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Issue 137 5th March 2023

Experiences of Urgent Care

Tuesday 14^th March 2023 – 2.00 – 4.00 pm

Elders Council Offices

Elders Council is hosting a focus group on people’s thoughts and experiences regarding urgent care services in Newcastle.
Urgent care is for when you need medical help today, but it's not an emergency suitable for 999 or Accident and Emergency (A&E).
We are doing this on behalf of the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board.
If you have an experience or ideas you would like to share with us, please come along to this session.
Let us know you are coming by calling 0191 208 2701 or emailing info@elderscouncil.org.uk

What's the Elders Council doing?

Board of Trustees

We are at that time of year when our Treasurer is working on financial reports, our Chair is considering venues, dates and the guest list for the AGM, and our Communications lead will be starting the task of creating the Annual Report with support from the team. We hope to give you a 'date to save' by the end of March.
Our valued staff members support the Trustees by continuing the day to day development work of the Elders Council, and keeping us on the right track of course.
The Housing, Health & Social Group are planning a members event in May about getting your affairs in order, the date and venue will be released shortly.

☎ phone: 0191 208 2701
or email info@elderscouncil.org.uk

Older Voices Radio Show

Live broadcasts can be heard on Nova Radio North East on frequency 102.5fm on the following dates.
12th March at 2pm - Wendy talks to Steve about his life
19th March at 2pm - Conversations about Future Cities

LIsten again here to the show from Sunday 5th March, talking about Food, Fairtrade and Fresh bread

How the story began …

If you would like to hear about the stories and the people who helped to create the Elders Council, listen in to our Older Voices podcast Older Voices 220, 12 February 2023: The birth of the Elders Council by LLARCooperative | Mixcloud.
This is the first of our new style programmes and we would love to hear your feedback.
If you have a story to tell about how you first got to know the Elders Council, call us or email or write in.
It’s your story too!

☎ phone: 0191 208 2701
or email info@elderscouncil.org.uk

Need help with your smartphone, tablet or laptop?
Wednesday afternoons 2.00 – 4.00 pm
Room 208, Squires Building, Northumbria University City Centre Campus

Northumbria University student volunteers are on hand each week during term time to help you, however big or small your query may be.
Why not drop in to one, or more, of these sessions but try to get there early.
Bring a friend so that you can learn together and share information afterwards!
If you have attended any of these sessions why not send us a message to let us know how you got on, and what you are doing now with the knowledge gained.

Call or email us if you would like more information or directions.

☎ phone: 0191 208 2701
or email info@elderscouncil.org.uk

Innovation in housing for older people
Tuesday 25^th April 2023 – 10.30 am – 12.00 noon at Elders Council Offices, Campus for Ageing & Vitality

Would you like to hear about new ideas for the design of homes to make them good places to live in as we age?
Faye Sedgewick from Northumbria University is working on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Building Design Northern Architects to develop a new approach to housing and care.
She is joining us to share her work and how it is being actively integrated into the design and construction of Architectural projects.
Join us in the Elders Council offices to hear more about the work involved.
Please let us know if you are interested in coming so that we can ensure sufficient seating, tea and biscuits.

☎ phone: 0191 208 2701
or email info@elderscouncil.org.uk

Active Travel Meeting Update

We recently met with representatives from Transport North East to discuss what Active Travel means, and how we can all contribute to helping the environment and City in small ways.
Our EC group responded to the questions put to us and we enjoyed an interesting debate about what the hazards are for older people with less mobility. We followed this up with a letter confirming the main points and have received confirmation that these will help the researchers in their development of the region's active travel strategy.
The post-consultation final version of the strategy is due to be taken to the region's political leaders in June.

