Energy Costs
The 54% rise in energy costs has most of us
very worried, especially those on a low fixed income.
Information Now has recently been updated to pull everything together for people trying to manage on a low income, here's the
link to that specific page
We are seeking to recruit individuals with experience of working (including voluntary work) in later life to take part in a co-production study that seeks to develop the home environment that supports older workers to work as long as they choose. This is a partnership project between the Design Age Institute, the National Innovation Centre for Ageing,
Elders Council of Newcastle and Karbon Homes.
Northumbria University is seeking to run 3 co-design workshops with older people (55+) and those with expertise in occupational health and supporting those who work from their home to determine what makes a live/work flexible home. The first workshop is to understand the problems older people experience and identify potential solutions; the second and third will validate the home designs prior to an exhibition in the design museum in July 2022. The first workshop will be 1-3.30pm, 1.3.2022 via an on-line Teams platform.
Six of us braved Storm Malik to get to Alphabetti for the performance of 'Tree' by Gary Kitching and Steve Bryon. Following the very thought-provoking and moving performance, four of us joined Gary Kitching for a writing workshop. Gary gave us the background to how Tree came into being and the highs and lows of being a writer, before setting us a writing task which we all enjoyed.
☎ phone: 0191 208 2701
or email info@elderscouncil.org.uk
Creating an Age-Friendly Recovery
Representatives from the Elders Council and Age-Friendly Newcastle took part in the UK Network of Age-Friendly Communities mini-conference on ‘Creating an Age-Friendly Recovery’. We had the opportunity to learn from examples of very interesting national and international work demonstrating how places are taking the learning from the pandemic to shape how they work in the future.
Watch this short video that was created for the event
The theme of this broadcast is, 'Romance is in the air' and will be aired on 18 February at its usual time 2 - 4 pm on Nova radio 102.5fm. Among the things to be discussed will be romantic movies. Halina is presenting the programme and it sounds just the thing for Friday afternoon listening.
The March programme brings back our Patron, John Grundy, to talk about events in Newcastle's history - more in the next Bulletin!
Unfortunately, Eunice Davidson, a long-standing member of the Older Voices team, has had to leave us on account of her health. The team would like to thank her for all her commitment to the radio show. We always looked forward to her Thought for the Month: always thought-provoking, always fascinatingly personal. We shall miss her, as will our listeners.
☎ phone: 0191 208 2701
or email info@elderscouncil.org.uk
Wellbeing for Life Jesmond Library
The next meeting for this group will be on 2 March. 'Angels of the North' local history and books is the theme this time. You can be at the library or access it by Zoom. To confirm your place contact: events@jesmondlibrary.org You will need to say whether you are going to the library or
Zooming when you contact them.
Facebook and Twitter
We post regularly on Facebook and Twitter to remind you when the next Bulletin and radio broadcast is available as well as alert you to any events. Why not follow us and be alerted?
Interests and Activities
St. James heritage and Environment Group Village: a thousand years of history Wednesday 9 March 1 pm Newburn
Join us to explore the heritage of Newburn Village.
(Involves some uphill walking.) Meet: the churchyard of the historic St Michael and All Angel’s Church,
just behind the High Street, Newburn. Nuns Moor Park and environs - Wednesday 16 March 1 pm
Meet at 1 o’clock in the café in Nuns Moor Park where you will have time for a drink and chat before taking a stroll around one of Newcastle’s lesser-known parks. From here we cross the road to visit St Nicholas’ cemetery, once notorious for its Smugglers Hole, before exploring the dramatic changes happening on the former site of the General Hospital. Meet: outside the cafe inside Nuns Moor Park - the entrance to the park is at the junction of
Nuns Moor Road and Brighton Grove. Exhibition Park to Leazes Park - Wednesday 30 March 1 pm
After a stroll around Exhibition Park, we will walk along Queen Victoria Road, noting the history of the institutions on either side. Then it is time for a leisurely walk around Newcastle’s oldest public park, Leazes Park. Meet: 1 pm at the entrance to Exhibition Park which is at the junction of Claremont Road and Queen Victoria Road
Booking essential - reply to this email for further information or to book a place stjamesbenwell@gmail.com
What's on across NewcastleGateshead
Get your skates and scoot across to Beamish museum and try out the ice rink there or go and see a stage version of 'Pinnochio' at Northern Stage. There's more in their newsletter for February, the link is here: https://mailchi.mp/ngi/whats-on-in-february-2022?e=08438f194c
Sing and Socialise
This is a dementia-friendly group that meets on Fridays between 11 am and 12 noon in St George's Church Hall, Jesmond. The new sessions start on 11 March. For further information the contact details are here: ☎ phone: 0191 281 8255
or email:dementiafriendlyjes@gmail.com
Slatyford Tenants Association
If you like a game of Bingo and a chance to meet others why not try the Friendship Club at Slatyford Tenants Association, Pooley Road, NE5 2SS
There's a £1 entrance and it's every Wednesday from 12 pm to 2.30 there's also a Raffle and Money Draw Refreshments are available but you can take
a packed lunch if you like.
