December 2015

North East Regional Networks

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in . They monitor, inspect and regulate services to make sure they meet fundamental standards of quality and safety. The CQC publishes its findings, including performance ratings, to help people choose care.

The way that health and social care services are regulated is changing and the CQC have signaled their commitment to listen better to the views and experiences of people who use services.

As part of this work, VONNE has provided this mapping document, providing information on voluntary and community sector health and care networks that operate in the North East. A full list of contact details can be found in the accompanying Excel spreadsheet.

Introduction

Across the North East community and voluntary groups come together to discuss issues that are affecting them, their members and service users and to share information, experience and good practice, all with the aim of improving health, care and wellbeing. Some of these networks involve community or voluntary groups active in the local area, other bring together patients, service users, carers and health professionals to carry out research and support service redesign.

The briefing provides information on the following four types of networks: 1. Geographically based networks often supported by local Councils for Voluntary Service and Voluntary Development Agencies 2. Networks focusing on public health, condition management and diseases 3. VCS networks linked to Clinical Commissioning Groups and Foundation Trusts 4. Additional networks with specific focus on women, young people and black and minority ethnic communities

This briefing does not cover the work that local Healthwatch organisations are delivering as the CQC has already established relationships with local Healthwatch organisations.

1

December 2015 Details of local Healthwatch organisations can be found on the VONNE website at http://www.vonne.org.uk/healthwatch or by visiting Healthwatch England’s website http://www.healthwatch.co.uk

1. Local area health networks

In April 2014 Northumberland County Council awarded a three-year contract to provide support services for Northumberland’s community and voluntary sector organisations to Northumberland Community Voluntary Action (Northumberland CVA), previously Wansbeck Centre for Voluntary Services (CVS). Northumberland Community Voluntary Action is working in conjunction with the North East Social Enterprise Partnership (NESEP) to deliver the contract. Although not specific to health and social care, the three areas of the contract (support to small community based organisations, promoting active citizens & volunteering, and facilitating bottom-up community activity) all have the potential to enhance health and wellbeing.

Northumberland’s VCS Assembly is an inclusive, independent and influential voice for the sector, and a mechanism for better engagement and influence with local strategic partnerships and the public sector. The Assembly considers a wide range of topics, including health.

Local infrastructure organisations are well positioned to support VCS engagement in health, care and wellbeing. Community and Voluntary Action Blyth Valley provides independent specialist support and information for the continued development of voluntary and community organisations in Blyth, Cramlington and Seaton Valley. Community Action Northumberland is both a Rural Community Council and a Council for Voluntary Service that works with communities in Northumberland to help them become more vibrant, confident, inclusive, effective and sustainable.

Contact information Northumberland Community Voluntary Action (CVA) 107 & 109 Station Road, Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 8RS Tel: 01670 858 688 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.northumberlandcva.org.uk/

Community and Voluntary Action Blyth Valley 22 Beaconsfield Street, Blyth, Northumberland, NE24 2DP Tel: 01670 353 623 Email: [email protected]

2

December 2015 Website: http://www.cvabv.org.uk

Community Action Northumberland UNIUN Enterprise Building, Front Street, Pegswood, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 6RG Tel: 01670 517 178 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.ca-north.org.uk

North Tyneside

Working across North Tyneside, VODA provides advice, training, information and support to volunteers, voluntary and community organisations. They work to encourage and develop networks and partnerships between the voluntary and community sector and others.

There are no formal VCS health and care networks operating across North Tyneside, though health, care and wellbeing is frequently a topic discussed by the Chief Officers’ Forum. This forum brings together the Chief Officers of borough-wide voluntary and community organisations on a regular basis, so they could discuss shared issues, look at opportunities for joint working. This group elects representatives for the Health & Wellbeing Board and group members have the opportunity to feed in views and receive feedback on meetings.

