Contents
- How to write a Supporting Letter for Welfare Benefits Applications and Appeals (Free Workshop)
- Opera North: Aeons
- Great Exhibition of the North – Volunteers Wanted
- Petition for Reduction in TV Licence for deaf people
- Lip Reading Practice – Free Sessions
- InDependent Diabetes Trust – March 2018 Newsletter
- Virgin Trains East Coast – Journey Care
- Utility Priority Services for Disabled and Vulnerable People
- Do you have a Health Condition which Affects your Driving
- Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
- Become a Carer Governor for your local NHS Foundation Trust
- Talking About Dying
- Personal Independence Payments (PIP) Support
- Donate Online Now
- Review of Provision of Services and Support for Carers in Newcastle upon Tyne
- Ben’s Story
- Give As You Live – Janice’s Story
- Are you Entitled to Pension Credit
- Severe Mental Impairment Discount on Council Tax
- Are you a Good Listener?
- Would you like to help medical students get a good bedside manner?
- Independent Age – Free Friendship Service for Older People
- My Guide – Friends and Family Training in Newcastle
- Telephone Package for Low Income Users
- Do you like going to the Cinema
- Reading Well – helpful books at your local library for people with long term conditions
- Travel and Insurance Companies Specialising in Disabled People and their Carers
- Newcastle Shopmobility
- Do you have a Motability vehicle? Do you know what is covered by the Motability insurance?
- SHHH! Self Help Support Group for Hard of Hearing and Deafblind people
- Warm Home Discount Scheme
- The Golden Guide 2017
- Credit Unions
- Protect Yourself from Scams
InDependent Diabetes Trust – June 2018 Newsletter
The InDependent Diabetes Trust are an organisation for people living with diabetes run by people with diabetes. They raise awareness of important issues for people with diabetes and provide information in non-medical language. Included on the trust’s website is an informative newsletter; please see below to give you a flavour of the articles in the latest newsletter. The publication can be accessed by clicking on the following link: IDDT Newsletter June 2018 .
- page 3 FreeStyle Libre update.
- page 4 Type 3c Diabetes being misdiagnosed.
- page 6 Holiday tips.
- page 7 Five categories of diabetes.
- page 8 More about blood pressure.
- page 14 Diabetes UK surveys
- page 17 From our own correspondents – interesting letters from readers.
- page 13 Heart attacks and sexual activity – doctors need to talk.
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The Pool of Sound in Byker
Do you currently support someone with a learning disability who enjoys music, singing, performing, playing instruments?
The Pool of Sound is a specialist music project based in Byker Community Centre which provides music activities for a wide spectrum of people with learning disabilities.
They currently have some space free across our various one to one studio/group/Drop in Band music sessions.
Contact the Pool of Sound on 0191 265 9341 for a FREE taster session.
07/18
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Information on Cerebral Palsy
If you would like to know anything about cerebral palsy – from types of cerebral palsy, its symptoms, its treatments, support with education and work, access to support groups etc. – you may find the following website useful. The information is provided by a law practice, so also contains information on cerebral palsy legal issues. Click here to access the site.
07/18
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Patient Information Forum (PIF)
We have received an email from the Patient Information Forum announcing the publication of a report which has explored how healthcare services can develop a Perfect Patient Information Journey. The PIF is the UK membership organisation and network for people working in, and involved with, healthcare information and support. For more information please visit their website by clicking here.
07/18
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Become a Sighted Guide Volunteer
Guide Dogs in Newcastle are looking for volunteers.
It’s true – volunteering makes you feel good. 99% of our volunteers would recommend volunteering with Guide Dogs. “It’s a privilege to volunteer and it makes me feel I’ve done something worthwhile”
Kate, Sighted Guide volunteer.
Helping someone with sight loss get out and about to go shopping, use public transport and gain confidence can make a real difference. Can you spare a few hours a week to change someone’s life?
