InformationNow News 27 March 2026

NEWS

InformationNOW

Hello!  I’m Helen McIntosh, the new Prevention, Information and Advice Lead.  I’m delighted to be joining the InformationNow team and excited to be part of a service that plays such an important role for people across the city.  I’m really looking forward to working with colleagues, partners and the wider community and to contribute to the great work already happening on InformationNow.

Newcastle Neighbourhood Networks Spring 2026! 

March and April 2026, various venues

The next round of Neighbourhood Networks events are taking place over March and April, with one event each of the four areas of the city. They provide a dedicated space and time which gives an opportunity to connect people in the area. Attendance includes the health, social care, voluntary, community, housing, sport, leisure, uniformed services, faith organisations and social enterprise sectors. All who work or volunteer in the area are welcome to attend.

The networks enable people to make connections, better work together, increase knowledge of the locality, share insights, and share best practices to make and inform changes to how we all can contribute, strengthen and support our diverse and rich communities.

If you would like to attend an event then place book a space using the following link Newcastle Neighbourhood events booking the link will also take you to access guides which includes more information about what you can expect at the event and details of the venues.

The theme for this round of networks is Neighbourhoods where we are Living well and Ageing Well: Neighbourhoods where we live a healthier life for longer, have a range of opportunities to do the things we love and that matter to us, connecting with others. In communities where we feel safe, and look out for one another. Where we can use our strengths to contribute and participate in the development of our communities and the things we are passionate about.

• InfoNOW Events (booking form embedded):
• Newcastle Neighbourhood Network: Outer West March 2026
  Tuesday 31 March 2026, 12.30pm to 3pm atWest Denton Community Centre
• Newcastle Neighbourhood Network: North March 2026
• Wednesday 1 April 2026, 10.30am to 12.30pm at Leisure United Bullocksteads

We would request people please book a place as space is limited in the venues and where possible restrict to two team members per team for each event.

You can register your place at these events using the form here:

Read more about Newcastle Neighbourhoods on InformationNOW

Meningitis Outbreak

The overall risk of Meningitis B (MenB) to people outside the Kent area remains low.

If you have symptoms of meningitis, call 999 or go to A&E straight away. If someone goes to bed unwell, check on them regularly.

Find out more about the Meningitis outbreak from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)

Nexus Metro Information

Nexus are installing a completley new technology system which will replace the now expired system from the 1990’s.  This means there will be no trains running on the dates and times below.

Monday 6 April 2026 – 5am to 10am – Easter Monday

Sunday 3 May 2026 – 8.30pm onwards – no trains between Pelaw and South Hylton all day

Monday 4 May 2026 – until 10.30am – Bank holiday – No trains between Pelaw and South Hylton

Replacement busses will be provided on these dates and customers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys.

See the full list of updates here

Read more on InformationNow about Tyne and Wear Metro

SPOTLIGHT ON

Safeguarding Adults 

Everyone has a role in keeping people safe. Safeguarding adults is about protecting people from abuse, neglect and harm. If you provide care or support – whether you are commissioned by the Council or not – you are part of the local safeguarding partnership. 

 What is safeguarding? 

Safeguarding means: 

• Protecting people’s right to live safely 

• Preventing abuse, neglect and harm 

• Making sure people are listened to and supported 

• Taking action early, before risks increase 

Safeguarding is not about blame. It is about support, prevention and learning. 

 When should I raise a concern? 

You should raise a safeguarding concern if you are worried that an adult at risk: 

• Is being harmed, abused or neglected 

• Is at risk of harm and unable to protect themselves 

• Is experiencing poor care that is placing them at risk 

• Is self‑neglecting in a way that puts their health or safety at risk 

You do not need proof. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to ask for advice. 

How to get advice or raise a concern 

 If someone is in immediate danger, call emergency services. 

 To report a safeguarding concern or find advice, visit: 

https://www.newcastlesafeguarding.org.uk/report-a-concern/ 

You do not need to be a commissioned service to raise a concern. 

If you are worried – speak up. We are here to help. 

National Portrait Gallery Competition comes to the Laing Art Gallery

Pottery Bank Weekly Activities

Pottery Bank Community Centre offers a range of activities to people of all ages in Walker such as woodworking, IT support and Cooking on a Budget.  Join them for a warm welcome and a friendly chat at one of their drop in sessions.

See the new timetable here

Read more on InformationNow about Pottery Bank Community Centre Ltd

Spring Support Groups

St Vincent de Paul Centre has announced their new programme of social and support groups.  From Cooking on a Budget, Men’s Support and Citizen’s Advice, you’re bound to find something to interest you.

Call 0191 261 6027 to book

Read more on InformationNow about St. Vincent’s Centre Newcastle

OPPORTUNITIES

Badminton Sessions at West End Refugee service

Join WERS at Tyneside Badminton Centre on Bowness Road to play Badminton with other refugees or people seeking sanctuary in Newcastle.  Sessions have a very low cost and run between 2pm to 4pm on Mondays.

