March 2016 - Newcastle City Council

Your council magazine

Inside this issue Ambition in the face of austerity: 2016/17 budget

Celebrating 800 years of Newcastle Mayors • Working city update • Spring is in the air: keeping well and getting active!

Spring 2016

Contacting the council

Welcome to Citylife

We are working hard to improve our online services so they are so easy to use that they are the way people choose to contact us.

In this edition

You can apply and pay for many of our services on our website, as well as report an issue using our simple online forms. Find out more about getting online, and support to do so, at www.newcastle.gov.uk or www.getonlinenewcastle.co.uk. Alternatively, call us on 0191 277 4100 and ask to speak to the Digital Inclusion Team if you’d like to talk to someone about getting this help. We’re making these changes because contacting the council is quicker and cheaper for most people using the internet. There is no need to stand in a queue or be put ‘on hold’ on the phone. In fact, as our website is available 24/7, you can do business wherever and whenever it suits.

Fit for purpose council 2016/17 budget The 2016/17 budget was approved by City Council on 2 March. This included a 1.9% rise in Council Tax, and implementation of the government’s proposal for a 2% precept to help fund adult social care. Find out what this means on pages 6 to 9.

Indeed, as councils face greater demand and reduced budgets, it’s important that we move online. It saves money as well as time, and we can spend this money on delivering vital services.

Other ways to get in touch Find us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/newcastlecitycouncil Follow us on Twitter – @NewcastleCC

A working city Kenton Bank Foot The council has published its draft Masterplan for Kenton Bank Foot which sets out a new vision for the site - and is inviting residents to have their say. Working with a consortium of local developers, the council has shared its vision to create a new Garden Village community, providing a desirable and thriving place to live. Read the full story on pages 16 and 17.

On the move

Did you know... ...that you can read or listen to Citylife online at www.newcastle.gov.uk/citylife? We produce two printed versions a year, and each month send out a snapshot of council news in our electronic bulletin. Sign-up to receive your copy at www.newcastle.gov.uk/newsletter

Discover more about the investment going on across the city to transform our roads on pages 12 and 13. On page 14 we’ve also included an update from the Go Smarter programme, which has been encouraging employees, parents and children to be greener and more active on their daily journeys to work and school since 2011.

Council meetings The council holds a number of meetings throughout the year which the public can attend. These include Cabinet, Planning meetings, City Council and Overview and Scrutiny meetings. The next Business Cabinet meetings will take place at 4.30pm on Wednesday 23 March and Wednesday 27 April 2016. City Council meetings usually take place on the first Wednesday of most months at 6pm in the Council Chamber at the Civic Centre. The next meeting will be held on 6 April 2016 and the Annual General Meeting (when the new Lord Mayor is appointed) will take place at 2pm on 25 May 2016. Dates of other meetings can be found at www.newcastle.gov.uk/committee-diary For more information, please phone Karen Christon on 0191 211 5024 or email [email protected]

Tackling inequalities

Elections 2016 On Thursday 5 May you have the chance to vote in two key elections. You can vote for the person you want to represent you in Newcastle City Council, and also for the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria. If you haven’t already registered to vote, find out how you can do this on page 5.

Creating decent neighbourhoods What’s on There’s plenty happening across the city over the coming months to help people get involved with their communities, get more active, and start to enjoy some (hopefully!) warmer weather. Look out for some of our top picks on pages 18 and 19.

A green city Newcastle has been busy tackling environmental issues – and saving money whilst doing so! Find out about some of these community projects on page 23.

We care… Protecting the most vulnerable people in our communities is one of the council’s most important responsibilities. Most people in the city don’t use these vital services. But when people need support because of disability, illness, getting older, or because they provide unpaid care to a loved one – we’re there to help. Read more about who we help, what we do, and the difference it makes on pages 32 and 33.

Staying well There are many initiatives across the city aimed at helping people to stay healthy and well – from free NHS Health Checks to awareness campaigns to tackle issues such as socalled ‘legal highs’. And there are lots of programmes to help people get fit – including our flagship ‘Cycling in the City’ scheme. Find out about this and more on pages 26 to 31.

Citylife is produced by Newcastle City Council and printed by NCJ Media Ltd. Design by Paul Burgess Graphic Design. Front cover photo by Steve Brock. Citylife is printed on paper sourced from sustainably managed forests. 2

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Fit for purpose council

News in brief Electoral Review – future council size and ward boundaries The Local Government Boundary Commission for England has opened up consultation on the future ward boundaries in Newcastle, after recommending that we should continue to have 78 councillors. Even though the number of councillors will stay the same, we know the ward boundaries need to change to reflect the new homes being built across the city and changes in the student population. The consultation runs from 26 January to 4 April 2016 and anyone can give their views. Details of the review and how you can have your say can be found on their website www.lgbce.org.uk (search for ‘Newcastle’). We are supporting the work of the Commission by developing our own proposals which we will submit to them before their consultation ends. We carried out a short period of local consultation in February and are now using feedback to refine our proposals. The Commission will use all of the proposals they receive to develop their own recommendations, which they will publish in June for a further period of consultation. Final recommendations will be published in November, which will be implemented through whole-council elections in 2018.

Devolution Newcastle City Council has moved one step closer to a historic £1.5b devolution deal. It agreed at a meeting of City Council on Wednesday 2 March to establish the North East Combined Authority as a Mayoral Combined Authority, in order to unlock devolution powers. It will lead to a deal to give the North East powers over employment and skills, transport, housing, planning, business support and investment, and could lead to further devolution in the future. The council’s Cabinet is now expected to confirm that Newcastle will sign up to the deal later this month. All seven councils in the region will have decided their position by the end of March. Once approved by local councillors, the ambitious agreement will be considered by Parliament, who will seek to establish the combined authority in law.

Newcastle City Council makes Top 20 gay-friendly employer list The council has been ranked as one of the best employers in the country for its commitment to equality and diversity, according to Stonewall, the national LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) charity. The council was placed equal 15th in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index 2016 - which is a leap of four places from last year - and is ranked as the second highest performing local authority in the country. The free-to-enter index looks at how employers support their LGBT staff in

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On cloud nine? The online doors to Newcastle Libraries’ new 3M Cloud Library are now well and truly open. The new service allows library users to borrow some of the very latest eBooks and eAudiobooks by some of the world’s leading authors and publishing houses. There are currently almost 300 titles to choose from, with that number set to increase over the coming weeks and months. Figures show a 12.2% increase of eBooks and eAudiobooks being borrowed from Newcastle Libraries between 2014 and 2015 (19,438 in 2014 compared with 21,818 in 2015). Once registered the library user can access the eService from home or on the move through their PC, mobile phone or tablet. The new 3M Cloud Library digital discovery station can be found on Level 3 of Newcastle’s City Library, and further information about Newcastle Libraries can be found in the ‘Libraries’ section of www.newcastle.gov.uk

News from our partners: an urgent warning from Northumbria Police Residents are being urged never to pass bank details over the phone or transfer funds to people claiming to be the police. Northumbria Police have received reports of people being targeted by callers claiming to be from the police and asking for their bank details, or for them to withdraw/transfer money from their account. The police will never ask you to do this.

the workplace and ranks the best 100.