To find out more about becoming a Sighted Guide volunteer, please phone 0345 1430220 or email Newcastle@guidedogs.org.uk
07/18
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Tyne Sound News – Volunteers Required for Talking Newspaper
Tyne Sound News are looking for volunteers to work one Sunday morning per month to record snippets from the local press for blind and visually impaired people. Full training is given. Further information can be found on Newcastle Talking Newspaper .
If you would like to speak to a volunteer please telephone on a Thursday morning after 9.30 am. At all other times you can leave a message on their 24 hour answer phone on 0191 261 4121.
05/18
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Study about Osteoarthritis Treatment
Healthwatch Newcastle are working with Northumbria University to recruit people to take part in a study. The university wants to hear about people’s preferences when taking medication for osteoarthritis. You need to have had a diagnosis of osteoarthritis and some joint pain over the past 12 months to take part.
If you are interested in taking part, please contact Healthwatch Newcastle on 0191 338 5720 or email info@healthwatchnewcastle.org.uk.
Further information can be found by clicking Osteoarthritis Treatment Study
05/18
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Free Adult Cycle Training
Do you want to learn to ride a bike, or return to cycling? Cycle training takes place at the Cycle Hub on Newcastle Quayside from 10 to 12 or 1 to 3 on Mondays to Thursdays. It’s free for all who live, work or study in Newcastle.
To book your place, please ring Liz Jackson or Cheryl Ford-Lyddon on 0191 278 3390 or 0191 211 5961, or email cyclinginthecity@newcastle.gov.uk
05/18
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Dementia Awareness Week – Poem
The following poem has been forwarded to us – it sums up a lot of the things we can do and how we can be with people who live with Dementia:
When I wander
don’t tell me to come and sit down.
Wander with me.
It may be because I am hungry, thirsty, need the toilet.
Or maybe I just need to stretch my legs.
When I call for my mother
(even though I’m ninety!)
Don’t tell me she has died.
Reassure me, cuddle me, ask me about her.
It may be that I am looking for the security
that my mother once gave me.
When I shout out
please don’t ask me to be quiet…or walk by.
I am trying to tell you something,
but have difficulty in telling you what.
Be patient. Try to find out.
I may be in pain.
When I become agitated or appear angry,
please don’t reach for the drugs first.
I am trying to tell you something.
It may be too hot, too bright, too noisy.
Or maybe it’s because I miss my loved ones.
Try to find out first.
When I don’t eat my dinner or drink my tea
it may be because I’ve forgotten how to.
Show me what to do, remind me.
It may be that I just need to hold my knife and fork
I may know what to do then.
When I push you away
while you’re trying to help me wash or get dressed,
maybe it’s because I have forgotten what you have said.
Keep telling me what you are doing
over and over and over.
Maybe others will think
you’re the one that needs the help!
With all my thoughts and maybes,
perhaps it will be you
who reaches my thoughts,
understands my fears,
and will make me feel safe.
Maybe it will be you
who I need to thank.
If only I knew how.
By Norman McNamara
05/18
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Travelling Abroad with a Disability
If you are considering travelling abroad, the following website offers a multitude of useful tips, under the following headings:
- Introduction to Travelling with a Medical Condition
- Travelling Abroad with a Disability
- Tips for Travelling with a Medical Condition
- Guide to Travelling with Certain Medical Conditions
- Useful Links & Further Information
There is a link on the website to travel insurance, which you might want to investigate.
We would like to know if you find this, or indeed other, travel websites useful.
You can access the website by clicking here: The Essential Guide to Travelling with a Medical Condition
05/18
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Routine Screening provided by Public Health England
You may have heard that people over a certain age are not called for routine screening because it is not considered to be cost effective. If you feel that you still need screening, you are at liberty to request this, contacting your provider.
05/18
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Problems reading the Scrolling Display in your Surgery?
Do you have problems reading the scrolling display in your doctor’s surgery? Remember that you can ask the receptionist to alert you when your GP is ready to see you.
