Latest News

Contents

1. How to write a Supporting Letter for Welfare Benefits Applications and Appeals (Free Workshop)
2. Opera North: Aeons
3. Great Exhibition of the North – Volunteers Wanted
4. Petition for Reduction in TV Licence for deaf people
5. Lip Reading Practice – Free Sessions
6. InDependent Diabetes Trust – March 2018 Newsletter
7. Virgin Trains East Coast – Journey Care
8. Utility Priority Services for Disabled and Vulnerable People
9. Do you have a Health Condition which Affects your Driving
10. Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
11. Become a Carer Governor for your local NHS Foundation Trust
12. Talking About Dying
13. Personal Independence Payments (PIP) Support
14. Donate Online Now
15. Review of Provision of Services and Support for Carers in Newcastle upon Tyne
16. Ben’s Story
17. Give As You Live – Janice’s Story
18. Are you Entitled to Pension Credit
19. Severe Mental Impairment Discount on Council Tax
20. Are you a Good Listener?
21. Would you like to help medical students get a good bedside manner?
22. Independent Age – Free Friendship Service for Older People
23. My Guide – Friends and Family Training in Newcastle
24. Telephone Package for Low Income Users
25. Do you like going to the Cinema
26. Reading Well – helpful books at your local library for people with long term conditions
27. Travel and Insurance Companies Specialising in Disabled People and their Carers
28. Newcastle Shopmobility
29. Do you have a Motability vehicle? Do you know what is covered by the Motability insurance?
30. SHHH! Self Help Support Group for Hard of Hearing and Deafblind people
31. Warm Home Discount Scheme
32. The Golden Guide 2017
33. Credit Unions
34. Protect Yourself from Scams

Free Guided Tours of The Great Exhibition of the North – George Stephenson (Discovery)

Would you like to come along and have a free guided tour around the new and exciting exhibits in the Discovery Museum?  If so read on!

A free tour has been arranged for Deaf & hearing impaired people who may need particular assistance to access and enjoy the Great Exhibition of the North.  You will find the details below:

A tour for Deaf and people who have significant hearing loss will take place on Friday 7^th September between 3:40pm and 4:40pm.  The tour guide will have worked with communication support including BSL interpreters so will be fully aware of all related issues.  Places must be booked by contacting via email on robert.latham@twmuseums.org.uk or telephone on 0191 277 2313.  Bookings must be received by no later than midday on Friday 31^st August this is to allow enough time to secure the services of any communication support including BSL interpreters.

There are up to 16 places available on the tour which includes support workers, guides or assistants.  Please book early to avoid disappointment.

08/18

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British Blind Sport Have a Go Day Newcastle

We are delighted to announce British Blind Sport’s Have a Go Day programme is coming to Newcastle! Working with Sight Service and Smile Through Sport, the event will take place at The Parks Sport Centre, Howdon Road, North Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE29 6TL on Friday 31^st August. Register online now for the Have a Go Day in Newcastle

Kindly funded by the Peter Harrison Foundation, come along and take part in an entirely free day of activities including cricket, archery, athletics and many more! Open to anyone with a visual impairment aged 5 and up, including their friends, family or siblings.

When and Where

Venue: The Parks Sport Centre, Howdon Road, North Shields, Tyne and Wear, NE29 6TL

Date: Friday 31st August from 9.45am to 3.00pm

Get Involved!

Register online now for the Have a Go Day in Newcastle for further details please contact Alex Pitts, Participation Officer on telephone:  07929 356428 or email alex@britishblindsport.org.uk

08/18

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Tea for 22

Thanks to a grant from Awards for All, Newcastle Disability Forum are holding tea/coffee and chat sessions every week from September 2018, with occasional bookable trips out for afternoon tea or lunch.  Watch this space for more details or telephone the Forum on 0191 284 0480 (option 4) or email enquiries@ndf.org.uk

08/18

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Tinnitus Support Group

Deaflink host a Tinnitus support group once a month (the next to last Thursday each month, 1 pm to 2.30 pm).  The group offers a friendly welcome, and meets at Deaflink, 11 Tankerville Place, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 3AT. For further information, please contact Louise Borrell on 0191 281 2314 or at louise@deaflink.org.uk

08/18

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British Sign Language Courses

Are you interested in learning British Sign Language?

Hands On in Ashington provide courses in British Sign Language from Level 1 upwards.  Courses begin in September 2018.  For further details, please go to the Hands On website or contact Debbie Jervis on 01670 810795 or 07534 110316, or email debbiejervis123@googlemail.com

08/18

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Diabetes Wellness Day North

This year’s Diabetes Wellness Day North is due to take place at Hartlepool’s Maritime Experience, Hartlepool on Saturday 3rd November, from 9 am to 4 pm.  You can book your place at www.diabetesdaynorth.eventbrite.co.uk  There is a small registration fee of £5 per person, which includes the full programme of talks and activities, access to the exhibition hall, refreshments, lunch and parking.

For more information, please contact DRWF Event Coordinator Lee Calladine by emailing events@drwf.org.uk, or by calling 023 9263 6133.

08/18

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The Golden Guide 2018

This is a 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 2018, or by post (phone 0191 386 5918).

08/18
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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.

07/18

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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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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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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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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