Autumn 2015 www.gateshead.gov.uk

Celebrating 30 years of Planning for the future Recycle responsibly Sculpture Day Ben doesn’t want to move away from his football team, his school or his sister

Could you help us to keep Ben close to his team mates, his school and his sister? Could you foster a child like Ben? Find out more on Saturday 3 October from 10am at Gateshead Civic Centre or visit www.gateshead.gov.uk/fostering Welcome Don’t waste your Photographic from Leader of the Council, ‘waste’ first at St Mary’s Councillor Mick Henry Page 13 As the nights get Coal Staiths of darker, we shed the Tyne some light on what our plans Page 32 and aspirations are for the coming years in the borough following the development of Leader of the Council, our Council Plan. Councillor Mick Henry And once again, we’ll be asking for your help on how we spend our money over the next two years as part of our budget consultation in November. Recycling is something we’re passionate about and we know many of you are too – but recycling the right things in the right way is vital if we are to improve our recycling figures and save money. A Gateshead’s reminder of how you can help us is set out in our special feature on page 13. energy revolution The benefits of an apprenticeship as a route to a great career are demonstrated Page 26 by three young local women who are now reaping the rewards – read Kayley, Anya and Jill’s story on page 25. And we flag up the options available to young people who left school this summer Sculpture Day: Celebrating as part of our Gateshead Guarantee 30 years offered by our Connexions service. We’re celebrating some memorable Page 33 milestones as Sculpture Day marks its 30th anniversary this year, Saltwell Harriers Club is 125 years old, and, as part of our World War One commemorations, we remember the Gateshead soldiers who died with an exhibition of 1,700 hand knitted poppies taking pride of place in St Mary’s Heritage Centre. And the centre is also hosting a unique exhibition of previously unseen photographs Gateshead Council News is designed and published by Gateshead Council’s Communications of Dunston Staiths taken in the 70s Service. Every effort is made to ensure that all information is correct at time of publication. by leading photographer Sirrka-Liisa An online version can be viewed at www.gateshead.gov.uk Konttinen. It is distributed by Flyer Distribution UK Ltd to homes and businesses across Gateshead. All this, plus a look at what’s been For delivery queries please contact: 0191 228 9730. happening in your local area and our Printed by Acorn Web Offset Ltd Front cover: Sculpture Day at Saltwell Park, picture: Mark Savage health news round-up. Different formats: If you would like to receive Council News in large print, Braille, on cassette, CD or mp3, please contact Diane Brennan on 0191 433 3444 or [email protected] © Gateshead Council, Regent Street, Gateshead NE8 1HH. 0191 433 3000

0147-JH-Aug2015 www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 3 NEWS

News in brief Respond, register, vote New Chief Constable Making sure your details are correct on our electoral register is vital if you are to Remember to let us know even if Northumbria Police has a new Chief vote in any local or national elections. your details are correct by: Constable. Steve Ashman, who had • Going online: held the position of Deputy Chief That’s why every year, we send you a www.registerbyinternet.com/ Constable, took up his post on 4 June form with members of your household gateshead this year following the retirement of listed, for you to check and let us know Sue Sim. if these are correct or not. • Calling the helpline: You will have already received your 0191 433 7001 Birthday honours form and if you’ve informed us of your • Completing and returning the Veena Soni, Head of Ethnic Minority details – thank you. If not, please do form in the prepaid envelope and Traveller Achievement Service at so as soon as possible, as sending out supplied Gateshead Council, and fundraiser reminders or having to call at your If you do not need to make any Katie Cutler (who used social media home costs us (and council tax payers) changes you can also confirm your to raise money for disabled attack money that could be better spent. details are correct by using our victim Alan Barnes) each received the If you don’t respond, a canvasser will automated Freephone service on British Empire Medal in the Queen’s visit your home between 25 September 0800 197 9871 or text 80212. Birthday Honours list this June. and 15 November.

Grants available Community Foundation, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland has BALTIC Director grants available for community groups and charities involved in Sarah Munro has been appointed as issues around homelessness, children BALTIC’S new Director and will take in care, mental health, the elderly and up her post in November following other vulnerable groups. the departure of previous Director, For more information visit Godfrey Worsdale. She is moving www.communityfoundation.org.uk from Glasgow where she was both Artistic Director, Tramway and Head of Arts for the City, where she led Airport celebrates 80th the bid to bring Turner Prize 2015 to birthday Scotland for the first time. Newcastle Airport celebrated its 80th birthday on July 26 this year. Open in 1935, it cost £35,000 to build and consisted of a grass runway, wooden Bridge award club house, hangar and garage. Gateshead Millennium Bridge has been named as one of three landmark Bridge turns green and blue construction projects that have made the biggest impact on the North East economy in the last 50 years by the NE Branch of the Chartered Institute of On 22 October, the Gateshead Building. The other two were Tyne and Wear Metro and Blyth’s ORE Catapult Millennium Bridge will turn green (renewable energy research centre). and blue to raise awareness of the late effects of Polio and Post- Polio Syndrome (PPS) – the first landmark in the UK to do so as part of a campaign by the British Polio Metro improvements Fellowship. If you use Felling and Gateshead access for passengers with disabilities Morrisons Foundation Stadium metro stations, you’ll have with the installation of dual handrails, noticed work going on to give the tactile paving, anti-slip surfacing Registered charities can apply for stations a fresh new look. on the stairs and colour variation of grants to support new projects that floor tiling to help people with poor This is all part of a £389 million directly improve the lives of local eyesight. people or communities. The funding modernisation programme by is aimed at projects that groups Nexus, which owns and manages Work will be completed by the would like to get off the ground the Tyne and Wear Metro. As well as autumn. A similar modernisation but for which they have no funding. new signage, improved seating and programme at Heworth metro www.morrisonsfoundation.com brighter lighting, there will be better station will take place in December.

4 Gateshead Council News Autumn 2015 NEWS

Gateshead College is ‘outstanding’ News in brief Angel of the North The Angel of the North came second in the 21 landmarks that define 21st century Britain. It was chosen by readers of the Independent ‘Traveller’ and BA’s High Life magazine. Top of the list was the Eden Project in Cornwall.

Cricket sponsor Leading house builder Miller Homes is the new sponsor of Gateshead Fell Cricket Club’s junior teams. Gateshead College principal Judith Doyle with Vantec workers The club has been able to buy new equipment, team kits and fund the A recent Ofsted inspection has positive attitude to work, attendance training of new junior coaches. seen Gateshead College receive an and punctuality. ‘outstanding’ rating with inspectors New synagogue Learners, who are exceeding national being particularly impressed by its The Council has given planning achievement targets, go into highly vision to develop strong partnerships permission for a new synagogue to sought after careers and with with regional employers such as Vantec be built in Bensham replacing an prestigious employers, says the report, and Nissan UK and organisations like existing synagogue built in the 1930s. including the Royal Marines and The the NHS. The new building will be able to Ritz, London. Gateshead College was accommodate up to 400 for prayer as Ofsted also cited outstanding also praised for the high proportion of well as a community hall. employability skills among learners, its learners achieving places at Russell giving them the ‘employment edge’ in a Group universities. Soldier remembered difficult North East jobs market. Judith Doyle, principal and chief A new housing development of Gateshead College is one of only executive at Gateshead College, said: homes in Wardley has been named two further education colleges “I am very proud of this outstanding after a soldier killed in Afghanistan. to be recognised as outstanding achievement. It reflects both the efforts Dunn Court commemorates Corporal this academic year. The college is of teaching staff but also the strong Steven Dunn, 27, who died as the exceeding national targets for its partnership work with local business result of a roadside bomb. Steven performance, with a success rate cited organisations and employers. Our lived nearby and attended St Joseph’s as ‘exceptionally high for all learners’ at outstanding results have been made RC school. Members of his old 8.2% above the national average. possible because we have shaped the regiment 216 (Parachute Signals curriculum to meet the needs of the Inspectors were also impressed by Squadron) came from Colchester for local market.” the outstanding feedback learners the ceremony which saw Freeman of receive from a very wide range of To read the full Ofsted report visit: the Borough Bobby Moncur and the employers as a result of their English www.reports.ofsted.gov.uk Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Alex and mathematics skills, confidence, Geddes unveil a plaque in his honour. Apology In the last issue there was an error Sage Gateshead success in our reporting of the local election results for which we apologise. We In June 2012, Sage Gateshead set itself Wallsend-born superstar Sting, who usually report the three main political the challenge to raise £4 million by the performed his Broadway musical, ‘The parties, but it was a genuine error end of July this year as part of its 10th Last Ship’ at the iconic venue especially that we missed UKIP, who were in fact Birthday Appeal. And the good news to raise the much-needed cash. third with 13% of the votes. is that not only has it succeeded in The money will be invested to create meeting this target, but as a result has an endowment to help ensure its For queries about Council also secured an additional £2 million celebrated music performance and services phone us: from the Arts Council. education programmes continue to Over the past three years, Sage enrich the lives of those in the region. 0191 433 3000 Gateshead not only received support For more information visit: Email: customerservices@ from local businesses such as Sage www.sagegateshead.com gateshead.gov.uk Group PLC and Barbour, but also from

www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 5 NEWS

Remembrance Knit a poppy Day Services Gateshead Council has been creating something of a wool shortage in a bid • Sunday 8 November - to commemorate the centenary of the Cenotaph, Prince Consort Road. First World War! Service will start at 10.45am followed by a wreath laying We’ve asked keen knitters to pull out ceremony and a march past. their needles and help create 1,700 red hand-knitted poppies for a special • Sunday 8 November - Leave event at St Mary’s Heritage Centre. Each Birtley Community Centre at knitted poppy will represent a soldier 10.35am for Birtley Cenotaph from Gateshead who gave their life in for 10.45am service and a wreath the Great War. laying ceremony. The poppies have to be completed by • Sunday 8 November - the end of September. Assemble at Fellside Road, Knitting volunteers Yvonne Hart and Whickham at 10.30am and Councillor Stuart Green, Armed Forces Susan Jackson proceed to the War Memorial champion for Gateshead Council, said: for a wreath laying ceremony at “I know the last few years have seen a The final display of 1,700 hand-knitted 11am, followed by a service in huge resurgence in interest in knitting, poppies will be on show at St Mary’s St Mary’s Church. so we were sure there were lots of Heritage Centre from November 5 people out there who have the skills to • Tuesday 10 November - Trinity to December 18. The display will be create these poppies. Methodist Church, Blaydon at the centrepiece of a 10 metre river of 7pm – Service including prayers, “This is a great way for people to do poppies running down the central aisle music and video footage. something that is not only creative and of the former church. fun but which also has a serious role All information was correct at time For further details, phone to play in the way we remember those of going to print – please check 0191 433 4699 or email that fell in the Great War.” www.gateshead.gov.uk for the [email protected] latest information, including a full list of services taking place, or contact the Mayor’s Secretary on Local hero Jill 0191 433 2011. Freeman of the Borough, leading Former ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ winner Field of Remembrance actress and now local hero, Jill Jill, was delighted to be the recipient of For the fourth year running, there Halfpenny, took a walk of fame last a local hero plaque and to see it finally will be a Field of Remembrance in month to check out her bronze plaque in place. Saltwell Park. – now installed on Gateshead Quayside. She said: “It was a wonderful and Remembrance Crosses will be touching surprise to be nominated. available for a small donation in I was very moved to be given this various venues around Gateshead honour and to have a plaque alongside including the Civic Centre and such amazing people is very humbling.” the café in Saltwell Towers from As well as Jill, four other new plaques Monday 26 October. recognise the achievements of Mark It’s hoped that thousands of Knopfler, Jackie Milburn, Ruth Dodds Remembrance Crosses will be and Guy Readman. There are now 25 placed on Saturday 31 October pavement plaques on the stretch of following a dedication ceremony pavement from BALTIC to the Swing at 10.30am attended by the Mayor Bridge, continuing across the river of Gateshead together with other along the Quayside to Gateshead Civic Heads from the North East Millennium Bridge, including Sir Bobby and representatives of the Armed Robson, Sting and Nobel Prize winner Forces. Professor Peter Higgs. NewcastleGateshead Local Heroes is delivered and managed jointly by Gateshead and Newcastle City Councils in partnership with destination marketing organisation, Jill Halfpenny next to her plaque NewcastleGateshead Initiative.

