South Tyneside
Hello Tomorrow, Change is Happening
02 Council services praised 06 Improvements at the Arches 11 Support for the Armed Forces 12 You said. We did 27 Fostering
An image of how the multi-service centre in Jarrow might look
March 2018
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South Tyneside Providing services that you need Council services praised Despite challenging economic times we continue to work for you ensuring that every pound counts and South Tyneside Council has recently won praise in we can provide the services that you need. The last eight years in South Tyneside represent a period of three new inspection and review programmes. unprecedented and rapid change. It’s often easy to overlook the positive changes being delivered on the ground. I’m pleased to say that visitor numbers and business confidence is up, health outcomes are improving and the employment In autumn 2017, the Council underwent three rate has increased 6.5% since 2010, meaning approximately external inspection and reviews; Local Government Outstanding support 5,900 more people in work. Association (LGA) Corporate Peer Challenge, Care The Care Quality Commission Thematic Review of Three recent inspections gave us an excellent opportunity Quality Commission (CQC) Thematic Review of Mental Health Services for Children and Young People to demonstrate and showcase positive work across the Mental Health Services for Children and Young commended the Council for ‘outstanding mental Council. You can find out more on the next page. People, and Ofsted Inspection of Children's Services. health support’. Inspections are an external challenge that give you as residents the confidence that we are providing the best Services for possible services to the people of South Tyneside. However, we are not complacent – we continue to strive to do better children and so that we continue to improve and develop. young people Phase Two of our South Shields 365 masterplan is gathering pace and you will start to see physical changes happening recognised around the town. Demolitions are well underway in South Shields town centre, clearing the way for the new Following an intensive four-week Transport Interchange which will bring together a new inspection of Children's Services bus interchange and relocated, refurbished Metro station. and the Local Safeguarding Creating a high quality sense of arrival; enhanced public A high performing council Children Board, Ofsted Inspectors transport facilities and improved connectivity is crucial. The reported that the services provided project received £9.4million from the Local Growth Deal The LGA Corporate Peer Challenge The team of senior political and local to families and young people are through the North East Local Enterprise Partnership. provided a Council-wide 'Health Check' government officers commended the rated as "Good", with the Council's with an additional expert-led focus on Council’s track record and reputation for Adoption service acknowledged as The Council has a proud and long-standing association with Economic Regeneration and Growth. the delivery of outstanding examples "Outstanding". the British Armed Forces. The 100th anniversary of the end This highlighted the Council's positive of regeneration projects including The This excellent result puts South of the First World War will be celebrated later this year as work across a number of areas - from Word, Littlehaven Promenade and part of South Tyneside’s commitment Tyneside Council in the top 25 ensuring budgets are aligned to Seawall, Haven Point, Hebburn Central councils of 161 across the country to to its Armed Forces community. Plans priorities to delivering on the Borough's and Haven Court, and described the are in the pipeline to host a series of have been rated good or better in all economic and regeneration plans. Council’s work as leading the local categories judged by Ofsted. celebration events in the Borough, government sector. ending with a spectacular fireworks The inspection hailed South Tyneside Protecting vulnerable children and display as they did 100 years ago, to as a high performing and ambitious The team also endorsed future schemes ensuring the Borough's children and mark the end of the war. council with many outstanding including South Shields 365 and the young people are given the 'Best Start features and recognised the Council's International Advanced Manufacturing in Life' is one of the most important achievements against its 20 year vision. Park (IAMP). Councillor Iain Malcolm responsibilities of the Council. Leader of the Council In 2017, South Tyneside Council was identified by the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) as one of a handful of Councils in the running for Council of the Year.
