InfoNOW News 12 December 2024

InfoNOW News 12 December 2024

AnchorChristmas and New Year opening times for support services

Many services have different opening times during the festive season. Some services close during the Christmas and New Year holidays. You can find opening times for Newcastle City Council, Jobcentre, foodbanks and support services on InformationNOW. You might also spot our Christmas banner about this across InformationNOW.

If you are a VCSE organisation, local community group, foodbank, local authority or primary health service that supports people? We’d like to hear about your Christmas and new year opening times and service offer!

Read more on InformationNOW about Christmas opening times for support services

NetworkNOW 2024

Thank you to everyone who joined us on 29 November 2024 to take part in NetworkNOW 2024. With just under 80 people attending we heard from a range of wonderful services working across Newcastle including representatives from:

Newcastle Carers
Children and families Newcastle
Chain Reaction
British Red Cross Carers Emergency Contact Scheme
Working for carers
PROPS
Mobilise
Newcastle safeguarding adults board
Myfolks
Newcastle Gateshead Targeted Lung Health checks service

At the session attendees heard about and discussed:

Read more about what we do at InformationNOW

Healthworks to Take on Operation of Useful Vision in 2025

Useful Vision offers families emotional support, practical advice, a wide range of positive, accessible opportunities and activities for visually impaired children and their families. These events and workshops are carefully designed to reduce social isolation, build confidence, promote self-esteem. foster skill development, friendship, and inclusion for children of all ages and abilities.

The current Useful Vision staff will join Healthworks and continue in their existing roles.

Read more on InformationNOW about sight loss and visual impairments 

Volunteering Drop-In Sessions

Volunteer centre Newcastle run free drop in sessions a range of locations on Fridays. These sessions are free community drop-ins where you can discuss volunteering opportunities and ask any questions you may have.

They have finished drop ins for 2024, but will restart on February 7 2025. View the next drop in event on InformationNOW

Join an online information session on Tuesday 11 February at 11 am to find out more about the benefits to your organisation of joining the Volunteer Passport Scheme as a partner, allowing you access to fully recruited, trained and security-checked volunteers.

Read more on InformationNOW about Volunteering

Supporting local foodbanks

At this time of year foodbanks are supporting a large number of people in our city. If you are interested in helping or donating food to a foodbank here’s some top tips on how you can help

You can often donate food that you have bought at a supermarket at drop off points near the checkouts. Please check with your local food bank to see what kind of donations they need. They may prefer donations of:

  • money
  • essential food items: Food banks usually have a list of food items that they need most. Such as long life milk, food in tins, dried food, teabags, coffee and personal hygiene items.
  • online food shopping delivered directly to their centre at a set time
  • supermarket vouchers

Read more about food banks in Newcastle on InformationNOW

In the Round Podcast 2024

The December ‘In the Round’ podcast is out now with local news, features and activities in Newcastle and Tyneside

  • Kate talks to John White, a participant in ”Our Voices Were Heard’ a piece of community theatre helping to create a more age-friendly society.
  • Anne looks at how to have a sustainable Christmas
  • Richard White from InformationNOW drops in to tell us about some of the activities and events taking place in Newcastle upon Tyne during the festive season.
  •  a short play entitled ‘Angel Favours’, written by Moyra and acted by the rest of the team.

Listen to the December 2024 ‘In The Round Podcast here on MixCloud

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

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTION

Care Sector Talent Pool with Newcastle City Council

Want to work in the care sector? Unemployed and a Newcastle resident?

If you’re supporting a Newcastle resident who is out of work and interested in a career in the care sector, refer them to the Care Sector Talent Pool. They’ll gain access to training, work experience and information on jobs and apprenticeships.

Register your interest with the Care Sector Talent Pool

or email for more information [email protected] 

Read an Introduction to Adult Social Care on InformationNOW

Age without limits grants

Deadline 5 February 2025

Micro grants of up to £500 are available for community groups and local voluntary sector organisations within Age-friendly Communities to take part in the Age Without Limits Day on 11th June 2025. The theme for Age without limits action day 2025 is Celebrate Ageing. Challenge Ageism.

There’s an additional up to £150 to cover anything needed to make the event or activity more accessible. The lower limit for applications is £75.