05/18
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Opera North: Aeons
Aeons: a Sound Journey for Newcastle
From Opera North and Martin Green
Tickets are now available – book now!
Tickets are now available for Opera North’s epic and immersive music experience which will take place throughout Great Exhibition of the North: 22 June – 7 September 2018.
Disappear into a sound adventure along the banks of the River Tyne and discover a world of music that responds to your surroundings. The iconic Gateshead Millennium Bridge is your starting point for this fully immersive experience and where you will pick up your headphones before setting off along the riverside. The famous River Tyne is your guide along the banks of the Quayside with music from the epic sounding Orchestra and Chorus of Opera North, composer and accordion wizard Martin Green of folk trio Lau, and singer Becky Unthank.
Running times: 10am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm.
Closed on Sundays, Monday 23 July and Monday 20 August.
Please note the final date is Friday 7 September 2018.
We can’t wait for you to experience Newcastle and Gateshead Quayside in a new and unique way this summer.
05/18
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Great Exhibition of the North – Volunteers Wanted
The Great Exhibition of the North is fast approaching – it starts on 22nd June 2018 and runs throughout the summer.
Volunteers aged 16+ from all walks of life are required. For more information, please click on Get North 2018
04/18
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Petition for Reduction in TV Licence for deaf people
There is a petition to the UK Government and Parliament supporting the reduction in the television licence for deaf people due to accessibility issues. If you would like to sign the petition, please click here: Petition: Reduction in TV licence
04/18
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Lip Reading Practice – Free Sessions
Deaflink are running free lip reading practice and coffee afternoons this summer on the following dates:
Thursday 17 May 1.00-2.30
Tuesday 26 June 1.00-2.30
Thursday 26 July 1.00-2.30
The sessions take place at Deaflink, 11 Tankerville Place, Jesmond NE2 3AT. For further details or to reserve a place please contact Louise on 0191 281 2314 or louise@deaflink.org.uk
04/18
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InDependent Diabetes Trust – March 2018 Newsletter
The InDependent Diabetes Trust are an organisation for people living with diabetes run by people with diabetes. They raise awareness of important issues for people with diabetes and provide information in non-medical language. Included on the trust’s website is an informative newsletter; please see below to give you a flavour of the articles in the latest newsletter. The publication can be accessed by clicking on the following link: IDDT Newsletter March 2018 .
- page 3 What can a can of Coca-Cola really do to the body?
- page 4 Freestyle Libre – a device which checks glucose levels without having to prick the fingers. Is it available on the NHS?
- page 6 The need for a standardised qualification for nurses specialising in diabetes.
- page 7 Dodgy slimming pills – refers to a campaign to encourage those wanting to lose weight to turn to safe, legitimate and appropriate routes.
- page 11 From our own correspondents – interesting letters from readers.
- page 14 Pharmaceutical news
- page 18 Bits and pieces – we have picked out an article stating that higher use of statins increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
03/18
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Virgin Trains East Coast – Journey Care
Do you travel by train and require assistance for any part of your journey? Virgin Trains East Coast can help with their free Journey Care. You can book either, at the ticket office, online or over the phone, and the staff are very friendly.
Phone: 03457 225 225, (lines are open Monday to Saturday from 8am – 8pm and Sunday 10am – 8pm), or use the Text Relay Service on 18001 03457 225 225.
You can find their website addresses here; Useful Links under V.
03/18
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Utility Priority Services for Disabled and Vulnerable People
Most utility suppliers have a priority service, to give extra support to those who need it the most during an outage or supply shortage. It is best to contact your supplier directly and they should relay that information to the operator, however, here are the links to the operators priority services;
Electricity – Northern Powergrid
Gas – Northern Gas Networks
Water – Northumbrian Water
03/18
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Do you have a Health Condition which Affects your Driving?
It has come to our attention via Diabetes Wellness News that regulations relating to fitness to drive have recently changed to make them fairer and more realistic for people with diabetes. This is good news.