One of the issues highlighted at the meeting covered the trial of e-bikes in the City and we want to share the following article with you. What is your view on e-bikes in the City and do you think there is a way we can co-exist with this type of equipment?
Please let us know by call or email, details below.

https://www.localgov.co.uk/Charity-calls-for-Newcastle-e-scooter-trial-to-be-closed-down-/55699?actId=ebwp0YMB8s3Mv0I20l85odUcvuQDVN7aZHxMk8Rn99QlsAN_9cUKq1Vrj4iv9Ksk&actCampaignType=CAMPAIGN_MAIL&actSource=507652

☎ phone: 0191 208 2701
or email info@elderscouncil.org.uk

A conversation with Chi Onwurah MP on ‘Going Digital –
Opportunities for All?’

Members had a great opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of digital with Chi Onwurah MP at our event in Brunswick Methodist Church on 24^th February. Following our lively discussion, representatives from Newcastle City Council, Northumbria University, Digital Voice and the National Innovation Centre for Ageing shared the opportunities they can all offer to support people to benefit from engaging with digital technology. Thank you to everyone who supported the event.

☎ phone: 0191 208 2701
or email info@elderscouncil.org.uk

Meeting with Carol Pyrah of Urban Green

EC members had a very productive meeting the Carol Pyrah, CEO of Urban Green. We gained a better understanding of Urban Green’s priorities for preserving and enhancing our parks and allotments. We all concluded that our conversation had been ‘uplifting’ and agreed to meet regularly. John Telfer, EC Board member, represents us on the Urban Green Connect forum, so if you ever wish to raise issues about the parks, contact us below

Urban Green Newsletter

☎ phone: 0191 208 2701
or email info@elderscouncil.org.uk

Facebook and Twitter

We continue to update our social media pages with information or invitations that fall between bulletins, so do keep a look out, and let us know how this has helped you.

Interests and Activities

Scotswood Community Garden
Wednesday 8th March from 4-6pm

Celebrating Women's Day with an active event including singing by the fire, hot food, badge making, crafts and more.
Booking is essential.

☎ phone: 0191 275 0000
or email: office@sncg.org.uk

Robert Stephenson Exhibition
at the Mining Institute and The Common Room
Friday 17th March - there are two tours, starting at 10am and 11am.

This is an opportunity to see the current exhibition about Robert Stephenson on the bicentenary of Robert Stephenson & Co. before it ends later in March.
There will be a tour of the newly refurbished spaces at The Common Room, following a £9m+ restoration project largely thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The tour guide will explain the fascinating history of this Grade 2* listed building, followed by the opportunity to see and handle some items from the archive relating to Benwell and Buddle.
The building houses a café bar which will be open from 10am.
What’s on offer: Tour the building, visit the new Robert Stephenson exhibition, and explore archive material about the west end.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL – NUMBERS ARE LIMITED

Remember to say whether you want the 10am or 11am tour

Email: stjamesbenwell@gmail.com

GP Led Health Event
Tuesday 14th March from 3.30 - 6pm
Free Interactive event

Would you like help and support to improve your lifestyle?
Do you know your blood pressure readings or have diabetes?
If so, book your place to see one of the professionals who will help you to find ways to do more exercise, reduce your weight, give up smoking and/or drinking alcohol.
Find out how the community pharmacy can help with some of these issues.

Booking an appointment is essential

☎ phone: 07736973730

'The Future of Transport in the North East'
Monday 27th March from 6.00 to 7.30
In person at The Catalyst Newcastle | Homepage for the Catalyst at the Helix

The government recently announced that the North East is to receive £563M in funding for transport infrastructure in a new £1.4bn devolution deal for the region.
Will this deal mean the end of long standing issues with rail services in the region, and deliver much needed improvements to our ageing public transport infrastructure?
Could a new, directly elected mayor for the North East help address vehicle emissions and encourage investment in more sustainable travel?
Join the audience to hear this and more by booking your place via eventbrite, below.

Phil Blythe, Professor of Intelligent Transport Systems, Newcastle University and former Chief Scientific Adviser, Department for Transport - Councillor Jane Byrne, Cabinet Member for a Connected and Clean City, Newcastle City Council - Hew Lewis, Customer Services Director, Nexus - Tobyn Hughes, Managing Director, Transport North East

The panel will be chaired by Jane Robinson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Engagement and Place, Newcastle University.

