InfoNOW News 1 July 2024

Adding InfoNOW as a home screen ‘App’

Did you know you can add InformationNOW to the home screen of your mobile device or smart phone? This is an easy way to quickly open our mobile friendly version of the website, Helping you find the right information at the right time on the go. Once saved it will appear on your screen the same as a downloadable App.

Want to add your events and activities to InformationNOW? Use our quick and easy events form here

Read more about adding InfoNOW as a home screen App on InformationNOW

Your Homes Newcastle transfer and closing

Your Homes Newcastle (YHN) has closed from 1 July 2024, all housing services including supported living, repairs, maintenance, homelessness prevention and council homes will be provided directly by Newcastle City Council Housing Services

YHN contacts and phone numbers will stay the same initially during this transfer so residents can stay in touch. Everyone who delivers housing services will carry a Newcastle City Council ID badge.

You can read more about the housing Transfer to Newcastle City Council on Newcastle.gov.uk. You can read the full cabinet report and public consultation about the YHN housing transfer here

Read more on InformationNOW about housing in Newcastle

Children and families Newcastle

Children and Families Newcastle have a new website www.childrenandfamiliesnewcastle.org.uk which covers common parenting questions, childcare options, things to do and much more. The content has been developed through a collaboration of different professionals and uses a friendly, reassuring tone throughout.

The website is a fully accessible and fully translatable resource for parents, carers and professionals alike. You can let them know what you think by completing their feedback form or emailing them at [email protected].

InformationNOW work in partnership with Children and families Newcastle to provide information for children, young people and adults in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Read more on InformationNOW about Children and families Newcastle

Social Housing waiting times tool

Newcastle is facing a real challenge in terms of a falling supply of social housing and increased demand for accommodation. As of April 2024, the current waiting times for people bidding on Newcastle Homes was an average wait of 10 weeks for people in Band A (immediate danger of serious risk or harm)  31 weeks for Band B (urgent need)​ and 55 weeks for Band C (medium need). There is further information on key housing facts https://www.newcastlehomes.org.uk/content/KeyHousingFacts which will be updated through the year.

The Social Housing Waiting Times Tool is a tool you can use to find out the average waiting times for properties in the city. Search properties – NewcastleHomes.org.uk.

Read more on InformationNOW about getting housing issues advice

In the Round Podcast

The July edition of the ‘In the Round’ podcast is out with topics and news to interest you. This month Kate and Richard look at travel and places to visit.

• Bill Harbottle, the author of EC Rider talks about two of his favourite days out. Kate takes a trip to Northumberlandia and meets Natasha and Jane from Northumberland Wildlife Trust.
• Moyra introduces the Ashton Suffragettes to learn about their campaign
• Richard White from InformationNOW drops in to talk about events and activities going on in Newcastle and nearby during July.

You can listen to the latest In the Round podcast on informationNOW’s News section. Click listen, then listen to the latest LLARC podcast to find In the Round on LLARC’s channel

Read more on InformationNOW about Later Life Audio and Radio Cooperative (LLARC) 

Tyne Bridge closures

A reminder that from 1 to 4 July and 8 to 11 July, the Tyne Bridge will be fully closed from 8pm until 6am, to install the Great North Run sign. The bridge will remain open for people walking and cycling.

Read more on InformationNOW about transport

In-Home energy support

Energy Saving Trust and Groundwork are working with local councils to offer energy saving advice at home.
The in-home support programme provides free, expert advice for private sector residents to improve their home’s energy efficiency.

Sign up via the Home Energy Advice North East website 

Read more on InformationNOW about energy saving

Alcohol Awareness Week

Alcohol Awareness Week is a campaign ran by Alcohol Change UK. It aims to teach people about the risks of drinking alcohol and how to make healthier choices. This event takes place from 1 – 7 July 2024 with the theme “Understanding Alcohol Harm.”

The campaign provides easy to understand resources like fact sheets and an app called Try Dry. The app aims to help people check their drinking habits and set goals to cut down or quit. The campaign’s goal is to create a supportive environment where people feel empowered to make positive changes to the drinking behaviour.

For more information and resources, you can visit their official website.

Reading for Wellbeing

Reading for Wellbeing is a project to help you find out how books and stories could improve your wellbeing.
The reading for wellbeing team can offer one to one support at a local library or somewhere else in the community that’s close to you.

They also offer groups where people can get together to talk about books and stories, including:

5 July 2024 Culture Fridays
For people over the age of 55. Get together over a cuppa to chat about all things culture – from books, films, music and more

5 July 2024 Sharing stories group 
A relaxed, informal group for people to come and listen to, read and chat about a wide variety of stories and books

16 July 2024 Steps and stories
A series of guided walks around the city’s green spaces where you can get exercise and fresh air while listening to an audiobook.