There is no entry before 12 noon, but then everyone is welcome.
North of the Tyne Under the Stars
A series of spellbinding outdoor events, blending spectacular projection, fire and music with a sprinkling of magic. Inspired by local stories and landscapes from across Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside. The Story-Weaver will be visiting Blyth, North Shields, Wallsend, Byker, Fenham and Hexham on her quest, before gathering up all of the ingredients she has collected and inviting us to Newcastle to witness the magic she has woven from all the tales that she has found. The storyweaver will be in Wallsend and Byker on 25 and 26 February from 6 pm - 9 pm There's more information on the website. https://www.undernorthtynestars.co.uk/
Alphabetti Theatre presents 'Dragon'
22 February - 12 March
This is a mixture of puppets and digital animation and is suitable for all aged 7+
It's the story of a child coming to terms with authority, responsibility, and the nature of their world.
This is a 'Pay what you feel' experience.
For a lot more information about this small theatre in the city centre
go to their webpages http://www.alphabettitheatre.co.uk
Growing up and growing older -
the impact of the pandemic on people in Newcastle
Please come and join us for the premiere screening of 4 short films exploring the experiences of real people during the COVID-19 pandemic. The screening takes place 23 March at 5 pm at The Catalyst NE4 5TG
Since October 2020 artist and filmmaker Danielle Giddins has been working with communities around Newcastle upon Tyne to understand their experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic as part of The COVID Age. The COVID Age is a film and art project developed by Newcastle City Council Arts development team, Newcastle University, and the UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing.
The project explores growing up and growing older during a pandemic, and the impact this has had on various communities around Newcastle. To mark the 2-year anniversary of the first UK national lockdown, join us for the opening of a special art exhibition and the screening of four short films as we explore the experiences of real people during COVID-19.
This is for age 55+ and all workshops and activities are free.
25 February Pressed Flower Crafts
18 March Growing Wildflowers
In April there will be a visit to Northumberland wildlife nature reserve
Older Women's Garden
This will include planning for the season ahead, sowing seeds, and making a shopping list. There is access to indoor space when the weather is wet or cold.
The group meet on Wednesday from 1.00 - 3.00 pm
Booking is essential, here are the contact details
☎ phone: 0191 275 0000
email: jenny@sncg.org.ukExhibition 'Newcastle on Stage'
Our new exhibition 'Newcastle on Stage: Theatre in the North East' is available to view now on Level 2 of the Philip Robinson Library, Newcastle University. Lots of archive material from Live Theatre, Northern Stage, and Open Clasp Theatre. This is open to the public. The exhibition opened in February.Search Evening Winter Social
Live Music and nibbles
The evening social that was scheduled and cancelled before Christmas has been rearranged. It will take place on the 22 February at 6 pm at the Carnegie building. Those of you who had tickets for the cancelled event do not need to pay to come but please still book a place so that we know how many people will be attending. Tickets still available £3 per person booking essential
☎ phone: 0191 273 7443Lockdown and Me
Mental Health Stories of the lockdown from older (and younger) people.
You can add your voice through a creative art workshop on Friday 24 February in the City Library Newcastle 10 am -1 pm
The workshop is free but booking is essential
email: mail@lockdownandme.co.ukJesmond Library
If you are looking after grandchildren during half term there are craft activities on 22 February at Jesmond library you will need to book. The library is a busy place and you can look in on their web pages for more information.
To book for the craft session it's events@jesmondlibrary.orgSt Martin's Centre
The Thursday Craft and Social starts again on 3 March from 10.30 - 11.30 am. Bring your own craft or play board games or just come for a cuppa. A small charge of £1.50 is made. The Centre also has other activities that may be of interest have a look at their website https://www.stmartinscentre.org.uk/services/
Volunteering, Research and Consultations
Correction
The date we gave in the last Bulletin for the event was incorrect.
We have republished the information below with the corrected date.
Please accept our apologies.
Integrated Care Systems (ICS)
How will Public Engagement Work?
