InfoNOW News 30 June

NEWS

InfoNOW Events wants you!

Here at InformationNOW we have recently upgraded our events section of the website. As part of this upgrade we may now be able to automatically import your events from your website, calendar or Facebook event straight our InfoNOW events calendar

Benefits for local organisations include less admin time Emailing, sharing flyers, manually adding via our event form and improving online search results for your events.

Want to find out more? Please get in touch with us at [email protected]

Why add your events to InformationNOW?

80,000+ people using the website every month
Reach a wider audience: used by public and professionals
Your events can be viewed and translated into 150+ languages
Your events can be viewed in accessible formats using our accessibility tools
Opportunity to feature events via InfoNOW News twice a month or monthly by podcast and our community radio partner Radio Tyneside
Its free!

You can still add your event using our Add your event form here

Drop In and Drive – Women’s Recruitment Day at Go North East

Are you a woman in the north east who has thought about a career behind the wheel?

Head over to the Go North East Depot at Dunston for Go North East’s Drop In and Drive Women’s Recruitment Day. You’ll get the chance to meet current drivers, try out a bus for yourself, and learn about training opportunities. No experience needed—just bring your curiosity and confidence!

Volunteer Passport Scheme closes

Closes 31 July 2025

Volunteer Passport Scheme Newcastle will close on 31 July 2025, marking the end of a successful chapter in our collective efforts to strengthen volunteering across Newcastle, and building a lasting legacy positive legacy post-Covid.

Over the past four years, the Volunteer Passport Scheme has made a significant impact:

Over 300 volunteers and 42 partner organisations have taken part.
volunteers across charities and projects, creating a more connected and resilient sector.
helped identify a wide range of flexible volunteering roles, opening up new opportunities for people to get involved, and reaching people who had not considered volunteering before.
supported organisations in developing their volunteering infrastructure, making it easier to welcome and support volunteers.
worked towards standardising volunteer training, ensuring a consistent and high quality experience for all.

Volunteering Matters and Volunteer Centre Newcastle continue to support volunteering and volunterring infrastructure for VCSE organisatons in Newcastle. This includes their Good Neighbours Project and Home from Hospital.

Childhood immunisation programme changes

Parents should be aware of changes to the national childhood immunisation programme will start from 1 July 2025.

The changes come from recommendations by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and are the largest changes to the programme since 2013. The changes include:

From 1 July 2025

cessation of routine Hib/MenC offer to those turning 1 year of age
moving the first pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) dose from 12 weeks of age to 16 weeks of age
bringing forward the second meningococcal group B (MenB) dose from 16 weeks of age to 12 weeks of age
removal of the dose of monovalent Hepatitis B vaccine given at 12 months of age as part of the selective schedule for babies born to Hepatitis B infected mothers

From 1 January 2026

introduction of a new routine vaccination appointment at 18 months of age to deliver an additional fourth dose of the ‘six-in-one vaccine’, to replace the Hib component of Hib/MenC vaccine
bringing forward the second dose of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine from 3 years and 4 months of age to 18 months of age, to help to improve vaccine uptake and thereby reducing the likelihood of measles outbreaks

A summary-overview of the childhood schedule changes from 1 July 2025 is available on GOV.UK here

Final agreement on JCVI’s recommendation to introduce a new childhood varicella (chickenpox) vaccination programme is pending a decision by Department of Health and Social Care. If agreed, this will result in a further change to the childhood schedule in due course.

Ways to Wellness Long term condition project closes

Closes 18 July 2025

Long-term conditions are a major driver of NHS costs, estimated to exceed £115 billion each year, a figure reflecting the complexity of care needed by those with chronic conditions including asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), diabetes, arthritis, epilepsy, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

With this in mind, North East-based health innovation charity Ways to Wellness is sad to confirm the project that led to its founding – the long-term conditions service – is to come to an end this summer, having supported more than 11,000 client journeys over the last 10 years.

Ways to wellness’ other project including PROSPeR, the Persistant Physical Symptoms service, and SPACE Pilot are not affected

Virgin Media 02 3G shutdown

Virgin Media O2 are shutting down more of their 3G network in July 2025. Vodafone, EE and Three have already shut down their 3G networks, and Virgin Media 02 will shut down their 3G network by the end of 2025.

If you have a phone or Sim that only supports 3G you will no longer be able to use your 3G data to connect to the internet. You’ll still be able to make calls and send text messages over 2G, though the quality of the call will likely be a lot worse than it was on the 3G network.

