23 Jun

Battle Hill & Linskill Community Development Grapevine Newsletter – 23 June 2023

 

All sorts of healthy tasty treats being made in the pantry with Community Nutritionist Lee Harland, made with produce grown from the ‘Upcycle Gardeners’. 

You can grab your own herbs and salad items on Friday mornings outside Linskill Reception.

The Linskill Riders have completed their first overnight challenge ride. 

Over two days everyone cycled 90 miles and explored the Grand Union and Forth & Clyde Canals taking in the Kelpies, Falkirk Wheel and the Forth Bridge. 

Huge thanks to WatBike and Mark our guide for making it happen!

 

KEEP LEARNING – Craft with Amy
This month Amy will be showing you how to create ‘non sew’ beach hut applique designs using Bondaweb. During the session you will be making your design onto a flat piece of fabric for you to turn into a bag or cushion cover at home if you fancy.

Places are very limited.  Please book on using the link below.

Craft with Amy

 

KEEP LEARNING – Flower Arranging
Join Amy as she shows you how to make a floral display using a teapot and tea cup!

Book now using the link below, no experience needed.

Flower Arranging

 

CONNECT- Film Club 

It’s 1943. The Allies are determined to break Hitler’s grip on occupied Europe and plan an all-out assault on Sicily; but they face an impossible challenge – how to protect a massive invasion force from potential massacre.

engAGE activities are funded for people aged 55+
 

TAKE NOTICE – Mini Bike Fit

Suffer from sore wrists, back or knees when riding for a long time? Want to be in the most efficient riding position? Then this session is for you!

Join Mark from Velo28 who will guide you through a mini bike fit. Small adjustments like raising your saddle height can make a real difference to your comfort on the bike.

On the day you will need to bring your bike with you. The session will take place indoors.

Please book using the link below.

Mini Bike Fit

 

TAKE NOTICE – Craft Sale
Volunteers across various engAGE groups have been making items to raise funds for future craft activities.  We hope you will come and visit and pick up an item or too.

The sale will be in the reception waiting area between 10am and 1pm on Tuesday 4th July.

 

GIVE – Knit & Give
Join us for a social morning on Friday 14th July, to make Forget Me Knot flowers to helpraise awareness of Dementia.  Patterns and wool is provided or please bring bits from your stash at home.

There will also be 5 spaces on the day to make needle felted Forget Me Knots if crochet and knitting is not your thing.
Booking essential please using the link below.

As always with our ‘Knit & Give’ project you are very welcome to join in at home and drop off any flowers you make at Linskill reception – the deadline is Friday 21st July.  The patterns are linked below.

Knit & Give Bookings

Patterns

 

Have you noticed our 5 new electric charging points?  Aren’t they awesome! Obviously this means there are 5 less normal parking spaces and we appreciate at times that the car park can be exceptionally busy, espeically when the hall is booked for big meetings.

If you travel here by car please allow time to find a space.  It’s great to see the centre so busy and our community enjoying so many opportunities at Linskill.

Thank you! 

Charly, Janice, Lucy and David
Your Community Development team

 

From our friends…

Whitley Bay Flower Club would love to welcome you to their floral demonstration on Tuesday 4th July – it’s a great chance to find out about the club.  No booking required – just come on the day.

If would like more details please contact alison.mood@talktalk.net

 

 

 

Local Artist Gail Curry has opened entries to the North Tyneside Summer art exhibition for 2023.

The subject matter is ‘Home Sweet Home’, as people can view what their home is in many different ways and we would love to see that variety and read your stories.

Entry is free and is open to anyone. Last year saw entries from ages 5 to 95. You can draw, paint, photograph, knit, make a model, weave, collage, the choice is yours. Maximum size is 50cm by 50cm.

Click the link below for full details.