Contact Information North Tyneside VODA The Shiremoor Centre, Earsdon Road, Shiremoor, Tyne & Wear, NE27 0HJ Tel: 0191 643 2626 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.voda.org.uk

South Tyneside

South Tyneside South Tyneside Council for Voluntary Service is the ‘umbrella’ organisation for the local voluntary and community sector.

HealthNet is a forum of voluntary and community organisations and individuals which aims to debate, influence and shape health and wellbeing policies. Tel. Nick Roberts on (0191) 427 1666 Email: [email protected] Web: http://blissability.webs.com/healthnet

3

December 2015 South Tyneside Council convenes a Happiness and Wellbeing group in South Tyneside contact: [email protected] and [email protected]

Contact Information South Tyneside Council for Voluntary Service John Hunt House, 27 Beach Road, South Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE33 2QA Tel: 0191 456 9551 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.stcvs.org.uk/ Newcastle

Newcastle Council for Voluntary Service (Newcastle CVS) facilitates networks and forums that meet regularly to discuss shared interests and concerns and engage with local partnerships at a strategic level. Further information on the Newcastle’s networks is available via their website or by contacting Pam Jobbins [email protected] Tel. 0191 235 7017 or Martin Gollan [email protected] Tel. 0191 235 7023.

The Wellbeing and Health Open Forum is the way for voluntary and community organisations (VCOs) providing adult health and social care services and activities to network, get involved and stay informed. Designed to enable VCOs to play a full and equal part in the Wellbeing for Life Board and other partnerships in Newcastle, the Open Forum gives VCOs the opportunity to identify their own priorities and to promote them to the local authority, CCG and other health agencies.

Safe Newcastle Stakeholder Forum Safe Newcastle's aim is to create better lives and stronger communities by reducing crime, anti-social behaviour, alcohol misuse and the supply and use of drugs throughout the city. The Safe Newcastle Board includes two voluntary and community sector representatives in its membership.

CHYP IN is the voluntary sector forum for organisations working with children and young people. There are three CHYP IN open forum meetings in March, June and November, and also workshops during the year on practitioner development.

Facilitated by Advocacy Centre North, Advocacy Network Newcastle works to improve the quality and range of advocacy schemes in Newcastle and acts as a forum for advocacy-related information. For more information contact Jacqui Jobson [email protected] or phone her on 0191 235 7013.

There are two Change for Life partnerships operating across Newcastle: Change for Life East in Newcastle - contact Joanna Lacey: [email protected] Change for Life West in Newcastle – contact Suzy Forbes: [email protected]

4

December 2015 VOLSAG (Voluntary Sector Advisory Group) is Newcastle's Mental Health VCS Network. To find out more contact the Chair and Coordinator, Steve Nash, Tel. 07824 555 221 [email protected]

Contact Information Newcastle Council for Voluntary Service Higham House, Higham Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE1 8AF Tel: 0191 232 7445 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.cvsnewcastle.org.uk Gateshead

Gateshead Voluntary Organisations’ Council (GVOC) supports and arranges a number of networking opportunities, these include, Gateshead Community Network and a Voluntary Sector Mental Health Group. The aims of the forums are to exchange information, share problems and solutions, receive information (usually from other statutory agencies) and to, where appropriate, send representatives on behalf of the forums to Partnership meetings. GVOC also supports the Gateshead Advocacy Information Network and the North East Regional Advocacy Network (NERAN).

Gateshead Dementia Action Alliance exists to transform the quality of life of people with dementia and their carers within Gateshead through promoting the National Dementia Declaration and delivering agreed Action Plans.