The Government has set a deadline of 2033 to phase out both 3G and 2G technology. All 3G will be switched off by the end of 2025, whilst networks will switch off 2G nearer the 2033 deadline. This is being done to expand more modern 4G and 5G network coverage for mobile networks.

You will need to buy a 4G/5G mobile phone and Sim if you want to continue to use your phone to connect to the internet and use Apps.

SPOTLIGHT ON

Chatty Cafe launch

9 July 2025, Riverside community project, Atkinson Road, Benwell, NE4 8XS

Riverside Community Health Project recently launched Community Action on Need Project has resulted in the trial of a free community café which will run once a month from the Carnegie Building.

Each month the café will be themed and you will get to decided the next theme! The chatty cafe is open to all residents in the West End of Newcastle (children included).

The first Chatty Café will take place on 9 July with an Italian theme

Health and Social Care academy

Are you interested in a career in care or supporting others in your community? No experience needed just a passion for helping others and a desire to learn.

Health and social care academy courses offer a supportive pathway into the sector. You’ll build confidence and learn key skills in areas like communication, safeguarding and principles of care through interactive lessons, practical tasks and tutor support.

Classes start in September 2025 and February 2026:

9 September 2025 to 4 November 2025: Entry level 3 at Newcastle City Learning Westgate college, Tuesdays 9:30am to 11:45 am.

11 November 2025 to 3 February 2026: Level 1 at Newcastle City Learning Westgate college, Tuesdays 9:30am to 11:45 am.

9 September 2025 to 7 July 2026: Level 2 at Newcastle City Learning Heaton Community Centre, Tuesdays 12:45pm to 3:35pm.

You can enrol by calling 0191 277 3520 or in person at Westgate college or Heaton centre.

If you would like more information please Email [email protected]

OPPORTUNITIES

21 July 2025

Connected Voice, with funding from North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (NENC ICB), are currently looking to mobilise a Crisis Café to serve young people 13+ across Newcastle and Gateshead for a 2-year pilot as part of The Long-Term Plan Community Mental Health Transformation Alternative to Crisis agenda.

The Crisis Café will require staff that have the appropriate skills and experience of working with individuals that present in mental health crisis but who do not require clinical intervention from statutory services such as the Crisis Team as well as extensive experience of working with Young People.

The closing date for Expression of Interest applications is Monday 21 July 2025.

Shortlisted organisations will be invited to give a presentation and answer questions about their model. Interviews will take place on Wednesday 13 August 2025.

Funding for the Crisis Café would be up to £470,800 for the 2-year period via grant award.

Key requirements would be:

The ability to work 365 days per year and contingencies for sickness absence/annual leave
A comprehensive offer of staff supervision/support and training
Ability to work with young people that may present as distressed or at increased risk to self/others
A service that has a trauma informed approach embedded
Awareness of Crisis and Alternative to Crisis Pathways across Newcastle and Gateshead
Good knowledge of younger persons mental health support services for onwards referrals
A commitment to flow data into MHSDS

This offer must have the ability to meet young people face to face but should also be accessible digitally and by phone. The Crisis Café can be delivered by a single provider or a partnership.

You can read more details and express your interest using the expression of interest form on Connected Voice’s website here

NENC ICS digital inclusion fund 2025-26

North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System (NENC ICS) is offering digital inclusion funding for 2025–2026. The funding supports community digital inclusion projects across North East and North Cumbria. The project must support at least one of theFive NHS Digital Inclusion Framework Domains:

Access to devices and data – Aiming to ensure that everyone who chooses to, can access a suitable device with sufficient connectivity to the internet so that they can use digital healthcare.
Accessibility and usability – Promoting accessibility and supporting people who may face physical, communication or cognitive barriers, to use digital solutions and have positive experiences.
Skills and capability – Aiming to ensure staff and members of the public can access resources to develop their digital skills, and that health and care services respond to the capabilities of members of the public.
Beliefs and trust – Creating positive beliefs about the benefits of digital health and building trust among members the public and NHS staff.
Leadership and partnerships – Ensuring there is clear leadership in place, with an emphasis on partnership working to progress through using the expertise and assets across our region and communities.