This will be a matter for consideration, and a really important one, at a special meeting of Newcastle Gateshead Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). The meeting will be held on Tuesday 8 March from 10 - 11 am and will be a virtual meeting. You will need to register to take part. the registration link is below. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfYasbUc6jMNd2h_gr-cenY_cfoPFuI-YOd7l1y_rWf3XG61A/viewform
Northern Cancer Voices Patient Collaboration Group
This is a relatively new group that involves the collaboration of patients, carers and health professionals. They are hoping to recruit and increase their patient network. So if you have had cancer, or are still receiving treatment, and you, or your carer or family members would like to share your story and experiences and be involved in the future of this group please get in touch.
email: info@northerncancervoices.co.uk
For more information, this is the website: https://northerncancervoices.co.uk/
Research Workshop on the Frailty Pathway
Dr Mark Parkinson and the frailty research group at Northumbria University are organising a workshop on frailty pathways of care. This will involve a small group of service users being asked to review a toolkit the research group has developed. There are currently a few spaces available if anyone wants to express interest. The workshop is online on 14 March contact detail is below:
email:jennifer@involvene.org.uk
Student Research Requests The Elders Council ensure the research falls within our ethical framework and check the person is a student of the relevant university. We receive a lot of requests from students (both undergraduate and graduate) on a range of topics and we hope that people will enjoy being a part of the research projects. There are several such requests following and some of them offer
a fee or a voucher for participating.
Passwords
We are a group of master’s students looking for volunteers aged over 18 to take part in a 10-minute questionnaire on passwords for our dissertation “How do current users password habits compare to current recommendations and previous password trends?”. Please note, that although we will ask questions about password creation and storage, we will never ask for your real password.
If you are interested in completing this study, please click on the link below to view all participant information and the consent form. https://lnkd.in/eJ2htBrS
This study has been given full ethical approval by the faculty of Engineering and Environment at Northumbria University. If you have any questions regarding the study, please get in touch at Rhian.lukins@northumbria.ac.uk
Please note that the students who are asking for your help with the above project are the students who are helping us with the IT drop-in, so please support them by completing this questionnaire.
3rd Year Student Design Project to create a community centre
Enjoy feeling a sense of community?
Help me design a new community centre for Jesmond Dene.
My name is Jess, and I am currently in my third year of studying architecture at Northumbria University. For my current project, I am designing a community centre in Jesmond Dene with a focus on spaces for older people. I would love your feedback and help with the design of my community centre; therefore, it would be greatly appreciated if you could take the time to fill in a short questionnaire via the link below. Thank you! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnODqSQqYutaJqTJWzwDeXavEW5E8LqpYtBmA_vW5_XshxdA/viewform?usp=sf_link
Trainee Psychologist needs help with research
I am recruiting participants for a research study looking at the experiences of older adults who have sought mental health support for anxiety for the first time. My aim with this project is to explore how access to mental health support could be improved. This study has approval from the Psychology Research Ethics Committee at the University of Exeter. ☎ phone: 07919112813 or email: vw277@exeter.ac.uk
Student studying for a Masters in Occupational Therapy
The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of online dating amongst older adults aged sixty and over (60+). The objectives are to explore how older adults 60+ engage with online dating and better understand the reasons why older adults engage with online dating as a meaningful occupation. The final objective is to explore what older adults perceive
as the positives and negatives of online dating.
email:melissa.ridley@postgrad.plymouth.ac.ukMultiverse Lab
Royal Mail is in the process of phasing out old stamps. The new stamps will have barcodes that match the stamp colour and sit alongside the main body of the stamp, separated by a simulated perforation line. The new barcode is an integral part of the stamp and must remain intact for the stamp to be valid.
Non-barcoded stamps have stopped being usable. You can swap these old stamps for the new barcoded ones but not until 31 March. So if you have any unused old stamps keep them safe until you can exchange them https://www.royalmail.com/sending/barcoded-stampsNewcastle Patient, Public and Engagement Programme (NPPEP)
The next session will be held on 14 March from 10 1m - 12 noon and will be
online via Microsoft Teams.
The theme is how to get involved in shaping health services.
More information is available at: http://newcastlegatesheadccg.nhs.uk
Information
Free parking Metro park and ride sites will continue into the Spring
Free parking at four park and ride and sites on the Tyne and Wear Metro is to continue as more people return to the network after the latest covid restrictions came to an end. Nexus, the public body which owns and manages Metro, has extended the offer through to March 31 as it looks to continue building back Metro customer numbers that were hit by the pandemic.
The park and ride sites are: Four Lane Ends, Callerton Parkway,
Bank Foot and Stadium of Light.
The Kingston Park Metro station park-and-ride is free on Sundays. Parking is also free on Sundays at Regent Centre, Hebburn and Four Lane Ends Metro car parks. For details call the Nexus media office on 07939545628.
For out-of-hours enquiries call 07767 837 795.
