A small team of Elders Council volunteers and staff collaborated with Tech4Good volunteers, from Accenture Newcastle, to co-develop our new website. Our aim was to make it easy to use for visitors to the page, and manageable for own staff and volunteers who have to keep it up to date.
You can now become a member of EC online, download our latest magazine and other publications, read about our projects, find out what EC events are taking place and book any of our ticketed events.
This programme will focus on 'Newcastle Buildings and Heritage' and the presenters will be talking to some of our local City Guides in Newcastle.
Listen to the Point of View section, A Green View, Notices and Poems
To hear the previous show listen in on MixCloud here
☎ phone: 0191 208 2701
or email info@elderscouncil.org.uk
EC Board of Trustees
Trustee Board members and staff met this week to discuss and evaluate the work of EC, particularly in light of the world events which have had such a catastrophic effect on older people.
This is the first time in two years that we have met face to face so we classed this as an 'away day' although to be fair we were only in the centre of Newcastle.
The session gave us all an opportunity to consider how we think the EC is doing, how effective we are in the City and what the future challenges are likely to be, pandemic aside!
For information and clarification,
'Charity Trustees are the people who share ultimate responsibility for governing a charity and directing how it is managed and run'.
The Trustee Board is made up of EC members, older people who have volunteered their time and life experiences to the charity.
Our Trustees also represent EC on local and national organisations where views of older people are shared in the interest of all. In order to do this we talk to communities in the City and gather information about topical issues.
☎ phone: 0191 208 2701
or email info@elderscouncil.org.uk
Elders Council 'Warm Welcome' Wednesday 18th May from 1030 - 12 pm (not before 10.15)
at
Newcastle Building Society, Northumberland Street, Newcastle
Our guest today will be a representative from National Energy Action. If you would like to join us then please make a booking using the contact details below.
We are considering other guest speakers for these events so if you would like to make a suggestion please send us a message.
We apologise for the cancellation of the April event, however, that was beyond our control.
☎ phone: 0191 208 2701
or email info@elderscouncil.org.uk
Age Friendly Neighbourhoods
and Small Sparks Grants
Grants up to £200 are available for age friendly activity in Byker, Walker and West Fenham. The grants are really easy to apply for and anyone can apply. The closing date for submission has been extended to Friday 27th May.
We have now completed three Small Sparks events in the East and West of Newcastle.
Residents and visitors to these events shared their views on the area and highlighted particular issues for future discussion.
If you have not already made your suggestion, you can do so by contacting us either by telephone or email below.
If you leave a telephone message please be sure to let us have your name and contact details to get back to you.
☎ phone: 0191 208 2701
or email info@elderscouncil.org.uk
Songwriting Workshops 1952-2022
70 Years in Song - Jesmond Festival Event
Wednesday 18th May from 10.30 - 12.30 pm
at Jesmond Library, St George's Terrace, Newcastle NE2 2DL
Join this relaxed, one-off session as a group or individual, led by experienced musician and cultural historian Jude Murphy, to collaboratively create and sing songs drawing on the past 70 years in Jesmond and beyond.
No prior experience of creative writing or songwriting is necessary.
We’ll be using text and visual prompts, group exercises and discussions… and lots of humour along the way!
This workshop is organised by the Elders Council of Newcastle with the Wellbeing for Life team from the Friends of Jesmond Library.
Some of you may remember we celebrated Older People's Day in 2019 by writing new words to old songs which we then sang around Newcastle City Centre, this was good fun and we hope to see you at this new event.
Alphabetti Theatre ‘A Whale of a Time’ on Saturday 28th May at 1.00 pm
Elders Council has been invited to bring a group of people to see this new show. What’s it about?
Inside the belly of a whale, we meet Albert, a man in his fifties who has been here for half of his life. He has no idea why he's inside a whale, but after 25 years he's pretty much accepted it - this is home.
In washes Robbie, in his twenties and full of beans. They're an unlikely pairing but soon it turns into friendship and conversations on life events that Albert had no idea about... What's Google? Who's Raoul Moat? What the hell is a vegan sausage roll?
Whale Of A Time explores friendship, 'being a man' in different generations, and how one person could change the rest of your life.
