InfoNOW News 7th October 2022

Job vacancy at InformationNOW

Are you interested in working with Lauren at InformationNOW?

We’re looking for our new full time Prevention, Information and Advice Lead at Newcastle City Council. We work to provide information to help people in Newcastle find what they need, at the right time. So people can plan ahead and make informed choices.

If you’re interested in all things information and supporting people who live and work in Newcastle to live well, you can read more about the role and how to apply on North East Jobs.

Closing date 19th October 2022.

The role involves

managing InformationNOW: researching and updating online content, our information articles, organisation directory, events calendar and news
Promotion of our information resources through social media, delivering training to staff, volunteers and members of the public
continuing to improving the InformationNOW user experience through ongoing focus groups and feedback with users
publishing the weekly InfoNOW News
The Prevention, Information and Advice Network and partnership working
developing and maintaining our other adult social care online information sources www.Newcastle.gov.uk

If you would like to find out more about the role you can contact David Forster for an informal discussion on 07795047820

Cost of living hitting disabled people the hardest

Scope is challenging the Government to support people with a disability more than they are at present.

double the £150 cost of living payment for disabled people – this is nowhere near enough given the scale of the crisis
introduce a social tariff for disabled people with the highest energy usage and the lowest incomes.
increase benefits in line with inflation to help with finances long term

provide another £325 cost of living payment this winter for people who receive means-tested benefits

Join the campaign

Read more on InformationNOW about cost of living and food banks and free food/meals and low cost pantries

Whose rights are they anyway? Human Rights and Disability event

Difference North East is hosting a free online discussion with Sanchita Hosali from the British Institute of Human Rights and Helen Flynn from Just Fair.

‘Human Rights and Disability – whose rights are they anyway’ is taking place at 6.30pm on Tuesday 11 October 2022.

This event will take place via Zoom. Zoom as it has some great accessibility features. They will ask if you have any access needs when you register for a ticket. You will be sent a zoom link 2 days before the event. You will not be able to join the event via the Eventbrite page.

North East Charity Awards

The North East Charity awards are in their eight year, taking place on 19th October.

Last year Newcastle United Foundation, a charity using the power of football to connect, motivate and inspire people in our region – was named North East Charity of the Year.

This year Citizens Advice Gateshead, Great North Air Ambulance Service, The Hospital of God at Greatham and Oasis Community Housing are in the running for the top prize with individuals and organisations from around the North competing for other awards. The shortlist for outstanding charity support includes Karbon Homes and Newcastle Building Society alongside Accenture Newcastle.

Outstanding social enterprise award includes Daisy Chain

Outstanding contribution to social change award includes Difference North East and Halo

Good luck to all.

Power the Good by GoodGym

The GoodGym Power the Good campaign is a drive to help 2000 community organisations and older people during the cost of living crisis this Autumn (to 30 November 2022)

They will help with:

grocery pick ups
prescription deliveries
electricity top ups
changing light bulbs or smoke alarm batters
moving furniture
building flat pack furniture
gardening and clearing an access
rehanging curtains

Hate Crime Awareness week, 8th to 15th October

Hate crimes are acts of violence or hostility towards individuals and communities because of who they are, or who people perceive them to be. Hate crimes are when a crime is directed at someone because of their race, sexual orientation, transgender identity, disability, religion or belief. InformationNOW has an article detailing what hate crime is and who can help.

Stop Hate UK are the lead organisation in Newcastle where you can report Hate Crime. They provide independent and confidential reporting and support for victims, witnesses and third parties. You can report hate crime online

Call Hate Out is a confidential 24 hour support service for young people under 18 experiencing or witnessing a Hate Crime.

#We Stand Together against hate

Health and Social Care Officer Jobs in day services

Closing date: 13 October 2022
3 permanent posts
30 hours a week
Salary: £19,650 to £20,852 per annum, pro rota (actual salary £15,932 to £16,097 per annum) Number of posts: 3

Newcastle City Council is looking to appoint 3 committed and enthusiastic people to be Health and Social Care Officers to their day service. They provide a service for adults with severe learning disabilities with additional complex support needs such as, physical disability, Autism, Dementia and behaviours that can challenge. You will be required to work as part of a large team supporting individuals in all aspects of daily living.

Successful applicants will be joining an experienced, dedicated and creative team providing opportunities for people to develop their independence and reach their full potential using a wide range of activities and therapies. Read more about the jobs and apply online here

YHN Jobs Fair

Date: Tuesday 11 Oct 2022
Time: 10.00 am – 1.00 pm
Cost: Free
Venue: St James’s Park

Go along to the Jobs Fair to meet the YHN Employability Team and many different organisations from across the city. There’s lots of job opportunities on offer. Email the team to book your place

The Euan’s Guide Access Survey

The Euan’s Guide Access Survey is the longest running and largest survey of its kind in the UK. Now in its eighth year, we’re asking disabled people what’s good and not so good about disabled access, as well as matters such as accessible toilets, disabled parking, transport, and the rising cost of living. Supported for a second year by the Motability Scheme.