If you get a call from someone claiming to be a police officer asking you to do something like this, then do not give out any personal information and hang up immediately.

All too often lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are not supported to be open about who they are in the workplace, which can not only impact on an employee’s performance, but ultimately on their health and wellbeing.

Once hung up, the first thing you should do is dial the number of a trusted person, and make sure your line is clear - fraudsters have been known to stay on the line and trick people into thinking they have made another call. Once confident your line is clear, report any suspicious calls to the police on 101.



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Budget 2016/17 Shielding and investing I want to thank everyone who took part in this year’s budget consultation. It has been a difficult time for Newcastle as we once again try to safeguard the city in the face of unfair and disproportionate government funding cuts. Every one of the many consultation responses the council received has been considered, and where possible we have tried to mitigate the impact of the difficult decisions facing the city. The council I lead has stood up for Newcastle during five years of government cuts, shielding the most vulnerable from the worst effects of austerity and investing in our city’s future. That shield, however, is starting to look very dented. It is now clear that we are only half way through a 10-year period of austerity, one in which this city faces the reality of deep and continuing spending cuts dismantling the publicly-funded services which have underpinned our national

Following consultation, we have taken the decision – albeit reluctantly – to raise council tax by 1.9%. Every penny will be used to keep frontline services going. We will also implement the government’s proposal for a 2% social care precept. We don’t want to do this but have no choice as next year we have to slash £15m from our adult social care budget. The money we raise will sadly only be a fraction of the amount that we have to cut, which is why there is more pain to come.

And we will continue to invest in the city, using what resources we have to encourage job creation, as well as doing all we can to support our communities. Newcastle is a great city with great people. We are celebrating our 800th anniversary of having a Mayor and Freemen (see page 18), and not many

While we shield the most vulnerable we are also committed to investing in the city to create the jobs that we need for a strong economy. We will continue to invest the same amount of money in roads, transport and housing – money we are not allowed by government to spend on services. We will: • Deliver plans for 3,500 new homes across the city, including at The Rise, Scotswood • Further improve Central Station with a southern entrance • Support phase 2 of the development of the Stephenson Quarter • Improve roads and junctions in the centre and north of the city

identity throughout the post war period.

Despite the pain, we have much to be optimistic about. Unemployment is at a 10-year low and, although stubbornly higher than the national average, is forecast to fall for the next few years.

Investing in the future

• Support businesses through a new enterprise zone around the airport • Put in place infrastructure to help industry on the North Bank of the Tyne • Help more people to get online • Sell off surplus buildings and land to invest the proceeds in new developments • Support the development of a Laboratory and Life Science Incubation Hub and Low Carbon Energy Centre on Science Central (see page 10)

The Rise, Scotswood

cities in Europe can do that. Our history proves we can survive some tough times and I am confident that we will emerge from the current challenges even stronger.

The refurbished Central Station

Nick Forbes Leader of Newcastle City Council

We listened to you We published ‘Ambition in the face of austerity’ last December to outline how we proposed to meet our financial challenges.

The budget at a glance

We asked you what you thought of our proposals in a consultation which ran until 31 January and received more than 2,000 responses – thank you!

• Next year the council has to save £32m as a result of government cuts and rising costs • Despite this we will continue to shield the most vulnerable and invest to create conditions for jobs and growth

Due to good financial stewardship we have achieved savings that have enabled us to act on some of your requests, including: • Giving extra transitional support to Citizens Advice Newcastle and Search to allow them time to prepare for budget reductions • Giving extra financial support to Newburn and Kenton Leisure Centres so they have more time to adjust to lower funding

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• We have tried to protect vital services but cuts in social care are now unavoidable • Keeping Sunday opening hours as they are at the City Library • Saving Byker Lodge dementia care centre from closure by working with the NHS • Saving three children’s social work posts


• We will increase council tax by 1.9% and implement the government’s proposal of a 2% precept to help pay for social care • We will continue to invest in capital improvements like roads, housing and transport where it produces an income to help reduce our future costs

• We will invest £140m to enable further improvements at Central Station, Science Central, Stephenson Quarter and the North Bank of the Tyne • We will keep our library network but reduce hours at branch libraries excluding the City Library • We will transfer our leisure centres to a charitable trust and set up a trust for our main parks • We will reduce the number of adult and children’s social workers by targeting support for those with greatest need • We will create a trading company so our services can compete with business • We will withdraw our handyperson service, lunch clubs and free telecare


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How your council is funded

What we spend on your frontline services

• Funding from NHS and other partners 10.5%

• Adult and children’s social care 49%

• Business rates 15.4% • Education (excluding Dedicated School Grant) 12% • Council Tax 16.9% • Highways, roads and transport 11%

Unfunded cost pressures 2016/17

• Government grants 26.9%

• Environment and regulatory 9% • Public health 8% Total spend on frontline services £350 million

• Leisure and culture 5% New and increased responsibilities £8.8m

• Sales, fees and income 30.2%

What does this mean for Council Tax? • Council Tax rise of 1.9% • We will also implement the government’s proposal for a 2% precept to help fund adult social care • Council Tax will go up in total by 3.9%

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• Increase for a band A property is 78p per week • Increase for a band D property is £1.17 per week • Your Council Tax bill will also show the amount of Council Tax you pay towards the police and fire services


• Housing 4% • Planning and development 1%

Inflation £7.5m

Government grants are being cut £244.9m Increasing demand for services £2.1m

2010/11

£223.1m

2011/12

£209.8m

£202.2m

£182.3m

£156.0m

£140.4m

2012/13

2013/14

2014/15

2015/16

2016/17


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A working city

Meet the neighbours at the Science Central community open day Developments on Science Central are progressing with the landmark building The Core almost full to capacity, the first research labs now open in The Key, and construction of the Urban Sciences Building well underway. Future plans include a Teaching and Learning Centre, and a Laboratory and Life Science Incubation Hub, a Low Carbon Energy Centre, and options are being explored on others plots for business and residential use. Join us on Wednesday 23 March to find out what’s happening on site now at our community open day, and hear more about our plans for the future.