However, a word of warning. There are many other medical conditions which are listed on the DVLA website where people with these conditions must notify the DVLA. Failure to notify the DVLA of a medical condition which affects your driving could result in a fine of up to £1000.
The website can be accessed by clicking on the following link: DVLA Health Conditions and Driving
02/18
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Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
Hearing dogs provide practical support and vital companionship to help deaf people live confident and independent lives. This organisation trains hearing dogs at two centres, the nearest being in Bielby, East Yorkshire.
Why not have a look at their website, which can be found by clicking on the following link: Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
02/18
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Become a Carer Governor for your local NHS Foundation Trust
Are you a carer of someone who is using, or has used, any of the following services in the last six years?
-Adult Services
-Children and Young People’s Services
-Learning Disability Services
Could you make a difference to your local NHS? Help shape the future of the Trust and become a governor.
One of the most exciting parts of being a foundation trust is being accountable to staff, service users, carers and public members instead of to the Department of Health. Through a Council of Governors that represents NHS members and partner organisations, there is an opportunity to encourage greater staff, service users, carers and public involvement in shaping the future of the Trust.
If you are interested in learning more of what being a Carer Governor for Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust involves, please contact Wendy Pinkney on 0191 245 6827 or email members@ntw.nhs.uk
02/18
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Talking About Dying
Age UK has launched a useful booklet to support people to have what may seem to be difficult conversations about death. However, planning ahead, preparing your will and understanding the physical changes brought about by dying may help.
A booklet can be accessed from the AGE UK website at the following link: Lets Talk about Death and Dying
02/18
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Personal Independence Payments (PIP) Support
Here are contact details if you require general advice about PIP, i.e. eligibility, how to claim, etc. Warm Zone offer home appointments, but due to high demand, they are unfortunately unable to offer this service at present.
Thank you to Tess Linton for sourcing this information.
National
Independent Living Benefit Advice Line – 0800 169 0310
Newcastle
Warm Zone – 0800 019 9969 (advice, form filling, home appointments)
Newcastle Advocacy Centre – 0191 232 7445 (advice, advocacy)
Citizens Advice – 0191 229 3750 (general advice, most branches no longer do form filling)
Contact – 0191 213 6300 (for families with a disabled child, give advice and help on filling in PIP forms for the child)
Newcastle Law Centre – 0191 230 4777 (will assist with forms and appeals, have strict qualifying criteria for eligibility)
Maggies Cancer Care – 0191 233 6600 (will help cancer patients with forms)
Search – 0191 273 7443 (advice, info, form filling, help with appeals but do not attend, for older people in the West End only)
North Tyneside
Warm Zone – 0800 019 9969 (advice, form filling, home appointments)
Tyne Advice Line – 0344 245 1238 (general benefits advice)
Contact – 0191 213 6300 (for families with a disabled child, give advice and help on filling in PIP forms for the child)
Age UK – 0191 280 8484 (over 50s)
South Tyneside
Warm Zone – 0800 019 9969 (advice, form filling, home appointments)
Northumberland
Warm Zone – 0800 019 9969 (advice, form filling, home appointments)
Age UK – 01670 784 846 (over 50s)
Blyth Valley Disability Forum – 01670 364 657 (appointment only)
Citizens Advice – 0344 245 1288
Contact – 0191 213 6300 (for families with a disabled child, give advice and help on filling in PIP forms for the child)
02/18
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Donate Online Now
You can now support Newcastle Disability Forum through online donations using the “Donate Now” button at the bottom of each page on our website through Give As You Live.