Full Details

 

 

Tyne and Wear Metro Survey June 2023

 

16 Jun

North Tyneside Community Summer Art Exhibition call for entries

Local artist Gail Curry has opened entries for this year’s North Tyneside Community Summer art exhibition. The subject matter is ‘Home Sweet Home’, as people can view what their home is in many different ways and Gail would love to see that variety and read your stories. Entry is free and is open to anyone. Last year saw entries from ages 5 to 95. You can draw, paint, photograph, knit, make a model, weave, or collage, the choice is yours. Maximum size is 50cm by 50cm. The closing date for entries is noon on 10 July. Read more here

11 Jun

YoungMinds Newsletter – June 2023

As usual we have lots of exciting updates for you this month! It shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes to enjoy all this month’s stories.

 

Celebrating what makes you, you this Pride month

 

Your sexuality and gender identity are part of what makes you, you – and you deserve to feel valued and loved exactly as you are. Supporting the LGBTQIA+ community is vital all year round. But Pride gives us a special opportunity to express our love and solidarity, to celebrate how far LGBTQIA+ rights have come, and to show our support for the work that still needs to be done. Recent studies show that 42% of LGBTQIA+ young people in the UK report having a mental health condition. That’s three times more than non-LGBTQIA+ young people, and it’s not hard to see why. Growing up LGBTQIA+ is still incredibly difficult.

Whether that is due to criminalisation, attacks on transgender rights, or the potentially life-threatening hate crimes that happen right here in Britain. It’s clear that more needs to be done to support the LGBTQIA+ community, and we are here to stand with them. We’re fighting for a world where every LGBTQIA+ young person feels the strength to be who they are and knows that they matter. We really hope you’ll stand with us this Pride month and beyond to achieve this mission. Take a look at the resources below to learn more about supporting LGBTQIA+ young people and their experiences.

 

Know a young person who has been affected by any of the issues raised? To find help and support, click here

 

We’re interviewing young people about their experiences

We’d love to interview a few young people (aged 16-25) about who their trusted adults are when it comes to talking about mental health. Particularly adults outside of their education or home. They’ll receive a £15 Love2Shop voucher for taking part, and we’ll use their answers to help better understand who these trusted adults are and how we can help them to support young people. If you know a young person who would like to have their say, simply have them fill out the short form below.

Get involved >

 

Activists share their personal experiences of #EndTheWait Parliament event

On March 20th, our Activists hosted an event in Parliament as part of our #EndTheWait campaign. Thousands of campaigners invited their local MP to this event, asking them to support us to #EndTheWait for better mental health services. It was a big moment for our campaign, and for everyone who came along. Since then, Activists have been reflecting on the event and taking another look at why they joined the campaign. Check out their thoughts on what happened, and why this campaign is so important to them.

Why I’m campaigning with YoungMinds to #EndTheWait 
Read Jessica’s blog > 

Why the #EndTheWait Parliament Event gave me hope 
Read Nicole’s blog > 

 

Spotlight on our amazing fundraisers, The Friday Dippers!

We couldn’t do what we do for young people’s mental health without the support of incredible fundraisers like The Friday Dippers. This group of 60 mums from Brighton initially started as a weekly swim and chat group. But after seeing the impact of the pandemic on their children’s mental health, they organised a 5K sponsored swim and raised an astonishing £17,000!

Get involved

 

Do you know someone who’d make a great Youth Panellist?

Do you know a young person aged 16-23 who is passionate about supporting positive mental health? Are they looking for the opportunity to change the lives of young people just like them? If so, encourage them to apply for our Youth Panel – applications open on June 26th. The Youth Panel is a two-year voluntary programme where your child will influence our charity, the way that we work and the work that we do. We welcome and encourage applicants of all backgrounds and no prior experience is needed, just a passion to make a difference! 

Find out more >

 

📰 Mental health in the media 📰


Mental health patients forced to travel hundreds of miles for treatment despite government pledge
The Guardian, Michael Savage, 20/05/23
Read the full story >

Mental health: young people say care system is ‘failing’
Channel 4 News, Cathy Newman, 18/05/23
Watch the full story >

Online depression therapy given go-ahead in England
BBC News, Philippa Roxby, 16/05/23
Read the full story >

Social media particularly damaging to mental health of Gen Zers, says study
The Guardian, Erum Salam, 28/04/23
Read the full story >

 

✍️ New on the blog this month ✍️


What I wish school did differently for my mental health as a disabled person
Read Samara’s blog >

Why I decided to try medication for my mental health
Read Tegan’s blog >

What I wish people knew about schizophrenia
Read Jess’s blog >
 

 Explore our blog 

 

Better your understanding of mental health with one of our online courses

We’ve got lots of great courses to choose from, all delivered by our friendly YoungMinds trainers. Upcoming courses this month include:

Book your spot before they sell out!