Digital inclusion projects can be awarded £10,000 to £50,000 if successful. Funded projects will need to:

Submit monthly highlight reports and attend monthly updates with the NENC Digital Inclusion Project Management Office.
Attend any relevant NENC digital inclusion groups to present milestone progress of the project and collaborate with other stakeholders.
Upload details of the project to the Boost Learning and Improvement Community including sharing training videos/materials for cross regional learning.
Complete a final comprehensive report, documenting outcomes, measuring benefits, lessons learned, and future plans.

If you would like to apply for NENC ICB digital inclusion funding you can:

Complete the expression of interest Word document using the link here: NENC-ICS-DI-EOI and email to: [email protected]
Complete the Expression of Interest online using the Microsft Form here

You can read an outline of the digital inclusion fund using the link here NENC-ICS-DI-OUTLINE

RNIB Transcription Service Discussion Groups

RNIB is inviting individuals with experience related to sight loss to participate in discussions about the future of their personal transcription service, which converts documents into accessible formats. They seek input on current needs, how users manage outside their services, and the organization’s future role.

We are keen to hear from a wide range of people across the UK.

Virtual meetings will be held in July, August, and September and will last approximately two hours

Interested individuals can find out more and register their interest via the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/TrdyksdtBw by 2 July 2025 to be considered for participation.

Twisting Ducks Bus Travel Creative Workshop

17 July, 10.30am to 12.30pm, Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, NE1 7RH

Twisting Ducks Theatre Company are holding a creative workshop at Northern Stage gathering stories about bus travel. Join this session to share your bus travel expereinces. Your experiences will help shape a unique performance by actors with learning disabilities and autism, performed on a real bus!

Book by 14 July by emailing: [email protected]

Fresh Club Night

Twisting Ducks are also running a summer party edition of their Fresh Club Night on 3 July 2025. Fresh is a fun club night ran by and for people with learning disabilities and autistic people. Tickets are £6 and carers get in free.

CONSULTATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT

Homelessness Prevention: Call for evidence

Deadline 7 July 2025

The North East Combined Authority is developing a Homelessness Prevention Blueprint as outlined in their Deeper Devolution Deal. They have already gathered input from a wide range of partners and stakeholders across the region and are keen to learn from the VCSE sector to further inform the development of the Homelessness Prevention Blueprint.

They aim to use the feedback to:

Map current provision
Identify gaps in services
Explore options for collaboration across the region
Consider potential roles for the Combined Authority

You can complete their online survey on Microsoft forms here.

The survey closes on 7 July at 12pm

Local Priorities in Newcastle’s Ward

Deadline reminder: 31 August 2025

Newcastle City Council serves over 300,000 residents and provides more than 800 services to our communities including social care for adults and children, waste collection, street cleansing, planning, public health, housing, highways management, libraries and museums.

To help your ward councillors and Newcastle City Council understand what matters to people within their neighbourhood we are asking residents from across the city to tell us about their local priorities. The information collected will tell us what is good about a place and what could be better and allow you to tell us what is most important to you.

You can find out more about this consultation and other ways to share your views on Let’s Talk Newcastle here

You can complete the Local Priorities survey on Microsoft forms here

Project 35

RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People)‘s Project 35 is designed to explore several possible futures, over the next 10-years, examining what these futures could mean for people with sight loss, for RNIB, and how we should respond. They will also create a Project 35 panel made up of individuals with lived experience of sight loss who are able to imagine and advocate for the needs of blind and partially sighted people in future contexts.

They want to hear from people aged between 18 and 34.

Have different degrees of sight loss, including:

Registered blind / Severely Sight Impaired
Registered partially sighted / Sight impaired
have a visual impairment, but I’m not registered
have correctable sight loss

Interested in getting involved? please complete the following form: Panel 35 Demographic Questions

For any queries, blind and partially sighted people can contact Mandy Owens at [email protected]

Together, the Project 35 team will work from mid to late-July to end August 2025. Based on the outcomes of this work, there may be further opportunities.

Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment deadline reminder

Mentioned in InfoNOW News 9 June 2025

Deadline 26 July 2025

Every three years, the Public Health team write a report called a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA) on behalf of Newcastle’s Health and Wellbeing Board. It explores the current pharmacy landscape in the city and helps inform decisions around pharmacy provision in Newcastle over the next three years. The PNA explains:

Where pharmacies are in Newcastle
What services they offer now
What services people might need in the future

The PNA helps decide:

If current pharmacies can make changes
If new pharmacies can open
any gaps in provision

The consultation aims to find out if the draft PNA is an accurate representation of pharmacy provision in Newcastle.