Contact Information Gateshead Voluntary Organisations’ Council John Haswell House, 8-9 Gladstone Terrace, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE8 4DY Tel: 0191 478 4103 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.gvoc.org.uk

Gateshead Advocacy Information Network Tel: 0191 478 4103 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.gain.org.uk/ Sunderland

Voluntary and Community Action Sunderland exists to champion and strengthen local charities, voluntary organisations and community groups operating for the benefit of the people of Sunderland and its surrounding areas. The organisation works with members of the community offering support, development and training to individuals, groups and organisations. Voluntary and Community Action

5

December 2015 Sunderland does not coordinate any health networks directly, but works with the Sunderland Partnership to promote Sunderland Health and Wellbeing Networks. The networks are small friendly groups look to help maintain and improve health and wellbeing across Sunderland. Networks get together once every other month. For further information please call 0191 417 8043.

Contact Information Voluntary and Community Action Sunderland 21 Frederick Street, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, SR1 1LT Tel: 0191 565 1566 Email: [email protected] Website: www.vcasunderland.org.uk

Other groups operating across the city include the New Horizons group which focuses around Mental Health, a Wellbeing Steering Group, a Wellbeing Campaigns Group, and a Men's Health Group. For details on these groups please contact [email protected]

County Durham

Durham County Council has allocated funding to Durham Community Action (Formerly Durham Rural Community Council) for the coordination and provision of infrastructure support across . Durham Community Action helps individuals to get involved, find new friends and develop healthier lifestyles. Their current work provides information, training, advice, and help for groups to start local health initiatives. Members also have access to a qualified Health Trainer who works with groups and individuals to develop health action plans, and provide support to help them to achieve their goals.

Durham Community Action hosts the local food group for County Durham. This is a long-term initiative co-ordinating activity to promote local food production and supply in County Durham. Durham Community Action is delivering a community engagement project with North Durham Clinical Commissioning Group. The project runs to September 2015 and complements work carried out by local Healthwatch and Patient Reference groups attached to GP practices. Durham Community Action is part of the North Durham Healthy Communities Alliance and the Durham Dales Health Network. The organisation has representatives on the board of 10 of the 14 Durham County Council Area Action Partnerships, all of which have close links into Public Health and the wellbeing agendas.

Derwentside Council for Voluntary Services and Volunteer Bureau provide support, advice and information to local voluntary organisations and community groups.

6

December 2015 East Durham Trust is the VCS Infrastructure support organisation for the East Durham area. with an expressed purpose to promote the regeneration of rural and urban areas of the effects of social and economic decline.

Contact Information Durham Community Action 8 St Stephen’s Court, Low Willington, Crook, County Durham, DL15 OBF Tel: 01388 742040 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.durhamrcc.org.uk

Derwentside Council for Voluntary Service The Tommy Armstrong Centre, Clifford Road, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 0XG Tel: 01207 218855 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.cvs.derwentside.org.uk

East Durham Trust Community House, Yoden Road, , County Durham, SR8 5DP Tel: 0191 569 3511 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.eastdurhamtrust.org.uk

Hartlepool

Hartlepool Voluntary Development Agency (HVDA) supports voluntary and community organizations to deliver their services effectively and provides access to advice and information on a wide range of issues from charitable status, to managing a group, raising funds or developing meaningful partnerships with other agencies.

HVDA coordinates the 50+ Forum that enables people 50+ in Hartlepool to have a voice on matters which are important to them whilst providing organisations and agencies with a mechanism to consult with people 50+ on a range of issues that relate to planning and developing services. HVDA also work with the Champions Of Older Lifestyle (COOL) Group, the Extra Care Partnership and the Strategy Group linked to the Hartlepool Partnership.

Contact Information Hartlepool Voluntary Development Agency Rockhaven, 36 Victoria Road, Hartlepool, Tees Valley, TS26 8DD Tel: 01429 262 641 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.hvda.org.uk

7

December 2015 Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency (MVDA) was established in 2002 as the primary infrastructure organisation for Middlesbrough's voluntary and community sector (VCS). Their role is to support, promote and develop local voluntary and community action. Voluntary and community organisations (VCOs) play an important role in meeting health and social care needs and in promoting healthier lifestyles and the mental well-being of Middlesbrough people.