Find more courses >

 

Our latest tips and advice on Instagram. Follow us @YoungMindsUK

At YoungMinds, we’re leading the movement to make sure every young person gets the mental health support they need, when they need it, no matter what.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

Team YM 💛

Donate online

10 Jun

Battle Hill & Linskill Community Development Grapevine Newsletter – 9 June 2023

Last week Cycling UK announced the winners of the annual Volunteer Awards 2023 and our very own ‘Angel of the North’ – Kim Suleman, won the ‘Most inspiring individual award’. Kim received many glowing tributes from members of the Linskill Riders, our Community Cycle Club. Well done Kim, we always knew you were special, and now everyone else does as well! Read the whole article below.

Cycling UK Volunteer Awards

 

TAKE NOTICE – Linskill Heritage Loop 
LIMITED AVAILABILITY 

A guided circular tour starting on the steps of the Linskill centre with Newcastle City Guide Keiran-Ann Keilty.

Wander through time to a tale of murder and hear of bygone days, seeking out some hidden charms along the way! A walk around Tynemouth fringe lasting approximately an hour and half.

**Please note this trip involves a lot of standing, please make sure you wear comfortable shoes and are able to walk at a slow pace approximately 1 mile.

Linskill Heritage Loop

 

KEEP LEARNING – Make your own bench 
Join The Shedders in their natural home, The Shed at the Linskill Centre, for their next ‘make your own’ session. All materials and tuition are provided plus unlimited tea and biscuits! 

Book now using the link below, no experience needed.

Make your own bench

 

CONNECT- film club 

It’s 1943. The Allies are determined to break Hitler’s grip on occupied Europe and plan an all-out assault on Sicily; but they face an impossible challenge – how to protect a massive invasion force from potential massacre.

engAGE activities are funded for people aged 55+

 
 

 

TAKE NOTICE – Howdon Wetlands with Northumberland Wildlife Trust 
This hidden gem plays host to a variety of beautiful birds, whether they’re here to breed, passing through on migration, or staying for the winter. We’ll explore Howdon Wetlands, do some bird watching at the hide and then head back to Royal Quays Marina.

Binoculars provided (but feel free to bring your own). Please wear sturdy boots and suitable clothing, and bring a packed lunch.

This event is free, curtesy of Northumberland Wildlife Trust but places are limited and booking is essential.

Howdon Wetlands

 

A cuppa is an important part of the day, and sharing it with friends just adds to the enjoyment. To help us understand the impact that our activities and events have on Cafe 32 can you spare two minutes to complete our short survey? Link below. 

Thank you! 

Charly, Janice, Lucy and David
Your Community Development team

Cafe 32 Survey

 

From our friends…

 

04 Jun

Healthwatch North Tyneside eNews – May 2023

Welcome to Healthwatch North Tyneside’s May 2023 ebulletin. Please feel free to forward this email to anyone who may find it useful and they can sign up here to receive their own copy. If you’d like an article included in a future eNews, please email info@hwnt.co.uk.

Healthwatch North Tyneside News

Digital inclusion – what matters to local people?

We have just published the findings from discussions with over 500 local people and 30 community organisations about their views of using digital technology, and how best to support people to become more digitally included. The report sets out actions that people say will help them to get the support they need. 

We did this work because people told us digital inclusion was a real issue for them, particularly during the pandemic. We have been working with the NHS, Council and voluntary sector organisations to develop a digital inclusion strategy for North Tyneside. This research is a key part of the evidence used to support the strategy and develop the action plan. 

Read the report here

Exciting opportunities to join our volunteer team

It’s volunteers’ week in June. We have an amazing team of 25 volunteers who collectively gave up 1,235 hours of their time last year. You too can get involved and really make a difference to local people.

Our research volunteers talk to residents about their experiences of health and care services and visit services to observe what’s happening, playing a vital role in our research projects.