Read more on InformationNOW about Reading for wellbeing Newcastle

New wellbeing centre groups

Marie Curie Newcastle have a range of new groups for July and August at their wellbeing centre.

Most groups are for people with life limiting conditions, a palliative diagnosis as well as their carers, family, friends. Booking is essential for these groups. The groups include:

Death Café 11 July 2024

The Ladies Shed starts 5 August 2024, every Monday

Yoga 2 July and every Tuesday

Flower arranging 23 & 30 July 2024

Read more on InformationNOW about Marie Curie Newcastle hospice and wellbeing centre

Confident Adults North East programme

The Confident Adults North east (CAN) programme from Children North East matches people aged 16 – 25 in Newcastle and Gateshead with mentors who can help them develop life skills and build their confidence.

You can read more about the CAN Mentoring Project on Children North East’s website 

Interested in taking part as a mentor or know someone who would benefit as a mentee?

Mentor applications can be made via data.children-ne.org.uk/application, or if you would like to get more information or talk to someone first, contact Lizz Bennett at [email protected].

Read more on InformationNOW about volunteering your time

New 2nd hand living aids shop

Silverline Memories have launched a Living Aid Shop open for the public. The shop s located within the Silverline Memories Wellbeing Centre and sells second-hand living aids, including wheelchairs from £30, bed pads from £15 and walking frames from £10.

Read more on InformationNOW about home adaptations, equipment’s and aids

Care Sector Drop-in

2 August 2024, City Library, NE1 8AX, 10:30am to 12:30pm.

Work & Thrive Newcastle are hosting an employment support event for anyone interested in working in the care sector, or anyone looking for a better or different job in the sector.

The care sector drop-in session will be held at the City Library in Newcastle city centre and will feature a number of Work & Thrive partners providing specialist advice and support on employment opportunities in the care sector.

There will be 4 half hour slots and attendees are invited to book on only one of the slots. Please note there are limited places for each slot. Please contact [email protected]

Read more on InformationNOW about Work and Thrive Central and preparing for work or a job

Join Dementia Voice

4 July 2024, Cruddas Park Surgery, 178 Westmorland Road, NE4 7JT

Alzheimers Society Newcastle is looking for people living with dementia to join its Dementia Voice group.

Its an involvement group for local people with a dementia diagnosis that meet to share ideas, insights and experiences which will help to influence change with Alzheimer’s Society, Health Services, Local Authority, Research and other Organisations.
It also offers the chance for people living with dementia to test and give feedback on innovative technology and products that support those affected by dementia.

If you would like to join please contact 0191 2983989 or [email protected]

Read more on InformationNOW about Dementia friendly Newcastle

Tell us North CIC opportunity

Tell Us North CIC, the host organisation for Healthwatch Newcastle and Healthwatch Gateshead, are looking for someone passionate about health and social care to join the Tell Us North Board as a Director.

Find out more on their website:

If you would like more information or are interested in joining this voluntary role, contact Tell us North CIC on 0191 338 5721 or email [email protected].

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

Newcastle city learning: New brochure

Newcastle City Learning have a new brochure of courses and learning to enrol on. They run a wide range of training courses for young people and adults in Newcastle such as day and evening courses for adults, apprenticeships, working with employers, programmes for Young People

You can view Newcastle City Learning’s August 2024 to July 2025 brohcure here

ou can enrol by phone on 0191 277 3520 or 0191 278 2818. Online enrolment is available for some courses on Newcastle City Learning’s website
You can also enrol in person at Westgate College, West Road, Fenham, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 9LU or at the Heaton Centre, Trewhitt Road, Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 5DY between 8:30am – 4pm

Read more on InformationNOW about Adult learning, skills and training 

SEND Parent and carer support group

Children and families Hubs run SEND parent and carer support groups. These are safe space for parents or carers of young people with special educational needs or disabilities. Join to talk to others, speak to professionals and get information and support.

5 July 2024 at Galafield Family Hub – Fridays term time only
Please contact 0191 2777 800 or [email protected]

4 July 2024 at Charlton street hub – Thursdays term time only
Please contact 0191 2777 800 or [email protected]

12 July 2024 at Gosforth Civic Theatre – Fridays fortnightly
0191 211 5773 or [email protected]

8 July 2024 at Great Park community centre – Mondays fortnightly
Please contact 0191 211 5773 or [email protected]

Read more on InformationNOW about Children and families Hubs

Newcastle Jobs Fair

17 July 20224 at St James Park, 10am to 1pm.

The jobs fair returns to Newcastle with opportunities from a wide range of emplyers in sales, retail, customer service, hospitality, warehouse, IT, cleaning, engineering, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, among others.
The jobs fair gives you a chance to engage directly with employers to find out about the job market, in demand skills and what to expect in sectors and roles.