MVDA supports the voluntary and community sector (VCS) contribution to both the strategic planning and the commissioning of health and social care services in Middlesbrough. Representation on key partnerships and programmes is an important element of the work, alongside leading VCS engagement in new initiatives such as the personalisation of social care services. MVDA organises the VCS Health and Social Care Forum and Supported Housing Providers VCS Forum.

MVDA has supported Middlesbrough's Action for Carers Forum who seek to raise the profile of carers and the support available to them. The Forum consists of Tees Carers’ Connect, Sanctuary Supported Living, Neurological Alliance, BECON, Branches, Stroke Association, Avalon, Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind, Aapna Services, Asian Women's Deaf Group, CSV – Retired Senior Volunteer Programme, Carers Together, The Cyrenians, Unite, Barnardo's, The Junction, Cleveland Fire Brigade, Aspire Training, Middlesbrough libraries, Middlesbrough Social Services, Citizens Advice Bureau, MAIN, Princes Trust and Humanah. For information on the Carers’ Forum, contact: Berni Doab on [email protected] or telephone 01642 357854

Contact Information Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency St Mary's Centre, 82-90 Corporation Road, Middlesbrough, Tees Valley, TS1 2RW Tel: 01642 249 300 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.mvda.info/

Redcar & Cleveland

Redcar & Cleveland Voluntary Development Agency exists to support, promote and develop volunteering and the voluntary sector in the borough of Redcar and Cleveland, in order that individuals and local groups can grow in confidence and skill and communities as a whole are sustained and enriched. The VDA supports Redcar & Cleveland’s Voluntary Sector Forum – the chair of this network is a member of the Health & Well Being Board. Members of the VDA are also on the local Healthwatch Board.

8

December 2015

Contact Information Redcar & Cleveland Voluntary Development Agency Westfield Farm, The Green, Dormanstown, TS10 5NA Tel: 01642 440 571 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.rcvda.org.uk

Tees Valley

Tees Valley Rural Community Council (TVRCC) works with rural communities to enable them to identify and respond to local needs; provides direct support to groups and individuals, organises activities in health, transport etc, gives information, informs and influences policies, lobbies on rural issues, develops and actively participates in appropriate partnerships and by commissioning relevant research and development.

TVRCC delivers the Community Agents Project helping vulnerable people remain independent in their own home. Three Community Agents within Tees Valley Rural Community Council work alongside health and social care practitioners to engage with a network of community & voluntary organisations working in the area of health, care and wellbeing to help make a difference.

Contact Information Unit 2A Cadcam Centre, Road, Middlesbrough, Tees Valley, TS2 1RH Tel: 01642 213 852 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.teesvalleyrcc.org.uk

Darlington eVOLution was the local infrastructure organisation for . Unfortunately due to funding cuts, this organisation no longer exists.

Darlington Learning Disability Live is made up of service user experts, carer experts and paid people from Darlington Council, three health providers and a range of other key partners. The role of the Learning Disability Network is to make sure the proposals in "Valuing People Now" happen and the quality of life for people with a learning disability living in Darlington continues to improve.

The Darlington Mental Health Network is made up of individuals and organisations who are interested in supporting the mental health and mental wellbeing of people

9

December 2015 who live in Darlington. Membership is open to anyone who has an interest in mental health locally. Darlington Ageing Well Network (DAWN) brings together individuals looking at older peoples’ health and social care services.

Stockton on Tees

Catalyst provides practical guidance and support to the voluntary and community sector. They help organisations in the voluntary and community sector to network and come together. Catalyst have developed a Health and Wellbeing Fellowship, funded by the Council’s Public Health team, to embed health and wellbeing at the heart of the community. The Fellowship supports the delivery of the local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which in turn aims to award organisations in the voluntary and community sector that actively promote health and wellbeing to individuals.

The Stockton Voice project provides the voluntary and community sector in the borough with an opportunity to influence decisions on policy and services in their area, and helps to identify assets and skills within communities that can be used to tackle issues in a positive way.