For more about Nexus go to www.nexus.org.uk
Jesmond Residents
Both Universities, Northumbria Police and Newcastle City Council are holding a drop-in session for all residents, students, or permanent and landlords in Heaton, Sandyford, Jesmond Shieldfield and Ouseburn to bring any issues they may have. The next session is 09/03/22 at Jesmond Cricket Club 5.50 - 7.00 pm
Arthritis Action Group
Join an Arthritis Action Group to meet other people living with arthritis and share tips and experiences. Groups are friendly and they actively welcome new attendees. They discuss a variety of self-management techniques. Participants will need to contact us directly for the log-in instructions for the meeting, and we have produced ‘How To’ guides for those not familiar with using Zoom. Find out more
Pensions and Post Office Accounts
From November 2022 it will no longer be possible for older people to have their pension or other benefits paid into a post office account. The Department for Work and Pensions has started sending letters to customers who are receiving benefits or pensions payments via their Post Office card account (POca). People are being informed the POca service is closing and being asked for their bank account details so their benefits and pensions
can be paid into this alternative account.
The Department for Work and Pensions has started sending letters to customers who are receiving benefits or pensions payments via their Post Office card account (POca). People are being informed the POca service is closing and being asked for their bank account details so their benefits and pensions can be paid into this alternative account.
Please try to ensure anyone you know who uses the Post Office for their pension is aware of this, thank you. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/post-office-card-accounts-closure-extended-until-november-2022
National Energy Action
They are National Energy Action (NEA) - the national fuel poverty charity, working to ensure that everyone in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is warm and safe at home. They do many things and you can see this on their website. One activity is giving advice. As you can imagine they are very busy just now it's worth a look at the site. They offer a signed service for deaf people https://www.nea.org.uk
Street Parties for the Queen's Jubilee
You and your neighbours can apply to hold a street party by completing a Your Local Services form on Newcastle City Council’s website Alternatively call 0191 278 7878 and one of the Council’s Traffic Management team
will contact you regarding your application.
Newcastle: Household Support Fund
This is allocated as: Food vouchers in the school holidays for children entitled to free school meals Utility payments for families who receive free school meals
on a targeted approach
Utility payments for singles/couples without children, currently in receipt of council tax support and universal credit on a targeted approach Hardship payments for food and or utility bills for others who are in significant financial difficulty as a result of Covid-19 and haven't already received a payment for Household support, through an application process. Find out more and apply
Energy Ambassadors
Monday 7 March, 2pm - 3:30pm
Become an Energy Ambassador for your community group or organisation and be equipped to support others to reduce and manage their energy costs.Run over 3 sessions (1.5 hours per week), this enjoyable and informative course aims to raise awareness of ways to save energy and how you can support others to reduce costs. Find out more
Myths around Dentists?
It's been hard to have dental appointments over the last two years and as dentists try to catch up with things there are lots of myths swirling around about this. Healthwatch has tried to answer the most common. https://healthwatchnorthumberland.co.uk/dentistry-myth-busting/
Home from Hospital
This is a really useful service for those older people needing just a bit of support when they get home from the hospital.
The Home from Hospital project was developed to enable patients to thrive back home safely and comfortably, and to support our local NHS services. Patients referred to the programme are provided with a flexible, short-term support package designed to meet their most important needs.
Support may include collecting food items or prescriptions on the person’s behalf, friendly conversations and emotional support, or practical tasks such as helping to fill in forms and making sure the person’s home is safe. Our aim is to give the person the confidence to continue their recovery successfully at home. We also seek to provide our volunteers with a memorable and meaningful experience through befriending an older person in their local community. Please get in touch to find out more! Matthew Brindley (Engagement Manager, Volunteering Matters): 07534 043578; matthew.brindley@volunteeringmatters.org.uk
The North of England Diabetes UK is running a webinar for people living with diabetes and who wish to prepare for Ramadan.
The webinar will be recorded so if people can’t attend the live event but would like to watch it they should register and they will be sent the recorded version after February 17. Ramadan in 2022 will run from on or around Saturday 2 April to Sunday 1 May. Holding the webinar in February will give people the time to prepare for fasting and to receive health advice in good time. The webinar is free but people must book a place via https://tinyurl.com/Ramadan-2022
North East Community Forest
The multi-million pound, 30-year project, across Newcastle, Gateshead, North and South Tyneside, Sunderland and County Durham, will see the equivalent of almost 6,000 rugby pitches of new woodlands, hedgerows,
orchards and trees planted by 2050.
Cllr Nick Forbes, leader of Newcastle City Council, planted the oak tree in the grounds of the Civic Centre on Wednesday, February 2. The Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, Susan Winfield, then presented a plaque to Cllr Forbes to celebrate Newcastle being crowned a Queen's Green Canopy (QGC) Champion City. The QGC is a UK-wide tree planting initiative that encourages people to plant a tree to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this year.
Community Grocery
The Community Grocery is here to bridge the gap between food banks and supermarkets and help local residents (Byker and Walker) with their weekly food shop. If you are feeling the financial impact of rising costs on your budget then we are here to help you. We have an annual membership of £5, it’s £3 a shop and you can shop up to 3 times a week!
Please note that while our office remains closed the phone will have an automated reply.
We WILL contact you as soon as possible if you leave a message and telephone number.