Take the 2022 Access Survey

Last year over 2400 disabled people, families, friends and carers shared their opinions on disabled access. We learned some interesting things, including:

73% of respondents reported that they have found information on a venue’s website to be misleading, confusing or inaccurate
73% of respondents who had experienced a disappointing trip or had to change plans due to poor accessibility
59% of disabled people believe that COVID has made disabled access worse

This year’s data will be compared to last year’s, and we’ll use the information gathered to continue our work towards improving the lives of disabled people. Make sure your voice is heard by taking the survey.

There are a variety of accessible options to take the survey including: download large print, easy read and audio, MP3. Email: [email protected] or call 0131 510 5106.

World Mental Health Day, 10th October

This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day is ‘Make mental health & wellbeing a global priority for all’. In line with this year’s World Mental Health Day theme, Mental Health Europe will host a hybrid event at the European Parliament on the 10th of October (2 to 4 pm) focusing on refugees, migration and mental health. You can register and join as a virtual audience of the European Parliament event. #WorldMentalHealthDay #WMHD2022

Mental Health Support in Newcastle

Quell is a free, anonymous mental health and wellbeing online service with online counselling and a text chat service for people over 18 years.

Kooth is a free, safe and anonymous online community and support service commissioned by Newcastle & Gateshead CCG. It offers emotional and mental wellbeing advice and support to Children and Young People age range 11 to 18 years and allows access to support from qualified counsellors and practitioners. There is also the opportunity to gain support from peers, join forums and learn coping skills to manage mental health in a safe and supportive way.

Tyneside and Northumberland Mind offers a range of services, from private Facebook sessions to safe space sessions to intensive support known at the ACT service.

ReCoCo has a number of resources, from a music or mindfulness podcast to yoga and creative writing courses and workshops.

Vita Health Group works in partnership with the NHS to provide mental wellbeing services to support local residents in various districts throughout the UK. Known as IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies)) they offer a talking therapy service designed to support individuals by providing the tools needed to get things back on track with their mental wellbeing. It’s a free service.

Newcastle United Foundation has launched a free mental health text support service. Text ‘BAGC’ to 85258 at any day at any time and text line users will be put in contact with a trained volunteer or clinical supervisor. Texts are completely free, anonymous and do not appear on phone bills. (checking)

Funding opportunities

Leeds Building Society Foundation is providing grants to projects supporting those in need of a safe and secure home.

Small grants are available for capital expenditure of up to £1,000 for registered charities with a turnover of less than £1 million. This means that they fund the purchase of items used to directly help those in need, rather than contributing to a charity’s running costs. They’re looking to fund projects that fit within the following criteria themes:

Sustainability
Health
Financial stress
Accessibility
Education and advice
Security and refuge

Deadline 24th October 2022.

Cost of Living – Winter Pressures Events

Mental Health Concern are running a series of events in the community in October and November

You can pop in to speak to Mental Health Concern and local community organisations. They can help you to:

access free support and guidance on council schemes, benefits and finances
identify organisations that can provide practical and meaningful support
access local health and community services
to regain confidence, build resilience and improve your wellbeing

There are opportunities for organisations to attend the events and give information. If you’re interested please contact [email protected]

Winter Pressures Event – Throckley
Date: Thursday 20 Oct 2022
Time: 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm

Winter Pressures Event – Walker
Date: Thursday 27 Oct 2022
Time: 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm

Winter Pressures Event – Fenham Library
Date: Tuesday 1 Nov 2022
Time: 10.00 am to 3.00 pm

Winter Pressures Event – West End Library
Date: Friday 18 Nov 2022
Time: 10.00 am to 3.00 pm

This week’s Events & Activities

Visit our Events and Activities section to see what’s going on near you this week

Shipley Art Gallery workshops: different dates and times

Newcastle Vegan Market: Sunday 9th October

Nuns Moor Park and Greening Wingrove Apple day: 9th October, 11am to 4pm

YHN Jobs Fair: Tuesday 11 Oct 2022 , 10am to 1pm at St James Park

Get online Basic Computer training: Cruddas Park Library, 10am to 12.30 pm

New organisations

UCAS (the universities and colleges admissions service) They can help you to apply to study a degree at university, apprenticeships and other training. This service is for people applying to university for the first time although they have postgraduate options as well.

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Best Wishes

Lauren

Last updated: October 7, 2022

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