Find out more and register your interest here

Get on board with Healthwatch

Could you help us with our mission to champion the experiences, views, values and needs of residents? Our trustees oversee our work and help represent the voice of local people at key meetings with decision makers. They are from a variety of backgrounds, some from roles within health and social care services, others as service users, all bringing an understanding of our local community.

For more information and how to apply click here

Where to get mental health support in North Tyneside

May 15-21 was Mental Health Awareness Week. Our updated leaflet Mental Health Support in North Tyneside provides details of groups and services that you can contact to self-refer for support with your mental health needs.

You can also visit our website for information and signposting on mental health support services for adults and young people.

Out and about in North Tyneside

 

Our community engagements are your chance to speak to us, we are ‘here to hear.’ Places we have visited since our last eNews included:

Our June engagements will include:

We will be promoting Volunteer’s Week, Carers Week as well as offering general health and care information and signposting. You can also talk to us about our volunteering opportunities and share your experiences of local services.

Find out where we will be – visit our calendar

 

Have Your Say

Share your experiences of health and social care services in North Tyneside

The Healthwatch North Tyneside Feedback Centre is an online directory that brings together your reviews of local services. You can leave an anonymous thank you for your care, or make suggestions for improvements. It also helps people to make informed decisions about their care. You can also contact our team directly to share your views or request information. 

Search for a service and leave your feedback

 

Bank holiday closure

 

Please note our office will be closed on Monday 29 May for the Spring bank holiday. We will be open as usual 10am – 3pm Tuesday 30 May.

 

Latest from Healthwatch England

 

Useful information and opportunities

North Tyneside pharmacy opening times over the May bank holiday period

Healthwatch North Tyneside and the NHS would like to remind residents to make sure their medicine cabinets are stocked up, and repeat prescriptions are ordered in time to ensure patients have enough medication to cover the upcoming bank holiday on 29 May.

Pharmacy opening times over the bank holiday period

 

Spring Covid-19 Boosters

How to get your COVID-19 vaccination in North Tyneside

 

Carers Week 2023

This Carers Week we will be launching our report into carers’ experiences during 2022, which we conducted in partnership with North Tyneside Carers’ Centre and North Tyneside’s Carers partnership Board. To find out more about the programme of activities during Carers Week check out our social media or contact North Tyneside Carers’ Centre at www.northtynesidecarers.org.uk or 0191 6432298.

 

Our North Tyneside Voice

North Tyneside Council are looking for local people to join Our North Tyneside Voice (formerly the Residents’ Panel) to help them gain a deeper understanding of the issues that affect our communities whilst providing the opportunity to create change in the borough.

Members will be invited to be part of consultations that affect North Tyneside, this could include surveys, focus groups, meetings or scrutinising our housing service both in person and online.

Volunteer for Our North Tyneside Voice here

 

 

The rising cost of living, through increasing energy, food and fuel costs, is affecting many of us. Click here and you will find the support available from the Council, as well as advice, and signposting to other relevant organisations. This includes help for families and individuals, whether you’re working or not. 

For more information on local services see Living Well North Tyneside, connecting our communities with trusted information on services, activities, events and people to support us all to live well locally.

Follow us on social media for the latest local health and care news and information.

26 May

Young people deserve better – inpatient care

A hospital should be a safe place where everyone can get treatment for mental health problems. But for young people, the reality is often very different.

We asked young people what they thought about the upcoming reforms to the Mental Health Act and what needs to change to improve their experiences of inpatient care. Last Thursday, we released the findings in a new report: ‘Our rights, our voices’.

Most of the experiences young people shared were very poor. They describe a system that’s failing them and sometimes putting them in danger and making their mental health worse.

Click below to watch a Channel 4 interview with Freya who took part in the research. This clip mentions experiences of suicidal thoughts and forced restraint.

Watch the interview

This report was shaped by young people with lived experience from the outset. They advised us on what areas of reform to focus on, how to reach other young people, and what questions to ask them.

We heard that often, young people are being inappropriately put in adult wards and far from home. They’re being restrained, ignored and left to deal with a confusing system on their own. And when they get back to their communities, the support they were promised often never materialises.