02 www.southtyneside.gov.uk www.southtyneside.gov.uk 03 Love your local market Breathing new life into South Shields Market 2017 saw the successful relocation of the Post Office, Royal Mail and Dawson and Sanderson travel agents, as well as a lot of work behind the scenes to acquire the land and properties needed to make the regeneration possible. South Tyneside Council is working in partnership with Muse Developments and Nexus to develop the interchange. It is jointly funded by South Tyneside competition from online shopping and Council, Nexus and NECA (North East out-of-town shopping centres affecting Putting next pieces of 365 jigsaw in place Combined Authority). traditional markets across the UK, South Preparatory work is almost complete Highways work is needed in a number of Shields Market has been outperforming in South Shields town centre ready areas around the town centre to facilitate For more information about South other traditional open-air markets in for construction to begin on the new the new bus routes to the new Transport Shields 365 town centre regeneration the North East in both the number of Transport Interchange. Demolitions Interchange. Work has been carefully go to www.southshields365.co.uk stallholders and customer footfall. have taken place at Charlotte Terrace scheduled and while there will be some or for live updates visit 2018 sees and around the site of the new disruption to traffic; delays should be www.southshields365progress.com South Shields Market, which dates back The opening further interchange and construction work is kept to a minimum. Pedestrian routes and For information about roadworks visit more than two centuries, is part of the of The Word, development due to start this month. crossings will be marked with signage. www.southtyneside.gov.uk/roadworks fabric of the town and is a key part of our National Centre of the market visitor offer. As part of the town’s multi- for the Written with more million pound 365 regeneration plan, the Word, has specialist and traditional market square has been given dramatically themed markets and events, helping Construction work a makeover to provide a more modern increased footfall in the area and despite to attract new visitors and stallholders, civic space fit for the 21st century. economic challenges and increased and to continue to breathe new life into Market Square. has started on new Dates for your diary events space Work has started on The Round - Pepperpot a new creative space for The Word. Fayres The rooftop space will be transformed so their utmost to keep noise and disruption performances and writing workshops, Your Local Market Fortnight The first Sunday of every month from that more events, performances, authors' to a minimum. It is expected that the attracting leading authors, delivering 6 May until 7 October, 10am-3pm talks, writing workshops and training work will be completed by early summer. major exhibitions and winning numerous 17-31 May sessions can take place in the building. top industry awards. With around 25 stalls selling homemade crafts and The Word will remain open as usual. The space will be kitted out with AV To celebrate we are holding a market on food, the Pepperpot Fayres are a popular addition For more information visit equipment and will be able to host Since opening in October 2016 The Saturday 19 May, 9am-4pm to the Market Square. www.theworduk.org events for up to 150 people. Word has enjoyed phenomenal Alongside the traditional market, this special market will For more information about South Shields success, welcoming over half a million Work is taking place whilst the building feature food, fairground rides and a community corner with Market visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/market visitors, hosting hundreds of events, performances and demonstrations from local community groups. is open however the contractors will do
For more information about South Shields 365 Town Centre regeneration go to www.southshields365.co.uk or for live updates visit www.southshields365progress.com
04 www.southshields365.co.uk www.southshields365.co.uk 05 Junction improvements at the Arches, South Shields (A185/A194)
Arches Junction Improvements - Phase 1 - January to March 2018 Works started on the Arches in January to alleviate congestion and provide future capacity A185 JARROW ROAD A185 JARROW ROAD at the junction of the A185 and A194. The works will:
THE ARCHES • Change the roundabouts into signalised junctions • Provide a new one-way link from Hobson WESTBOUND HOBSON WAY CLOSED EASTBOUND Way to Jarrow Road Flooding at Campbell Park Road AFTER GARAGE ACCESS • Widen the A194 towards Hobson Way/ A194 NEWCASTLE ROAD HOBSON WAY Elswick Way junction to enable two right turning lanes onto Hobson Way During drier periods, there will be little • Improve pedestrian and cycle routes to no water stored in this area. We hope that the development of this scheme will ELSWICK WAY Monkton Flood The works will be delivered in four main phases divert the flow of surface water away A194 NEWCASTLE ROAD Phase 1 over 12 months. from at-risk properties, providing extra Phase 1 works, which are due to be Alleviation Scheme protection and reassurance. completed shortly, has included the removal Residents and businesses are advised there Arches Junction Improvements - Phase 2 - March to September 2018 of the existing central reserve and the two The Monkton Flood Alleviation Scheme which is due to start may be some local traffic disruption during roundabouts. The roundabouts have been A185 JARROW ROAD the works. You can find more information A185 JARROW ROAD replaced with red and white barriers to form on site in March following consultation with residents and at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/roadworks EARTHWORKS temporary roundabouts. AREA businesses, is expected to last up to ten months. THE ARCHES Phase 2 is due to start at the end of March The scheme, being delivered by South Calling for volunteers and due to finish in September. The works Tyneside Council and partners, aims includes widening of both the Newcastle Road Tyne Rivers Trust will be working with EASTBOUND WESTBOUND to reduce flood risk and provide a volunteers to plant trees and flowers HOBSON WAY CLOSED RETAINING verges. The Earthworks area shown on the AFTER GARAGE ACCESS community space for local residents, WALL diagram will be removed and the extension to along the banks of Bede Burn in the benefiting around 100 households A194 NEWCASTLE ROAD Hobson Way through to Jarrow Road will be spring. We would love anyone from HOBSON WAY and commercial properties. the local area to get involved. You constructed. An example of how the proposed attenuation basin might look don’t need any previous experience The works also include the construction of a The areas identified as having surface water concerns include the Monkton just spades of enthusiasm. To join ELSWICK WAY new retaining wall along with a new foot/ Part of the plan includes improved Burn, Lukes Lane Estate and Leam Lane in contact Liz Walters at Tyne Rivers A194 NEWCASTLE ROAD Phase 2 cycleway to Hobson Way. Newcastle Road will drainage and landscaping a green space area, Mill Lane, Lilac Walk/College Trust on 01434 636 904 or email continue to operate single lane traffic outside of next to Toner Avenue School. A section Road, Devon Road, Campbell Park [email protected] peak times (peak times are 6.30am - 9am and of the Bede Burn will be opened up as 4pm - 6.30pm on weekdays). At peak times Road/Thirlmere Court and Mountbatten part of the Living Waterways initiative, in Detailed information is available on the same number of lanes will be provided as Avenue areas. a process known as ‘daylighting’ and an www.southtyneside.gov.uk/ before the scheme commenced. attenuation basin to store run-off water monktonfas The dates provided are proposed and subject during storms will be created. to site conditions. Concerned about Visit www.gov.uk/check-flood-riskto find out what you should do before, For information and updates on the scheme including Phase 3 and 4 visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/roadworks during and after a flood. The Environment Agency has also provided information flooding? about flood risks and management at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/flooding
06 www.southtyneside.gov.uk/roadworks www.southtyneside.gov.uk/flooding 07 Protecting Community Shaping our Libraries for the Future The Council is working in partnership with local people to protect financial future community libraries across the Borough. Following an extensive consultation in 2017 the Council is now working with community organisations to deliver library The Council continues to deliver against an unshakeable How much do services cost? services in four branch libraries. As a consequence of continued Government financial cutbacks, vision to make South Tyneside an outstanding place to Raising Council Tax will generate the Council has had to consider new methods of delivery so live, invest and bring up families. an additional £2.7million to that sustainable services can be provided for residents. Taking spend on services. this partnership approach provides quality services in the best Since 2010 the Government has The Council has chosen to increase bills way possible with the resources available. reduced funding to the Council by 54% by 2% towards adult social care to help requiring the Council to make more than meet the funding shortfall. The Council will continue to deliver library services from £156million in efficiencies. For 2018/19 As a result, and like many other councils four modern multi-service 'hubs' which are fit-for-purpose the Council will receive almost 8% less across the country, the Council is asking and digitally enabled at: core Government funding compared to residents to pay a little more in their the previous year – this means we have • The Word, National Centre for the Written Word Council Tax to help protect services. • Adult Social Care costs £62 less to spend for each household. • Hebburn Central The proposed increase is 2.95% which £41.1million per year We estimate that further