Click here to register.

Read more on InformationNow about West End Refugee Service

Floodlit Football

Bowls Drop In Sessions

Basic Computer Training

CONSULTATION AND ENGAGEMENT

Carers Active Campaign

Are you a carer you loves to garden? Do you enjoy tending to your garden, allotment or indoor plants?  Carers UK would love to feature you in their upcoming Green Care for You campaign.  Simply share your favourite gardening-based photos and the best images will win a feature in the campaign!

Send your photographs to Carers Active here

Read more on InformationNow about Carers UK

National Trust Sycamore Gap Commission

North East community arts charity Helix Arts have been shortlisted for the National Trust’s Sycamore Gap commission, creating a new artwork using wood retained from the Sycamore Gap tree. The tree stood for more than 120 years on Hadrian’s Wall and held deep meaning for local communities, visitors and people across the world. Its loss in 2023 was widely felt, and this commission represents an opportunity to honour its legacy and contribute to a thoughtful, hopeful response.

Helix Arts’ proposal is called The People’s Tree: A Shared Story. Helix Arts has a proud and long history of working with community members to co-create powerful public artworks, so they are very excited to be the only shortlisted applicant from the North East.

Click here to vote for the commission

Read more on InformationNow about Helix Arts

North East Autism Society Acceptance Project

As part of World Autism Acceptance Month in April 2026, the North East Autism Society are inviting individuals, schools, and organisations to take part in The Acceptance Project.

Inspired by Autism Activists, the Acceptance Project will bring together pieces of powerful artwork exploring what acceptance means.

Participants are encouraged to express ideas, experiences, and perspectives through any creative format, using art as a way to challenge misconceptions and promote inclusion.

The deadline for entries is Thursday 2 April 2026. Every submission will be proudly showcased on our website in an online exhibition and across our social media channels. The overall winning design will be used in official NEAS merchandise.

If you would like to get involved, you can find out more on the NEAS website

Read more on InformationNow about North East Autism Society

REPORTS AND RESOURCES

National Healthwatch Report Explores how people are using the NHS App

Local Healthwatch has published a national report capturing the views of 1,717 people across 19 areas on how they use the NHS App and how confident they feel about giving feedback through digital channels. Released in March 2026, the report highlights who is currently using the app, the barriers many people still face—including digital exclusion, low confidence, and a preference for human contact—and how these issues impact access to care.

The full report, Local Healthwatch: NHS App and Independent Feedback Report 2026, can be accessed here

Read more on InformationNow about Healthwatch Newcastle

Reducing Professional Stigma Training

Organisations are invited to participate in a 30-minute interactive training package designed for professionals working in health, social care, criminal justice, and community services. The training is accessible, relevant to a wide range of roles, and no prior expertise about substance use or the topic of stigma is required.  Stigma remains a significant barrier to care and recovery for people who use substances, and this training seeks to help address this through evidence-based interventions, co-produced with professionals and individuals with lived experience.

If you would like to take part in the pilot, please complete the expression of interest form.

Read more on InformationNow about Adult Social Care and Prevention: Working Together

AI software to help people with dementia

The Longitude Prize on Dementia was created to drive the creation of personalised, technology-based tools that are co-created with people living with the early stages of dementia, helping them live independent, more fulfilled lives so they are able to do the things they enjoy.

CrossSense has been awarded the £1 million grand prize for its pioneering smart glasses solution with a built-in AI-powered assistant that identifies everyday objects and guides people living with early-stage dementia through daily activities.

Read more about the prize here

Read more on InformationNow about Alzheimer’s Society

UPCOMING EVENTS

Printmaking Workshop

Join the Artist in Residence for a creative workshop where you’ll learn how to make your own linocut print inspired by the Gosforth Nature Reserve.  No previous experience is needed and everything you need will be provided.

10.30am to 12.30pm, Tuesday 21 April 2026.

Click here for tickets.

Read more on InformationNow about the Gosforth Nature Reserve

Newcastle College University Centre Open Event

NEW AND UPDATED ON INFONOW

The Bread and Butter Thing

Updated organisation

The Bread and Butter Thing is an affordable mobile food club that runs across the UK. They offer low cost weekly shopping bags. It’s cheaper than buying food in shops. The bags contain fruit and vegetables, fridge favourites and cupboard staples. It’s free to become a member. They accept Healthy Start vouchers and vegetarian options are available.

Read more on InformationNow about The Bread and Butter Thing

The Glasshouse International Centre

Updated organisation

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music is a concert venue, performance venue, a learning centre and a tourist attraction.

They have a full programme of musical performances and learning and participation opportunities suitable for all ages. This includes programmes for adults where you can learn a musical instrument or sing. They also have programmes for children and young adults which may be of interest if you care for younger relatives or grandchildren. Visit their website to see what shows and events are coming soon.

Read more on InformationNow about The Glasshouse International Centre for Music

Last updated: March 25, 2026