There are 2 information sessions to answer any questions you may have about the micro-grant opportunity and the Age Without Limits Day

16 January 2025 2pm to 3pm: Click here to register

21 January 2025 12pm to 1pm: Click here to register

To apply for a micro-grant, please fill in the application form here and email it to [email protected] by 5pm on Monday 10th February 2025. 

You can also read these helpful documents before applying:

Guidance for age friendly communities

Information overview

Read more on InformationNOW about Age Friendly Newcastle

Healthwatch Newcastle drop-ins

The last Healthwatch Newcastle drop in of the year is at Jesmond Library on 20 December 2024, 10am to 11am.

At a Drop in session you can speak to a member of Healthwatch Newcastle about any issues, find out information, share your experience about Health, care and social care services.

The drop ins return from 8 January 2025

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

My future, my choice careers fair

12 February 2025, St James Park

The annual My future, my choice careers fair event gives young people the chance to explore education, training, and employment opportunities available in Newcastle.
Attendees can:
  • Meet employers from 10+ sectors (engineering, green renewables, hospitality, public services, and more).
  • Discover apprenticeship providers, universities, and training organisations.
  • Visit a dedicated zone for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Parents, carers and young people aged 13 – 18 are invited to attend the evening event anytime from 3.30pm – 5.30pm

You can register for a place at the My future: My choice event here

Read more about Newcastle Careers Team or  learning, skills and training on InformationNOW

SPOTLIGHT ON…

AnchorIn our place training

If you’re a parent, grandparent, carer, or professional working with children, you can get access to high-quality training that supports children’s emotional health and development – from pregnancy to adolescence.

Courses available include:
• Understanding pregnancy, labour & baby
• Understanding your baby’s emotional development
• Understanding your child’s mental health & wellbeing
• Supporting your teenager’s mental health
• Understanding your own trauma

The courses are available to all families or those with caring responsibilities for children aged 0-19 who live in Newcastle,
Parents and carers with a Newcastle home postcode can visit the in our place website and follow a simple registration process using access code NEFAMILIES.

Read more about specialist training launched to enhance children’s wellbeing at Newcastle City Council

Find more information on working with and supporting children on Children and families newcastle 

Work and Thrive information session and drop in

Work and Thrive are organising a session for health professionals, social prescribers and others who support peoples wellbeing. The session gives information about the employment support offer in Newcastle, covering:

  • Support to get residents into work, volunteering and training
  • How to access and refer into support
  • work to address employment barriers and work collaboratively across the city with partners

If you are an interested health professional, social prescriber or other professional working to support peoples wellbeing, please email [email protected] for an invitation link.

There is also a Work and Thrive employment support drop in at Jesmond Library on 31 January 2025 between 10:30am and 12:30pm

View the event on InformationNOW

Read more about looking for a job or work on InformationNOW

CONSULTATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT

SEND Employment Forum

Newcastle City Council has an established special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) employment forum. They want to work with more organisations and employers to help young people move into meaningful employment opportunities.

The Forum welcome responses to a short questionnaire about the help and support that may be needed for organisations and employers to be involved

You can complete the SEND Employment support questionnaire here

If you have any further questions, please contact Louise Melling at [email protected]

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

Newcastle City Council Budget 2025-26

Newcastle City Council would like to hear from people and organisations based in Newcastle on their budget proposals for 2025-2026 as a 5 week consultation opens this week. Faced with inflation, rising demand for social care and years of Government cuts, the Council has some tough decisions to make to balance the books in 2025-2026.

Read more about the Newcastle City Council budget proposals for 2025-26 on Newcastle.gov.uk

There are various ways to take part in the consultation. Give your views on proposed changes to services and on the budget as a whole by:

  • Completing a short form on our consultation webpage, Let’s Talk Newcastle Online: www.letstalknewcastle.co.uk/
  • Emailing us at : [email protected]
  • Writing to: FREEPOST Letstalk (this is the complete address)
  • Anyone with questions about this, or needing information in a different format (such as large print), can contact us by email, post, or call: 0191 278 78 78

You can also try the online budget simulator, which allows people to set their own spending priorities for the council by going to: /www.letstalkbudget.org.uk/

Read more on InformationNOW about Getting involved in your community

Digital Inclusion Forum

10 February 2025, 10am to 12pm, Online

Be part of the conversation shaping an inclusive and accessible digital transformation agenda for the North East and North Cumbria. Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria (HI NENC), alongside regional partners, is hosting the next Digital Inclusion Forum to connect members, share best practices, and drive forward the vision of ensuring ‘No one left behind’.