Doors open at 5.30, the debate begins at 6pm and following a Q&A, the event will close at 7.30pm
.
Register for your free place via Eventbrite.

Ouseburn Trust Newsletter and upcoming events

Ouseburn Valley News Update | March 2023 (mailchi.mp)

Amongst the many interesting stories and events that occur in the Ouseburn Valley, the Open Studios weekends are really great to attend.
Why not pop down on Saturday 25th and/or Sunday 26th March to meet the artists who do so much for the area. Drop in for a look around their workplace, some will have the coffee on, and buy local art for that bare corner wall, or maybe a gift for that special person in your life!

Live Theatre
2nd - 25th March
'Love it if we beat them'

Political drama exploring a time of significant change in the identity of North East Communities.
Kevin Keegan (football) Tony Blair (Politics) Hope is in the air, will it succeed or be dashed?
For this and more check out the Live Theatre Website.

Love It If We Beat Them | Live Theatre

The Late Shows 2023
19-20th May

Put the date in your diary if you enjoy a late night culture crawl around Newcastle and Gateshead.
Did you know this event started in 2007 and has grown from 14 to 40 venues?
If you would like to sign up for the Late Shows Newsletter just check out their facebook page below.

Newcastle & Gateshead Culture Crawl | The Late Shows

Women's Stories
St Martin's Centre Roman Avenue, Byker
Started Thursday 2nd March from 1.30-3pm and every other Thursday after that (16th)
£1.50 per session

If you like stories, whether listening, talking or you just want a bit of 'me time' why not drop in to see what it is like?

email: yvonne@stmartinscentre.org.uk

Lunchtime music concerts at Newcastle University (or near)
Thursdays, during term time

Some of us have joined these musical sessions previously and found it a great way to spend an hour or two, but they are on a first come first served basis.
If you click on the link below you will see details of upcoming live concerts which are free to the general public, staff and Uni students.

https://www.ncl.ac.uk/events/live-music/upcoming/

People's Theatre Spring Programme

If you are looking to celebrate a special occasion or just to look through the brochure for inspiration, then here are details of the upcoming programmes.

Spring_Summer_23_brochure.01.pdf (mcusercontent.com)

Volunteering, Research and Consultations

Important information regarding proposed changes to Secured Bus Services

You have 2 days to complete the Nexus survey on potential changes to local public transport services, due to take place in May 2023.
If you would like to make your views know then don't miss out, complete the following survey without delay.
Don't forget, use it or lose it!

https://www.nexus.org.uk/consultation

Cumbria Northumberland Tyne & Wear
Service User and Carer Reference Group
Thursday 16th March from 09:30 to 16:00
St James’ Park - Magpie Club, Newcastle

The next meeting focuses on the theme of the Together Strategy and will include:
• The history of the Together Strategy
• An overview of the Together Strategy including round table discussions
• Presentations from the Patient and Carer Involvement Team and Peer Support.
This event will not be live streamed.
To book your place, you must visit the link below:
Patient and Carer Involvement Service ReferenceGroupTogether.eventbrite.co.uk

09:30 - Refreshments: 10:00 - Start of morning session
12:30 - Lunch (provided) and Networking
13:30 - Start of afternoon session 16:00 - Finish

.................................................

The Carers Conference - The Carer Promise:
10:00 on 20^th April, at St James Park, Newcastle Upon Tyne

The aim for the day is Shared Learning and Partnership Working, refreshments available from 9.30am.

Presentations and stalls will include;

Carer Promise: Triangle of Care: Carers Trust: Carers
Carer Champions: Carer Leads: Family Ambassadors

Seats at the venue will be allocated on a first come first served basis and now available to book via the link on flyer with Eventbrite. –
https://CarersPromise.eventbrite.com

St James Park have recently updated their parking information, and those wishing to park at the venue are now required to register their vehicle at reception on the day. Please be aware only Level 1 is free parking.

