Consumer Advice

Advocacy is where someone helps you to get your views and opinions heard. They can support you to access services if you are unable to do so by yourself.

Buying new white goods or electrical items for your home can be a large and often unexpected expense. There are alternative ways to do this.

Furniture can be quite expensive, especially if you are in the process of moving house. There are more affordable options available in Newcastle.

is a life-long condition which affects a person’s ability to communicate or to do everyday things. This page has more information about local support organisations and groups in Newcastle.

People who call at your home unexpectedly or call you on the telephone might not always be who they say they are.

Care homes can provide accommodation with either personal or nursing care, depending upon your needs. They vary in size and in the facilities that they provide.

If you are not happy with the service that you receive, or if you feel that something has gone wrong, Adult Services need to know.

Digital television is in place across the UK. This means that you will need a digital receiver or satellite or cable TV service in order to watch television.

You may have been driving for years, but there are some things that you need to think about as you get older and your circumstances change.

Things to look out for to keep your home and belongings safe

There are a number of practical steps you can take to save energy and money.

Sensible precautions you can take to make yourself less likely to be the victim of crimes such as fraud or scams.  How to report fraud.

Help and advice on how to find a cheaper energy supplier, help with energy debt, complaining about your service provider, priority services and more.

Tips on how to be gas safe at home

Want to know more about how to use digital technology such as the internet, computers, tablet devices (Ipad etc) mobile phones and find out what this technology could do for you?

If you need repairs doing to your home and can’t do them yourself then there is help available. Always find someone you can trust before you let them into your home.

There are schemes that can provide you with a reliable gardener to help keep you garden in good condition at an affordable price.

help and advice to make sure your home has good heating and insulation to keep you warm and help if you are struggling to pay your energy bills.

If you need some support at home with personal care such as bathing, dressing and making meals, there are organisations that may be able to help you.

This section looks at the different ways you can raise concerns you may have about health services.

If you are not happy with the service or goods that you have received you can make a complaint, or in some cases you may be able to return the goods and secure a refund.

To connect to the internet you need a telephone line and to pay for a broadband connection. You can also access WiFi.

A learning disability is a life-long condition. It affects a person’s ability to communicate or to do everyday things. People with a learning disability find it harder than others to learn, understand and communicate.

Mental health is about how we think, feel and behave. 1 in 4 people in the UK have a mental health problem which affects their daily life, relationships or physical health.

are a good way to keep in touch. They can be used to make phone calls, send text messages photos and emails and lots more.

Ways to save money at Christmas, help the environment or a good cause.

The system for paying for care can be quite complicated. The amount you pay depends upon your circumstances.

There are a number of ways of paying for goods and services in shops, online or by post.

Telecare can help you live confidently and independently at home. Gadgets, monitoring systems and alarms can be used to keep you safe and well. Giving you and your carers and family peace of mind.

Your personal budget is the sum of money that Newcastle City Council allocates for your care and support.  As a result of your personal budget, a support plan should be put in place.

information about the range of postal services available in the UK

Home security is the best way to reduce your chances of being burgled. Some basic tips are listed in this section. Many of them are common sense, but they could make all the difference to the safety of your home.

a helpful list of equipment and aids that you can buy to help make life easier.

Broadband and mobile networks can run slower when lots of people and devices are connected to them. Whether you’re working from home, streaming music, TV or films, gaming or making video or internet calls, there are things you can try to speed up your internet connection.

A few simple precautions will keep you safe while you are online.

Identifying as a LGBTQ+ person can sometimes lead to harassment, bullying, hate crime or discrimination (treated less by others because of who you are). You have rights and support is available if you are experiencing problems.

There are a lot of telephone services to choose from. This article gives more information to help find the right  service for you.

You need to buy a TV licence if you own a TV set or other equipment that can receive TV programmes.

read more about the water supplier in the North East, help to pay your bills, to save money and water.

Find out more about places where you can receive legal advice in Newcastle.

If you have a problem with something that you buy or pay for there are laws that can protect you. There are also local organisations that can help you.