Synergy VCS Consortium is a partnership of organisations from the voluntary and community sector that are based in, or work in, the borough of Stockton-on-Tees. There are two main areas of focus: health and wellbeing of local residents, and improving the lives of children and young people in the borough. For more information please contact: [email protected] Tel. 01642 688 861

Contact Information Catalyst Stockton on Tees Ltd 27 Yarm Road, Stockton-on-Tees, Tees Valley, TS18 3NJ Tel: 01642 733 906 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.catalyststockton.org

10

December 2015 2. Networks focusing on public health, condition management and disease

North East Autism Consortium

The North East Autism Consortium (NEAC) www.northeastautismconsortium.co.uk has become the focal point for autism in the North East over the last few years and is an informal collaboration of individuals and groups working to implement the national autism strategy in local areas. NEAC works strategically to influence commissioning decisions in health and social care. Members are drawn from:

• 12 local authorities, including Public Health • CCGs and the wider NHS • Private sector and community voluntary sector providers • Representatives from carers’ centres and parent led groups/organisations • Autistic people (whether they or not they are eligible for statutory services) • Autism specialist clinicians and researchers

The main functions of the NEAC are:

• To identify areas for joint working between local authorities, Clinical Commissioning Groups and other agencies in order to develop multiagency, lifelong approaches which address the needs and aspirations of autistic people.

• To encourage collaborative working between organisations and groups of autistic people ,particularly around the effectiveness of assessment and diagnostic pathways

• To raise awareness about autism issues, influencing the design and delivery of training or the co production of strategies and plans which will involve the people who's lives are affected by autism.

• To offer support to statutory agencies to address their local priorities in relation to the autism strategy, the Autism Act, NICE guidance and incoming government policies.

• To work collaboratively with councils, Jobcentre Plus, the criminal justice system, and other generic / autism specialist services when there are opportunities for mutually beneficial projects, research and development opportunities or training.

11

December 2015 For more information contact: Pam Lawrence, North East Autism Consortium Project Manager Tel: 0776 042 0251 Email: [email protected]

Mental Health

Mental Health North East (MHNE) is a consortium organisation based in Birtley that aims to support voluntary and community organisations whose work involves mental health. MHNE promotes joint working and partnership across the not for profit mental health sector in the North East of England. They represent a network of over 380+ member organisations covering the North East, , . There is also a vibrant online community of practitioners, service users and carers.

Contact Information Birtley CDC, Drum Park Lane Industrial Estate, Chester Le Street, DH2 1AE Tel: 0191 4111962 Email: [email protected]

Reach Out North East is MHNE’s Young People and Mental Health Project, funded by the Cooperative Community Fund. To find out more about this project or for any queries please contact Navpreet Kang, MHNE’s Young People and Mental Health Lead.

Contact Information Tel: 0191 492 8235 Email: [email protected]

The Northern Neurological Alliance and the Tees Valley, Durham and North Yorkshire Neurological Alliance helps people who live or care for someone with a neurological condition. Working with partners to deliver information, events, opportunity and choice, the Alliances serves over 50,000 people living with a neurological condition in the region.

Contact Information Northern Neurological Alliance, C/O Sight Service, The Bradbury Centre, Bensham Hospital, Saltwell Road, Gateshead, NE8 4YL Tel: 0191 478 5959 ext. 205 (Sight Service) Email: [email protected]

Tees Valley, Durham and North Yorkshire Neurological Alliance, Acklam Green Centre, Stainsby Road, Middlesbrough TS5 4JS Tel: 01642 641825

12

December 2015 Email: [email protected]

Dementia

The North East Dementia Alliance was formed in 2008 and is a partnership of key organisations and individuals concerned with the effective development and implementation of the National Dementia Strategy in the North East. Key to the Alliance is involving people with dementia in every aspect of our work. The Alliance works to improve services around six key priorities: 1 good quality early diagnosis 2 improved quality of care in general hospitals 3 living well with dementia in care homes 4 reduction of the inappropriate prescribing of anti-psychotic medication 5 development of dementia friendly communities 6 improving care and support to people with dementia from minority communities