This needs to change. Young people enter hospital at an incredibly vulnerable point in their lives. We need to do much more to makes sure each one gets the care and support they deserve.

Watch Freya on Channel 4

Reforming the Mental Health Act will help improve inpatient care – but only if these changes are shaped by those who have experienced it. We’ll be in touch again soon with more updates about our campaign – and how together, we can push for safe and therapeutic care for all.

Thank you for all your support so far.

Take care,

Sorsha

26 May

Battle Hill & Linskill Community Development Grapevine Newsletter – 26 May 2023

 

We love how our program never looks the same! Not only did we have our usual weekly classes running, this week we enjoyed a book making session with Amy, top tips with gardening expert Mike, a trip to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and making our own soap with Eileen. Phew – we need this long weekend to recover! 

Things are a little quieter next week as it is the school holidays, making it the perfect time to read Barbara Robson’s ‘Songs of my life’. Barbara is a member of The Scribblers creative writing group and you can read her story by clicking on the link below.

Songs of my life

 

GIVE – Gardening with Mike! 
Linskill Centre has several garden spaces and we are looking to add to our amazing team of volunteers who weed, water and plant! Volunteers meet on Tuesday mornings and if you have time to give then we would love to have your help. Please book using the link below.

Gardening with Mike!

 

KEEP LEARNING – Art Appreciation
This month, National Trust volunteer, Pat Bishop, will be giving us a talk on the Delavals of Delaval Hall. 
Please book using the link below.

engAGE activities are funded for people aged 55+

Art Appreciation – June

 

KEEP ACTIVE – Summer Ceilidh
LIMITED AVAILABILITY 

Join us on Saturday August 12th at 7.30pm for a Summer Ceilidh with the fantastic ‘Nathan Armstrong Northumberland Ceilidh Band – it’s going to be fun!

Tickets cost £12.50 and are available to buy from Linskill reception. 
Adults only please!

Finally, please put the date in your diary, for our first volunteer led Craft Sale at Linskill Centre. 

We look forward to seeing you at an activity soon.

Charly, Janice, Lucy and David
Your Community Development team

 

From our friends…

 

 

Knit (or crochet) and natter with other like minded crafters. We will have a limited supply of tools, yarn and patterns to use on the day if you feel inspired to add to the bunting decorating the museum! For more information visit the link below.

World Wide Knit

The Floors All Yours – Monday 26th June, 5 to 7pm
Blyth Library invites you to an inclusive spoken word event featuring local writers of prose, poetry and memoir.

Tickets are FREE.  All welcome!
Use the llink below to book via Eventbrite

Book your tickets here

 

 

25 May

YoungMinds Newsletter – May 2023

As usual we have lots of exciting updates for you this month! It shouldn’t take more than 4 minutes to enjoy all this month’s stories.

Success for Team YoungMinds at the 2023 London Marathon

On Sunday 23rd April a team of almost 40 runners took on the momentous challenge of running the TCS London Marathon for YoungMinds. Each member of the team came to the day with varying levels of running experience and a unique, inspiring story for why they decided to join the iconic race. From running in memory of a loved one to honouring personal struggles with mental health.

YoungMinds staff travelled to Mile 17 of the racecourse where they set up a cheer station for the day. Braving the rain with yellow and pink ponchos, they cheered on every single member of the team with pride. Our incredible #TeamYM have raised an astounding £50,544 so far – and counting! A huge thank you and congratulations to everyone who took part and supported our runners in any way. We couldn’t do this without you!

Young Activist Ben running for #TeamYM

Our cheer station at Mile 17

Explore our challenge events

Supporting young people during exam season
The next month is going to be a stressful time for young people sitting exams – and for the adults supporting them. It’s normal for young people to feel stressed or anxious about exams. However, if you notice significant changes to their mood, behaviour, eating or sleeping patterns that don’t go away after a few weeks, this may be a sign that their exam stress has started to negatively impact their mental health. Click here for advice on when the right time to step in is, and how have a conversation about how they are feeling. You may also find these resources useful…

Parent and carers guide to exam time

Mental health resources and advice for those working with young people

Out In The Open is HERE!
Our new fundraising campaign, Out In The Open, officially started this week! We’re so excited to see how each of our incredible fundraisers is going to achieve 310,000 steps during the 31 days of May. By taking part in this event, our supporters are helping to bring conversations about young people’s mental health #OutInTheOpen. This support couldn’t come at a better time. With mental health referrals and waiting times soaring, young people need our support more than ever. There’s still time to join us. Sign-ups close THIS SUNDAY May 7th – don’t miss out!