Date: Wednesday 23 March Times: 12noon - 2pm, and 6 - 8pm Where: The Core, Science Central, Bath Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5TF Architects, FaulknerBrown, will be joining us to talk through the Science Central Masterplan and our vision for its future, and will showcase visuals on how different areas may look upon completion. Representatives from Newcastle University and Newcastle City Council will be on hand to give you more information about the upcoming buildings, and the world-class research that will be taking place on site. You’ll be able to tour the site, visit The Key and meet the neighbours in The Core – which also provides a venue for events as well as housing the university’s Centre for Professional and Executive Development.

Don’t miss your chance to get involved – Science. Central to your future.

Stay in touch Make sure you stay up to date with what’s happening on Science Central: • Like our Facebook page Newcastle Science Central for live updates on news and events • Follow us on Twitter @NCLScience • Email [email protected] to sign up to our e-newsletter • Visit www.newcastlesciencecentral.com for more information.

Newcastle Science Central is being delivered by a long-term committed partnership between Newcastle City Council and Newcastle University. A partnership between

Council Magazine

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Visit our website www.warmupnorth/chf

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A working city

Our plans for the city Newcastle is seeing the biggest investment in its highways for over 30 years. This is part of Re-newcastle – our £60m investment into Newcastle’s roads and key junctions to keep Newcastle moving for the people who live, visit and work here.

of the easiest cities to get around, with new road layouts and traffic light technology making it quicker and safer to travel, however you chose to move around the city.

Over the next four years, we aim to completely transform the highways and public spaces within the city centre, as well as on routes around and across Newcastle.

Understandably, there will be short term disruption as these improvements take place – however there will be lasting benefits.

Our plan is to make Newcastle one

Read on for some updates of projects we are working on.

City centre car parking Lots of people from across the region come into our city centre to shop, work and visit, which is why we are investing in new technology in car parks. Working with Eldon Square and Eldon Garden, we’re updating the pay machines so you can pay on exit – which means no more running back to top up your car parking!

Church Road to Salters Road Work here will be complete by the end of the summer. The car park is now open.

Cowgate Thanks for bearing with us. Works will be complete soon.

Kenton Road We’re looking at the flooding issues here. Work to start Spring 2016.

Bluehouse and Haddricks Mill We’re working on plans to tackle safety, air quality and congestion issues. We’ll share these plans in June 2016.

Within the city centre City centre north

Great North Road and

We released some proposals for this area before Christmas. We’ve listened to your feedback and are making some changes.

Gosforth High Street We’re installing intelligent traffic light signals to manage traffic better. We’re also tackling poor air quality, improving pedestrian facilities and adding more parking.

Westmorland Road We’re working on this now to make it safer, as it’s the worst junction in the city for collisions.

Streets for People

Osborne Road to Coast Road We’re developing plans to tackle the high levels of congestion here. Details will be released in June 2016.

Working with local communities across the city, we’re asking residents to tell us what they think about their local neighbourhoods, and what would make it safer and easier to walk or cycle there.

John Dobson Street Works will be complete by the end of Summer 2016.

Did you know • 42% of households in Newcastle don’t have access to a car • buses make up only 5% of the vehicles entering the city centre, but carry 65% of people arriving by road! • on average 140,000 cars enter the city centre’s road network every day, this is the highest since we began counts in 1987 • air quality problems are responsible for tens of thousands of deaths in the UK every year

We have three projects running so far in Jesmond, Heaton and Ouseburn, and Arthurs Hill and Fenham. If you live or work in these areas tell us what you think at www.newcastle.gov.uk/streetsforpeople

Central Gateway Phase 2 We’re monitoring the way traffic accesses the station and designing a new entrance to the back of the station. Keep up to date at www.newcastle.gov.uk/renewcastle You can also find details on proposals at www.letstalknewcastle.co.uk/transport

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Across the city


Keep up to date at www.newcastle.gov.uk/renewcastle You can also find details on proposals at www.letstalknewcastle.co.uk/transport


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A working city

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Follow us on Twitter - @GoSmarterToWork

Find us on Facebook - www.facebook.com/SkillsHubNewcastle

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A working city

A new vision for the future of Kenton Bank Foot Have your say on the draft Masterplan Our city is growing and Newcastle City Council has put in place a plan, called the Core Strategy and Urban Core Plan and known as the Local Plan, to make sure that Newcastle has enough homes, jobs and services to meet our communities’ needs. Land at Kingston Park/Kenton Bank Foot is identified in the Local Plan as a location for approximately 800 new homes.

Have your say

Working with a consortium of local developers, the council has drafted a Masterplan for the area, and shared its vision to create a new Garden Village community, providing a desirable and thriving place to live. A Masterplan is a framework which establishes the key principles for a site and creates a vision for its future. The Kenton Bank Foot draft Masterplan outlines our approach to the development, explaining how approximately 800 new homes will be built on the site, and how that development fits with schools, transport, shops, open space and leisure facilities; as well as identifying the key infrastructure required, such as roads, to support existing and future communities as a result of the development.

Kenton Bank Foot

We welcome your views and there is still time to view the draft Masterplan and tell us what matters. Consultation on the draft Masterplan for Kenton Bank Foot began on 26 February and runs for four weeks until 25 March. Consultation events have been underway and there are still ways that you can have your say.

The design proposals for Kenton Bank Foot take into consideration the area’s rich history, links to sustainable transport like the Metro, and improvements to the existing landscape, which will give long term benefits to the local community and the local natural environment.

• Go to the council’s website: visit www.newcastle.gov.uk/kentonbankfoot where you can view the draft Masterplan, some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), as well as the Core Strategy and Urban Core Plan

Pictured: How some of the new homes may look

• Fill in a short survey at Let’s talk Newcastle: www.letstalknewcastle.co.uk/consultations • Email your views to: [email protected] • Come to our public consultation event: On Friday 18 March 1 - 4pm at Kingston Park Community Centre, 102 Brunton Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 2SW • Read paper copies of the draft Masterplan, available at: Newcastle City Council, Customer Service Centre, Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8QH, (Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm) Newcastle City Library, Charles Avison Building, 33 New Bridge St W, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8AX (Monday to Thursday 8am to 8pm, Friday to Saturday 9.30am 5.30pm and Sunday 11am - 5pm)

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Creating decent neighbourhoods

A long and proud history A former Mansion House, 1836

Old Town Hall, c.1911

Lord Mayor, 1926

Pride 2016 Later this year we will see the return of Newcastle Pride, the UK’s biggest free lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender festival. The festival will be held over three days on the 15, 16 and 17 July 2016 and will be located on the Town Moor next to Exhibition Park. The line-up for this year’s Pride will be bigger and better than ever, with lots of well-known and up and coming acts. The Parade will be on Saturday 16 July, leaving Newcastle Civic Centre at noon.