6 Gateshead Council News Autumn 2015 NEWS Taxi drivers learn how to spot Winning ways the signs of exploitation When it comes to winning national awards, the Council’s adult social Taxi drivers and private hire operators in venues or locations that have raised care service is ahead of the game. Gateshead received training recently to their suspicions. Again we want them to Following on from its success help them identify children and young know where to report those concerns.” at last year’s National Learning people who are at risk of being sexually Phil Jones, proprietor of Blaydon Cabs, Disability awards where it scooped exploited. which has seen 45 of its drivers attend two awards, the service proved its So far, over 700 drivers together with the training, added: “I am 100 per cent worth again at the Great British call handlers and despatch staff have behind this. It’s a very worrying issue Care Awards in June. received the free training, which nationally and it’s only right that taxi Picking up an award at this major was delivered by the police and the drivers, who can help a lot in spotting event, and beating seven other Gateshead Local Safeguarding Children anything untoward, should play their regional winners to take the ‘Front Board (LSCB) on behalf of Gateshead part in helping to stop this. Line Leader of the Year Award,’ was Council. “Drivers have a duty of care towards our Wendy Scope, who manages the Insight customers and if they do see any signs, Marquisway Centre which provides day support to 85 people with a Cabinet Member for Environment and or notice any patterns of suspicious learning disability. Transport, Councillor John McElroy said: behaviour, then they need to flag it up.” “This training is designed to make sure Anyone applying for their first licence The judges praised Wendy for that our licence holders know how to as a hackney or private hire driver must “showing an amazing level of report anything they see which makes undergo the training before the licence hard work and commitment to them feel uneasy. Their work may is issued. the Council’s learning disabilities also give them an insight into certain services spanning over 21 years.” Another national award winner is Diane Ingham, a support worker at Shadon House where she supports Keep on running people with dementia. She won Saltwell Harriers celebrates its 125th the Pennines, Lake District and Scottish the National ‘Margaret Butterworth’ anniversary this year – and shows no Borders. award (Dementia Pathfinders) sign of slowing down. which is presented annually to However, runners of all abilities are any healthcare assistant/support Its 150 members take part in lots of welcome at the club. Training sessions worker within the statutory, private local races, as well as being involved in take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays or voluntary sector who provides the North East Harrier Cross Country at Gateshead Leisure Centre, 6.45pm a level of service excellence to League and at national cross country for a 7pm start. On Tuesdays, there are people with dementia. events. Club members can always be four different training groups which not identified thanks to their battle cry of only cover ability, but are also tailored ‘Hoops’ before the start of each race! to help people achieve their personal ambitions, such as running faster or The club is renowned for hosting the Green Flag Award being able to complete a 10k race. oldest road race in the country – a 10k Council Park staff joined race now held in and around Saltwell For more information visit the club’s volunteers from the Friends Park in December. It also has a strong website: www.saltwellharriers.org.uk of Saltwell Park last month to fell running tradition, entering races in celebrate the award of yet another Green Flag Award for Saltwell Park. The award is presented by New rules to keep private sector tenants safer the Keep Britain Tidy campaign. New regulations will require private They will also be required to check landlords to ensure the fire safety that alarms are working at the start of of their tenants as well as offer every new tenancy and you should protection against carbon monoxide notify them whenever an alarm poisoning. appears to be faulty. From 1 October 2015, your landlord For further information on the will be required to install a smoke legal responsibilities of landlords alarm on every floor of the property, visit www.communities.gov.uk and a carbon monoxide alarm in rooms containing a solid fuel appliance.

www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 7 NEWS Stunning homes for buyers of all budgets A stunning home at a new development in Birtley may be more affordable than you think. New three and four-bedroomed homes are now available to buy or occupy through shared ownership at The Sycamores, in Birtley. This allows you to buy between 35% and 70% of the home, gradually buying more while living there – with no obligation to become an outright owner. The government-backed ‘Help to Buy’ scheme, requiring only a 5% deposit, can provide 20% of the cost of the home in the form of an equity loan - on which nothing need be paid for up to five years. ‘The Vantage’ - The Sycamores, Birtley The homes are the result of an innovative partnership between and open spaces as well as providing Homes include: Gateshead Council, Home Group and jobs, apprenticeships and work Galliford Try (through its house-building placements to local people. · generous living space and fully division, Linden Homes). Called the integrated kitchens including Homes with sale, rent and shared Gateshead Regeneration Partnership, appliances and choice of finish ownership alternatives are also under it’s delivering a £350 million economic · Nordic pine windows in lounge construction on Saltwell Road, while a growth initiative across the borough with floor to ceiling glazing small development of rented properties - creating 2,400 striking new homes, has been completed at Avon Street, · Spotlights to wet rooms and fitted along with neighbourhood facilities Deckham. wardrobes in the master bedroom For more information visit www.lindenhomes.co.uk and search for homes in Gateshead. For shared ownership or rent, call Home Group on 0191 290 7782, sales office 0191 283 4377. Help to Buy terms and conditions apply and are available on request.

Bonfire Night …stop press The annual Saltwell Park fireworks display looked to be under threat due to the Council’s ongoing budget challenges. Now the popular family event, Stay safe which has been running for many years, and If you are thinking of organising your own Bonfire night attracts over 30,000 people every year, will now be event, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has some tips to managed and promoted by Metro Radio, and will help keep you safe. see the introduction of a £2 entry fee. · Don’t do it yourself - attend an organised display instead Please keep an eye on the Council website, · Tell the Council about any illegal bonfires that are being built facebook page, or in local media, where more · Call 999 to report any illegal bonfires that have been lit information will be made available. You can · Remember: alcohol and fireworks don’t mix also call the events team on 0191 433 8114. www.gateshead.gov.uk · Always supervise children around fireworks · Never give sparklers to children under five · Keep pets indoors · Don’t leave your wheelie bin outside - it could become a target for arson if you do To report concerns about unauthorised bonfires phone the Council on 0191 433 3000. For safety advice visit: www.twfire.gov.uk/bonfire or www.facebook.com/bonfires

8 Gateshead Council News Autumn 2015 FEATURE A plan for our future We’ve produced a new Council Plan that sets out how we, along with others, intend to achieve positive results for Gateshead and local people over the next five years. It guides our decision making and how we spend our Budget. The Plan highlights where we want We all need to take shared “We’ve already made important steps to be and what we need to do to get responsibility for Gateshead’s future. along this journey, and over the next there. It highlights our financial plan five years we will all need to do things Council Leader Mick Henry said: and what decisions we need to make to differently. But whatever the changes, “We all want Gateshead to be a place help us achieve our objectives. we’ll keep our values at the heart of our that cares – where people look out for organisation – we’ll work with integrity, Over the next five years, many things one another and support the most be inclusive and inspirational.” will change as we can no longer deliver vulnerable; a place that shares both the same wide-ranging services we the responsibility and our collective You can read our Council Plan on once did. Instead, we’ll encourage resources, to achieve the best our website www.gateshead.gov. communities and individuals, to play outcomes; and a place that grows, both uk/councilplan a more active role. This is already economically, and in confidence and happening, but we all need to do more. spirit.

Prosperous Live Love Live Well Gateshead Gateshead Gateshead 4 More investment 4 Take pride 4 Be healthy 4 More jobs 4 Take responsibility 4 Feel safe 4 More skills 4 Make a contribution 4 Stay independent

Together - making life better now and in the future

Budget news Our proposals will look at how we can: Each Autumn , the Council starts to • maximise growth through income generation and prosperity plan its budget for the following year. • reduce costs by continuing to be more efficient in the way we deliver Over the past five years, this has services and manage the increased demand become increasingly challenging as • encourage and support partners, businesses and local communities to funding from central government play a more active role in Gateshead’s future goes down year-on-year, while demand for our services keeps going up. We estimate that, if this continues, In November, we’ll ask for your views on our budget proposals for 2016/18. we’ll have a funding gap of £77.7m Your views will help us make some difficult decisions on how we spend our over the next five years. We now need money over the next two years. The proposals will go live in November, and to identify budget proposals that will you can find out more details by visiting www.gateshead.gov.uk/budget help us close this gap. Since 2010... Funding gap £77.7m £35m funding gap £300 Funding in per person from central 2016-2020 £110m We employ 2,015 less to spend government 2016/17 savings made fewer people cut by 45%

www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 9 AT YOUR SERVICE Chip ‘n’ pooch Over 100 dogs in Gateshead now have microchips fitted – so if they go missing we can easily find their owners and return them home. The plucky pooches came with their owners to a free dog microchipping event at Winlaton Community Centre organised by the Gateshead Housing Company and Gateshead Council, together with the Dogs Trust. The Council pick up a huge number of stray dogs every year and, because they have no identification, we have to take them to kennels – and it’s the owners who then have to pay substantial kennel fees to get their dogs back. Microchipping your dog is a brilliant way of saving on all of that expense Microchipping at Winlaton Community Centre and hassle, and it’s worth noting that after 6 April next year, dogs must have For more information about the Dogs Trust phone 01325 335055 a microchip or you could face a fine of or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk up to £500.

Garden waste service blooms Empty properties Gateshead Council’s Garden Waste most people’s experience has been of a If you own a property in Collection Service has proved to service that has been well delivered, on Gateshead that is standing empty be very popular with more than time and as promised. – it’s costing you money. But with 30,000 households signing up for the help from the Council’s ‘Empty “We had assumed that most people fortnightly paid-for collection service Property Private Leasing Scheme’ would have signed up for the service this year. we can help bring it back to life, before April, but that hasn’t happened. lease it from you, and let it at an Funding cuts by central government The continual influx of new customers affordable rent to people with a meant that we were unable to continue surprised us and it’s meant that we’ve housing need. providing this service for free, but rather had to continually update, amend and than abandoning it completely, we re-schedule our collection rounds.” After the minimum lease period decided to introduce a small charge to of five years is complete, the “We’ll be writing to every one of our cover the costs of collection from those management of the property customers in November when we begin who had come to rely on it returns to you and you can let out the sign-up process for 2016.” the property yourself, sell it, or ask Originally, we expected around 25,000 For more information phone the Council to renew its lease. homes would sign up for garden 0191 433 700 or visit waste bin collections for an annual £20 You don’t have to be a registered www.gateshead.gov.uk/ fee. But even as late as mid-July, we landlord to be considered for the gardenwaste were processing more than 200 new scheme – just an owner who has applications every week. an empty property and needs some advice and help about what Successful to do with it. “The introduction of the paid-for To find out more about the collection service has been more scheme, eligibility details and successful than we expected,” said Colin more, contact Chris Geddes, Huntington, Service Director for Waste empty property officer on Services and Grounds Maintenance. 0191 433 3376 or email: “We had a one or two minor glitches [email protected] at first, but once we got going I think

10 Gateshead Council News Autumn 2015 AT YOUR SERVICE Sniffer dogs help in fight against illegal tobacco We’re all used to seeing sniffer dogs in airports ‘smelling’ out illegal drugs, but you don’t often see them down at your local corner shop. But they’ve been used recently to sniff Number spoofing out illegal tobacco products – hidden We are probably tired of people away in cupboards and under the shelf. calling us on the phone saying we’re The operation was led by the entitled to thousands of pounds of Council together with local company compensation for PPI, bank charges Assetwatch Ltd who provided the or some other matter. If you’ve sniffer dogs, Finn and Gunner. As a registered with Telephone Preference result, two shopkeepers are now facing Service (TPS), bought a call blocking prosecution for selling counterfeit device and got caller display, you tobacco and products not labelled in might wonder why you are still English and for which no duty had been getting such telephone calls? There paid. is an answer and it is called ‘number spoofing’ and it is a real and ongoing Cabinet Member for Community Safety problem. Councilllor Gary Haley said: “Those Sellers of illegal tobacco can expect involved in dealing in illegal tobacco are to be prosecuted, and we hope that Number spoofing works like this: encouraging people, including children, the public will continue to provide a spoof caller hides their identity to smoke by providing them with a information to Trading Standards on behind a false number. This false cheap source of the products. where these sellers operate.” number is one you might recognise as being from the UK or even being “The dogs are just one of the tools To report any illegal sales of tobacco a local call but, in fact, the caller at our disposal to tackle those who contact trading standards on 0191 may be many thousands of miles choose to deal in illegal products. 433 3892. away. OFCOM reckons that about two billion scam calls from spoofed numbers happen every year. The Financial Fraud Bureau has stated: Feeling safe in school If a number appears on your phone’s caller ID display, you shouldn’t Operation Encompass. By having the assume you know where the call is background information, the Key being made from. Remember that if a Adult can then provide the care and caller is trying to draw your attention support that the child needs to feel to the number on your phone display, safe and included at school. it’s very unlikely the call is genuine as Cabinet Member for Communities there is no legitimate reason to point and Volunteering, Councillor Linda it out. Green said: “Domestic abuse has Many vulnerable people rely a huge impact on children who heavily on various call blocking and witness it and yet they are often Every school in Gateshead has screening devices. It is important to overlooked. In the past, by the agreed to work with Northumbria know the serious limitations placed time the school knew about it the Police and Gateshead Council to on such things by the use of number child had already behaved ‘out-of- help children caught up in domestic spoofing. Where you have doubt character’ and missed vital learning. abuse incidents. about the authenticity of a caller Called Operation Encompass, the “For a child who is caught in the never give them your personal or programme involves officers from middle of domestic abuse, who feels banking details. Always be sceptical Northumbria Police checking their entirely alone in trying to deal with of unlikely offers of major financial database for reports of domestic the situation, the support they get reward. from the school can give them a abuse in the past 24 hours, where If you have any concerns about wonderful sense of safety in school.” a child was present. By 10am that a recent call or need further day, the police make contact with For more information visit: information about this subject, the child’s school to inform a Key www.gateshead.gov.uk/ please contact our fair trading Adult, who has been fully trained on operationencompass team on 0191 433 3987.