Find out more

Sign up via Facebook

Sign up via JustGiving

Activists update our depression webguide
Young people are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we brought together a group of our Activists with lived experience of depression to update and improve our young people’s guide to coping with depression. The group volunteered their time to help us make sure that the new guide speaks to the different experiences of depression that young people might be facing.

Read the guide

 

📰 Mental health in the media 📰


Prescribed time in nature linked to improvements in anxiety, depression and blood pressure
The Guardian, Donna Lu, 03/04/23 
Read the full story > 

Shocking data shows LGBTQ+ young adults ‘earn thousands less than their straight peers’
Metro, Josh Milton, 12/04/23 
Read the full story > 

‘Buckling’ NHS fails to treat 250,000 children with mental health problems
The Guardian, Rachel Hall, 16/04/23 
Contains a statement from YoungMinds’ Head of External Affairs, Olly Parker. 
Read the full story >

Yoga classes on The O2 roof to mark Mental Health Awareness Week
London Post, Not attributed, 18/04/23 
Read the full story > 

There is a crisis in young people’s mental health and we must end the wait
The House, Tom Madders, 27/04/23 
Op-ed by YoungMinds’ Director of Communications and Campaigns, Tom Madders. 
Read the full story >

 

✍️ New on the blog this month ✍️


What social anxiety feels like for me (Taryn, 17)
Read Taryn’s blog >

Four tips if you can’t sleep because of academic stress (Niamh, 21)
Read Niamh’s blog >

What I wish people knew about schizophrenia (Jess, 23)
Read Jess’s blog >

Explore our blog

 

Better your understanding of mental health with one of our online courses

We’ve got lots of great training courses to choose from, all delivered by our friendly YoungMinds trainers. With Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 coming up, with a focus on anxiety, why not book on to our ‘Responding to anxiety in children and young people‘ training course on June 29th? This online course will help you explore different types of anxiety and recognise useful responses to support other young people coping with anxiety.

Book your spot >
Find more courses >

 

Our latest tips and advice on Instagram. Follow us @YoungMindsUK

At YoungMinds, we’re leading the movement to make sure every young person gets the mental health support they need, when they need it, no matter what.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

Team YM 💛

Donate online

 

18 May

Mental Health Awareness Week

Get help now

Mental Health Awareness Week is an opportunity to raise awareness, share Mind’s services and inspire people to reach out for support.

This year we’re highlighting how the cost of living crisis is affecting the mental health of millions. The uncertainty of watching as our costs spiral can be difficult to bear, and for so many of us, looking after our mental health is often last on our list.

As individuals, as families, as communities – we can’t afford to ignore the impact on our mental health. Whether it’s ourselves, our loved ones, our colleagues, our neighbours or strangers. Every one of us needs to know we’re not alone.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, join the fight for mental health and let everyone know that support is out there.

Get involved

 

Sarah’s story

Sarah works on Mind’s Infoline. In her blog she shares what it’s like answering the phone to people needing mental health support, and why our Infoline is busier than ever.

“When they speak to me, it will often be the first time they’ve explained an entire situation. Even just talking about something can make them feel better.”

Our Infoline is an information and signposting service. You can ask us about mental health problems, where to get help near you, treatment options and advocacy services.

Read Sarah’s blog

 

For those of us who are already struggling with money, the cost of living crisis is even more brutal. So many of us on lower incomes were already making impossible decisions between basics like food, clothing and fuel. This has only got worse. And prioritising our mental health has become more difficult.

If you or someone you know is struggling with money and mental health, visit our support pages to find out how we can help.

Get support

Need support?

Contact our Infoline for information and help.

0300 123 3393

We’re open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday

(except for bank holidays).