Thanksgiving Service, 2016 Lord Mayor in procession to Newcastle Cathedral, 1929

As well as the main stage, festival goers will be able to visit the ‘Steve Paske Health Zone’ and the ‘Family and Youth Zones’, as well as browsing market stalls, or thrill seeking at the fun fair. In the lead up to the weekend, there will be a host of other events including quiz nights, exhibitions and film screenings. For all the details check out www.northern-pride.com

Mela 2016 Newcastle boasts a long and proud tradition of welcoming people from all over the world as they visit and settle in the city. Geordie friendliness is legendary, and it is displayed at its best in the annual Newcastle Mela. For over 22 years the Mela (meaning gathering) has celebrated the culture, food and music of the city’s Asian population. Each year the recently refurbished Exhibition Park hosts an event which has something for all the family – a main stage with acts from all over the world, a fun fair, an amazing choice of food, children’s activities, and a traditional outdoor bazaar. But most of all, it’s the opportunity to relax and meet friends in a family friendly, safe and non-alcohol atmosphere. This year’s event will be on the summer Bank Holiday (Sunday 28 and Monday 29 August) from 12 noon – 8pm. The Mela remains a free event thanks to support from the council, the Freemen of the City, Unison, Spice FM and the local business community.

Mayor’s horse and carriage, 1985

As anniversary years go, this year is certainly a big one. Newcastle is officially celebrating its 800th anniversary of having a Mayor and Freemen.

The Burgesses, known today as Freemen, were allowed to collect tolls and charges from strangers who entered the city.

Civic dignitaries, Freemen and residents marked the start of a year of celebrations by gathering in St Nicholas’ Cathedral for a thanksgiving service.

Though obscure, the origins of the Freemen are partly British and partly Roman. The ‘free men’ were permitted to carry arms, unlike the other classes of nobles and slaves.

The service was the first in a series of public events charting the history and development of Newcastle to its present day. Its long unbroken history of governance through the Mayoralty, Burgesses, Freemen and councillors is one reason why it is one of the UK’s leading cities today. It was in 1216 that King John granted a charter to the Burgesses (at an annual payment of £100 - which continued to appear in the council’s annual accounts until recently!) which allowed them to elect a Mayor. King John also allowed the formation of guilds, known as ‘Mysteries’ - effectively cartels within different trades, which restricted trade to guild members.

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There are still 1,800 Freemen in Newcastle today – both men and women – though their purpose today is the guardianship of the Town Moor as an open space for air and exercise. Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Cllr Ian Graham, said: “The Office of Mayor is one of the oldest surviving civic institutions in the city. “Newcastle is a strong city; proud of its long history and rich heritage. Apart from a few incursions, it has managed to evolve over hundreds of years because of the Mayoralty and Freemen, who have skilfully governed it through good and bad times.” The Lord Mayor is the first citizen of the city and speaks on behalf of the area and its community.

A series of events will take place to mark the 800th anniversary of the Mayoralty and Freemen of Newcastle, including: • A major education programme for Newcastle school children focusing on civic life • A picnic in Exhibition Park in August, in partnership with the Freemen • The unveiling of commemorative plaques at the Guildhall on the Quayside and the Civic Centre • An exhibition at the City Library in October • A programme of talks, debates and public lectures on the Mayoralty throughout the year

• City Highlights Walk - Tours every day from 1 June to 30 September and Saturdays in May and October. Leaving from outside JG Windows in Central Arcade at 10.30am, finishing on the Quayside about noon • Heritage Walks – Over 40 themed walking tours, usually Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons, starting from 3 April 2016. Walks in Newcastle city centre and many other areas around Tyneside. No advanced booking required, unless stated on the website/brochure. All walks cost £4 for adults, £3 over 60s • Grey’s Monument openings – Climb the 164 steps of Newcastle’s iconic Monument and take in the stunning views, with a Newcastle City Guide to inform you. Monument tours must be booked in advance via the Newcastle City Guides website. £4 for adults, £2 for children (aged 5-16) • Newcastle Guildhall – Special events and tours at the Guildhall. Performances on Sunday 10 April and Sunday 12 June. Booking essential. Please check website for details • Season tickets – Access to 40+ heritage walks and the City Highlights tours. Tickets are available to order now from the City Guides’ website

In addition, the Lord Mayor’s Award 800 has been presented to four people for outstanding contributions to the life of the city. For more information, visit www.newcastle.gov.uk/lordmayors800



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Worried about the risks of flooding? The recent winter flooding shows it’s important to know what to do if you face a flood, and to do your bit to help prevent it.

Here are some of our top flood prevention, information and action tips: Think about flooding before it happens: • Keep an eye on the council’s heavy rain / severe weather pages for useful hints, tips and news - www.newcastle.gov.uk (search for ‘rain and flooding’) • It’s also worth checking if you are at risk from flooding by checking www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-at-risk-of-flooding • You can sign up for Environment Agency Flood warnings by contacting Floodline on 0345 988 1188 • Make sure you have insurance that covers floods • Move any high or personal value possessions to a safe place (such as upstairs) • Prepare a flood kit in case you need to leave your property

A change to leisure in Newcastle December saw a major change in the operation of the city’s leisure facilities as the assets of the council’s four remaining centres were transferred over to the charitable organisation North Country Leisure (NCL), who are part of the GLL Group.

Parklife The city of Newcastle is blessed with an impressive collection of public parks and green spaces that are well used by people looking to exercise, socialise, walk their dog, cycle, host a family outing or just go about their day. The council is proud of this heritage and works closely with a number of partners to try and renovate and improve these parks to keep them active.

The four centres in question are All Saints Sports Centre, Centre for Sport, East End Pool and Walker Activity Dome.

One green space currently enjoying a new lease of life is Walker Park in the east of the city. It’s part way through a nine month renovation programme, which has been a £1.8m partnership project with the Heritage Lottery Fund.

NCL is a North East-based not-for-profit charity, which manages other leisure facilities across the region. They also manage Eldon Leisure, and Gosforth and West Denton Pool and Fitness Centres.

The restoration will allow for the improvement of key park facilities including the park centre, play area and amphitheatre, as well as the resurfacing of footpaths and the installation of new street furniture. Following a consultation with park users, the works will also contain a new skate park.

GLL/NCL were chosen after a competitive process and they take on the centres under a 20 year lease.

Another highlight will be the welcome return of the original Robert Burns statue that was last seen in situ in 1975. A replica has also been commissioned to enable one statue to be located inside, and the other outside in the open air.

The new arrangement not only ensures that these buildings remain open to the public, but that the programme is run at a reduced cost, and ultimately no cost to the council.

Pictured right: Some ‘work in progress’ photographs, taken by the park ranger and contractors, Brambledown Landscape Services.