Register for the HINENC Digital inclusion forum here

Read more on InformationNOW about Computer classes and digital support

Dementia Voice Groups 2025

Alzheimers Society Newcastle have announced their dementia voice 2025 dates. The Newcastle Dementia Voice Group is an involvement group for local people with a dementia diagnosis. They share ideas, insights and experiences on a variety of topics which will help to influence change within Alzheimer’s Society, health services, local authority, research, and other organisations.
The group also offers a chance for people living with dementia to test and give feedback on innovative technology and products. Sessions are held at Cruddas Park Surgery,

Read more on InformationNOW about Dementia Friendly Newcastle

RESEARCH AND REPORTS

Cultural Competency research strategy

If you are a researcher, a policy maker and/or a community lead working with people from ethnic minority communities and linguistically diverse populations, you are invited to share your experiences and expertise on culturally competent strategy to research.

You can do this by completing a two-round survey between December 2024 and January 2025. The survey will ask questions about your views on the essential list of recommendations and measures to achieve culturally competent and inclusive research.

If you’re interested in taking part please contact Evgenia Stepanova, School of Pharmacy,The Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University at [email protected]

Read more on InformationNOW about Getting involved in health research

Community pressure ulcer prevention study

A research project from Birmingham City University and University of Portsmouth is looking to find new ways to help older people living at home and their carers to prevent pressure ulcers (also known as bedsores)

You can learn more about this study here

As part of this research, there is a 10-minute survey to share with older adults at risk of pressure ulcers and the people who care for them in home settings (healthcare professionals, social care workers and unpaid carers). The survey will map who is involved in pressure ulcer prevention and what they do.

You can get involved and complete the online survey here

Read more on InformationNOW about Getting involved in health research

Civil Society Covenant

A new agreement between the government and VCSE sector to improve relationships and understanding between the two.

The Covenant is designed to:

  • support collaboration between civil society organisations and government
  • ensure respect for the different roles we play, and protect our independence
  • support all public bodies and civil society organisations
  • build on and support existing agreements in place at a local level
  • complement other arrangements in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Covenant includes 4 high level principles

  • Recognition: to ensure a strong and independent civil society
  • Partnership: to ensure effective service delivery and policy making, and shared learning of best practices
  • Participation: to ensure people and communities can be heard and make a difference
  • Transparency: to ensure civil society and government have the information needed to best serve people and communities

You can read the The Civil Society Covenant draft principles here

TRAINING AND RESOURCES

Free website accessibility training

Recite me’s accessibility training course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of digital accessibility, covering topics such as web accessibility standards, assistive technologies, and designing inclusive digital experiences.

Register and download online here

Read more on InformationNOW about Accessible information

“Recognise, Respond, Refer” free training

Multiples dates available in January 2025 

The “Recognise, Respond, Refer” training is for frontline practitioners working in Newcastle, Durham and Sunderland, who come into contact with clients who they are concerned might be – or already are – using abusive behaviours in their intimate relationships. The training focuses on recognising the signs of domestic abuse perpetration, safely approaching the issue with clients, and engaging in a motivational conversation with a view to being able to refer to the Make a Change Programme. The training is offered free of charge and delivered on MS Teams.

Book your free place now on Eventbrite

Read more about Domestic abuse on InformationNOW

UPCOMING EVENTS

Benwell Funk It

16 December, 5.30pm to 6.30pm, Carnegie Building, Atkinson Road, NE4 8XS

Free and inclusive dance event for over 18s. No instructors, no routines, just dance! There will also be light refreshments and a chance to socialise with others until 7pm.

Booking is required, to book your place please email [email protected] and feel free to suggest a song when you book.

View the event on InformationNOW

Community Transport Trips

Community Transport Newcastle have organised a variety of trips to Christmas markets and events in places such as Leeds, Edinburgh, York and more.

Prices and pickup locations vary, so it is important to check beforehand. You need to contact Community Transport Newcastle directly to book you place. Contact details can be found in the event listings.