savings of together with the adult social care 2% • Jarrow £23million will be required for 2019/20 amounts to around 91p per week for • Cleadon Park and 2020/21. However, we are doing Band A households. everything we can to minimise the Following consultation with residents, impact of the cuts on the people partners, voluntary and community of South Tyneside, with a focus on The Council is now working to establish long-term arrangements at the four branch libraries groups and employees, a balanced efficiency and value for money. with volunteer-based organisations: budget has been agreed. • Children and Families Social Care costs For 2018/19, the Government has, per year The Council will continue to deliver £17.3million instead of providing additional grant, projects right across South Tyneside to permitted up to a 3% increase in Council provide a better future for the Borough’s Tax bills to be ring-fenced to assist in communities with regeneration, jobs meeting the rising costs of adult social and economic growth at the heart care. It is expected that the number of of our vision. residents aged over 85 years old will almost double in the next 20 years. • Cutting the grass and maintaining shrubs and flowerbeds costs Action Stations Friends of Perth Green CA Friends of £2.6million per year Boldon Lane Library East Boldon Library Primrose Library Whitburn Library £402 LESS East Boldon Library Whitburn Library
National published data has shown a significant increase in the number of libraries now run by the community, Since 2010 we are £402 per increasing from 109 in 2012/13 to 307 in 2015/16. household worse off in South Tyneside than • Cleaning the streets costs the national average of all councils. For more information visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/libraries £1.2million per year
08 www.southtyneside.gov.uk www.southtyneside.gov.uk/libraries 09 War Heroes Armed Forces support Remembered in South Tyneside South Tyneside heroes of the First World War are being remembered The Council has a proud and long-standing association with the British Armed with the launch of a new Forces and is committed to supporting service men and women and their comprehensive online families adapting back to civilian life. resource. Our Community Covenant makes sure that the local Armed Forces community is not disadvantaged as a consequence of their service. This includes accessing services South Tyneside or employment in the Borough. The Covenant aims to build upon the existing work already available in businesses and charities. NAAFI Break A drop-in service run by veterans to We’d like to: enable ex-service personnel to meet, • Encourage local communities to support the Armed Forces socialise, network and receive advice community in their area and information about housing, • Create awareness of opportunities available to ex-service personnel health, employment and benefits. Volunteers Ken Mason, Sue Mason, Sylvia • Encourage activities which help to integrate the Armed Forces Join us on the first and third Pickering, Val Parks and Joyce Bell Community into local life Wednesday of each month, • Encourage local businesses to sign the Community Covenant 10-11am at Trinity House, Laygate, South Shields, For information about joining the Community Covenant visit NE33 4JD. www.southtyneside.gov.uk/armedforces The South Tyneside Remembers website “The development of this wonderful new chronicles the details of more than website South Tyneside Remembers, If you are unable to find your 2,000 men and women from across the honours the memory of all those local relative on the website please Borough who served during the First individuals who served their country contact South Tyneside Libraries Meet ex-serviceman Ross Lloyd World War. in the First World War, many never to on 0191 427 1818 with as much Ross Lloyd, and Quad Bike Instructor. After leaving “There are a number of courses return, and gives us all an opportunity to information as possible so your www.southtynesideremembers.org.uk 33, joined the the Army, Ross approached South available through Armed Forces charities explore who they were. It is particularly relative can be added. Volunteers provides personal information about 2nd Battalion Tyneside Council and requested work which are free or provided at a reduced fitting that we launch the site as we go meet every Monday at Cleadon their lives, their military history and The Light Infantry experience in project management - rate. These courses help the Armed on to mark the 100th anniversary of the Park Library between 2pm and features the names of not only those at the age of he is now a valuable member of the Forces community get that first step on end of the First World War.” 4pm. New volunteers are always who died in the conflict but those who 16. Serving in Facilities Management team. the employment ladder. welcome. the British Army returned home from the front line. Volunteers from South Tyneside Libraries Ross said: “The support available to “I’m enjoying my new career and I between 2001–2016 took him all Individuals ranged