For further information about the leisure activities and services delivered in Newcastle by NCL please visit www.northcountryleisure.org.uk/newcastle

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Fenham Association of Residents have been successful in attracting a share of a national DCLG (Department for Communities and Local Government) scheme, aimed at transforming unloved urban spaces into popular areas for everyone to use. Fenham Hall Drive Pocket Park intends to be a place where people can sit and watch the world go by, and where children can happily play. It will be located between the library, allotments and swimming pool, and encourage playing outside, sitting in the sun and relaxing in the open air. The works should be complete this summer.

Things to note during a flood: • Flood water can rise quickly – stay calm and call 999 if you are in danger • Keep up-to-date with regional flooding news on Twitter and also post your own flooding stories using #NEflood • If flood water is about to enter your property and it is safe to do so, turn off your gas, electricity and water supplies Longer term: • Consider planting plants that thrive in wet conditions, or install a water butt to collect the rain • The National Flood Forum can offer help and advice: www.floodforum.org.uk

Watch this space…

Representatives from all sides of the leisure hand-over attended Walker Activity Dome to mark the occasion.


Parks are a wonderful place to stretch your legs and keep fit, either on your own, with the family or as a group. Why not pop on your walking boots or trainers and enjoy one of Newcastle’s many beautiful parks? Above: how the ‘Pocket Park’ could look.


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A café for the community

Newcastle school wins prestigious Eco-Schools award

A newly opened community café is looking for volunteers to help out with the general day-to-day running of the shop. The Shieldfield Community Forum Café opened to the public in August 2015, and since then has gone from strength-to-strength. The café, located on Wretham Place, Shieldfield, attracts customers from all over the region, and due to its popularity is now open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am till 1pm.

St John Vianney RC Primary School in West Denton has successfully achieved the national Eco-Schools Ambassador’s Award, and was the first of two schools in the North East to scoop this important accolade.

Friends meet at the café for a catch up over a coffee, members of community groups plan their latest events, others just take a break over a cuppa, or tuck into homemade scones after a stroll in the local park. The café was set up by a group of local residents who came together to see what they could do after a number of meeting places in the area closed their doors. They approached the council to see if they could take over the former beauty shop, and set up something beneficial for the whole community. They received some grant funding from the Ouseburn Ward Committee to help with their start-up costs, and the café premises were offered rent free by the council for the initial pilot phase of the project.

The council's 'Green Hubs' programme provides useful advice to encourage community buildings and groups to introduce energy efficiency measures and save money.

Elizabeth Wilson-Halliday, Chair of the Shieldfield Community Forum Café, said: “This is a real celebration of how local people have come together to create their own space and make a difference.”

The programme uses the council's expertise in this field, and looks to meet GAIA (Global Awareness in Action) aims, and in doing so go a small way towards the global goal of helping to save the planet.

The café has even been graced with a visit by cultural royalty, when the award-winning film director Ken Loach used the café during the filming of his latest film, I Daniel Blake.

Five local community groups took part in the pilot scheme (Allendale, Byker, Heaton, Monkchester and Ray Gray Community Centres), making a combined saving of over £8,000.

Elizabeth continued: “The area has a large elderly population and many low income families - so the lack of any community meeting points has led to an increase in social isolation and a reduced sense of belonging for the local people. The café is a place that people really value and look forward to visiting for a chat and a cuppa.”

"I found the information excellent, and everyone involved was very supportive” said Sue Newton MBE, Centre Manager of Heaton Community Centre.

There’s even a gallery of Shieldfield photos that have been taken and curated by a local volunteer, John Armstrong, assisted by Jill Holder.

For further information about how you can volunteer at the café, please contact Jill Holder on 0191 261 9283.

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Get your hands on a ‘Green Hub’ community savings pack


Eco-Schools is the largest sustainable education programme in the world and is run by Keep Britain Tidy. Over 1,400 schools currently hold the international EcoSchools Green Flag award, with thousands more working towards full Eco-Schools (Ambassador) status. The Ambassador award is given to inspirational, flagship schools who are leading the way in tackling environmental issues, and embedding this approach into the school curriculum. St John Vianney developed projects in partnership with the council and the wider community.

Sue liked how the scheme allowed representatives from other local community buildings to come together and share good practice. She added: "The sooner groups…get involved, the sooner they will be able to make savings...The Green Hubs scheme also provided us with a list of actions that we can take forward in helping to reduce our carbon footprints." Community groups interested in the Green Hub pack should contact [email protected] or call 0191 277 7524.


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•

New communal bins are proving a big success!

After a successful pilot in Sandyford, and roll out in Ouseburn, communal bins have now been introduced in areas of High Cross in Benwell. In total, over 300 bins were placed across 10 back lanes, replacing the previous domestic green waste and blue recycling bins. The bins, with locked lids, are fixed in place for additional security and peace of mind. The number of bins is calculated based on an average of four people per property. They are for residential use only, as businesses have their own means of rubbish collection.

Mac Chowdhury, 55 (as pictured) has lived in High Cross for over a year. He said: “The issues of bins and litter are currently a problem in the area. The communal bins will hopefully resolve this and stop people throwing excess rubbish onto the streets. Residents just want to live in a place where it is clean and tidy, and anything that can achieve this will be welcomed.”

It’s that time of year again when Mother Nature and the milder weather bring our gardens back to life after the winter season. Which means the council’s collection crews will be out and about to empty residents’ brown bins full of natural garden waste.

Other areas of the city will also be receiving communal bins, and the council will be in touch with residents to confirm where and when as this happens.

Here’s a reminder as to what is barred to discard and what is good to go!

Online bin calendars

Visit www.newcastle.gov.uk (click on the My Neighbourhood icon at the bottom of the page). Simply enter your postcode and click on your address details. The calendar from April 2016 to

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March 2017 provides the collection dates for both your recycling and general waste bins and provides a reminder about what to recycle.


by going (well brown!)

They are positioned in groups of three - for household waste, mixed recycling and a separate blue bin for glass. The new system provides people with greater opportunities to recycle their household items, but are not intended to be used for large or bulky waste.

During 2016 we are updating some of our bin routes so there may be changes made to bin collection days. All those households affected will be notified separately. Information will be made available on www.newcastle.gov.uk/bins

clean… green

The aim is for the shared bins to tackle the ongoing issues of littering, waste and fly tipping in the back lanes and streets of the city. The bins provide the same amount of room as the previous domestic ones, and should help to reduce the quantity of rubbish being thrown onto the streets.

In line with our ambition to provide excellent digital services, your bin calendar is now available exclusively online, and will no longer be delivered to you as a leaflet.

Keep your garden

Please put the appropriate bin out on your collection day by 6.30am and return it to your property as soon as possible. Collections take place between 6.30am and 4.30pm.