01/18
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Review of Provision of Services and Support for Carers in Newcastle upon Tyne
- By completing a survey online at our Let’s Talk Newcastle website https://letstalknewcastle.co.uk/surveys/info/586
- By attending a community event. Information on these can be found at https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/carers/adults-caring-for-adults
- By requesting a paper copy of the survey from Fiona Richardson, Carers Lead Officer by ringing 0191 2777452 or by emailing: fiona.s.richardson@newcastle.gov.uk
01/18
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Ben’s Story
We are pleased to welcome Ben to our team of volunteers. Everyone has their own story; we hope you draw some inspiration from Ben’s:
Parkrun to Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon
Give As You Live – Janice’s Story
Give as you live………. and me
If you shop on line you can support your chosen charity at no cost to yourself. It is true! I didn’t believe it either but I thought I would try it anyway. I knew the Newcastle Disability Forum was registered with Give as You Live, after all as part of my day job I had processed the registration, so I was ready to give it a try.
One quiet Saturday, I sat down with a cup of tea to order my groceries from Sainsburys. I logged on to the Give as You Live website, selected Newcastle Disability Forum as my charity and then searched for Sainsbury’s. I was taken to Sainsburys website and then I simply ordered in the usual way.
My first order through Give as You Live earned the Forum £1.50 and all my subsequent orders earn £0.50 which is a potential income of £25 a year for the Forum, not a lot of money but for a small charity every little matters. Give it a try.
For further information, and to register, please click here to access the Give As You Live website.
11/17
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Are you Entitled to Pension Credit?
The government has stated that up to 1.4 million families are missing out on a top-up to their state pension. According to the Information Now website ,
Guarantee Credit will top up your weekly income to:
- £155.60 if you’re single
- or £237.55 if you’re a couple.
If you qualify for Savings Credit, you can get up to:
- £13.20 extra per week if you’re single
- or £14.90 if you’re a couple.
If you have over £10,000 in savings, this will affect the amount you receive.
For advice on eligibility, contact the Welfare Rights service on 0191 278 7878 or Age UK on 0191 232 6488, or access the Information Now website via the link above. This website tells you how to claim the pension credit.
11/17
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Severe Mental Impairment Discount on Council Tax
According to the MoneySavingExpert.com website , tens of thousands of people who are entitled to a ‘severe mental impairment’ council tax discount could be missing out on up to £400 a year. Click on the link above for information on how to check if you’re due the discount – and how to claim it.
By law, someone who has been medically certified as having a permanent condition that affects their intelligence and social functioning (eg, Alzheimer’s or severe learning difficulties, but many other conditions may apply) is ‘disregarded for council tax purposes’ in England, Scotland and Wales.
Further information and advice can be obtained through the Alzheimer’s Society on 0191 298 3989 or from Newcastle City Council on 0191 278 7878 (ask for “Council Tax”).
11/17
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Are you a Good Listener?
Listening Link is a volunteer telephone support service for carers, run by Newcastle Carers. Newcastle Carers are looking for volunteers who would be able to provide support and encouragement to a carer by phoning them once a week and offering a listening ear.Speaking to a volunteer offers carers a chance to share their worries or concerns, providing support and encouragement so that they feel less alone. Being a carer can feel very isolating. A friendly voice on the other end of the phone can make a huge difference.
If you are interested in volunteering for this important role, please contact Alison Neill for more information on 0191 275 5060 or at alison@newcastlecarers.org.uk. The Newcastle Carers website can be accessed here.
09/17
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Would you like to help medical students get a good bedside manner?
Part of the course for medics at Newcastle University is to practise their clinical skills on real people. They examine your reflexes, muscular strength etc.
The people who volunteer for this say that it’s really worthwhile, and the students really appreciate it.
If you’re interested, please ring John Higgins on 0191 208 6965, or email him at john.higgins@newcastle.ac.uk
09/17
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Independent Age – Free Friendship Service for Older People
Loneliness is a growing problem for older people. Over one million older people say that they are always or often feel lonely.
Good company and conversation is enjoyable and important for our wellbeing. A regular telephone call or visit from one of Independent Age’s volunteers can make all the difference. It provides the chance to have a regular chat with someone friendly and trustworthy.
Their volunteers are people who enjoy listening, talking and getting to know people. They are trained by Independent Age and have the checks you would expect. The first step is for the older person or representative to call Independent Age. They will discuss your needs and preferences, and then together will work out what would work best for you.