Please let us know if you require any assistance by emailing or call the Involvement Team on:

☎ phone: 01670 501816
or email: Events-Involvement@cntw.nhs.uk

Information

Important Information from Nexus
Metro disruption between Airport and South Gosforth
Monday 20th March and Friday 24th March

The work involved will include disruption to the roads as well as access to the station stops on this route so bus service 900 will be in operation during the whole time.
You can read more below on the Live travel news | nexus.org.uk (click on the Planned Works tab and scroll down to 20th March) or email any questions or concerns.

email: customerrelations@nexus.org.uk

Gosforth High Street Interim Bus Improvement scheme
DROP IN EVENT
Thursday 9 March 5pm – 8pm at the Trinity Centre, Gosforth NE3 4AG
Trinity Centre | Trinity Gosforth

Newcastle City Council have arranged this event to present and discuss upcoming interim changes to the High Street.
If you live in this area or travel to and from the location then it’s an opportunity to share your views. If you require information or assistance or have any comments then email

email: transport@newcastle.gov.uk

Newcastle City Council Devolution Drop In Events
Tuesday 7th March - from 17:00 to 18:00 at Walker Library
Thursday 9th March - from 12:00 to 13:00 at Outer West Library

Call in to either of these venues to hear NCC representatives talking about the £4.2bn Devolution deal that the 7 North East authorities have signed up for recently. How will this affect us?
Find more information by clicking on the link below.

Let's Talk Newcastle - (letstalknewcastle.co.uk)

Postage Stamp Price Rise
from 3rd April 2023

Royal Mail have released information about their upcoming price changes.
1st class stamps will increase from 95p to £1.10
2nd class stamps will increase from 68p to 75p

If you still have unused old style stamps lying around you can still exchange them for the new barcoded version, at no extra cost, but you must obtain a form from the post office, or online, and send them off via the post office as soon as possible.
Time is running out!
For information, one of our colleagues has done this and received replacement stamps within 2-3 weeks.

It’s Fairtrade Fortnight!
27th February to 12th March 2023

This is the time each year when people and organisations commit to take action to deliver a fairer deal for people producing goods like coffee, cocoa, bananas, and many more.
Fairtrade offers people who farm and produce these goods a minimum price and the Fairtrade Premium payment, which can deliver fairer incomes for farmers and workers and provide them with resources to spend on what their community needs, which helps them to plan for and adapt to the cost of living crisis and the effects of climate change.
There are many organisations across Newcastle upon Tyne who support and sell Fairtrade products.

Find out more about Fairtrade Fortnight 2023 here: Fairtrade Fortnight 2023. There are several free online events you can join – find them here: Fairtrade Fortnight 2023 Big Get-Togethers

And you can contact the Newcastle Fairtrade Partnership, which supports Fairtrade in Newcastle upon Tyne, here: fairtrade@newcastle.gov.uk, visit our website: Newcastle Fairtrade Partnership or find us on Facebook: Newcastle Fairtrade Partnership on Facebook.

Blue Badge Applications

Just to let you know that the Blue Badge team in Newcastle, having implemented some initiatives to speed up the decision making process are now looking at applications received at the end of November, meaning that they are now just outside the standard 12 week decision period.
They are continuing to work to reduce the wait further but the message is still if a renewal is needed then applications should be submitted as early as possible.

Anyone given a fixed penalty notice as a result of an expired badge, if they have submitted their paperwork, should appeal the notice and within that appeal reference their application for renewal and the reference number they have been given.

NHS

Integrated Care Bulletin 3rd March 2023

We want to know what you think!

Contact us at: info@elderscouncil.org.uk

Please note that when our office is closed the phone will have an automated reply service.
We WILL contact you as soon as possible if you leave a clear message, your name and telephone number. Thank you.

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Elders Council of Newcastle · Biomedical Research Building, Campus for Ageing · Nunsmoor Road · Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE4 5PL · United Kingdom