COOL:

UNCOOL:

• Garden trimmings • Cuttings • Pruned greenery • Leaves • Weeds

• Stones • Turf • Rubble • Plant pots • Straw and hay bedding for pets • Food waste or refuse • Dog and cat faeces

Please place all of your green waste loosely into the brown bins provided, and not in separate plastic bags or sacks. This makes it easier for the recycling team to process the materials when they’ve been dropped off at the depot.

2016/17 collections - how to sign up? New and existing users to the green waste service can sign up by making an annual payment of £20 that will secure 20 collections throughout the year (May 2016 to May 2017). These payments can be made from 1 April by telephone, direct debit or cheque, but in-person cash payments are no longer accepted as we become more digital.

You can contact the garden waste service by emailing [email protected] or by calling 0191 278 7878 and asking for 'garden waste'. The website is a great place to catch up on any green waste news or updates

www.newcastle.gov.uk/environment-and-waste


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‘Legal Fails’ campaign raises awareness of the dangers of ‘legal highs’

Newcastle City Council has been working with young people and partners in the community to develop a campaign which raises awareness of the dangers of taking so called ‘legal highs.’ Although some of these synthetic chemical drugs are legal, they are far from harmless. You may have seen coverage in the media about people in Newcastle becoming very ill or anti-social and violent after taking these dangerous drugs. We are working closely with partners including Northumbria Police to crack down on the sale of these substances which are causing great concern to communities across Newcastle, putting a huge strain on emergency services and putting people’s lives at risk.

Our public health campaign called ‘Legal Fails’ uses the words of young people who have experience of taking these drugs to raise awareness of the very unpleasant side effects and health problems risked by those who try them. Roweena Russell has been working in the drug field for 20 years and has been leading on this important campaign. Roweena said: “Novel Psychoactive Substances, or so called 'legal highs', present a challenge for us all. Young people who have used legal highs have been involved in developing this campaign at every stage.” For more information on the campaign contact [email protected]

Are you between 40 and 74 years old and living in Newcastle? Or do you know someone who is?

We want to get Newcastle cycling! We know it’s better for our health and helps tackle traffic congestion and air pollution. We’ve even got some funding from the EU this year to help get people Cycling in the City!

Did you know you are eligible for a free health check which could help prevent you developing a heart problem? A similar test would cost in the region of £150 in a private health clinic.

What happens at an NHS Health Check? The check takes 15-20 minutes and involves a few questions and some simple tests - such as measuring your cholesterol and blood pressure. The test is looking to identify the most common lifestyle related diseases which increase your risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke in the future.

To encourage residents to get on their bikes, we have free events and activities taking place across the city: • Cycle training – brush up on your skills to ride with confidence • Social rides – we have a whole range of venues, times and dates to choose from. Come along and join the fun! • Dr Bike and Fix Your Bike sessions - to get the best out of your own two wheels • Toon tours – find out about the best cycle routes around the city for leisure and commuting to work

More information If you want to know more about the NHS Health Check please visit the NHS Choices website www.nhs.uk and search for ‘health checks’. Health checks are free and totally confidential and can be carried out at your GP Practice, local pharmacy or the Community Outreach Team nearest to you.

Haven’t got a bike? No problem! We offer free bike hire and you can even try one of our electric bikes!

Contact Lynda Seery for more details on 0191 211 6704 or email [email protected]

For more details or to book onto a session contact Liz Jackson on 0191 211 6048, or check out our website www.cycleinthecity.co.uk

Sweet enough? A new Change4Life campaign was launched earlier this year encouraging families to get ‘Sugar Smart’ and take control of the amount of sugar they consume. Kirstie Kimmins, Director at The Naked Deli, which specialises in healthy and delicious home cooked food, is supporting the campaign to encourage children to learn about the amount of sugar in everyday food and drinks. She took part in a special lesson with year four pupils at Walkergate Community School in January, to show them some easy-to-prepare low sugar snacks. For more information on the campaign, visit www.nhs.uk/change4life

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Free NHS Health Check

Cycling in the City


Look out for the new Cycling in the City campaign on Metro radio and city centre billboards in March, and find out how you can win a new hybrid bike!

Dry January makes its mark Supermarket alcohol sales plummeted earlier this year, as more people than ever ‘banned the booze’ for a month. An average of nearly £1 in every £10 spent in British supermarkets last year was on alcohol, but in January 2016 this dropped to just 46p, according to price comparison site mySupermarket.

Kim Ludlow, mySupermarket Head of Sales, said that while January is usually considered a “healthy month”, the trend of people turning away from alcohol at the beginning of the year is “gaining momentum”.

this year – with many others joining in, but not signing up to the website.

If you managed to do Dry January well done!

Alcohol Concern, the charity behind the Dry January campaign, reported that over two million people took part


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News from your local NHS

Deciding Together: moving towards a new future for specialist mental health services A public consultation looking into possible changes to NHS specialist mental health services in Newcastle and Gateshead has now completed, after hundreds of patients, families and health professionals took the opportunity to have their say. Deciding Together, which is led by NHS Newcastle Gateshead Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), invited people to have their say about existing services before putting forward a range of different ways in which inpatient and community mental health services could be arranged in the future. All these scenarios include changes to inpatient and community services, as well as steps to make it easier for service users and carers to get the support they need. Dr Guy Pilkington (pictured below right), a Newcastle GP and Chair of NHS

Newcastle Gateshead CCG, said: “We are determined that mental healthcare should not be a Cinderella service when compared to healthcare for physical complaints. “There is no health without mental health, so we need to invest more in mental health services in community settings. That means linking into the strengths of individuals, communities and voluntary organisations that can support people and help them live fulfilling, independent lives.

“We need better options for people to access more intense help quickly and close to home when they need it. When people have become seriously unwell, we need more effective ways to help them recover. “All this means changing the way we invest our money. We must spend less on hospital buildings and continue to reduce hospital admissions by investing in community support. “We have gathered some extremely useful feedback and comments, from a wide range of people locally, and this will be valuable to us as we consider the best options for the future.”

Young people’s work to improve mental health services celebrated

What happens next? February – March 2016 Analysis of people’s feedback, by an independent organisation

21 March 2016 Feedback report published on www.newcastlegatesheadccg.nhs.uk

24 March 2016 Public feedback event at Brunswick Church, Newcastle, 2-4pm (registration from 1.30pm) Register online at www.newcastlegatesheadccg.nhs.uk

5 April 2016 Public feedback event at St Edmund’s Chapel, Gateshead, 6-8pm (registration from 5.30pm) Register online at www.newcastlegatesheadccg.nhs.uk

9 May 2016 NHS Newcastle Gateshead CCG completes the full ‘case for change’ document

24 May 2016 NHS Newcastle Gateshead CCG Governing Body meeting held in public, and decision made

24 May 2016 Decision communicated to stakeholders and the public For full details of the different scenarios under consideration, visit www.newcastlegatesheadccg.nhs.uk or call 0191 217 2670

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Follow us on Twitter - @NHSngccg

Young people in Newcastle and Gateshead have also stepped up to play their part in improving emotional health and wellbeing services, with their work celebrated at a special Tyneside Pop-up Cinema event.