www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 11 AT YOUR SERVICE

Local council tax support Residents Survey – we need your views 2015 Every year we review the local council 0191 433 3168. You can also email Thanks to all who completed tax support scheme so that it continues your comments to benefitsviews@ our Residents Survey in the to meet people’s needs. gateshead.gov.uk. last edition of Council News. We’re now looking at all of your This year, we also need to take into We are also running two focus groups views, including the really useful account the continuing reduction in where you can give your views in comments made. funding the Council receives from person. These will take place in the central government and the impact of Lamesley Room at the Civic Centre on We’ll make the findings available the welfare reform changes announced Thursday 22 October from 2-4pm or on our website in October and also by the government this summer. Tuesday 27 October from 6-8pm, to provide a summary in the next book a place please call 0191 433 3168. edition of Council News. We are now considering how our scheme will look from 1 April 2016 and If we make any changes to our Almost two thirds of you chose have launched a formal consultation scheme, we will tell you about this to respond online, which is great where you can give your views on on the Council’s website: because it helps us save money. possible changes to the scheme. The www.gateshead.gov.uk/ctaxsupport Many of you also asked to be part consultation will run for eight weeks of our new online Residents Panel. from Wednesday 16 September. We’ll be in touch with you shortly If you would like to give your views on to tell you about future on-line the proposals please fill in our survey surveys you can take part in. on our website www.gateshead.gov. Don’t worry if you missed that uk/ctaxsupport. If you want to fill in a opportunity, you can still be part of paper copy of the survey, please call the panel, email us your name to [email protected] Winning alternative to Legal Aid Since Legal Aid for employment So far they have helped over 150 law effectively stopped on 1 April people and recouped over £530,000 2013, many people with a genuine in compensation for them. And as an employment grievance find it difficult independent social enterprise, it puts to get the professional legal assistance 100% of its profits back into the Citizens they require. Advice Bureau to provide free local services. However, a new service called ‘Job Law’ offered by Gateshead Citizens Job Law offers employment and Number change Advice Bureau (CAB) Enterprises has discrimination law advice to individuals been developed to fill the gap – and it’s at half the usual commercial cost. As If you pay for a council service proving to be very successful. one of the only Citizens Advice social such as council tax, housing rent, enterprises in the UK to offer this homecare, business rates or any service, Job Law helps individuals not other invoiced service using our only in the North East, but all over the payment telephone line, the country. number you should ring has changed. Job Law is led by employment and discrimination specialist Richard Owen This is now a Freephone number (pictured). He said: making it cheaper for you to contact us. The new number is “At Job Law, we’re delighted to have 0800 052 3455. helped so many people get the justice they deserve at a fraction of the cost of a commercial solicitor. What’s more, the service helps to fund the valuable work of the Citizens Advice service in Is there Gateshead so it’s a huge ‘win-win’ all anybody there? Richard Owen, Employment Adviser round!” Make sure you respond to YOUR For more information or to arrange your first consultation - which is free - Household Enquiry Form. Because contact Richard on 0191 440 8114, email [email protected] registering to vote MATTERS! or visit: www.cabenterprises.org.uk

12 Gateshead Council News Autumn 2015 FEATURE Recycling ‘being wasted’ Gateshead Council’s kerbside recycling service is under pressure due to the deliberate contamination of blue bins by a small minority of residents, which is literally ‘spoiling’ it for those residents who are recycling properly.

Recycling contractors dealing with box and is mixed up with the other material on behalf of Gateshead Council material to be recycled, it has to go have rejected some loads of recycling through an expensive sorting process because of the presence of soiled first, which is neither economical nor nappies, rotting food, animal waste and environmentally sustainable. other items which some householders Now the financial implications caused are putting in their blue recycling bin. by contamination and the incorrect This rejected material is literally wasted sorting of papers is putting other as it has to be disposed of as general Council services at risk, so Gateshead rubbish. Council is now preparing to clamp Experience from Gateshead and It is hugely important to keep paper down hard on offenders. elsewhere suggests that much of separate from other waste that can be “If people don’t, can’t or won’t use their the contamination is being done recycled, as, by itself, it is the one of the blue bins properly, then we will remove deliberately by some householders who main products that has some value them,” said Colin Huntington, Service know it is wrong, but who continue to and helps keep the costs of the service Director for Waste Services and Grounds do it anyway. In some cases, household down. Maintenance. And we will not provide waste is carefully hidden under Junk mail, leaflets, envelopes, another, or an additional refuse bin.” recyclable materials to fool collection magazines and letters are usually made crews and the true contents are only “It is important that the waste we from good quality paper and if it can be discovered once the lorry is emptied – deliver to our recycling contractors is collected – and, crucially, kept separate at which point the load is rejected. exactly what has been contracted for, – then it can be sent straight to a paper and if that means collecting only from Paper mill without it having to be sorted homes which are prepared to recycle and pre-treated. From there, it’s a fairly Problems are also being caused by responsibly, then that’s what we’ll have simple task to soak it in water, remove people who don’t use the inner box of to do. their blue bin and just put paper into the ink and turn it into pulp, ready to the main part of the bin. be made into useable paper again. “Unfortunately, this will probably mean However, if it is not put into the inner that many more tonnes of people’s waste will have to be disposed of in other ways, which will push up our Why we should all recycle responsibly costs. Given the financial situation the Council is in, that could well have a · In the UK, an average family throws knock-on effect on other important away six trees worth of paper in their services. household bin every year – make sure “The recycling service is under pressure you put yours in the inner box of the and in a situation like this, absolutely blue recycling bin. everyone loses. And the frustration is · On average, each person in the UK that it’s all completely avoidable.” throws away their own body weight in Collection crews are being even more rubbish - every seven weeks! vigilant and checking the quality of · We produce and use twenty times more recycling in the wheeled bins. Bins plastic today than we did 50 years ago. that contain contamination will be tagged and reported, using the in-cab · It has been estimated that up to 80% of computer system. the contents of our dustbins could be easily recycled or composted. Details of what can and can’t be put into a blue recycling bin are · We get through five billion drinks cans attached to the lid of every bin and every year. Each one could be recycled detailed information is also available back into a new can, saving large on the Council’s website amounts of energy, raw materials and waste. www.gateshead.gov.uk/recycling · Most plastic shopping bags are used only once and a plastic bag can take Residents can also contact the more than 100 years to decompose! Council on 0191 433 7000 for more information on recycling.

www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 13 NHS NEWS ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Improving the NHS in Gateshead NHS Newcastle Gateshead CCG is the organisation responsible for the planning and commissioning of healthcare services across Gateshead. Dr Mark Dornan, Assistant Clinical Chair, NHS Newcastle Gateshead Clinical Commissioning Group (pictured), said: “We are working hard to help change the shape of healthcare in Gateshead, and have started to make a difference across key work areas. Some of the main highlights of what we’ve achieved are set out below.” Dr Mark Dornan

Mental health and learning House of Care project has been Planned care disabilities (Deciding Together) successful. This will allow for improved Work has progressed on improving continuity of care for patients. Also, Service users, carers, and members of musculoskeletal services. Care for diabetes care has been moved into the the public are helping us to consider people with prostate cancer and other community to ensure that it is more how the quality of mental health care men’s health problems has been moved accessible for patients. and treatment can be significantly into the community, making it much improved across the region. This is Urgent care more accessible. an extensive piece of work that is We have been working closely with New models of care providing us with valuable insights into Gateshead Hospital NHS Foundation the needs of local people, and formal We have also been trying to improve Trust to deliver an integrated hub consultation will begin in October. the settings where care is delivered that meets your needs. We have also as ‘new models of care’ are explored. Children and families supported Gateshead’s practices in a For example, we have seen the successful bid for the Prime Minister’s We have been working well with development of the new £3 million Challenge Fund that will fund 800 extra local authority colleagues to further Trinity Square facility, delivering appointments per week. integrate how we manage services. outpatient care and investigations in Across Newcastle and Gateshead, the centre of Gateshead. we are working together to improve We have also been selected to the emotional wellbeing of children participate in a pioneering project and families, in what we call our to improve the health of care home Collaborative Commissioning Project. residents, as well as commissioning the Long term conditions Skills for People project to evaluate the GP experience for people with learning Our bid to integrate the care for people disabilities. with multiple conditions in Gateshead with the British Heart Foundation

Looking forward, we hope to build on our strengths and bring our commissioning intentions to reality. There will be more challenges to face, and I’m certain that we will see much more change. But we are keen to ensure that NHS Newcastle Gateshead CCG is able to meet these challenges head on and continues to thrive. Dr Dornan

14 Gateshead Council News AutumnJune - Aug 2015 ‘14 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE NHS NEWS New brain injury service launched People who suffer brain injuries are The service will offer assessment, Get involved benefitting from improved support, advice and specialist rehabilitation, Your views can help us to design as a new NHS service opens for helping people with ongoing problems the very best healthcare services patients in Gateshead. to regain their independence and for the people of Gateshead, and functions as far as possible, as well as Jointly commissioned by clinical we welcome your involvement. adapting to any long-term challenges commissioning groups (CCGs) across from their injury. The NHS belongs to us all. If Gateshead and Sunderland and you’re interested in learning provided by Northumberland, Tyne and Welcomed more and would like to get Wear NHS Foundation Trust, it will offer The news has been welcomed by involved in the work we do to specialist assessment, rehabilitation and patients and their families, who helped develop and improve local health community support for patients. to design the new service. services, then join MY NHS. The change will see existing services Joanne Larner of Blaydon relied on the in Gateshead expand to help patients Gateshead brain injury service after her By joining MY NHS with mild to moderate injuries as well as husband Mark, then 39, was severely more severe cases, and extend services injured in 2011. Mark, a building yard you will: into Sunderland for the first time. foreman, suffered from memory • Receive regular updates Dr Steve Kirk, Clinical Director at problems, depression and terrible about the work of NHS NHS Newcastle Gateshead Clinical headaches after coming home from Newcastle Gateshead Commissioning Group, said: “Brain hospital, and sadly passed away last year. CCG injuries can affect people in many Joanne said: “The Acquired Brain Injury • Receive invitations to different ways, with symptoms team are very close to my heart – events ranging from mild to severe. Our well without them, Mark would have had • Have opportunities to established service for more complex no quality of life at all. Our life changed give your views about and severe cases will continue, and will dramatically overnight, but they helped areas of healthcare that now be extended to help people with him learn to walk, to write and even interest you mild to moderate injuries to recover used lego to help him understand well, keep their jobs and maintain colours again. • Be able to participate as family roles.” much or as little as you “They really went above and beyond like The two CCGs have invested an to help with things like benefits, books additional £1 million per year in the to help explain things to our son, and service, which was designed with help a limited return to work so that he could To register for MY NHS go to from local clinicians, service providers, feel useful again.” voluntary organisations, patients and www.newcastlegatesheadccg. families. Symptoms nhs.uk/get-involved/my-nhs The effects of brain injury vary widely, or call 0191 217 2670 depending on the type, location and severity of injury. Common symptoms include physical and sensory difficulties, problems with emotional control, Local communication, memory, and the ability to manage day to day tasks that Engagement were previously considered easy. Board The team will work with local services Members of the public are and voluntary organisations to deliver invited to attend our Local a full range of rehabilitation services, Engagement Board meetings to including family and peer support. discuss important health issues. The aim is to provide specialist advice, Our next meeting is on support and rehabilitation for as many 26 November, 2-3.30pm, people as possible, as well as helping at Gateshead Civic Centre. GPs to support patients effectively. The team will be formally inviting referrals For more information visit from GPs, emergency departments, www.newcastlegatesheadccg. hospitals and the community from this nhs.uk or call 0191 217 2787 month.