from soldiers service have been working on the an ex-service person is good and well- support the Community Covenant. I over mainland UK, Cyprus, Falklands, and shipyard workers to miners and website for more than three years. More South Tyneside Remembers - funded but you have to do some hard regularly attend NAAFI Break meetings Iraq, Northern Ireland, Belize, Kosovo hospital staff. names are being added daily as their www.southtynesideremembers.org.uk - work to make it work for you. I received and having overcome some hurdles of research continues and it is estimated has been created with £10,000 of and Kenya. During his military career Councillor Ed Malcolm, Chairman of a comprehensive package including my own, can offer advice and support to that more than 8,000 people will National Lottery support from the he was employed as an Infantry the South Tyneside Armed Forces Forum, 3 annual grants of £2,000 to be used the Armed Forces community.” eventually be included to make it one Heritage Lottery Fund. Soldier, Communications Specialist, said: “The impact of the First World in my first 3 years after service and a of the largest and most comprehensive Intelligence Analyst, Junior Manager, War was far reaching, shaping every £10,000 grant for further education databases of its kind. It will be used Logistic Supply Specialist, Boxing Coach part of the UK, with most people being within 10 years of leaving the military. as a family history resource and useful connected to the war in one way or research tool. another. For further information about support for the Armed Forces community visit: www.southtynesidehomes.org.uk www.southtyneside.gov.uk/armedforces
10 www.southtynesideremembers.org.uk www.southtyneside.gov.uk/armedforces 11 You said. We did
Listening to residents is important to us and we do this through a Recycling Village Cllr Moira Smith and Ian Hay, Remondis Site Manager look number of ways. From the annual budget consultation to 6 weekly improvements at improvements to the Recycling Village
Community Area Forums and regular ward walkabouts, South Tyneside Following feedback from visitors last By supporting people to do their bit for to where certain materials need to go. Council seeks your views to shape our services. summer, additional workers were the environment and recycle more of We’re always happy to help.” brought in to help people dispose of their waste, we can boost our recycling It is encouraging to see so many people their waste and reduce waiting times targets and divert even more waste visiting the Recycling Village. We Pages 12 to 14 highlight a few examples of where you said and we did. at our popular Recycling Village in away from landfill. continue to work with our contractor South Shields. Worker Tony Sayers said: “People come Remondis JBT Ltd, listening to residents’ We introduced meet and greet staff who to the Recycling Village with a wide feedback and looking at how we can provide assistance, signpost visitors and range of everyday items for recycling, further improve the service, especially encourage use of all the bays, ensuring from jars and cartons to cardboard and during times of high demand. a more efficient service. This has led clothes, as well as any excess rubbish. to a noticeable difference with smaller With several containers to dispose of queues and speedier visits. waste, staff are on hand to guide visitors Supporting community organisations South Tyneside Council is a ‘cooperative local sources to support a wide range council’ working in partnership with local of projects. Councillor Nancy Maxwell community organisations to support the plays a lead role in raising awareness work of volunteers who provide a range of the value of those who demonstrate of support across South Tyneside. incredible community pride and spirit. Cllr Allan West talks to Durham Court resident Kaye Cater about Durham Court Residents L – R Kaye Cater, Peter Tallack and Happy at Home is a befriending service, For more information visit sprinkler investment Howard Campbell pictured with Cllr Allan West (centre) supported by the Council, which offers www.southtyneside.gov.uk/ one to one companionship to the communityfunding Happy At Home Volunteer Lesley Stanton from growing number of lonely elderly people Cleadon with Betty Blakeburn from East Boldon in the Borough. Volunteers provide a Investment in sprinklers valuable link to the outside world, as Automatic sprinkler systems will be fitted want to take action to retrofit sprinklers Peter Tallack, 72 from Hebburn said: well as conversation and companionship. to Ellen Court, Monastery Court and in all four blocks. Our high-rise buildings “The Council has been proactive on this We also work closely with communities Wilkinson Court in Jarrow and Durham are safe. However, the tragic events at and taken it in hand. I’m very pleased to help them access additional funding Court in Hebburn. Grenfell have changed perceptions of that the Council is taking action. I’d and support from charities and the high-rise safety. As a council, we have rather have some disruption