Book your free Newcastle Jobs Fair Ticket on Eventbrite

Read more on InformationNOW about Looking for a job or work

State of Caring Survey 2024

The State of caring survey is open for 2024! Last year over 11,600 people filled in the State of Caring survey which made several recommendations to prevent carer poverty through a new Carer Poverty Coalition of 130 national and local organisations; as well as providing a good evidence base for the implementation of the Carer’s Leave Act 2023.

The survey is only for unpaid carers (or former unpaid carers) who are looking after a disabled, older or seriously ill relative or friend.
The survey closes on 11 August and the results will be available later this year.

You can complete the State of Caring Survey 2024 here

Read more on InformationNOW about being a carer

North East languages and learning survey 2024

20 July 2024

International Newcastle, North East Combined Authority and Association of Language Learning North East are exploring developing a comprehensive toolkit that could provide practical resources, activities, and strategies for teachers, careers advisors, parents, school leadership and enterprises and advisors to support and promote the value of language learning in the North East and encourage language take up and progression.

By highlighting the connections between language skills and career opportunities, the toolkit could help students of all ages make informed decisions about their education and future careers.

You can complete the mentimeter survey here

Read more on InformationNOW about language translation

Newcastle Parks survey

20 July 2024

Help shape the city’s parks! Newcastle’s parks are special places, hugely important to people & wildlife. Urban Green are developing plans to help guide future decisions, and want you to tell them what matters to you about your parks.

This survey will ask you questions about four of the parks in Newcastle: 

• Walker Park
• Jesmond Dene
• Leazes Park
• Exhibition Park

You can take the Urban Green Parks survey here:

Read more on InformationNOW about parks, gardens, forests and woodlands

Vital Signs North East: Homes

Community foundation North East’s Vital Signs North East: Homes report looks at how the VCSE sector and philanthropic organisations can help ensure that there are decent, secure homes for everyone who needs them

Read the Vital Signs North East: Homes report here

Read more on InformationNOW about Housing: buying or renting in Newcastle

Co-production and engagement with communities: health inequalities

This report outlines the principles of co-production and actions health providers can take to engage with local communities. Co-production is about working in equal partnership with people using services, carers, families and citizens.

You can read the full Co-production and engagement with communities: as a solution to reducing health inequalities report here 

Its also Co-production week from Monday 1 July to Friday 5 July. The theme for this year is “Co-production: What’s Missing?”. Social Care Institute for Excellence are holding several events across the week:

Co-production Week online workshops conference day, online event, 3 July, 10am – 4pm

Lived experience leadership in co-production – online event  4 July, 2pm – 4pm

Read more on InformationNOW about Health Inequalities

Public Health training

Newcastle City Council Public Health training is available to professionals and VCSE organisations for the following topics:

• Drugs and Alcohol
• Equality/Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
• Health
• Health Literacy
• Making Every Contact Count (MECC)
• Making Every Contact Count (MECC) Train the Trainer
• Mental Health (including suicide support)

You can see the full Newcastle Public Health Training Brochure for 2024-2025 here

Read more on InformationNOW about lifelong learning

NHS Health and care passport guidance

The NHS Health passport resources have been updated as of 18 June 2024 with recommendations by the Health Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB), and to improve health outcomes for people with a learning disability and autistic people.

• guidance on supporting personalised care to people with a learning disability and autistic people
• Information about what a health and care passport is for and how to complete one.
• Easy read information on health and care passports and how to complete one
• Health and care passport template

You can find the NHS England » Health and care passports on NHS.UK

Read more on InformationNOW about other local autism support

EHCP for young people videos

Twisting Ducks Theatre company have worked with the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board to create 3  videos on Education Health and Care Plans for young people with special education needs.

Watch the Education Health and Care Plans – benefits for young people video here 

Watch the Education Health and Care Plans – getting health professionals on board video here

Watch the Education Health and Care Plan – getting parents and carers on board video here 

Read more on InformationNOW about Moving to Adult Social Care with an EHCP

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

You can also listen to our monthly events updates on the LLARC Podcast ‘In the Round’ by clicking listen on our news section

Pride in the City festival

Pride in the City festival returns for 2024 to celebrate LGBTQIA+ rights, communities and culture. This year its held across several venues in central Newcastle.
There are also early events in preparation for the festival:

5 July 2024, 7pm – 8.30 pm
Celebration Concert with Northern Proud Voices

6 July 2024, 12pm – 1pm
Girls, Theys and Slays pop up choir

7 July 2024, 4pm – 6pm
Queer life drawing session

Pride in the City Festival runs from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 July 2024. The festival’s main performances are at the Northern Pride arena where day and weekend tickets can be bought.