www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 15 HEALTH MATTERS

Online maternity videos Just can’t wait Midwives and new mums from QE ‘Can’t Wait’ cards Gateshead have recorded some are recognisable useful advice in a series of new videos and widely designed to help people care for their accepted cards new arrivals. for people with conditions that cause The videos, which can be found on frequent and unpredictable need YouTube and the hospital website, are to use the toilet. To be able to use packed with priceless hints and tips staff toilets in shops and other from experts at the hospital who help businesses when they are out and deliver more than 2,000 babies a year. about can be a lifeline for people They also use real people who have with conditions such as Overactive given birth at the maternity unit to Bladder, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, really bring the stories to life. Modern Matron Jo Crawford Crohn’s Disease and Colitis. The videos include: preparing for the The Council recognises these birth, how to change a nappy, helpful help with those key questions that cards and allow people to use staff tips on breastfeeding and reducing the everybody has when they first become toilets at our buildings if there are risk of cot death. a parent.” no public ones available. The cards can look different, depending on Modern Matron Jo Crawford, who stars To view the videos go to the organisation, but they all carry in the videos, said: “I hope these videos www.qegateshead.nhs.uk/ the same message; that the card will provide a really useful resource maternityvideos or holder has a medical condition for new mums and dads looking for www.youtube.com/qegateshead and politely asks others to allow him or her to use their toilet when urgently needed. CAB dementia service If you have a business in Gateshead and are shown this card, please When you’re diagnosed with dementia, suit you – at home, hospital or at a day follow our lead and consider health issues are not the only thing you centre – whatever is convenient. letting that person use your toilet. and your family have to come to terms To find out more or to arrange an with. As well as the emotional distress appointment, please contact Lisa it can cause, there are very real practical Douglas, Dementia Advice Worker on problems you have to think about – Gateshead 0191 478 5100 extension 252 or email from money issues to help in the home, [email protected] employment advice to counselling. Talking Therapies This service is funded by Gateshead This is where Gateshead Citizens Advice The Gateshead Talking Therapies Health Innovation Fund. Bureau’s Dementia Adviser can help. service can offer people support They can give you the advice and For other CAB services phone with a range of mental health support you and your family needs at a 0344 245 1288 or call into Gateshead difficulties – such as anxiety, practical, day to day level. Advice Centre, The Davidson depression, stress, low self-esteem, Building, Swan Street, Gateshead bereavement and other emotional This is a free one-to-one confidential NE8 1BG. issues. service and visits can be arranged to Therapy sessions are delivered from The Croft (Wrekenton), Blaydon Primary Care Centre, Gateshead Health Centre and a number of other venues and GP Year of Walking surgeries across the borough. 2015 is Gateshead’s Year of Walking The service works with people – an initiative that aims to get more To find out where and when your aged 16 or over who live in of us out and about and reaping the local walk takes place, contact the Gateshead (or are registered with a health benefits of a good walk. To Council’s sport, physical activity Gateshead GP Surgery). help you, there are many walking and health development team on You can make a self-referral by events taking place across the 0191 433 8112, email calling 0191 283 2541 or email borough that make the most of the [email protected] gatesheadtalkingtherapies@ great locations that Gateshead has or visit www.gateshead.gov.uk/ stft.nhs.uk between 8.30am and to offer. getwalking 4.30pm (Monday to Friday).

16 Gateshead Council News Autumn 2015 HEALTH MATTERS Choosing the right contraception for you Choosing the right contraceptive childbearing because many women method to prevent an unplanned don’t need the additional worry of pregnancy is something your GP can falling pregnant or forgetting to take help you with. But what is available and a pill while establishing a routine with what is involved? a new baby. With all LARCS, fertility is restored very quickly or, in the case of Figures show that in Gateshead the use the coil, immediately on removal. of long-term contraceptives are on the increase. Known as LARCs (Long-Acting Most GPs in Gateshead can fit LARCs Reversible Contraceptives), they are and your GP can help you decide which methods of birth control that work over one will may be best for you. a longer period of time. These methods include injections, hormonal implants, and coils, devices that work in the Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives womb. • The implant - a small flexible tube stopping the sperm and egg from In Gateshead, there is now more about 40mm long that’s inserted surviving in the womb or fallopian contraceptive choice for women under the skin of the upper arm. It tubes. lasts for three years and stops the than ever before. Last year, the main • The hormonal coil - a small, release of an egg from the ovary methods of contraception prescribed T-shaped plastic device that is by releasing progestogen into the were LARC (44.9%) and 55.1% for User inserted into the womb. It releases body. Dependent Methods, such as the pill or a progestogen hormone into the condom (55.1%). • The injection - one which lasts for womb. 12 weeks and one lasts for eight LARCS are known to be much more For more information about weeks. reliable and effective at preventing contraception, ask your GP or call unplanned pregnancy than other • The coil - a small T-shaped plastic Gateshead Sexual Health Service methods like the pill and there are and copper device that’s inserted helpline, 0191 283 1586 fewer side effects. Because of this, they into the womb. It works by www.nhs.uk/contraception are particularly suitable for women after

Protecting children from tobacco harm Over 80 per cent of cigarette smoke is invisible. No matter how Stoptober - the 28 day careful you are, children are at risk challenge which supports the of breathing in harmful poisons nation’s eight million smokers from cigarettes. to stop smoking - is back. Children are particularly Over three quarters of a million vulnerable to second-hand smoke, people have already taken as they have less well-developed part in the nation’s biggest quit “STOP!” Urge the boys from Felling Magpies football team! airways, lungs and immune attempt since it began and systems. The best way to protect research shows that stopping and tips on how to quit. You might you and your family is to make smoking for 28 days means you’re also find stop smoking medicines your home and car smoke free. five times more likely to stop for good. useful, and your local pharmacy That is why, from 1 October 2015, By signing up to Stoptober, you will team will be able to help find the it will be illegal to smoke in a receive a variety of free and proven right one for you. private vehicle when someone support including packs, apps and For more information and to under the age of 18 is present. emails to help you quit for 28 days join the biggest stop smoking People failing to comply with the and beyond. challenge of its kind, search new law face a £50 fixed penalty You can also get face-to-face Stoptober and sign up online. notice. advice and support from Live Well For advice and help from Live Well For more information on Gateshead, who provide the local Gateshead call 0800 014 9092 or the new smoking in vehicles stop smoking service. It can provide email cdda-tr.gatesheadhub@nhs. regulations, visit www.gov.uk you with tailored advice and hints net

www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 17 HEALTH MATTERS Ever served in the UK Armed Forces?

It is thought that there are 10,000 - 14,000 people living in Gateshead who Did you know? have served in the UK’s Armed Forces. If we include their immediate families and If you have served in the UK bereaved relatives, the whole ex-service Armed Forces, tell your GP so it community may be as many as 28,000 can be put on your record. You people. may get priority access to NHS hospital care if your condition is Gateshead Council, with the Gateshead linked to your service. Armed Forces Network, has been working to understand the health and social needs of the ex-service community. member of someone who has served, you can get help with health, wellbeing Ex-service men and women are more and social care issues through likely to: Gateshead’s Armed Forces Community · have problems with their back and Support. This is an outreach service other joints. Veterans gaining new skills and experience that can give advice and support for housing, benefits, employment, · have heart problems or diabetes. training, health, disabilities and other Gateshead Council is working with · to experience common mental health welfare/wellbeing needs. partners to find out how we can meet problems such as depression and the needs of the most vulnerable anxiety but less likely to seek help. For more information about service leavers and train frontline NHS, services available, visit · to be a carer for someone else. Council and other staff to support the www.gateshead.gov.uk/armedforces · to drink more alcohol than is ex-service community. or phone Gateshead’s Armed Forces recommended but less likely to get If you have ever served in the UK Armed Community Support on help from drug and alcohol services. Forces, or are an immediate family 0191 433 4545.

A helping hand through recovery Gateshead A&E Local drug and alcohol service course, to learn how to be a mentor to among England’s Gateshead Evolve is working with others, specifically overcoming drug ex-drug and alcohol addicts to become and alcohol issues. If they complete best Peer Mentors to help others through the course, they gain an Open Accident and Emergency care at recovery and become valued members College Network (OCN) Diploma in QE Gateshead is among the very of the community again. Mentoring Skills and Drug and Alcohol best in the country after being Information, at Level 2. Kate Stockdale, peer mentor and named as one of the top three volunteer coordinator for Gateshead Gateshead Evolve is our local drug and A & E departments in the annual Evolve, said: “There are two things that alcohol service offering treatment, Top Hospitals Programme happen when someone becomes a support and recovery pathways to Awards 2015. Peer Mentor. They use their personal people with drug and alcohol issues. The awards celebrate the success experience to help other service users There will be a number of Peer Mentor of healthcare providers across in their recovery. In return they gain courses throughout the year. the UK and are awarded to skills and work experience that helps For more information about Peer healthcare organisations for them break down barriers to gain future Mentors or you need help to recover their achievements in healthcare employment.” from drug and alcohol addiction, quality and improvement. Budding Peer Mentors spend one day contact Gateshead Evolve on a week, over a four month training 0191 594 7821.

The flu jabs are coming... Older people, pregnant women and people of any age with long-term health conditions, should get vaccinated against the flu virus. Your GP will get in touch with you if you are eligible. Remember, you’re being offered it because you need it. Children up to the age of four will also be eligible for flu vaccination and this will be arranged through the School Nursing Team.

18 Gateshead Council News Autumn 2015 LEARNING AND LIFESTYLE The Sign Squad Windy Nook Primary School was the venue for a unique school assembly where pupils sang and signed songs for a very special guest. Jo Milne - who was recently given her hearing thanks to cochlear implants - is now leading a campaign for British Sign Language (BSL) to be the second language taught in primary schools. Jo was treated to a concert of popular songs such as Roar by Katy Perry and Coldplay’s Paradise. All of the children at Windy Nook learn some British Sign Language in the classroom, even though the school does not currently have any hearing impaired children in school. The school has set up a ‘Sign Squad’ with around 30 pupils and is fully behind Jo’s campaign Jo with members of the Sign Squad. Picture courtesy ncjmedia. to introduce British Sign Language in schools. said. “What they did is an example of I do hope a lot of schools follow this fine Jo was delighted with the pupil’s what I believe in. They made it fun and example and introduce sign language.” performance: “I am so, so proud,” she I could have watched them forever.