and save a A huge amount of work has been voluntary sector. One of the ways it a duty to provide the best possible fire life if the worst were to happen.” undertaken in recent years. The cladding does this is through an online funding protection for our tenants, and we will systems are fireproof and comply with Howard Campbell, 74 from Hebburn tool hosted on the Council website, do whatever is within our control to building and planning regulations but added: “After Grenfell the sprinklers will developed exclusively for local keep people safe. as an extra reassurance to residents we give us peace of mind.” community and voluntary groups to find and access funding available to L – R Age Concern's Jackie Jamieson, Cllr Nancy Maxwell and Inspire's Gill Smith, with the Community Funding Portal website them from EU, national, regional and
12 www.southtyneside.gov.uk www.southtyneside.gov.uk 13 You said. We did Roman fort’s new look Cllr Iain Malcolm Leader of Council
Cllr Alan Kerr Deputy Leader of Council
Cllr John Anglin Lead Member Regeneration and Economy
Cllr Joan Atkinson Lead Member Children, Young People and Families L – R Cllr Ed Malcolm, Louise Landreth, Neighbourhood Officer and Tracey Richardson, Area Manager Riverside
Cllr Tracey Dixon Funding for local priorities Lead Member Independence and The Council’s published Medium Term Wellbeing It’s time to take a fresh look at Arbeia, A viewing platform and new Financial Plan provides information South Shields’ very own Roman fort. interpretation signs explain how Arbeia about strategic spending plans over Over the winter the World Heritage Site developed and its importance on the the coming years. However, we know Cllr Edward has been developed and enhanced to Roman frontier. Arbeia’s soldiers, drawn that local issues can arise that require Malcolm ensure visitors get the very best out of from across funds in-year. We address these Lead Member Resources all it has to offer. Arbeia certainly has a the Empire, Opening Times local communities' priorities through and Innovation fascinating story to tell: kept watch in Community Area Forums (CAF). The and Events • It is the most excavated supply base all weathers forums have an important role in in the Roman Empire on the sea Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort, providing residents with a voice on Neighbourhood Officer, Louise Landreth Cllr Nancy and river is open for a special day with free • It has as one of the finest collections issues that affect their local area and an and Cllr Ed Malcolm Maxwell approach guided tours on Saturday 10 March of any Roman museum in Britain opportunity to influence local spending. Lead Member Voluntary to Hadrian’s Wall. Arbeia also provided 11am - 4pm as part of the national Applications for CAF funding are Sector Partnerships and • It was even the centre of the whole In the Simonside area, residents had vital supplies to numerous forts along BBC Civilisations Festival. The site evaluated to ensure the money is Co-operatives Empire for a time when the Emperor reported issues of overgrown trees the Wall, as well as for major military is then open daily from Friday 30 meeting local social, economic or Severus was based there and anti-social behaviour around expeditions. World-class objects March until Sunday 30 September. environmental outcomes. The money Edhill Avenue. Funds were identified • The site has witnessed drama too, including jewellery, chain mail and a There will be plenty of events and is used for a variety of purposes - from to facilitate the removal of shrubs and Cllr Moira Smith including a devastating fire caused decorated sword are now displayed activities throughout the season. re-decorating a youth club to providing to thin down trees to open it up and Lead Member Area by a barbarian raid, and intriguing in stunning new museum cases, and There is also a programme for additional litter bins - and often benefit improve visibility. Management and murders! the stories told of when and where volunteers to get involved with the community as a whole. they were found among the extensive Community Safety Now with the help of funding from research, tours and events. See This investment has provided a archaeological remains. New films bring For more information about DCMS Wolfson, National Lottery funding www.arbeiaromanfort.org.uk sustainable solution to people’s the Romans and Arbeia to life. The Community Area Forums visit from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts for details. concerns, whilst also improving the unique reconstructed Roman buildings www.southtyneside.gov.uk/caf Council England and a private donor, appearance of the area. The work have been revamped and reinterpreted. Cllr Allan West visitors can more fully experience what also complements wider housing Visitors can walk inside and experience Lead Member Housing the Romans did for us! New buggy- regeneration where the Council is for themselves how the original and Transport friendly paths provide easy access working with partners. structures would have looked and felt. around the site.