Young commissioners are helping the Clinical Commissioning Group to improve services The event was part of ‘Expanding Minds, Improving Lives’, a project delivered by NHS Newcastle Gateshead Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council, to transform mental health services for young people locally. Chris Piercy of NHS Newcastle Gateshead CCG said: “We were delighted to organise this event with our partners at Newcastle and Gateshead councils to celebrate and thank the young people for getting involved in ‘Expanding Minds, Improving Lives’ transformation.

transformation to help us develop the best possible services for the future.” A short film called CHAOS, coproduced by young people with Newcastle-based Helix Arts, was premiered at the celebration. The film shone a light on the experiences of young people and gave an outlet to share their experiences and views on how services should change.

“There is recognition that the emotional wellbeing and mental health needs of children and young people and their families are not being met on a national, regional or local level.

The event also introduced a number of young people who will become Young Commissioners, working alongside the CCG staff who buy mental health services for the area. Supported by Youth Focus: North East, this committed group of 20 young volunteers will share their experience and bring a young person's perspective to help improve mental health services.

“We are determined that young people are involved throughout this

For more information, visit www.newcastlegatesheadccg.nhs.uk

www.newcastlegatesheadccg.nhs.uk

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News from your local NHS

Dancing to keep older people on their feet Older people in the West End of Newcastle are dancing their way to health and happiness thanks to an innovative programme delivered with local GPs. Cheryl Gavin of Helix Arts (left), with dancer and choreographer Nadia Iftkhar Photo: ncjMedia Ltd

Think Pharmacy First for minor illnesses Doctors in Newcastle are asking people to Think Pharmacy First when they have a minor illness. A range of common illnesses can be treated quickly and effectively by visiting your local pharmacist, easing the pressure on other services and leaving A&E free for serious and life-threatening emergencies only. If your children pick up a minor illness over Easter, it’s worth stopping to think for a moment to make sure you choose the right service for their needs. NHS Newcastle Gateshead Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Chair and local GP Dr Guy Pilkington said: “Pharmacists are highly trained and very much an underused resource in terms of the advice they can offer to patients. “GPs can help with the majority of health needs, with walkin centres a useful option if you need urgent healthcare at a time when your practice is not open. “If you are normally healthy, there is no need to see a GP or attend A&E for common illnesses like colds, headaches, hangovers or upset stomachs. “Some pharmacies can provide medicines for common illnesses free to people who do not pay for their prescriptions, as part of the Think Pharmacy First scheme.” The scheme is available to adults (and their children) who are entitled to free prescriptions on the grounds of low income, along with all people aged 60 or over.

They are taking part in contemporary dance classes at West Denton Community Centre in a 12-week initiative called Falling on Your Feet.

professionals to work in new ways. Falling on Your Feet is run by Nadia Iftkhar from the Red Rose Dance Theatre and Cheryl Gavin of Helix Arts.

Newcastle-based Helix Arts, which organises Falling on Your Feet, was among 11 organisations which won funding from the NHS Newcastle Gateshead Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) through the £100,000 Innovation Fund.

The dance group is currently meeting twice a week for dance activities, followed by a cup of tea and chance to chat.

The fund is intended to bridge the gap between what is already on offer and what patients need, helping healthcare

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Dancing is a fun way to keep fit, improve flexibility and balance, and help reduce the likelihood of falls, as well as helping older people to stay happy, healthy and connected within their communities.

Follow us on Twitter - @NHSngccg

Falling on Your Feet is funded by NHS Newcastle Gateshead CCG for a year as part of the Innovation Fund, which is helping GP practices to improve people’s health in their communities through a range of activities and support. It’s one of 11 schemes supported by the programme across the city: others are supporting carers, involving people in gardening, cooking, providing a ‘good neighbour’ service, offering advocacy support, and providing activities for older men.

You will need to sign the prescription that the pharmacist prescribes and show proof that you do not have to pay. To receive free medicines for a child on the Think Pharmacy First scheme, the parent or guardian must also be eligible for free prescriptions. Patients can make use of the scheme at any pharmacy in Newcastle which displays a Think Pharmacy First window banner or door sticker. For more information, visit www.newcastlegatesheadccg.nhs.uk/think-pharmacy-first

www.newcastlegatesheadccg.nhs.uk

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We care…

Case study: A safe place to live

Protecting the most vulnerable in society is one of the council’s most important responsibilities. Most people in the city don’t use these vital services. But when people need support because of disability, illness, as they get older or because they provide unpaid cared to a loved one – we are there to help.

What we know about vulnerable people in Newcastle

4,658

24,255

adults with learning disabilities

adults with hearing impairment

17,000

3,787

adults with a physical disability -

adults with visual impairment

3,721

45,848

of them serious

adults with a mental health condition (includes short and long term)

Who provides care?

Last year we helped…

5,500 vulnerable adults 2,500 carers 1,991 people to get back on their feet after illness 920 people with a learning disability 271 people with mental health needs 2,764 people with physical disabilities 217 people with a disability to find work 1,255 people with home adaptations

25,810 unpaid carers 8,000 people employed by independent care providers and the voluntary sector

892 council employees (includes social workers and Care at Home staff)

Is it working?

83%

92%

80%

of carers are satisfied with the support they receive

of people say their quality of life is improved due to council support

of people say the service they receive makes them feel safe and secure

Mrs H is getting older and has become increasingly frail. She has managed well in her own home, but increasingly needs some help with getting washed and dressed. Without help from her family, Mrs H forgets to take her medicine and doesn’t always eat properly. More than once this has caused her to be admitted to hospital. Her family are getting very worried about leaving her alone at night and are also concerned that different care workers are coming to help her through the day. We discussed with Mrs H and her family whether there might

be different ways to meet her needs. As a result she moved to Trevelyan Court, self-contained apartments with tailored care and support. Mrs H now lives in a safe environment with help on hand from a familiar care worker if she needs it. Mrs H and her family are happy with her new home, which allows her to continue to live independently without the need to move into more formal residential care.

Your wellbeing five a day We can all take actions to improve wellbeing and health – whether individually as citizens, as part of community groups or voluntary organisations, as businesses or as public sector organisations. Newcastle City Council plays a role in this through improving the city as a place to live, as well as providing services. Here are five ways in which you can improve your wellbeing...