You can read a digital copy of the PNA here: Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2025-2028

If you have questions or need this information in a different format (like large print), email [email protected]. You can also get paper copies of the report and survey at Newcastle Civic Centre and Newcastle City Library.

You can share your views on the draft PNA on Let’s Talk Newcastle here

RESEARCH AND RESOURCES

Cervical screening changed for lower risk women

In England, cervical screening invitations for women aged 25 to 49 will change from July 2025, with those testing negative for HPV (human papillomavirus) being invited every five years instead of three, according to NHS England. This adjustment is based on clinical evidence showing a very low risk of cervical cancer for women with a negative HPV test over a 10-year period.

The newer screening test looks for high-risk strains of HPV which causes 99.7% of all cervical cancers. If the new ‘HPV primary’ screening test finds high-risk HPV in cervical cells, the cells are then tested for abnormal changes. If this second test shows no sign of any abnormal cells, the person will be invited back for screening in one year. If abnormal cells are present, they will be offered treatment and also invited back for another screening test in one year.

Digital accessibility webinars from AbilityNet

AbilityNet have a series of free webinars available throughout July to October 2025. These webinars offer short sessions of learning on digital accessibility and using technology.

Introduction to Digital Accessibility – 3 July 2025, 1pm to 2:30pm or 2 October 2025 1pm to 2:30pm
Digital accessibility is a crucial aspect of modern-day digital products and services. It not only ensures equal access for disabled people, but it improves the overall user experience for everyone. This beginner-friendly course will teach you the basics to get you started on your accessibility journey including:

The Social Model of disability and how it applies to digital accessibility.
Present the financial, moral, and legal case for digital accessibility
Introduce the international accessibility standards.
Introduce the core principles of digital accessibility
Demonstrate the impact of inaccessible digital products (websites, apps, documents, or devices) on disabled people.

How to use your digital device to help with mobility and dexterity – with Parkinson’s UK – 7 September 2025, 1pm to 1.45pm

Guest speaker John Pettigrew from Parkinson’s UK will be joining AbilityNet’s Lizi Green on the webinar. In this online session, pick up some simple, useful tips to try out with your devices, including:

Accessing Accessibility features for iPhone and iPad, Android and tablets
Assistive technology that can help with common mobility and dexterity issues
Suggestions for tech to tackle dexterity problems including tremors and symptoms related to Parkinson’s
Free resources from AbilityNet on mobility, age and tech

What do we mean by a mental health crisis report

Healthwatch Newcastle have recently published a report on Newcastle residents views on mental health crises.. This Newcastle-based study investigates the public understanding of what constitutes a mental health crisis and how equipped people feel to respond to a mental health crisis. It also asks what services they would seek support from in the event of a crisis, and how effective they think those services are.

Findings include:

Respondents’ definitions of a mental health crisis varied, including “a brain illness”, “the brain being under extreme pressure”, “struggling to cope with emotions or daily life” and “being at risk of harming themselves or others.”
45% of participants said they would be comfortable seeking help for mental health issues, and 53% rated their knowledge of how to respond to a mental health crisis as ‘very little’ or worse.
The report’s conclusion highlights both progress and ongoing challenges in public understanding, awareness and access to mental health services in Newcastle.

You can read the full report online on Healthwatch Newcastle’s website here

UPCOMING EVENTS

St Martins Summer party

12 July 2025, St Martin’s Centre, Roman Avenue, Byker, NE6 2RJ

Join the fun at St. Martin’s Centre for their Summer Garden Party on Saturday, July 12th from 1 to 4 PM. Enjoy live music from The Baldy Holly Band, a licensed bar, and delicious food. Tickets are £8 in advance—grab yours from the centre and don’t miss out!

Ethnically marginalised female carers trip to the coast

9 July 2025, 11am. Newcastle Carers, 135-139 Shields Roadd, Byker, NE6 1DN

Newcastle carers are running a day trip to the coast with their ethnically marginalised womens group

If you’re interested in joining the Ethnically Marginalised Women’s Group or would like to find out more about this outing, please contact Newcastle Carers on 0191 275 5060 and ask to speak to Anita, Groups and Activities Worker, or email [email protected].

Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter Summer Fair

12 July 2025, 11am to 4pm, Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter, Benton Lane, NE12 8EH

Bring the whole family to the Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter Summer Fair at the Benton shelter. Expect stalls, games, food, and of course, plenty of furry friends. Entry is just £3, and all proceeds go to supporting the shelter’s amazing work.

Inclusive Art and Craft Workshops

23 July to 27 August 2025, 1pm to 3pm,Disability North, The Dene Centre, NE3 1PH

Join Zoe from Zone 31 at Disability North’s Dene Centre for a series of creative, sensory-friendly art sessions. Running Wednesdays from 1 to 3 PM, these workshops are open to ages 16+ and include bubble painting, clay tile making, fabric decorating, and even robot drawing! A perfect way to explore your creativity in a fully inclusive space.

Tickets are £8 per session, with discounts for group bookings.

FANE Neuro pal socials

2 July 2025, 6pm to 8pm, Wednesdays weekly, different venues in Newcastle

Friends Action North East (FANE) is teaming up with The Kapow Club to launch a brand new social group this summer for Autistic people aged 25 and under. The group meets Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 PM in Newcastle. Expect fun activities, food, and a relaxed, friendly space to connect. Sessions are led by Sacha from Kapow and supported by FANE. To book your spot, email [email protected]—spaces are limited!

Nature Natter coffee morning

10 July 2025, 10:30am to 12pm, Gosforth Nature reserve, NE3 5EP

Theres a Nature Natter coffee morning at Gosforth Nature reserve on 10 July. Join for a relaxed coffee morning to chat about north east nature with fellow members and supporters. Meet like-minded people, share sightings and stories, and enjoy a cuppa.

Ouseburn Festival 2025

5 and 6 July. 2025, venues across Ouseburn

The Ouseburn Summer festival is back for two days of creativity, local music, food, drinks and handmade goods. A range of main events are on from 10am to 8pm at venues such as Ouseburn Farm, Ouseburn Markets, The Cycle Hub

NEW AND UPDATED ON INFONOW

Newcastle Language Exchange

new organisation

Practice your language skills and meet people from around the world at the Newcastle Language Exchange

Community Wellbeing Pathfinder service

Mentioned in 9 June 2025 InfoNOW News

New organisation

The Community Wellbeing Pathfinder service from Healthworks offers up to 8 1:1 sessions of personalised guidance and support in areas such as:

Achieving a healthier lifestyle
Managing physical health and learning self-care techniques
Finding jobs or volunteering opportunities
Improving housing and financial wellbeing
Reducing loneliness and building social support
Mental health and emotional wellbeing support

Armed Forces Outreach service

new organisation

Help to use health services for refugees and asylum seekers

Updated article

If you are an asylum seeker or refugee in Newcastle or supporting someone from a sanctuary background there is help available to use health services. This page looks at useful information, services and resources.

Meals at home

Updated article

If you are finding it difficult to prepare your own meals you may want to think about having hot meals delivered to your home. If you get care or support from someone else, getting meals at home can free up their time and they can help with other tasks.

Last updated: June 30, 2025

Looking for a warm place to spend time and get support in Newcastle?

InfoNOW News 30 June

NEWS

InfoNOW Events wants you!

Drop In and Drive – Women’s Recruitment Day at Go North East

Volunteer Passport Scheme closes

Childhood immunisation programme changes

Ways to Wellness Long term condition project closes

Virgin Media 02 3G shutdown

SPOTLIGHT ON

Chatty Cafe launch

Health and Social Care academy

OPPORTUNITIES

NENC ICS digital inclusion fund 2025-26

RNIB Transcription Service Discussion Groups

Twisting Ducks Bus Travel Creative Workshop

CONSULTATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT

Homelessness Prevention: Call for evidence

Local Priorities in Newcastle’s Ward

Project 35

Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment deadline reminder

RESEARCH AND RESOURCES

Cervical screening changed for lower risk women

Digital accessibility webinars from AbilityNet

What do we mean by a mental health crisis report

UPCOMING EVENTS

St Martins Summer party

Ethnically marginalised female carers trip to the coast

Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter Summer Fair

Inclusive Art and Craft Workshops

FANE Neuro pal socials

Nature Natter coffee morning

Ouseburn Festival 2025

NEW AND UPDATED ON INFONOW

Newcastle Language Exchange

Community Wellbeing Pathfinder service

Armed Forces Outreach service

Help to use health services for refugees and asylum seekers

Meals at home

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