Apply online for your child’s school place ‘Like’ Gateshead If your child is due to start at a website which contains lots of useful Youth Service Gateshead secondary, primary, infant information. or junior school for the first time Young people in Gateshead can The online system is easy to use, in September 2016, you can apply now keep more up to date with there is no risk of your application online from 11 September 2015 for what’s going on in the borough getting lost in the post, you receive the schools of your choice. now that the Gateshead Youth confirmation when we receive your Service has launched their new The closing dates for submitting form, and email confirmation of Facebook page. application forms are: which school your child has been offered on allocation day. Head over to Facebook and ‘Like’ 31 October 2015 - for secondary the page to hear more about school admissions Alternatively you can request a paper the latest events and activities application form from The School 15 January 2016 - for primary, happening for young people Admissions Team, Dryden Centre, infant and junior school admissions across Gateshead. The page will Evistones Road, Low Fell, Gateshead, also be a source of information You can apply online at: NE9 5UR. and a way of sharing campaigns www.gateshead.gov.uk/ For more information call the that directly affect young people. schooladmissions You can also school admissions team on access a copy of the admission to Visit www.facebook.com/ 0191 433 2756/2757/2109. schools booklet on the Council’s gatesheadyouthservice

School success Want to pay Bensham Grove Community Nursery School has retained its Healthy Schools for a council Gold Award for another year. The school has also been designated as a National service over the Support school for the way it supports other schools both locally and nationally, with the head teacher Mrs Denise Henry being one of 137 head teachers to be phone? appointed to the role of a National Leader of Education by the National College Call FREE on 0800 052 3455 for Teaching and Leadership.

www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 19 LEARNING AND LIFESTYLE

New Local Learner of the year Studies website Annie Murphy, who is 101 years Annie first came to the attention of old this year, has been chosen as tutors from Gateshead Council during Gateshead Council’s Learner of the Year a Reminiscence course they were after inspiring a group of long term running at her care home, Addison unemployed people to never give up Court in Ryton. They quickly realised on their dreams. that she had a wealth of knowledge and experience to share, so they invited her to visit an Employability Skills course at Gateshead’s Dryden Centre to speak to learners who were all long term unemployed. The people on the course were fascinated by her story and hugely inspired by the messages she gave on If you like delving into the past never giving up on your dreams and and enjoy local history – our brand fighting through the hard times. new local studies website is a great Unfortunately Annie was unable to place to start. attend the ceremony, so the Deputy www.gatesheadlocalstudies.com Mayor Councillor Allison Thompson has replaced the ‘iSeegateshead’ made a surprise visit to her care home image website, and provides Annie Murphy with Deputy Mayor to personally present her with her Councillor Allison Thompson access to a much wider range of award and a bouquet of flowers. local studies materials including our amazing collection of First World War posters, as well as sound recordings and more than 8,000 Adopt an older child or a sibling group historic photographs of Gateshead. There are also 10,000 plus National Adoption Week takes place references to other records held from 19 to 25 October 2015 and this at the Central Library, including year’s focus is to encourage more historic maps, newspapers, people to adopt older children – scrapbooks, archives, articles, oral whether that is a single child or a sibling history and genealogy. group, children with disabilities or children with additional health needs. www.gatesheadlocalstudies.com As with any adoption, there are challenges and benefits that come with different age groups. With older children, potential adopters will have eDay 4 more information about the child, their eDay at Gateshead needs and health issues. Older children Central Library may also be more able to give their on Saturday 26 views, wishes and feelings. September gives you hands-on All kinds of people from many different To find out more about adoption: backgrounds make a success of access to raspberry adoption. We welcome enquiries from · Call 0191 433 6388 pi computers, 3Dprinters, Oculus Rift, Sony VR everyone aged over 21, with a spare · Request an information pack headset, programming workshops bedroom who lives within a fifty mile or call back via our website and taster sessions. radius of Gateshead www.gateshead,gov.uk/ There’s no upper age limit to adopting adoption Rumour has it that Transformers will be also attending this event! so if you are at a time in your life where · Email adoptionandfostering@ your own children have left home and gateshead.gov.uk or you have the desire to start a second family, or you have thought about · Come to our next information Tickets are free but must be welcoming an older child or sibling evening on Thursday 1 October booked in advance by phoning group in to your family - why not start 2015, 5.30-7pm in the Lamesley 0191 433 8420 or online at your journey to adoption with us. Room at Gateshead Civic Centre. www.gateshead.gov.uk/whatson

20 Gateshead Council News Autumn 2015 LEARNING AND LIFESTYLE

Singers needed Exam results If you’re male, enjoy singing and For pupils across Gateshead the celebration. Whickham School and would like to be a member of a patient wait was finally over last Lord Lawson of Beamish have both leading choir in our region – get month as they received their GCSE show noticeable increases this year. down to Gateshead Old Town Hall and ‘A’ Levels results. How Gateshead compares with the on Saturday 10 October. Felling At this time schools are still analysing rest of the region and the country Male Voice Choir is looking for the full picture of their examination will become clearer in the coming new recruits and is holding a results but as we went to press, data months but changes in syllabus recruitment morning, 10am-12 from our secondary schools showed appear, at this stage, to have noon. There’ll be singing (of that almost every one of our ‘A’ level depressed some figures and schools course!), refreshments, a chance to pupils had passed their exams. will be investigating the impact over meet the choir and ask questions the next few weeks. The true position about what is involved. And as last year, it is likely that will not be known until “best” results Gateshead will be above the national If you would like to know more have been analysed and the outcome average for GCSEs, with many of please contact Michael Scott on of any remarks are finalised. our pupils having real cause for 0191 264 0276 or email [email protected]

Red Kites need friends Reading challenge Do you have Red Kites near to you? Have they nested this year? If you would like to find out more about these majestic birds and become a Friend, your More than 1,200 children from subscription will help to support conservation work. Gateshead have happily spent some of their summer school For more information visit: www.friendsofredkites.org.uk holidays in their library! Some 1,295 children of all ages signed up to take part in the Guinness World Record Breakers Gateshead Awards 2015 Summer Reading Challenge. The shortlist for the Gateshead Awards 2015 is given below. To vote you can go To complete the challenge, online at: www.gateshead.gov.uk/gatesheadawards or use the coupon below. children have had to visit their The deadline is Friday 9 October with the awards ceremony taking place on library three times over the Monday 19 October 2015. Full details of the nominees are on our website or summer holidays and borrow can be requested from the Mayor’s Secretary on 0191 433 2011. two books at each visit. Everyone taking part receives a collector’s ! card and stickers - and every child And your winner is… who completes the challenge receives a medal! Tick one in each category and post the coupon below to: Gateshead Council, Council News, FREEPOST NEA 3381, Gateshead NE8 1BR OR go online at www.gateshead.gov.uk/gatesheadawards the deadline is Monday 19 October 2015. Only one entry per email address.

Volunteer of the Year Sports Club of the Year Alan Ayre Birtley Amateur Swimming Club Rachel Johnson Gateshead & Whickham Amateur Michael Raine Swimming Club Vi Symons Special Olympics Gateshead

Voluntary Organisation of the Year Sports Coach of the Year Felling Irish Association Paul Armstrong Gateshead Clubhouse Kenneth Nesworthy St Chad’s Community Project Chris Shaw and Bob Bates Teamwork Development Trust CIC Hilary Shaw

Carer of the Year (18+) Sports Achiever of the Year Need debt advice? Ray Cook Wendy Mahon Gary Cringle Our Debt Advice Team can help. Nicola Eastern Joeanne Taylor David Martin 0191 433 3174 John Farrimond Young Achiever of the Year [email protected] Lucy Adams Alistair Milburn

www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 21 LEARNING AND LIFESTYLE Cheers for Volunteers! If you took part in Gateshead Volunteers’ Month in June – either as an organisation, a volunteer or a participant – we want to say a big In ONE month: thank you for making it such a success. • 207 people registered to be We’ve outlined below the key headline Deputy Leader, Councillor Martin volunteers figures that came out of the month so Gannon said: “Gateshead Council has • 62 events took place you can see positive results of all those always been proud of its volunteers drop-ins, coffee mornings, taster events and the huge contribution they make • Over 56,000 hours were and other related activities. not only to their local communities recorded – a 68% rise from last but to the local economy as well. Last year First, a quick reminder of what we year over 38,000 hours of volunteering wanted to achieve with our third • 30 groups and organisations took place during Volunteers’ Month. Gateshead Volunteers’ Month. We accessed the volunteers month This year, we did even better, clocking wanted to: grants scheme over 56,000 volunteering hours and • Celebrate the positive contribution attracting over 200 new volunteers. • A celebratory event held in made by existing volunteers This is fantastic and all credit to Trinity Square everyone who organised events and • Recruit more volunteers • A video produced by a volunteer activities during the month. for GVOC was posted on You • Enable local people to contribute to “The role of volunteers is vital for the Tube promoting a range of their community wellbeing of residents and helps to different volunteers, projects and • Confirm Gateshead’s reputation as a support resilient, strong communities, services national leader in volunteering and I would encourage as many local For more information on And with your help and people as possible to think about volunteering in Gateshead encouragement we did just that. volunteering in their local area in the contact Kate Marshall at the future.” Council on 0191 433 3255, [email protected] or visit www.gateshead.gov.uk/ volunteering

Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Volunteers needed Rape Crisis Tyneside and independent support to women who Barnardo’s need volunteers to Northumberland and the have experienced sexual violence at work with the parents/guardians of Cornerstone Project have both any point in their lifetime. children with Special Educational been awarded the Queen’s Award Needs (SEN) and with the children Cornerstone was set up eight years for Voluntary Service. This is the and young people themselves. ago by local Methodist and Anglican highest award given to local You’d help them to understand churches. It operates a community volunteer groups across the UK to the SEN system, liaise with café and thrift shop at Sheriff Hill recognise outstanding work in their professionals, accompany them Methodist Church and provides communities. to meetings, fill in views forms, a safe environment for the whole and give independent advice and Rape Crisis Tyneside and community including vulnerable support. Full training provided. Northumberland provides adults and those who live alone. Contact Sara Steven on If you want to nominate a voluntary group in your area for the 2016 Awards 0191 478 4667, email visit the website for details: www.gov.uk [email protected]

22 Gateshead Council News Autumn 2015 JOBS AND ECONOMY National ‘first’ for Gateshead Council A Gateshead mum has become one of Everyone on the scheme Day rush and business the first people across the UK to set up gets help writing a business has gone from strength to her own business under a new scheme plan over an eight week strength. run by Gateshead Council. period, additional volunteer She said: “The New mentor support from the Joanne Owens from Blaydon set up Enterprise Allowance local business community a floristry business, ‘Lily Roses’, earlier scheme has been absolutely and 26 weekly payments this year under the New Enterprise brilliant. Starting your once the business starts. Allowance scheme, which the Council own business is a massive operates in the North East on behalf of Joanne knows just how commitment, but knowing the Government. The New Enterprise invaluable help and support you’ve got that support, Joanne Owens who Allowance scheme helps people from the scheme can be. A runs ‘Lily Roses’ back up and know-how who are unemployed get advice and mum to two boys aged six floristry business behind you is fantastic. I support to develop a business idea, and one, Joanne started up would definitely recommend following a referral from their Job her floristry business from this scheme.” Centre Advisor. her home just in time for the Mother’s Anyone unemployed with a business idea should contact their local Job Centre Advisor. The New Enterprise Allowance is available to people claiming Job Seekers’ Allowance but may also be available to people on other types of out of work benefit. Danny’s farm set to be rural food destination Local chicken farmer Danny Turner’s to our shop and café. We will be using latest venture is set to provide a our own free range eggs to produce showcase for local produce in rural home-made cakes, quiches, pies and Gateshead. scones for the café and for visitors to take home. Danny has built a new farm shop and café on his land at Daniel Farm, near “I’m looking forward to getting my Crawcrook and plans to create eight supplies of ice cream, jams and other jobs when he opens for business in produce from local producers and other October. farmers who can supply me with top quality meats.” The enterprise will offer a range of meals and other produce using some of Daniel Farm can be contacted by the 5,000 free range eggs he produces email [email protected] on his farm every day, but he also hopes or on 07764 685 352. Jane and Danny Turner with daughter to stock items from other local farmers. Harriett and son Joe Contact Christine Kennedy on There are also plans to attract families 0191 433 2854 for details of Council with a play park and animals such as Danny said: “We think anyone who support to businesses. micro pigs and alpacas and eventually a likes quality wholesome food and miniature railway. locally grown produce will enjoy a visit

Traidcraft outlet shop If you are on the lookout for a bargain, extensive range of Christmas cards, a brand new outlet store is definitely gifts and festive treats, as well as worth a visit. make your own hampers. Traidcraft on Team Valley Trading There’s plenty of free parking Estate has opened an outlet shop outside the shop which is located selling a range of fair trade products on Kingsway North, Team Valley from all over the world, tempting NE11 0NE. Opening hours are: visitors with great discounts, end of Monday-Friday, 10am-4.30pm. line items and its full grocery range. And in the run up to Christmas, For more details visit www.traidcraft.co.uk/outlet the outlet shop will also stock an or phone 0191 491 0591. Opening hours will be extended in the run up to Christmas - check the website for up to date information.

www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 23 JOBS AND ECONOMY Great GIG for creative business