The show lasts approximately 75 minutes and for those who wish to stay after the show, Audrey from Alphabetti is offering us a workshop to explore nostalgia and generational empowerment.
There is no set price for the tickets, it’s ‘pay what you feel’.
☎ phone: 0191 208 2701
or email info@elderscouncil.org.uk
Social Media
Don't lose out on timely events and opportunities.
Keep up to date with our Facebook Page and Twitter pages
Interests and Activities
Jesmond Festival 2022
from Saturday 7th May until Sunday 5th June 2022
There will be 4 weeks of events in the area during this festival, culminating in a Jubilee event on the final day.
All the events confirmed so far are listed on the website below. The events cover a huge range of interests, there is something for everyone, so check them out as some will need to be booked in advance.
All information about the events is also available from Jesmond Library in a printed version.
On Wednesday 11th May from 10-12noon there will be an opportunity to explore Pegasus Jesmond Assembly, which is on the former site of Newcastle High School for Girls. You can learn about the history of Jesmond Assembly, the local area and refreshments will be available too. Maybe you have memories of attending school here and just want to see what has been created on the site.
To book your place on any of these events please contact the festival organisers below.
Newcastle City Library New Bridge Street
Launch Event on Monday 9th May from 3 - 5pm
This is a visual digital Pop Up Art Exhibition which has been curated by Sharon Race following workshops with local young and older people. They produced art relating to their own personal experiences of the Covid-19 lockdown.
The exhibition work will be used to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week in May and is available to view between 5th and 19th May. You can book your place at the Launch event below:
Newcastle Poetry Festival
5-7th May 2022
at the Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle
The theme for this year is 'Emergency' and there will be a number of different events to take part in during this 3 day event. You can find out more from the website link below.
Costs range from Free to £5 per ticket.
Tickets are also available direct from the venue.
May is Local History Month and Newcastle Libraries have planned a programme of activities during the month.
Don't forget to check out your local library to see what is happening.
Full details are available here and on social media.
St James Heritage Centre are running two events for Local History Month, as follows: Monday 16th May : Denton Dene and beyond
There is also a drop-in at Denton Burn Library between 10.30am - 1.30pm where you can have a cup of tea and find out more about Denton Dene from local group "The Friends of Denton Dene".
Thursday 19th May: Gannin' Alang the Wall
Launch of a new film about the real route of the Roman Wall through Newcastle, event to be held at 2pm in the Bewick Hall, Newcastle City Library.
Booking is essential for the walk and the film launch.
You can book through the City Library website OR by email to stjamesbenwell@gmail.com (until 18th April only).
Dance Activities for the over 50's with Search Every Monday
at Robert Stewart Memorial Church, Wingrove Road
Search have teamed up with Dance City to offer the following sessions, which will be fun as well as improving your wellbeing.
Gentle Seated Dance from 10.30-11.30
Dance Through the Decades 11.30 - 12.30
All sessions must be booked and have a suggested donation of £2 each.
To book your place, ☎ phone: 0191 2737443
The Heritologists of North Shields
Saturday 14th May from 10-3pm
at North Shields Library Local History Month
Did you listen to the Older Voices Radio show on 1st April and hear Dave Young talking about this virtual reality heritage project?
Well, you can find out more and try it for yourselves this month, so why not drop in and take a look?
Dementia Friendly Environments 19 May 2022, 13:00-14:30, Online
By 2025 it is estimated that around 1 million people will have a diagnosis of dementia, meaning that almost everyone will know someone living with this condition. The built environment can have a profound effect on supporting or undermining independence for those in the earlier stages of disease.
This webinar will bring together practitioners from the built environment, medical and therapeutic disciplines, and academia to share and celebrate best practices and build a collaborative approach to planning and design.
To book your place click the registration link below.
Whether you are hesitant about going back to visiting local venues after Covid, or perhaps you or a loved one have a need for additional support or seating, a number of local museums are holding 'slow days' over the summer months.
The Late Shows also return in May 2022 after a 2 year hiatus, these will be held on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th May. You can find these events and much more by clicking the link below to the What's On page below.