View the events on InformationNOW 

Libraries Christmas Events

There are lots of festive events taking place at Newcastle Libraries across the city over the next few weeks.
Christmas wreathmaking at Newcastle libraries
Join Newcastle libraries for a series of Christmas wreathmaking workshops, where you can come away with your own hand-sewn mini Christmas wreath.
19 December
20 December

Festive Christmas Choirs

Drop in for Christmas cheer from local choirs

Caedmon Choir at City Library, 14 December,

Good Apple singers at City Library, 19 December

Read more on InformationNOW about Newcastle Libraries

Knitters, Movers & Shakers

Every Friday, 11.30am-1pm, balletLORENT, John Marley Centre, Muscott Grove, NE15 6TT

Join a friendly knitting and crocheting group for ages 60+.  Everyone is welcome! Knitting wool, tea, cake and great conversation is provided! Theres also a short movement session to music.  The group works on wool creations for  balletLORENT productions.  Come and be part of the fun!

View the next event on 20 December on InformationNOW

John Lewis Community Cafe

16 December 2024, 10am, John Lewis Newcastle, Percy Street, NE1 7RR

Do you live on your own, are you far from your family or do your work from home?

Community Cafés at John Lewis are a chance to meet new people in your local community, with a firendly cafe host to welcome you. Everyone is welcome, there are no agendas or topics, just a cuppa and a chat.

Read more about John Lewis Community Cafe on Information Now

Welford Centre Xmas Fayre

23 December 2024, 1pm -3pm

The Welford Centre will be holding a Xmas Fayre with raffles, a tombola, craft stall, a Child’s craft session, refreshments and Santa’s Grotto. They will also be combining this with their Small Sparks Potter around Welford session where people can make an item with clay and will fire it in their kiln to be picked up after Christmas.

Everybody is welcome.

Please contact Louise Hewitt for if you need further information: [email protected]

Read more on InformationNOW about The Welford Centre

Free activities for children and families this Christmas in Newcastle

Booking is now open for free Christmas Party Days (HAF) at Byker Sands Family Centre.

Sign up online. You can drop off your child to enjoy some child free time.

Baby and Toddlers Christmas sessions where they will be visiting Santa’s Grotto! Families do not need to book for these groups.

Please promote with families and invite them along to join the festive fun.
All sessions are free to attend.

View these events on InformationNOW

SEND Christmas Activities by Newcastle PCF

15 December 2024, 11am to 1pm,Cineworld Newcastle, The Gate, Newgate Street, NE1 5TG

Newcastle Parent Carer Forum have a free Accessible Polar Express Screening for all the family
at Cineworld Newcastle.

View this event on InformationNOW

UPDATED AND NEW ORGANISATIONS

Healthworks take on operation of Useful Vision

updated organisation

From January 2025, Healthworks will take on the operation of Useful Vision and their staff as part of their service

Useful Vision offers families emotional support, practical advice, a wide range of positive, accessible opportunities and activities for visually impaired children and their families. These events and workshops are carefully designed to reduce social isolation, build confidence, promote self-esteem. foster skill development, friendship, and inclusion for children of all ages and abilities.

Read more on InformationNOW about sight loss and visual impairments 

Wicker Chair Coffee House & Bistro

updated organisation

The Wicker Chair Coffee House & Bistro have launched their Christmas menus. The Café is ran by JET (Jobs Education Training) Newcastle. It’s open to the public and welcomes bookings from groups and can cater for special lunches including buffets. You can choose from their new:

Read more about Food and Friends on InformationNOW

Shanti Bee

New organisation

Shanti Bee is a yoga studio based in Byker, that also provide a holistic community wellbeing offering.

Their Steady Souls scheme, offers bespoke activities for adults managing chronic ill health It supports people to engage in holistic therapies including movement-based yoga, talking therapies, massage therapies and psychological therapies, while providing a safe space in which to meet others.

The scheme is aimed at individuals managing a chronic physical or emotional illness

Read more about Shanti Bee Yoga & Wellbeing Centre CIC  Information Now

UPDATED ARTICLES

Arts in Newcastle

There is a great variety of arts and culture in Newcastle Upon Tyne and the North East, including many arts organisations.

Read more on InformationNOW about Arts in Newcastle

Money saving and sustainable ideas for Christmas

Christmas can be an expensive time of year and we often end up spending more than we need to. Why not try saving money, helping the environment or a good cause with money saving and sustainable ideas for Christmas?

Read more about Money saving and sustainable ideas for Christmas on Information Now

Thanks for reading InfoNOW News

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Best Wishes

Lauren and Richard

Richard White and Lauren Hoy: Prevention, Information and Advice Leads at Newcastle City Council

Last updated: December 18, 2024