Two young partners are celebrating to keep on growing and are currently in their company’s first birthday as their the process of taking on an apprentice.” design business goes from strength to Gateshead International Business strength. Centre has the latest ICT facilities Paul Gillespie, 30, and Sam Kirkby, 25 including fibre broadband and is an run a design and communications ideal space for start-up and young company, based in Gateshead creative, digital and tech businesses. International Business Centre. Their Cabinet Member for Economy, first 12 months has seen them work Councillor Mary Foy said:”Paul and with companies at home and abroad, Sam have worked really hard to have including Amazon, Alvarez Guitars, achieved such success in their first year Dance City and Innovelis, the media in business and we are delighted they mounting specialists. are to expand their business. The pair are also about to launch a “Our Graduates in Gateshead deal is new website and are in the process of Sam Kirkby ( left) and Paul Gillespie designed to back hard working young doubling the size of their creative team. people who are full of ideas but need a Business support from the Council’s scheme which has been a great help helping hand to get their business off ‘Graduates in Gateshead’ scheme (GIG), to us. The chance to work in such a the ground. By offering subsidised rent helped the new company get off the professional centre and in a great in our purpose built accommodation, ground by offering rent free space location with reduced rent has helped we can give them a helping hand at the for the first six months, followed by the business in its success. start of their business venture.” a gradual increase over a three year “We started off in a single unit and now For more information on the centre period. our business has expanded and we’ve or our GIG scheme, contact the Paul said: “As Sam is a graduate of moved into a double unit. We’re really GIBC manager, Caroline Preston Northumbria University we were put in pleased with the way it has developed on 0191 490 9100. touch with the Graduates in Gateshead over the first year and we’re planning www.gateshead.gov.uk/GIBC

Housing development A guaranteed new start among best in UK If you left school in the summer Open day The Gateshead Regeneration you now need to stay in learning, We’re running a Gateshead Partnership has been named as education or training up to the age guarantee open day at the Civic one of the UK’s top public/private of 18. But you don’t have to stay in Centre on Thursday 24 September ventures in the UK. school. from 11am until 3pm. Come along The £350 million initiative, which There are a range of options available and sign up for suitable opportunities aims to deliver 2,400 high quality and Gateshead Connexions can help there and then, or speak to an adviser new homes over the next 15 years you find the right direction for you. If for more advice and guidance. in the borough, has been selected you are aged 16 or 17 years old, you If you still don’t have an offer sorted, as one of only five shortlisted are entitled to an offer of a suitable it is not too late. You can contact entries for the best joint venture place of education or training by the Connexions for September starts category in the Inside Housing end of September. We call this our right up to the beginning of the Magazine Awards. Gateshead guarantee. autumn term. There’s space for The partnership involves Whether it’s an apprenticeship, everyone in post-16 education this Gateshead Council, Galliford Try training, further qualifications at September – we can guarantee it! and Home Group. school or college, volunteering Call now us now on 0191 or general careers advice, there’s 433 2785 for an appointment. something for everyone whatever For more information about Looking for a your circumstances. You can Gateshead Connexions visit good tradesman? continue learning alongside a job www.connexions-tw.co.uk/ or volunteering, and can combine gateshead or visit our Facebook Our registered trader scheme has it learning with other responsibilities, page. covered. www.gateshead.gov.uk/ like caring for someone or looking registeredtrader or call after your child. 0191 433 3987.

24 Gateshead Council News Autumn 2015 JOBS AND ECONOMY Women apprentices forge ahead

It may be the 21st century, but some Awards 2015. She was pipped at the professions are still seen very much as post, but was highly commended, a man’s domain. However, two former receiving a certificate and cheque for female apprentices at the Council are £200. bucking the trend – and proving they No stranger to awards, Jill won the JB can succeed in an area of work usually Wilkinson Shield last year - the first dominated by men. woman to win the award in its 101 Anya Willis and Kayley Burnett have year history. She said: I’m pleased with completed their apprenticeships and my achievements. A couple of years have moved on to full time jobs as a ago, I was facing redundancy and was result. fortunate to be taken on by Gateshead Council. I’m thoroughly enjoying my Former apprentice Kayley has just apprenticeship and am living proof that completed her first year as a street it’s never too late to retrain and develop lighting engineering technician new skills.” achieving distinctions and merits along the way at college. Kayley said: The experiences of Anya, Kayley and Jill “I originally started as an apprentice prove that apprenticeships are a great in Business Administration. The opportunity not only to gain the skills experience of working in this type of and qualifications future employers environment together with the training Anya Willis and Kayley Burnett need, but allow you to earn while you I received give me the step up I needed learn. to progress to street lighting technician. Anya’s career also continues to gather Recruitment for the Council’s next batch I’m really enjoying the challenge.” momentum following an equally of construction apprentices usually successful year as an apprentice civil takes place during February-March. engineering technician. After gaining However, if you are interested in being significant experience Anya was considered, you don’t need to wait appointed as Trainee Contract Surveyor until then. Contact us and we’ll keep within Construction Services. your details on file and get back to you Construction Apprentice Jill Cormack is when recruitment begins. We would currently in her final year. particularly like to hear from young women. Jill loves what she does and her enthusiasm and commitment recently Contact the training team on saw her compete in the finals to win 0191 433 7354 or email Apprentice of the Year at Direct Works [email protected] FORUM Repairs and Maintenance for details. Construction Apprentice Jill Cormack Hive of creativity Ponchi Kantt-Neaz, an Indian born artisans using traditional techniques artist and businesswoman, has joined and styles. six other independent retailers in Ponchi is passionate about her adopted the Hive on Gateshead High Street, home town. She said: “Gateshead is a selling Indian-inspired art and fashion fantastic place with a rich artistic and accessories. cultural spirit. It’s the ideal location to Her shop, called ‘With Love Zaen’, offers launch a new business. Investment a mix of ethnic inspired products from in the town centre, plus a growing colourful paintings of Indian folklore combination of national chains and to funky and contemporary pictures independent retailers, is drawing more inspired by an ancient art style known shoppers into town. I’m honoured to as Madhubani. share my heritage and bring something new and exclusive to the High Street.” The art collections are all hand painted Ponchi Kantt-Neaz in the Hive, Gateshead by Ponchi and compliment a range of handmade fashion accessories Retailers interested in being part of the Hive can apply online and custom gifts produced by Indian www.gateshead.gov.uk/the-hive or call 07885 224 581 for further information.

www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 25 FEATURE Revolutionary energy project Work has begun on an important energy project that will offer low cost, low carbon energy heat and power to homes and businesses in Gateshead. The first of its kind and scale in the North East, the new District Energy Centre on Quarryfield Road in the Baltic Business Quarter, will allow heat and electricity to be generated locally and fed directly to public buildings, businesses and local homes. The scheme is expected to help attract new businesses to the area, thanks to low energy prices and its green credentials. Local homes, businesses and public organisations will also benefit from lower energy bills and emissions, with the Centre using the L to R: Eddie Tribe, Delivery Unit Managing Director, Balfour Beatty; Colin Wilkinson, latest low-carbon technology. Director, Clancy Docwra; (centre) Councillor Mick Henry, Dominic Bowers, Director, Energy Solutions, WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff and Theo Labuschagne, Proposals Manager, Edina UK. The small power station will deliver heat and power via a dedicated network stretching over 3km, from As well as ensuring homes and the south bank of the Tyne into central businesses see reduced energy bills, Gateshead. The initial stage of the the project is expected to be fully self- Working project will deliver enough energy to financing. Construction and operating power the equivalent of 5,000 homes. costs will be recouped over the life of together the project by energy sales. Gateshead Council, which is behind the ambitious project, has aspirations to Council Leader, Mick Henry, said: A high quality, experienced see many other areas of the borough “This innovative project will provide team of partners will design and connected to similar schemes in the a real boost for households and construct the scheme. future. The Energy Centre and network businesses in the area while reducing • WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff will be able to supply the energy emissions too. It’s a real win-win. - designers of the district needs of all the future development “Being able to switch on a light or heating scheme for the planned for the town centre, including turn on the hot tap and know where Olympic Park at London 2012 Gateshead Quays, Baltic Business that energy was created will be a designed the scheme, and are Quarter and the new Exemplar revolutionary concept to many. But it’s acting as the Council’s Project Neighbourhood. This is an area hard to argue with the logic and the Manager. between the Felling by-pass and the figures here. This Centre will be twice former Chandless estate, where up to • Balfour Beatty - will construct as efficient as a conventional power 1,000 new homes are planned. the Energy Centre, and build station and linked straight to homes, the heat connections for each Construction of the network of heating public buildings and businesses. customer. pipes and power cables is currently underway, with the Energy Centre • Clancy Docwra - based in producing heat and power from Sunderland, will install the summer 2016, when all the initial It will give this area a heat and power networks. buildings will be connected up. real cutting edge and • Edina UK Ltd - will install The first buildings lined up to take I really hope that we and maintain the gas-fired advantage of the energy centre will can do the same in combined heat and power include Sage Gateshead, Gateshead neighbourhoods right engines. Civic Centre, Gateshead College, BALTIC, and some of the residential blocks in across Gateshead in central Gateshead managed by The years to come. For more information visit Gateshead Housing Company. www.gateshead.gov.uk/energy

26 Gateshead Council News Autumn 2015 IN YOUR AREA Your community needs you! Safe and sound If you live in Chopwell, Blackhall Mill is about to get underway. Although or Rowlands Gill and have some time the church yard has been closed for a Almost 50% of the house to spare, there are some interesting number of years, many local people burglaries in South Gateshead projects happening on your doorstep have expressed a wish to make the happen because properties have for you to get involved with. churchyard a nicer and more pleasant been left insecure – with elderly place to visit. and vulnerable residents often If you love the outdoors and enjoy your targeted by burglars. local park you could help maintain it by If you’d like to get involved contact joining a Friends Group such as Friends Jayne Calvert at the Council on 0191 But a recent new community of Chopwell Park. You can find out 433 7424. safety initiative spearheaded more about what they do by checking by Gateshead Community There are also youth clubs in both out their Facebook page: Friends of Safety Board saw officers from Chopwell and Blackhall Mill that Chopwell Park, or email: cllr.lcaffrey@ Gateshead’s Neighbourhood are looking for volunteers to work gateshead.gov.uk policing team making door-to- alongside professional staff. If you door crime prevention visits in A new project at St John’s Church in would like to know how you can get the area to check properties and Chopwell to tidy grave areas, plant involved with these, please email: advise residents on what to do to wildflowers and create a wildlife haven [email protected] make their homes more burglar- proof. Called Operation Sentinel, the team also provided training on crime prevention to local partners including Gateshead Housing Company, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and teams within Gateshead Council who work directly with vulnerable residents. You’ll find lots of crime prevention advice on Northumbria Police website: Friends of Chopwell Park get ready for action! www.northumbria.police.uk

Free Wi-fi now available Felling Town Next time you visit Pelaw Library or Sunderland Road Library, take Centre update advantage of the free Wi-fi now available at both sites. A range of new shops open this month (September) in Felling The two libraries recently joined 100 town centre as the first phase of other libraries and community centres the redevelopment is complete across the UK as part of an initiative by BT and Barclays which aims to support Boots, Greggs, Card Factory, the Government’s aim to to reduce the Subway and Dean Taxis will all number of people offline in the UK by open their doors as work to 25 per cent by 2016. transform Felling town centre continues. Following their The two libraries are now Wi-fi ready opening, the rest of the former with a range of workshops and activities retail units will be demolished. currently being planned to help you get to grips with the digital revolution. A new Asda store is opening in spring 2016 along with the Six other libraries in the borough completed town centre car park. already offer free Wi-fi: at Central, Felling, Birtley, Wrekenton, Blaydon and The Felling development will be Dunston. the fourth major town centre development carried out in For more information about future events and digital workshops on offer at Pelaw Gateshead during the last five and Sunderland Road libraries, call in person or phone Pelaw Library 0191 433 6409 years. or Sunderland Road Library 0191 433 6416. Visit www.gatesheadlibraries.com

