late Shows is co-ordinated by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums in association with Gateshead Council, Newcastle City Council and Arts Council England.

Read more on InformationNOW about Museums and cultural attractions

Drag History in Newcastle Project

LGBT Northern Social Group are working on a Historic England project about the history of drag in Newcastle’s pink triangle.
They are holding several drop in sessions for people to find out more about the project, chat with local Drag artists Lady Kitt, join in with some crafting activities, tell us your own stories about Newcastle drag and maybe even suggest or start your own research, or creative response as part of the project.

Drop in sessions on:

Friday 29 March, 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Sunday 31 March, 12pm – 3pm (as a part of LGBT Northern Social Group’s Trans Day of Visibility Celebrations)
Monday 1 April, 11:30am – 2pm
Friday 12 April, 5:30pm – 8:30pm

Online Research Webinar and Introduction to the project
Thursday 28 March, 6 – 7:30pm
Join folk art researcher Dr Lucy Wright and drag king Lady Kitt for a live webinar on zoom to find out more about the project and get some tips from Lucy on how to research the history of your own local drag venue or favourite drag artists.

Email info.[email protected] for more information
Read more about the Historic England Funding for this project here

Community Transport Lets Chat Hubs

Community Transport are applying for funding to set up three Let’s Chat Hubs for disabled people who experience loneliness and isolation in Newcastle, Gateshead and North Tyneside/South Northumberland. The Hubs are intended to provide a safe, welcoming place for people to drop in and simply be with others, socialise, enjoy mutual interests and make new friends. The project aims to:

Use existing community or local resources for a hub that is warm, inviting, accessible all day and friendly.
Provide a co-ordinator to manage the hub, co-ordinate activities and signpost to other services
Recruit local volunteers to help welcome people to the hub, provide refreshments and simply talk with others.
Provide accessible transport for those who cannot access the Hubs by other means.

Community Transport want to gather the views of local organisations and stakeholders on the proposed funded project including where it is most needed, what community resources are available and how best they can work together with other organisations.

You can give your views using their short survey found here

Read more on InformationNOW about Community transport or minibus services

VCSE Hustings with NEMCA Mayoral Candidates

Thursday 18 April, 4pm – 6pm, The Common Room, Newcastle

What does the North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NEMCA) Devolution Deal mean for the North East, and what will the newly elected NEMCA mayor prioritise within the region?
Ahead of the North East Mayoral Combined Authority elections in May 2024, join VONNE and Connected Voice, with support from Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland for a VCSE Hustings event with mayoral candidates

NEMCA candidates will have the opportunity to ‘set out their stall’ and respond to the recently launched VCSE Inclusive Economy Manifesto. There’ll also be a Q&A that attendees can pre-submit questions for. Places are limited so get your tickets now.

Property licencing scheme consultation

Property Licensing schemes are intended to raise standards in the private rented sector, making landlords more accountable and improving property management

Newcastle Council are consulting on proposals which could see new selective licensing schemes in Lemington, Denton Court and Columbia Grange, while amended schemes in Cowgate and the West End could be put in place for another five years

The consultation also includes plans for a new additional licensing scheme for smaller HMO’s (Houses in Multiple Occupation) across the whole of Newcastle.

They want to hear from tenants, residents, agents, landlords and voluntary and community sector organisations on the proposals.

You can take part by visiting the online consultation at Lets Talk
The full evidence report approved by Cabinet can be found here
The document with details on proposed selective licencing schemes can be found here
You can read more about private property licencing on Newcastle.gov.uk here

Read more on InformationNOW about landlord or housing issues

Moving Buses Forward consultation

Transport North East are preparing the Bus Service Improvement Plan for 2025-2029 and would like to know your thoughts on how they should spend any future funding that they receive from government.

You can complete the survey using the link here

When you complete the survey you can opt in to to be in with a chance to win one of two month-long travel passes covering bus, Metro and ferry for use across County Durham, Tyne and Wear, and Northumberland.
Winners will be chosen at random on Monday 15 April 2024. Winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions can be found here.

If you would like to share your views face to face there will be pop up events across County Durham, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland from Monday 1st April 2024. Updates on these sessions will be available on the MovingBusesForward page here

The first Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) in 2021 resulted in the North East receiving a total of £163.5m funding, which was used for:

Creating more affordable multi-modal fares through the launch of our #AllDayAnywhere and #GetRound for £1 tickets
Offering all young people leaving the local authority care system in the North East free travel up to the age of 25
Improving bus services regionally and supporting bus services which were at risk of being cut

You can read the current bus Improvement plan here

Moving Forward Open Day

26 March 10am to 12pm, Carnegie building, Atkinson road, Benwell, NE4 8XS

Come along and find out more about Riverside Community Health Project’s new Moving Forward programme, which supports people into training or employment. Whether you are ready to start looking for employment or training now or in the future, you can get support with:

employability skills
support accessing welfare
setting goals
training opportunities
employment opportunities

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

Novum Creative Producer Training

Tuesday 26 March 1.30pm – 3pm, Civic Centre

Planning is underway for the 2nd annual Novum festival in Newcastle.
Ahead of the festival Newcastle Arts development team are applying for Arts Council England funding to grow and develop local talent, with a particular focus on training Creative Producers.