To find out more about how the council helps vulnerable people take a look at our website www.newcastle.gov.uk/wecare

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Fostering and adoption Adopted children are continuously supported throughout their childhood and in later life by the council’s Adoption Support Service - which offers a wide range of training opportunities to help them and their adoptive families. One of the support strategies offered is the Solihull Therapeutic Parenting Strategy. Therapeutic parenting encourages and guides adoptive parents through the emotional demands, alongside the practical demands, of their child. All children need support, love and guidance, but quite often adopted children and their families have to deal with additional demands. Therapeutic parenting training focuses on the parent and child interaction, and is designed to support and complement existing work that is being carried out by the families and the wider professional team working with them. Newcastle City Council offer a series of ten two-hourly sessions once a child is placed. This support can be taken either in the early days to help families have a better understanding of any issues they may face in the future, or in later years if emotional difficulties arise. The sessions are interactive and give parents the chance to meet other parents on a similar journey to be able to share experiences and advice. The course is free to all Newcastle adopters, and parents who feel they may benefit from the training are encouraged to contact us at any point. Daytime and evening sessions are available in 2016. For further information on Adoption Support Services contact 0191 211 6777. For further information on adoption and fostering with Newcastle City Council, visit www.newcastle.gov.uk. The next Information Evenings for those interested in adopting are on Thursday 5 May and 7 July. For those interested in fostering a child, the next Information Evenings are Thursday 24 March, 19 May and 21 July.

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Supporting people into employment Terry has recently been named Employee of the Year at his place of work, McDonald’s Restaurant, Cameron Park, in Gateshead. He started work as a Crew Member in April 2015 and has gone from strength to strength, giving his all in every area he works in. He began his training at Capability’s - a coffee shop, catering facility and print studio - in Byker. Capability’s, along with Nature’s Landscapes, WorkFirst and Work Choice, make up Newcastle City Council’s Supported Employment Service - a service which provides training and work experience for people with disabilities, helping them to develop their work-ready skills, and then matching their skills to the local labour market. Terry was given an opportunity to apply for a position within McDonald’s. He was nervous at interview but performed well and was offered the job, where he instantly became a valued member of the team. The Supported Employment Service’s aim to support trainees to gain paid employment certainly paid off for Terry.

He has a new found confidence and loves being part of a very supportive team at McDonald’s. Terry said: “Getting my job has been fantastic, the support I got before work has been brilliant. I am really proud to be named Employee of the Year. My colleagues at work are really helpful and helped me to settle into work very quickly.” Gill Fay, HR Manager, commented: “Terry has quickly become a valued member of the team at Cameron Park. His enthusiasm in his role is evident in all aspects of his work, and he’s gone from strength to strength since joining us…we’re delighted to name him our Employee of the Year.”

For more information phone Capability’s on 0191 224 4022.


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T Xackling inequalities

Newcastle: a city to be proud of More than 11 million Syrians have been killed or forced to flee their homes since the war began. Here’s the story of one of them, 17-year-old Muzoon Almellehan, who now lives in Newcastle with her family, told in her own words.

“

Poster campaign

My name is Muzoon...

I’m 17 years old and I was born in the city of Daraa in Syria. I have two brothers and a sister, my father is a teacher and my mom loves staying at home. I love to play sports, especially basketball.

In response to organised begging on city centre streets, the community safety partnership Safe Newcastle launched a poster campaign - No need to beg.

I spent my childhood in Syria, living a normal life of peace. Every morning I opened my eyes and started my daily activities, I went to school and returned home to see my family and finish my homework. During the holidays, I visited friends and relatives.

The purpose was to encourage people to think again before giving to beggars, as the vast majority are not hungry or homeless but conning the public into parting with their cash. In some cases beggars are travelling into Newcastle to cash in on Geordie generosity. Although some beggars remain on the streets, half of people questioned said they were aware of the campaign and as a result were now less willing to give to beggars.

Unfortunately, I finished my studies in the 9th grade in Syria as I was no longer able to stay there because of the problems. We decided to go to Jordan to live in a camp but I was worried about my education, missing my friends, my relatives and the country which means everything to me. I wasn’t sure if I could continue my studies in the camp because I had to build a new life there. After a difficult trip, we arrived at the camp and felt very bad at the beginning. But, day after day we were able to manage with life, but it was different to how it was in Syria.

However, the council and its partners remain committed to helping street people who are in genuine difficulties, such as those with mental health problems and rough sleepers. We’ve included our campaign poster below, which includes contact information.

I love education because it is so important to my future and I know that it will help me face all the challenges in life. But, I feel very sad about the girls in my country and in the camps because more of them are beginning to believe that education isn’t important. With the war in Syria and the changes in their lives, they’ve stopped their education. Also, our customs and traditions sometimes let families believe that education is not important and that early marriage will help them in their future. So I started to encourage them [girls] about school, and told them that only school will help you get a good life and face anything. Only education will help build Syria again and without it we really can’t do anything. All the problems I faced made me a strong person.

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In response to the government’s call for help, Newcastle has so far taken in 11 Syrian families – 55 men, women and children. With the help of support workers they are settling into their new surroundings and being made to feel welcome by their neighbours. Rowenna Foggie, the council’s Migration and Asylum Seeker Coordinator, said: “The families say that they have been overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of the Geordies. They did have a lack of clothing but the word soon spread and before we knew it charity shops, staff at Your Homes Newcastle and the police had responded with 26 bags of clothing. In addition, a church in Whitley Bay did a collection and we managed to purchase a winter coat for every child. We are very grateful for the response which has been amazing.” The families’ resettlement costs are all being met by government as part of the national effort to help Syrian refugees.

“I love Newcastle and my school here… I love the people”

For more information, visit www.newcastle.gov.uk/refugees

Muzoon Almellehan


I will work hard on myself to be stronger, in school and in my life - and I hope that peace returns to my country so I can return to it stronger.

“

A helping hand for Syrian refugees

Afterwards, I moved to Azraq camp in Jordan and stayed there for a year and a half, life there was the same and it was difficult, until I moved to Newcastle. I love Newcastle and my school here, but I can’t say that it’s not difficult here as well with different weather, food and language! I love the people here and I think it’s very calm here, it makes me feel very comfortable.

To watch a short film about Muzoon’s time here in Newcastle, visit www.youtube.com/NewcastleCC


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Lots of people have already made a Newcastle City Council property their home and you could too. Whether you’re in work or not, whether you’re young, older, have family nearby, have moved to Newcastle for a new job or just graduated from one of the city’s universities – there’re lots of options to choose from. Don’t miss your chance – after all, home is where the heart is. 38

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