www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 27 IN YOUR AREA

News in brief Wardley Community for Change A Summer fun day organised by the Gibside Farmers Market Wardley Community for Change group Saturday 7 November, 10am-4pm. was a big success with over 500 local Buy appetising seasonal foods and people enjoying the activities on offer. high quality crafts direct from local The group’s chair Nikki Wardle said: producers, plus tasting and live “It was fantastic to see so many of music. Market runs every 1st and 3rd our local residents and their families Saturday of the month. coming together and having fun at www.nationaltrust.org/gibside our event, while also raising over £600 for our cause. Wardley Community for Members of the Wardley Community Christmas Concert Change would like to thank everyone for Change group Ryton Choral Society present Durufle who attended, and we look forward Requiem and a feast of festive music to holding more community events in to hear from anyone who would like to at the Church of St Mary, Whickham future.” get involved in their group to contact them. on Saturday 12 December, at 7.30pm. The group only started a year ago and Tickets are £10 on the door or via its have already organised a number of If you’d like to know more website: community events in the Wardley area contact Nikki by email: www.rytonchoralsociety.org.uk – but this was their most challenging wardleycommunityforchange@ event so far. They are currently gmail.com Dig for Victory garden planning further activities and are keen Pupils from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Blaydon completed their ‘Dig for Victory’ garden over the summer on a piece of land alongside Wrekenton library Debt advice the school. The garden has proved a If you live in the west of Gateshead big hit with pupils and local people. and need help and support with debt issues – we’ve made it easier Get involved for you to get the advice you want. The Mount Community Association in Eighton Banks is looking for From Friday 31 July – a fortnightly volunteers to help them continue drop-in debt service will be to provide community activities available from Blaydon Library, where advisors from the service and events in the area following the Fancy reading the latest will help you with your debt success of their recent summer event. blockbuster, improving your problem. It was felt that the cost If you’d like to get involved email computer skills or enjoying a of public transport into Gateshead [email protected] or see their rhymetime session with your was a barrier to people who might Facebook page. children? Pop into Wrekenton otherwise have sought help. Library, now conveniently Wellness sessions relocated in the newly refurbished The next sessions are on Friday 25 Community wellness sessions for Wrekenton Community Hub on September, 9 & 24 October, 6 & 20 people who want to improve their the High Street. November and 11 December. health and wellbeing take place on Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 9am- For more information call Monday (Winlaton Centre); Tuesday 5pm; Wed 9am-4pm, Fri 9am- 0191 433 3174, or email (Felling Hub, Civic Centre, Birtley 4.30pm. Phone 0191 433 5822 [email protected] Hub); Wednesday (Gateshead Club House); Thursday (Wrekenton Hub) and Friday (Teams Life Centre). Phone 0800 014 9092. Ready, steady, cook Cooking healthy meals on a budget If you’d like to take part, they are at: Congratulations can be a challenge. But the Council’s Blaydon Youth and Community Stephen Ward, the Council’s Area wellness service has risen to the Centre: October 7, 14, 21 and 28 Co-ordinator for the East, was challenge and is on the road offering (10am-12 noon), and presented with an award at a four-week cookery course for the House of Lords recently for families to show that healthy meals Wrekenton Hub: January 8, 15, 22, supporting the principles of Locality’s don’t have to cost a lot and how to 29 (10.30am-12.30pm). national Keep it Local campaign. get your five portions of fruit and To book your place, phone the He was nominated by users and staff veg every day. Each session lasts two service on: 0191 433 8112. at Edberts House. hours and is fully interactive.

28 Gateshead Council News Autumn 2015 IN YOUR AREA Fill the Holiday Gap Twelve events over six weeks involving a host of volunteers, local churches, businesses, voluntary organisations and many others, took place over the school holidays as part of the ‘Fill the Holiday Gap’ scheme. Led by Churches Together, ‘Fill the Holiday Gap’ was developed to help the hundreds of local families who, because of their personal circumstances, struggle to meet the costs of feeding their children during the six week break. With financial and service support from the Council, families were not only able to enjoy a hot meal every day, but took part in events and activities including how to eat healthier on a budget, taking home recipes and ingredients to make meals at home. Hilton Hotel staff serve up a hot meal at St James and St Bede Church Susan Rae was one of the volunteers What happened in Deckham was underestimate the benefit of the ‘Fill and organisers for the event hosted replicated across 11 other areas the Holiday Gap’ initiative. This kind at St James and St Bede Church on including holiday clubs at Blaydon of scheme is a really practical way of Sunderland Road in Deckham. She Youth and Community Centre, meeting the needs of these families said: “We were able to provide a safe Springwell Community Centre, and St and is a wonderful example of what environment where the families could Chad’s Church, who have held similar we can achieve by working together. I come and do activities, eat and relax. events in the past. But all of them would like to acknowledge the help We were delighted that the Hilton Hotel reported a big take up and need for and support from everyone involved also got involved, making meals and such clubs during the holidays. including Gateshead Foodbank who showing families how to make healthy provided many of the ingredients.” smoothies. It was wonderful to see the Cabinet Member for Health and community come together in really Wellbeing, Councillor Catherine For more information contact positive way and make our first holiday Donovan said: “For families struggling Brian Kielty on 0191 433 3024, club at the church such a success.” to make ends meet, we can’t [email protected]

Nurturing health and veg! Golden Jubilee A men’s health group in East Gateshead that has been going for just over a year St Nicholas with Christ Church, is not only encouraging a healthier Dunston celebrates its Golden lifestyle for those involved, but Jubilee this year. To mark this 50 benefiting a local community project. year milestone, it is celebrating with a series of community events. Pelaw men’s health group meets every Monday at Pelaw Youth Centre and • 29 Sept, 7pm: members have been busy transforming History of Dunston, a talk by the garden area at the centre. Jim Davidson in the Church Hall. Tickets £5 (includes cheese and They’ve already created a low wine) maintenance garden with roses and herb beds and have now turned their Health group members Derek Bolton, • 3 & 4 October, 1-4pm: attention to growing a variety of Ken Bell and Neil Wilkinson with Flower Festival vegetables in raised beds. Sanctuary Project members • 4 October, 6pm: Community The resulting harvest has proved so Songs of Praise, with songs fruitful, that they are donating the For information on the project chosen by local people please contact Claire Percy on results of their labour to the Sanctuary The church is on Ellison Road, 0191 469 3308. For details about Project – a local community kitchen Dunston NE11 9UN. the Pelaw Men’s Group, contact project that is run by volunteers from For more information phone Steve Torre at Gateshead Council the House on the Hill community 0191 460 9327. project, on Sunderland Road in Felling. on 0191 433 3248.

www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 29 IN YOUR AREA Youth Matters – what to do in the West For young people finding somewhere • Chopwell Youth Space - Mondays and Tuesdays, 6-8pm at the Chopwell to hang out with friends after school Centre – advice and support on a range of issue affecting young people isn’t always easy. But Gateshead Youth Service has it covered with a • Seniors - Tuesdays, Blaydon Youth and Community Centre 5.30-8pm programme of drop in sessions right – aimed at young people aged 13-19 years across the borough. Everyone is welcome to come along • Blaydon Inclusive – Wednesdays, 6.30-8pm at Blaydon – session aimed at and either just relax with friends or young people with disabilities aged 13-25 years old speak to a youth worker and get all the advice and support they need on • Winlaton Community Centre – Thursdays, 6-8pm, play football, Xbox, cook, anything ranging from health issues to or hang out with friends and look at the big issues facing young people future aspirations with some sessions specifically aimed at young women and • Triple B Project – Fridays, 4.30-6.30pm at Barmoor Hub, Ryton – youth project disabled young people. for skaters and non-skaters to talk about issues and practice and learn new skills.

In this issue of Council News we’ll focus All details correct at time of going to press but may change during school on what’s on offer for young people in holidays, for more information call 0191 433 5082. the West.

Mobile Youth Bus - Fridays, 6-8.30pm Our mobile youth bus goes into areas that don’t already have something for young people. The bus is a mobile youth centre so you can drop in for an informal chat with our youth workers, hang out with friends, use our games consoles or talk about any issues you want. This bus will park up in locations across the West, to find out where the bus will be call Naz on 07525 891 791.

Pictured right: Youth worker Mohammed Naseer with Community Support Officer, Gateshead Outer West, Nick Pilgreen

Making connections, saving lives A story that began with a need to the North East Hearts with Goals promote a local bowling club, resulted charity that works to raise awareness of in a life-saving piece of equipment Sudden Cardiac Arrest… and the idea being bought for the benefit of local of buying a defibrillator came about. people. A fund raising campaign was organised and the Club House now has this life Lyndhurst Bowling Club in Chowdene, saving equipment. with funding from the Council, was working with local schools and George Dodsworth from the bowling community groups to promote bowls in club said: “We will be alerting local the area. From all the links they made it businesses and organisations that we was the one they made with the Hearty have this equipment, as well as working Lives Project that set them on the road with the North East Ambulance Service, to raising money to buy a defibrillator – 23 club members have already received a vital piece of equipment that can help training by Chris Bull, First Aid North Keith Atkinson, George Dodsworth and Mike Nye from Lyndhurst Bowling Club increase the life chances of someone East in Blaydon, which has increased with Christine Stephenson and Kelly Best who suffers a cardiac arrest. their confidence and knowledge. Of from North East Hearts with Goals course, I hope we don’t have cause to Through Hearty Lives (which use it, but it’s reassuring for us and the For more information contact encourages men to be more active community to know that it’s there if George on: 0191 487 9537, and healthy), they got involved with needed.” [email protected]

30 Gateshead Council News Autumn 2015 OUT AND ABOUT Rugby World Cup 2015 As excitement builds for Rugby World Cup 2015, Gateshead welcomed the Webb Ellis Cup as it made its tour of the region visiting the Angel of the North and Gateshead International Stadium last month. We also welcomed South Africa and Samoa who have set up camp at Gateshead International Stadium and Gateshead College’s Academy for Sport as their Team Base ahead of their opening matches at St James’ Park. As one of the 11 Rugby World Cup 2015 host cities, Newcastle’s St James’ Park will play host to three matches. On 3 October South Africa play Scotland; on 9 October New Zealand play Tonga and on 10 October, Samoa play Scotland. Former England Rugby stars, Jason Leonard and Ollie Phillips with the Web Ellis Cup Fans will also be able to view matches at the Angel of the North. on the big screen at the official Fanzone on the newly revamped Science Central including a rugby pitch for touch Rugby Tickets are still available at: site, just a stone’s throw from St James’ games hosted by Newcastle Falcons https://tickets.rugbyworldcup.com Park. The Fanzone will also include lots Community Foundation. of fun activities for children and families,

Gateshead Foodbank auction Get set to glow! Running a foodbank takes more than golfing days out, luxury hamper, just generous donations of beans, pamper packs, cinema and theatre bottles and biscuits. Foodbanks also tickets, wine, whisky and much more. need money for running costs such The auction will take place on as for premises to store food and to Saturday 21 November at Caedmon cover lighting and heating. Hall, Gateshead Central Library. Inspired by the full moon parties To help meet these costs, Gateshead Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm in Thailand, and raising money Foodbank is holding a fundraising start. Entry costs £2, tickets from for the Royal National Institute of auction this November. The Central Library or via the foodback Blind People, Glow is a 3km fun run auctioneer is Gary Phillipson from website. with a difference and takes place Radio Newcastle. after dark. Light up the night at For more information contact Gateshead international Stadium Bidders will be able to pick up a Monica on 0191 410 9007 on 30 October from 7pm. You can bargain with no auction fees to pay or visit the website run, dance, or walk the famous and plenty of donated items to win, www.gateshead.foodbank.org.uk track, being sprayed with luminous such as a weekend break in Beadnell, glo-water as you go. Motivating music makes sure this is the most fun night in the UK – accessible for all. Leisure update Blaydon Leisure & Primary Care Centre – closed Register at www.rnib.org.uk/ from Monday 14 September, reopening Saturday glow or phone 0191 263 8939 A major refurbishment is 26 September. for more information. taking place to the gyms at Blaydon Leisure and Primary Heworth Leisure Centre – details were to be confirmed as we went to press, please check Care Centre and Heworth Dog owners - Clean up Leisure Centre. In order for website below for details. after your dog using a poop the work to be carried out the gyms will be closed as follows: For alternative leisure facilities during these scoop or bag. To report dog fouling times visit www.gateshead.gov.uk/leisure issues 0191 433 7000

www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 31 OUT AND ABOUT Most successful Transplant Games ever! It’s official. The Westfield Health British who have given the gift of life, as well Transplant Games NewcastleGateshead as members of the public and Games Become a donor 2015 held last month were the best supporters. Games ever, attracting more than Currently 7,000 people are Proud 850 transplant athletes and 2,500 waiting for a life-saving transplant spectators. Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and and three people die every day Leisure, Councillor Gary Haley said: because they can’t get the organ The inspirational Games, which are “Gateshead Council was extremely they need. To join the NHS Organ now in their 38th year, aim to raise proud to co-host such an amazing Donor Register, text SAVE to awareness of the desperate need for event. These athletes have been a true 62323, call 0300 123 2323 or visit organ donors. Organised by the charity inspiration to us all and I was delighted www.organdonation.nhs.uk Transplant Sport, it is one of the largest to take part in the Donor Run, a To join the bone marrow donor annual multi-sports events in the fantastic event that brought together register visit United Kingdom. athletes and members of the public www.anthonynolan.org Contestants took part in a range of raising awareness and vital funds.” events including track & field, archery and five-a-side football at Gateshead International Stadium, swimming at Sunderland’s Aquatic Centre, golf at Close House, cycling at Leazes Park, and so much more. 1,200 athletes, supporters and members of the public also took part in the Speedflex Donor Run on NewcastleGateshead’s iconic quayside. This mass participation event helps to raise funds for the Games and is run by athletes in commemoration of their donors