For more information about their services on Tyneside, please call Harriet or Kay on 0191 731 4000, email harriet.critchley@independentage.org, or visit their website here.
09/17
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My Guide – Friends and Family Training in Newcastle
Help people with sight loss get out and about.
These sessions are designed for individuals with sight loss to bring their friends and family to an informal setting where they can learn how to safely and confidently guide the person. The session is fun and relaxed, lasting approximately 2 hours in length. Places are limited; for further details, or to book a place, please call Mike Dooley on 0345 143 0220.
09/17
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Telephone Package for Low Income Users
08/17
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Do you like going to the Cinema?
If you like going to the cinema, and receive a disability benefit, or are registered blind, you may be entitled to use a CEA Card. For an administration charge of £6 per year, you would pay for your ticket, but your card would allow your carer to go with you free of charge (ie 2 for the price of 1). The card might also be valid for visits to the theatre or concert hall.
For further information please phone 0344 967 0101 weekdays between 9 am and 4.30 pm or visit the CEA Card website, which can be accessed by clicking here
08/17
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Reading Well – helpful books at your local library for people with long term conditions
08/17
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Travel and Insurance Companies Specialising in Disabled People and their Carers
Travel Companies:
- Travel Eyes – www.traveleyes.org and www.traveleyes-international.com
- Revitalise – respite holidays for disabled people and carers – www.revitalise.org.uk – 0303 303 0145
Insurance Companies:
- British Heart Foundation – head office – 01372 477 300
www.AllClear.Travel.co.uk/Heart – 0207 554 0001
- Diabetes UK – www.diabetes.org.uk/…/Financial_services/Travel_insurance – 0207 265 1278
Medical Conditions
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Free Spirit Insurance – www.freespirittravelinsurance.com – 08452 302 000
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Tysers Insurance – www.tysers.com – 01268 6284 361
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Make Sure Insurance – www.makesureinsurance.co.uk – 0870 1566 679
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Stay Sure Insurance – www.staysure.co.uk/Insurance/Travel
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Age UK – www.ageuk.org.uk/travel-insurance
07/17
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Newcastle Shopmobility
05/17
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Do you have a Motability vehicle? Do you know what is covered by the Motability insurance?
05/17
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SHHH! Self Help Support Group for Hard of Hearing and Deafblind people
Deaflink is advertising a monthly self help support group for hard of hearing and deafblind members at St Andrew’s Church ground floor cafe (opposite NEXT and Eldon Square), Newgate Street, Newcastle NE1 5SS from 1.30-3.30pm on the first Tuesday of every month.
The group invites external speakers to present on topics linked to hearing loss and support services.
For more information, please contact Deaflink:
Minicom/Phone: 0191 281 2314
Text: 0789 732 9359
Email: admin@deaflink.org.uk
04/17
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Warm Home Discount Scheme
You may be entitled to £140 off your electricity bill this winter.
You qualify for the discount if on 10 July 2016 all of the following applied:
- your electricity supplier was part of the scheme
- your name (or your partner’s) was on the bill
- you were getting the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit (even if you get Savings Credit as well)
Further details can be found on the gov.uk website
02/17
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The Golden Guide 2017
This is a new free handbook for over 50s full of details on all aspects of life. (NDF provided information for the original version of the handbook.) The handbook is available in libraries, GP surgeries and various other outlets, and can also be accessed online at Golden Guide 2016, or by post (phone 0191 386 5918).
01/17
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Credit Unions
We found an easy to read article on credit unions in the September-October 2016 edition of the Elders Council of Newcastle newsletter. Whether you are a potential saver, or whether you would benefit from a loan from a credit union, this could be the way into finding out more. Just click on the Elders Council newsletter September-October 2016 and turn to page 17.
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Protect Yourself from Scams
The following Rica blog post provides practical advice on how to recognise scams, how to protect yourself, and where to report scams if you’ve been affected. Just click on the following for more information: Protect yourself from scams