A Creative Producer Training Course offers a chance for individuals within your organisation to enhance their skills and make a real impact in the
cultural sector. This course empowers participants with the knowledge and tools they need to plan, manage, and execute creative projects effectively. There will also be chances for participants to propose and manage their own projects at NOVUM Festival.

The arts development team are holding a in person event to find out more at the civic centre on 26 March.

To find out more about creative producers, creative producers training, NOVUM Festival and any other information please contact
Alison Flanagan Wood – [email protected]
or Ciara O Connell – [email protected]

Read more on InformationNOW about Summer Music arts and cultures

Looking after ourselves parent workshop

25 April 2024, 12:30pm – 2:30pm West Walker Family Centre, NE6 3BU

Family life can be stressful. This drop in workshop helps you to find ways to look after yourself and stay calm so you can juggle everything better.

Understand the feelings and needs behind children’s behaviour and our own
Share feelings and develop realistic expectations and coping strategies
Overcome feelings of guilt and failure
Gain practical strategies to reduce the stresses of family life

These are drop-in sessions that you can just come along to but if you would like to book a crèche place please contact [email protected] or call 07871 577 426

Read more on InformationNOW about family & relationship problems

Dentistry in the system report

Nearly a year on from taking over dentistry commissioning, and with a new government plan to recover and reform dentistry, what are integrated Care boards (ICB) priorities in managing dentistry as part of the system and what does dentistry think of their performance so far?

Read the Dentistry in the system: How bold ICBs can bring dentistry back from the brink summary report article here

Its also the last chance to complete Healthwatch Newcastle survey asking people in the North East about their experiences of dentistry. You can share your experience by answering the survey here
The closing date for this survey is Sunday 31 March 2024

If you have any questions, please email [email protected], or call 0191 263 5321. You can also find out more here.

Read more on InformationNOW about healthy teeth

North East households miss £501 in benefits each year

Policy in Practice estimates the amount of unclaimed income related benefits and social tariffs in Great Britain for 2024 is £24 billion a year. This figure is based on £19 billion in unclaimed support, plus £5.2 billion in unclaimed Attendance Allowance.

Regionally, the spread of eligibility, accessibility and need varies. The North East of England is missing out on an estimated £1.33 billion in unclaimed support annually across over 752,000 households.

They found that £501 per person per year is unclaimed in support in the North East. This is 40% higher than the £358 unclaimed per person nationally.

You can read the full report here

Read more on InformationNOW about Attendance allowance

DWP: The Buckland Review of Autism Employment

The Buckland Review of Autism Employment sets out a vision for workplace culture changes to support autistic people to start and stay in work.

Commissioned by Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride and led by Sir Robert Buckland KC, the Review’s 19 recommendations for businesses and government include:

signing up for the Autistica Neurodiversity Employers Index to access guidance on designing inclusive processes and procedures
encouraging career progression by developing packages of training focused on autistic staff
improving recruitment by ensuring careers advisers can provide appropriate advice to autistic jobseekers
supporting autistic people who are already in the workplace by producing “autism design guides” to create appropriate premises, furnishings and equipment
working with software suppliers to develop IT systems that meet autistic people’s needs.

The Buckland Review of Autism Employment was supported by charity Autistica and includes the views of hundreds of employers and autistic people.

An Easy Read version of the report is available and further information can also be found in the press release on GOV.UK.
Read more on InformationNOW about Autism and local support services

Introduction to Budgeting

3^rd June 2024 – 1pm to 4pm at St Martin’s Centre

This in-person ‘Introduction to Budgeting’ training has been developed by Newcastle City Council’s Active Inclusion Service. It is aimed at frontline staff and volunteers who provide budgeting advice and support as part of their role. The session will give you the skills to help the residents you support to stay out of debt and manage their money. Following the training session you will be able to complete an accurate budget plan, identify how your clients’ income can be increased and their costs reduced, help them to manage their bank account and bill payments and support them with other financial inclusion aspects.

The in person session will be delivered on 3^rd June 2024 at St Martin’s Centre
Further information and how to register for the session can be found here

Read more on InformationNOW about managing money

Healthy Relationships Support for Parents

Families in Newcastle can now access free healthy relationship support digitally though three new programmes.

Me you and baby too
Having a baby can be an exciting time but it’s also one of the biggest changes a couple are likely to go through. Tiredness and stress may result in arguments. This course will help to navigate these changes and move forward together.

Arguing better
Disagreements are a normal part of life, and most couples argue from time to time. The way they approach these conversations can make a big difference to their relationship and their children. This course will help manage difficult conversations, avoid conflict, and improve family life.

Getting it right for children
When parents are separating or separated, children can often get caught in the middle. This course helps to develop positive communication skills so that separated parents can parent co-operatively.