Scotswood Garden Commencing Friday 6th May from 1.30 - 3.30 pm
This forms part of the Gardening for Dementia therapy and will take place every Friday from 6th May.
If you would like to take part in the supported gardening or craft sessions don't forget to book your place as soon as possible.
Contact Leanne to book or find out more about accessibility.
Swimming Sessions for Women affected by Breast Cancer at Elswick Community Pool
The first two dedicated trial sessions have been arranged for Thursday 19th May and 2nd June from 9 - 10pm.
These two sessions will be free to attend to gauge interest, and parking is available on site.
Please check with your medical team before swimming if you are still undergoing treatment or have recently finished.
This is suitable for all abilities and why not bring a friend along for support!
For more information and to book your place contact;
Take part in Creative Carnival Workshops & performance celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee!
Would you like to take part in carnival workshops leading to a performance for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee beacon event on June 2nd?
The event will feature the official lighting of the Beacon, a carnival finale plus community stalls, food, and activities at Hodgkin Park, Benwell.
Fun and accessible workshops will take place in May, led by inspiring creative leaders with opportunities for groups to contribute through percussion, dance or costume and craft.
If you would like to take part and are from the West End of Newcastle, we want to hear from YOU!
Opportunities for older adults to take part in something from drama and dance to singing and creative writing to tea and chat mornings, supported by the Theatre Creative team and visiting artists.
They are developing a creative community where skills are developed and stories are shared among like-minded people.
Whether you have lots of experience in the arts or you would like to try something new, you are very welcome to join in. Memberships available from £75 per year.
Are you between 50-65 years of age and drink alcohol?
This survey forms part of a Psychology dissertation into the factors influencing mental health, in order to inform and potentially provide tailored support and interventions in the future.
The study is completely anonymous and there is no right or wrong answer to answer any of the questions.
If you would like to take part just click on the link below.
As always, this research request has been vetted.
North East England Hoarding Research Group
Northumbria University Newcastle
Do you have time to complete a survey exploring the relationship between hoarding behaviours, emotional regulation, aggression and executive function?
If you are over the age of 18,and would like to take this survey, please click on this link below:
As always, this research request has been vetted.
Newcastle Clinical Ageing Research Unit
Muscle Health and Activity Monitoring
The aim of this study is to investigate the application of smart socks to measure muscle health during walking in healthy older adults. As people become older, the amount of muscle mass and muscle strength usually decreases. This may contribute to difficulty in walking and balance problems.
If you are over the age of 65 and interested in taking part in this research study, then contact the researchers below. As always, this research request has been vetted.
There have been reports of scammers contacting local residents asking for their details to pay them the £150 Energy Rebate on council tax. Our Councils will not do this.
They will not call to ask for your details over the phone to pay this rebate, this will be paid directly into the bank of those who pay by direct debit.
Please stay alert and don't give your details to scammers.
You may not know that Newcastle Carers produce a regular newsletter full of advice and information for anyone who provides this service, whether paid or voluntarily.
On the website you will find out what events are on near you and get support and or training to help you cope. Check it out now here
British Red Cross Carers Emergency Contact Scheme
The Carers Emergency Contact Scheme is a service provided for adults caring for adults living in Newcastle upon Tyne. The scheme supports and enables you to draw up an emergency contact plan in case you are suddenly unable to care. This could be because of a personal crisis such as a sudden illness, accident or other emergency which occurs while away from the home.
The scheme is FREE to join and offers a quick response in the event of a personal crisis. Providing peace of mind should a carer be unable to return and offer care in the usual way.
The scheme is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including Bank Holidays.
Urban Green Newcastle have appointed a new Chief Executive, Carol Pyrah, who joins them following an experienced career in the charity, heritage and conservation sectors.
Pets Corner in Jesmond Dene has reopened this month, daily from 10-4pm.
The Blossom Together project in Exhibition Park is now open to view and combines with a blossom inspired tea blend available at the Urban Green cafe, along with cream scones.
For more events and information check out the Urban Green link here. Health and Care Bill - Recovery and Reform
This Bill has now received Royal Assent and you can read below the full measures set to be acted on over the next 3 years.
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.