Contact Information Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.ncl.ac.uk/ageing/innovation/engagement/neda.htm

Learning Disability

NETS(work), the North East Third Sector Learning Disability Providers' Network, links third sector organisations which work with people with a learning disability. NETS(work) aims to support providers to offer choice and control for people with a learning disability, their families and carers in the North East. It also aims to influence policy which impacts on people with a learning disability and those that support them in the North East.

Contact information Email: [email protected]

13

December 2015 3. VCS Networks linked to Clinical Commissioning Groups and Foundation Trusts

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has a VCS Engagement Forum. The forum is an informal opportunity for voluntary and community sector colleagues and Northumbria Healthcare staff to come together and discuss experiences, issues and action needed as well as develop relationships and identify opportunities for partnership working. The Forum is coordinated by Lucy Thomson Community Engagement Officer, Tel: 0191 203 1650 or e-mail lucy.thomson@northumbria- healthcare.nhs.uk

The Trust’s Long Term Condition Forum meets every two months to discuss issues of interest to members and to influence planning and development in services. For more information contact Michele O’Brien on 01670 629028 or [email protected]

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust hosts a Third Sector Forum. For more information please contact Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency.

Contact Information Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency St Mary's Centre, 82-90 Corporation Road, Middlesbrough, Tees Valley, TS1 2RW Tel: 01642 249 300 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.mvda.info/

NHS Durham Dales, Easington and Clinical Commissioning Group

NHS Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefield Clinical Commissioning Group (DDES CCG) has teamed up with the East Durham, Dales and Sedgefield Health Networks to develop and build stronger links and identify a range of opportunities where they can work collaboratively for the benefit of local health services. The three Health Networks have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the CCG and agreed to:

14

December 2015 • Work together to involve the voluntary sector and other community organisations in the planning and developing of both new and existing health care services • Develop and build stronger and clearer relationships between the voluntary and community sectors and local NHS commissioners • Identify a range of opportunities where they can work collaboratively to involve and engage with the voluntary sector and other community organisations • Build links with other key organisations and bodies such as Durham County Council and Area Action Partnerships • Support the community and voluntary sector to take control of health issues • Build a sustainable voluntary and community-based network with a clear remit for health improvement.

Further information is available on the DDES CCG website http://www.durhamdaleseasingtonsedgefieldccg.nhs.uk/nhs-commissioning-group- pledges-to-work-closely-with-voluntary-and-community-groups-to-shape-delivery- of-local-health-care/

North Durham Healthy Community Alliance

The North Durham Healthy Community Alliance (NHDA) was created as an amalgamation of the two former Health Networks in the North Durham Area. The purpose of the alliance is to improve strategic links and enhance communications across the North Durham landscape to facilitate responsive action to improve health and well-being. The Alliance bring together some of the strategic commissioners from the CCG, Public Health, AAP's and the Voluntary Sector, alongside the chairs of our three health sub groups in Derwentside, Durham and Chester le Street. The strong links to the AAP's is vital in this Alliance, bringing the local intelligence from their working groups, as well as our links with Public Health and the Clinical Commissioning Groups. Mental Health Programme Board

NHS Newcastle West Clinical Commissioning Group, NHS Newcastle North & East Clinical Commissioning Group & Gateshead Clinical Commissioning Group Alliance have come together to establish a Mental Health Programme Board to oversee the development and implementation of a Mental Health Strategy with the view to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of the people of Gateshead and Newcastle. The Board has service user and carer representation along with places for Newcastle CVS and GVOC. For more information contact Nessa Shell Commissioning Manager, NHS Newcastle North & East CCG Tel 0191 217270

15

December 2015 Carers

The North East Carers Strategic Network is Chaired by ADASS/ADCS and has representatives group from community and voluntary groups including Crossroads Care, Carers UK, Sunderland Carers Centre. For more information contact Rachael [email protected]

5. Target Groups

Women

Although primarily concerned with strengthening the women’s sector and ensuring the survival of women’s organisations, the North East Women’s Network has carried out significant work in relation to women’s health.