There are several free venues across the city such as:

• CURIOUS ARTS STAGE at Northern Stage, Barras Bridge
• LUMO PLATFORM at Greys Monument, Grainger St
• FAMILY & YOUTH ZONE at The Assembly Rooms, Westgate Road
• HEALTH & WELLBEING ZONE at Civic Center, Barras Bridge
• SPORT & ACTIVE LIFE ZONE at Northumbria University, Sport Central, Northumberland Rd
• MARKET VILLAGE at Grey’s Monument & Old Eldon Square, Blackett Street

Read more on InformationNOW about LGBTQIA+ support and groups in Newcastle 

GemArts Masala Festival

GemArts award winning Masala Festival is a mix and blend of South Asian Arts and Culture, presented over one week across Newcastle and Gateshead. This years festival is from 15 to 21 July.

15 July 2024 7:30pm – 9:30pm – Masala Festival Launch: Aunusthan: Pagrav Dance Company
15 July 2024, 9am – 10am Artful Struggles: Contemporary Art from Sri Lanka 
17 Jul 2024 11am – 1pm Ink Pi Workshop 

The festival finishes with the Mini Mela and book fair on Sunday 21 July 2024.

Read more on InformationNOW about GemArts 

Northumberlandia nature celebration

20 August 2024
Northumberlandia nature celebration is a drop in outdoors event for the family. Activities including mindfulness, climate change workshop with poster making and tips on how you can take action for nature, a guided nature walk and exploration and the ever-popular den building!

Read more on InformationNOW about Northumberlandia nature celebration – 

Trees in Summer

A short guided walk and introduction to what trees are, their evolution and the various types commonly encountered in parkland and woodland from the natural history society of Northumbria 
. Attendees can expect to see various species such as Elm, Lime and Oak, while passing the famous ‘Old Pear tree’ and the ‘Shoe tree’.

Read more on InformationNOW about Trees in Summer

Ouseburn Festival

13 and 14 July

The Ouseburn Festival returns for summer 2024! A weekend of free live music, art, performances, family activities, and much more based inside and outside some of Ouseburn’s best venues and spaces.

Ouseburn festival – Saturday 13 July 2024

Ouseburn Festival – Sunday 14 July 2024 

Read more on InformationNOW about Ouseburn Trust 

Stories of Sanctuary: ‘Our Home’ Concert

Join for an evening of original songs performed by the newly formed Newcastle Sanctuary Seekers Choir at Newcastle cathedral.
Alongside the choir performance, the evening will feature singer-songwriter Sean Cooney from Teesside folk trio The Young’uns and talented singer-songwriter Bushee performing his refugee week 2024 track ‘Someday’.
Tickets are available on a ‘Give as You Feel’ basis.

Read more and book a space on InformationNOW 

The Patients Association

Updated organisation

The Patients Association has a national telephone and email helpline for anyone trying to navigate health and care systems in the UK. The helpline service is free and confidential. They provide guidance and signposting on how to:

• access treatments
• get a second opinion on your health condition or diagnosis
• make a complaint
• understand social care
• get your voice heard as a patient rights and responsibilities
• change your GP or dentist
• see your medical records
• speak to other organisations to help you if needed

Someone can call you back if you contact them outside of their helpline hours. Please leave a message. More information and guidance is available on their website.

Read more on InformationNOW about 

• Having your say about health and care services
• Your Doctor or GP
  

Headliners

Headliners is a North East charity that provides media, radio and journalism opportunities and skills for children and young people up to the age of 19 or 25 with SEND or an EHCP.

They run a youth journalist programme for 16-19 (or 25) year olds 

They also have a series of free Summer 2024 Activity days for 11-16 year-olds including

• Photography
• Film Making
• News Reporting for TV
• Podcasting and Radio
• News Writing and Journalism

Read more on InformationNOW about Headliners

Northern Directions

Northern Directions is a Groundwork Charity programme that helps young people aged 16-24 living in  in Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside, that are not in education, employment, or training,
Read more on InformationNOW about Northern Directions

Starting your own business or self employment

updated article

starting your own business can allow you more flexibility and the chance to use your skills and experience. Deciding to set up a business is a big step but support and advice is available.

Read more on InformationNOW about Starting your own business or self employment 

Personal budgets for care and support

updated article

Having a personal budget can give you more control over your care and support.

The money in your personal budget can be paid to you. You can then decide how you spend it on your care and support. This is known as a direct payment.

Read more on InformationNOW about Personal budgets for care and support 

Last updated: July 2, 2024