You can access any of these courses for free and in your own time.
Sign up and register for parent training on OnePlusOne here and select Newcastle Council as your local authority.Read more on Newcastle Support Directory about support for parents

UNISON Year of LGBT+ Workers: Ace/Aro Workshop

11 April 2024, 1pm – 2.30pm Newburn Room – YHN House, NE7 7LX

2024 is UNISON’s Year of LGBT+ Workers, where they are focusing on supporting and championing good practice for LGBT+ staff in employment.
As part of this Penny Smith, Chair of ILGA Europe and member of UNISON’s National LGBT+ Committee, will deliver a 90-minute workshop on Asexual (ace) and Aromantic (aro) communities.

The workshop will explore ace/aro identities, give you the chance to hear some lived experience and ask questions in a safe space. The workshop is open to UNISON members and non members.

The session will be held at YHN House in the Newburn Room
If you would like to book a free space you can book here:

Read more on InformationNOW about support for your LGBTQ+ rights

Newcastle Puppetry Festival

30th March – 7th April 2024

The 5th edition of Newcastle Puppetry Festival from Moving Parts Arts will run from 30 March to 7 April 2024. The Festival includes a range of free and ticketed puppet based shows, films. talks, workshops and outdoor theatre.

30th March 2024 at 11am there will be a free ‘Beasts on the Street’ exhbition and performance as Giant creatures roam Northumberland Street to open the festival

The full festival brochure can be viewed here Moving Parts Arts | WHAT’S ON

Read more on InformationNOW about Moving Parts Arts

City Chess Club

Saturday 23 March 2024, 12pm – 2pm

Newcastle City Librar ies weekly chess club. Everyone welcome. From 5 years old to 90 years young!
Read more on InformationNOW about Chess at Newcastle City Library

Story Bocs East end workshops

Story Bocs is an arts and craft project from Tales in Sombre Tonese CIC where you can make a series of book shaped boxes, that tell stories through art, writing, papercraft and more.
At the end of the project a pop up exhibition of the Story Bocs will be held
All workshops are free to people in the east end of Newcastle, materials and refreshments included

The last few sessions are being held at Veterans at Ease in Byker on the following dates:

Wednesday, 27 March, 11am

Thursday, 28 March, 11am

Saturday, 30 March 10am

Book a space and read more on InformationNOW

NU Women’s final games

30th March – 7th April 2024

Support the Lasses for their final games of the season. Newcastle United Women’s are playing their final games of the 2024 season at Kingston Park stadium.

Sunday 31 Mar 2024, 2pm kick off

Liverpool Feds

Sunday 31 Mar 2024, 2pm kick off

Huddersfield Town Womens

Tickets are just £5 for general tickets and £1 for concession

Read more on InformationNOW about keeping active

Autism Central Coffee mornings

New support sessions for families and carers of autistic people at the GalaField Centre. Autism central coffee mornings offer families and carers of autistic people the chance to connect with each other and get advice or support from Autism central staff.

Read more on InformationNOW about Autism Central Coffee mornings

Northumberlandia Food and Craft Market

Sunday 7 April 2024, 10am to 3pm, Northumberlandia, Cramlington, Northumberland, NE23 8AU

The outdoor food and craft market at Northumberlandia returns for the spring, You will find high-end craft items, locally sourced food and drink, a range of Northumberland Wildlife Trust merchandise and more!
This is an outdoor event, so please dress for the weather.

Read more on InformationNOW about Northumberlandia Food and Craft Market

Pop Up Kids Shop

Tuesday 9 April 2024 10am to 2pm

St Martins centre are working with St Oswald’s Hospice to bring a pop up kids shop to the centre.

Bag a bargain and browse a selection of kids clothes, accessories, toys and books. During the event the centre cafe will be open to serve both refreshments and homemade food.

Read more on InformationNOW about Pop Up Kids Shop

Platform 60

Platform 60 is a website and online community forum for older people across the UK. Members are older campaigners, volunteers, community activists and others from a range of different organisations

Read more on InformationNOW about Platform 60

Healthworks

Updated organisation

Healthworks support people of all ages to lead a healthier life; from being more active, to eating healthily, giving up smoking, managing diabetes and improving your mobility. They offer a range of services including:

Updated with new HealthWorks North East website

Read more on InformationNOW about Healthworks

Affordable Electrical goods

Updated article

Buying new white goods or electrical items for your home can be expensive and sometimes unexpected. There are affordable options and support to help. Updated with new financial support information

Read more on InformationNOW about Affordable electrical goods

Accessible and Public Toilets

Updated article

This article helps you to plan your visit to Newcastle so you know where public and accessible toilets are available. Updated with 2 public accessible toilets with hoists and specialist equipment at Newcastle Civic Centre and Northern Stage

Read more on InformationNOW about Accessible and public toilets

Drugs and alcohol

Updated article

Updated with new substance misuse support including Newcastle Drug and Alcohol Service User and Carer Forums

Read more on InformationNOW about Drugs and alcohol

Want Employability and Skills Updates?

Work & Thrive News is a weekly update on employment and skills support in Newcastle upon Tyne. It is provided by Work & Thrive Central within Newcastle City Council.