Contact Information Local links can be found at: http://www.newwomens.net/local-links/

Young People

As part of their support to young people's voice and participation Youth Focus: North East currently facilitate the North East ‘You're Welcome’ Health & Participation Leads Network. This network involves members from Statutory and VCS organisations within health and the youth/community sector. Meetings take place approximately every 4 months to share practice, update developments etc.

Contact Information Programme Director, Kevin Franks Tel: 0191 440 4410 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.youthfocusne.org.uk/networks/

16

December 2015

Black and Minority Ethnic Communities

HAREF is a network of organisations and individual practitioners focused on reducing health inequalities and maximising wellbeing and health for people living in black and minority ethnic communities. HAREF works in partnership with key agencies in health, local government, universities, and the voluntary and community sector to undertake a number of activities including: • Organising meetings where members share their expertise around issues of diversity and health inequalities • Working to improve health outcomes for black and minority ethnic communities • Supporting engagement of people across black and minority ethnic communities in the commissioning and operational development of services • Awareness raising and training • Providing information bulletins • Undertaking needs assessments of people across black and minority ethnic communities

Contact Information Carnegie Building, Atkinson Road, Benwell, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 8XS Tel: 0191 226 1221 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.haref.org.uk/

LGB&T

MESMAC North East works north and south of the Tyne, and provides services, information and advice on many different health issues for the LGB&T community. They also provide links to a number of support groups across the North East region. MESMAC North East has an active news function and shares information across social media, mailing lists and directories.

Contact Information 3rd Floor, 11 Nelson Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 5AN Tel: 0191 2331333 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.mesmacnortheast.com/

17

December 2015

Homelessness

Homeless Link is a national membership organisation who work directly with people who become homeless in England. Homeless Link provide advice and support, information, research and training, policy development, networking, events and funding.

In the North East, Homeless Link run and support a number of networks. The Be the Change Network brings together practitioners and service leaders. The North East Regional Homelessness Group brings together local authority leads and voluntary organisations working on the front line. This group has a sub-group-forum, the Multiple Needs and Exclusions Forum which brings together practitioners.

Contact Information Lindsay Henderson, Strategy and Partnerships Manager, North East and Cumbria Gateway House, Milverton St, London SE11 4AP Tel: 07798631367 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.homeless.org.uk/

North of England Refuge Service

The North of England Refugee Service is an independent and charitable organisation which exists to meet the needs and represent the interests of asylum seekers and refugees who have arrived or have settled in the North of England.

At the heart of their work is to accompany and support refugees on their journey, from arrival to establishment in their new community and to be an authoritative voice on issues affective the refugee community in the region.

Newcastle upon Tyne 1 Charlotte Square (Rear), Newcastle, Upon Tyne NE1 4XF Tel: 0191 245 7301 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.refugee.org.uk/

Sunderland 19 Villiers Street, Sunderland, SR1 1EJ Tel: 0191 510 8685 Email [email protected] Website: http://www.ners-sunderland.org.uk

18

December 2015

Tees Valley (Middlesbrough) 49 Grange Road, Middlesbrough TS1 5AU Tel: 01642 217 447 Email: [email protected]

Sex workers

Changing Lives is a national organisation with presence in the North East. Changing Lives women’s services provide support for women with a wide range of needs. The North East Hub provides services for women involved in sex work, helping women to work safely and securely, as well as helping them to leave sex work if they chose to do so.

Contact Information Laura Seebohm, Director of Women’s Services Tel: 0191 2738891 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.changing-lives.org.uk/how-we-change-lives/for-women/

19