Iconic Staiths exhibition Award for ‘Coal Staiths of the Tyne’ an exhibition of films are inscribed in the UNESCO UK previously unseen photographs taken Memory of the World Register as being Shipley Art in the 1970s of the iconic Dunston of outstanding national value and Coal Staiths is taking place at St Mary’s importance to the United Kingdom. Gallery Heritage Centre between 9 September The Shipley Art Gallery is one and 31 October. of seven of the North East’s The images were captured by museums and galleries to have renowned photographer Sirkka-Liisa been recognised with an award Konttinen, who is best known for her for the quality of the activities and 1983 book ‘Byker’, a portrait of the sessions they offer to schools. It terraced Newcastle community which was awarded a Sandford Award was relocated by the Byker Wall. which is awarded to museums and museums and heritage sites Sirkka is a founding member of offering high quality educational the Amber Film and Photography programmes. The Shipley was The exhibition is free. Please note Collective, which also established praised for its hands-on exhibitions St Mary’s new opening hours are the Side Photographic Gallery in and education workshops. 1977. Her photography and Amber’s now Tuesday to Saturday 10am-4pm. For more information on the gallery and current exhibitions October Half Term visit the website: Don’t be bored – have fun at your local leisure centre. www.shipleyartgallery.org.uk

32 Gateshead Council News Autumn 2015 FEATURE Thirty years for Sculpture Day This year sees the 30th families will also be able to turn their anniversary of the much loved hands to Raku pottery and take it Gateshead Family Sculpture home as a souvenir of their day. Local musicians the Kentucky Cow Tippers Save the Day. and Cajun Aces will also be adding Since the event started back in the mid- to the atmosphere by knocking out a date! 80s, thousands of budding sculptors range of hammer-tapping rhythms. Sculpture Day have dusted off their saws and Entry to Gateshead Family Sculpture hammers to come together in Saltwell Day is free, though there’s a small Sunday 27 September Park to make artwork out of wood. charge for nails, Raku pottery and tool Each year Sculpture Day has a new hire. Families are asked to bring along theme, and over the years carpentry their own hammers - and lots of ideas! Photo: Mark Savage skills really have been put to the test This year’s event will also signal the with themes of Angels and Winged start of the Sculpture 30 festival which Creatures, Journeys, Noah’s Ark, celebrates thirty years of Sculpture Mythical Creatures, Our World, The Day and public art in Gateshead with Circus and Creatures from Outer Space. a series of workshops, art studio visits, The year’s theme is ‘Home’ with visitors creative opportunities and art walks. being encouraged to recreate what home means to them in rough-sawn timber - perhaps by building their own version of their ideal home, or recreating the north east, or the Tyne Bridge, or The Angel of the North. The event will be held in The Grove at Saltwell Park on Sunday 27 September from 11am-4pm. The Council provides all the scrap wood, tools and nails Photo: Mark Savage people need and professional artists offer help to get families started. When not hammering at lumps of wood,

Get ready for

Juice Festival, NewcastleGateshead’s annual festival celebrating the creativity of children and young people returns this autumn half term for nine days of events, performances and experiences produced by, for and with children and young people.

Taking place from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November, this year’s theme is ‘Seen and Heard’, festival highlights include: Capture: Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November 2015. ‘Pop up’ screenings around NewcastleGateshead based on images, conversations and events ‘seen and heard’ in the city. Just Jam International: Saturday 31 October & Sunday 1 November, Weekend of hip hop culture including dance, music and breakdance workshops. Day of the Dead Family Celebration: 31 October, Day of the Dead-themed event for families including live music, food, fun workshops and face painting.

Tickets on sale now from www.juicefestival.co.uk. Follow Juice Festival on Twitter @JuiceFestival or like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/JuiceFestivalNG

www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 33 WHAT’S ON Highlights

Coal Staiths of the Tyne: Rugby World Cup 2015 An exhibition by Sirkka-Liisa Friday 25 September – Sunday Konttinen 11 October Until 31 October, St Mary’s For two weeks this autumn the North Heritage Centre Enchanted Parks East will go crazy for rugby as the Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen is best Rugby World Cup 2015 comes to the known for her 1983 book ‘Byker’, a Wednesday 9 – Sunday 13 December region for the very first time. They’ll portrait of the terraced Newcastle The ever popular Enchanted Parks be events for rugby fans all over community which was relocated by event will once again breathe myth and Newcastle and here in Gateshead, the Byker Wall. magic into Saltwell Park. Celebrating its Sage Gateshead will be turfing its This exhibition offers a unique 10th anniversary, artists from across the foyer during the tournament and chance to view previously unseen ten years will be showcasing new work screening some of the games. Visitors images of Dunston Staiths when Enchanted Parks opens its doors to Sage Gateshead during Rugby taken by Sirkka in the 1970s. Her again. World Cup 2015 will also be treated to musical performances inspired by the photography is inscribed in UNESCO Tickets will go on sale mid-October – visiting teams. UK Memory of the World Register please check website for details as being of outstanding national www.enchantedparks.com For details visit www.sagegateshead. value and importance to the United com or www.newcastlegateshead. Kingdom. Not to be missed. com/rwc

Sunday 27 September 0795 086 9243 or September Gateshead Family Sculpture Day, [email protected] 11am-4pm, The Grove, Saltwell Park, Saturday 12 September - Hammers, Wood, Nails, Make Things! Monday 5-10 October 22 November Join us to celebrate the 30th Birthday Heatstroke, 7.15pm, Little Theatre, Jack Lavender, BALTIC. An exhibition of this fantastic family day of fun. This Gateshead. Play by Eric Chappell of new and recent work comprising year’s theme is ‘Home’. Get creative and performed by The Little Theatre’s sculpture, collage and installation by the show us what home means to you. Free, Progressive Players. Tickets £8 London-based artist. small charges for tool hire nails and Raku (concessions available) from 0191 478 1499, for details visit Friday 25 September pottery. www.littletheatregateshead.com Felling Brass Band Concert, 7.30pm, St Mary’s Heritage Centre. Felling Brass October Saturday 10 October Band travel across the country, winning Fused Glass workshop with Kimoci prizes and great acclaim. The band Thursday 1 October Glass, 10.30am-1pm, Shipley Art Gallery. will play favourites that the band have Library Lates: Beer and Books, Use coloured sheet glass to create a accumulated over decades of fine 7.30pm, Gateshead Central Library. beautiful glass bowl. Suitable for absolute playing. Tickets £7, to book visit Join us for our popular after hours event beginners and those with experience of www.gateshead.gov.uk/whatson as we taste beers from around the world working with glass. or call 0191 433 6965. accompanied by readings from around £40 (includes all materials). Book at the world. £3, to book call 0191 433 8420 www.ticketsource.co.uk Saturday 26 September or www.gateshead.gov.uk/whatson eDay4, 10am-3pm, eDay returns once Thursday 15 October again to Caedmon Hall at Gateshead Friday 2 – 23 October Gothic for Girls, 6.30pm, Gateshead Central Library. This year we have more Bibbidy Bobbidy Baby Boppers, Central Library. Presentation by History fun tech for you to play with. Join us 10.45-11.15am, Shipley Art Gallery. Wardrobe showcasing the enduring lure for show and tell sessions, raspberry pi, An enchanting and fun introduction to of black in fashion. Tickets £6 3Dprinters, Oculus Rift, Sony VR headset, dance, come and join in with lots of fun, To book call 0191 433 8420 or visit programming workshops and taster props and bopping! Suitable for under www.gateshead.gov.uk/whatson sessions. 5s, including babies who are walking. Booking essential: contact Lyndsey on

34 Gateshead Council News Autumn 2015 WHAT’S ON

Friday 23 October Monday 9 November get ready to experience the ‘Golden Waling Hadrian’s Wall, 7pm, Gateshead Lobley Hill Youth Club, 6- 8pm, Lobley Age of Glamour’. See how Edwardian Central Library. Meet Anthony Riches and Hill Community Centre Youth club for ladies added a touch of glitz with Ben Kane as they talk about their walk young people aged 11-18. Runs every embellishments, be dazzled by the along Hadrian’s Wall in full Roman armour. Monday. For more information call Roger exoticism of flapper fashions and learn Tickets £3, free to members of Gateshead Osborne on 0191 433 6005. how to exude Hollywood glamour in the Libraries Reading Groups. silky gowns of the 1930s. £5. Call 0191 433 8420 Saturday 7 November To book visit www.gateshead.gov.uk/ or www.gateshead.gov.uk/whatson Gibside Farmers Market, 10am-4pm, whatson or call 0191 433 8420 Gibside. Buy appetising seasonal foods Saturday 24 October and high quality crafts direct from local December Watercolour Christmas Cards, producers, plus tasting and live music. Market runs every 1st and 3rd Saturday of 10.30am-3.30pm, Shipley Art Gallery. Sunday 5 December the month. Use simple watercolour techniques to The Winter Crafters Fair, 11am-3pm, www.nationaltrust.org/gibside make small art pieces and beautiful cards. Bensham Grove Community Centre. Buy £17.50 plus £5 for additional materials on Monday 9-14 November a unique Christmas gift from local crafters. the day. To book or for more information Death of a Salesman, 7.15pm, Little Entry £1 and anyone visiting will have visit: www.learningskills.eu Theatre, Gateshead. Arthur Miller’s the chance to look around this beautiful or call 0191 433 6450. most famous work performed by The grade II listed building, all dressed up for the season; a very special treat. Sunday 25 October Little Theatre’s Progressive Players. Tickets £8 (concessions available) from Family Arts and Crafts Day, 10am- Monday 7-12 December 0191 478 1499, for details visit www. 3pm, Bensham Grove Community Centre. Hound of the Baskervilles, 7.15pm, littletheatregateshead.com Join us for a half day or full day workshop Little Theatre, Gateshead. Holmes and in pottery, textiles, paper and printmaking Watson come to Gateshead in this classic and take what you’ve made home with story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. you. Tickets £5 for half day and £8 for full Tickets £8 (concessions available) from day,from 0191 433 6450 or through 0191 478 1499, for details visit www.eventbrite.com www.littletheatregateshead.com

Until 31 October Saturday 12 December Domesticity: An exhibition of Copper Work Christmas Decorations, interiors by Naomi Alexander. 10am-3.30pm, Shipley Art Gallery, Saturday 21 November Shipley Art Gallery, This new exhibition Use silversmithing techniques to Zentangle Inspired Art. 10am-3.30pm, shows many of the interior scenes make fabulous Christmas decorations Shipley Art Gallery. Learn a relaxing art Naomi Alexander has painted of homes using copper and wire. £17.50 with an technique, which takes doodling to a around the world over the past 30 years, additional materials charge of £5 on the whole new level. It is easy to learn and including paintings created as part of day. Run by Gateshead learningSkills. a fun way to create beautiful images by a recent residency in Gateshead. The To book or for more information visit: drawing structured patterns. £17.50 with exhibition is accompanied by a display of www.learningskills.eu an additional materials charge of £5 on artwork by the local Jewish community, or call 0191 433 6450. who worked with Naomi. the day. Run by Gateshead learningSkills. To book or for more information visit: Until Saturday 19 December November www.learningskills.eu or call 0191 Eat Drink and Make Merry! Shipley Art 433 6450. Gallery. Whether it’s sharing a meal with a loved one, having a pint in the pub, Tuesday 3 November Thursday 26 November making music or dressing up for a night Toddler Time, 10.30am-12.30pm, BALTIC, Glitz and Glamour: A Costume out, people have always found ways to Level 2 Quay. On the first Tuesday of the Talk with Meridith Towne, 6.30pm, celebrate life and enjoy themselves. Eat, month work with BALTIC’s freelance artist Caedmon Hall. Get your glad rags out Drink and Make Merry is all about these and enjoy creative and imaginative play and grab your dancing shoes as you with your toddler. Free. celebrations.

For full listings or to book tickets at This is just a taste of events across For latest exhibitions and events at Sage Gateshead call 0191 443 4661 or Gateshead. For more see Baltic visit www.balticmill.com visit www.sagegateshead.com www.gateshead.gov.uk/whatson

If you want to advertise an event for free please add your listing to the community website www.OurGateshead.org

www.gateshead.gov.uk @GMBCouncil gatesheadcouncil 35