14 www.southtyneside.gov.uk www.arbeiaromanfort.org.uk 15 it’s happening Historic
There’s an exciting programme of events planned this year in Commercial World War One South Tyneside. The following pages are just some of the highlights. Vehicle Rally Commemorations Sunday 3 June, 11am - 5pm To commemorate the 100th Around 180 historic commercial vehicles anniversary of the end of World War will be on display at Bents Park, after One, during 2018 there will be a taking part in the Tyne Tees Run from series of events at venues such as Stockton to South Shields. The Word and The Customs House. Proper Food and Keep checking in local media and online for information as well as Drink Festival details about how you can Saturday 26 - Monday 28 May, become involved. 10am - 5pm This year’s event returns to Bents Park over the Spring Bank Holiday, with amazing dishes, mouth-watering drinks Other highlights include: and live entertainment on the menu. Saturday 14 July Sunday Concerts Some of the UK’s best artisan food Armed Forces Day Tall Ships Race, Parade of Sail viewing producers will be there selling lots of Sunday 24 June, 10am - 5pm Saturday 25 to Monday 27 August Sundays 8, 15, 22 & 29 July tasty food, ranging from homemade Celebrate our Armed Forces with a Great North Feast Our unmissable concerts return this FREE cheese, unusual spices to delicious special military parade along South July with a great line-up. cakes. £2 entry. Sunday 9 September Shields Seafront, followed by a Simplyhealth Great North Run The concerts are free but why not upgrade to a Priority family fun day in Bents Park. Access Ticket and get earlier access to pick your spot in Thursday 6 - Sunday 9 & Thursday 13 the park, as well as extra benefits such as a dedicated Great North - Sunday 16 September Saturday 30 June bar area and toilets. Priority Access Tickets are Dog Walk South Tyneside Heritage Open Days available in advance for just £5. Our Summer Parade returns with another Sunday 3 June, from 10.30am Comedy Festival Saturday 6 - 13 October fabulous theme, which will be of monstrous Keep checking online for all the latest news! Saturday 28 July - Sunday Restaurant Week proportions. Thousands of dogs and their owners 5 August Expect lots of amazing costumes, fantastic floats There’s lots more events to enjoy Live Music at the Amphitheatre will be heading and fabulous song and dance as the parade Every Thursday and Saturday evening, 2 - 23 June Featuring top names and emerging during 2018. For all the latest event to the Leas this makes its way from South Shields Town Hall talent from the world of comedy the information keep checking online, and Brass Bands at the Amphitheatre summer to take to Bents Park, where there will be even more South Tyneside Comedy Festival at turn over the page for details of some Every Sunday afternoon in June, July and August part in the world’s entertainment all afternoon long. The Customs House has become a firm of the great events taking place in the (except 1 July) largest dog walk. favourite in the area’s events calendar. The event just gets bigger and better every year, coming weeks. so be sure to put the date in your diary! Proms in the Park Sunday 1 July For more information and tickets Find out more at contact 0191 454 1234 or visit Kids Fun-Fest Every Tuesday and Would you like to take part? www.greatnorthdogwalk.co.uk www.customshouse.co.uk Thursday afternoon, 2 - 23 August We would love to hear from you if you would like to take part in this fantastic event. For more For the most up-to-date news go to For information on events and activities across South Tyneside, keep checking details contact the Events team on events@ www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk southtyneside.gov.uk or call 0191 424 7986. www.southtyneside.gov.uk/whatson In partnership with: or alternatively follow us @stynesideevents /southtynesideevents /stynesideevents 16 www.southtyneside.gov.uk/whatson 17 Bones: Skeleton Secrets of the Animal World Until Saturday 21 April (closed Sundays)
There’s only a few weeks left to see this fascinating free exhibition at South Shields Museum & Art Gallery. Come That’s not all… face to face with skeletons, bones and fossils of various animals, including the There’s lots to do in South Tyneside over the coming weeks and during pelvis of the now-extinct Dodo and the the Easter break. Here are just some of the events for your diary. jaws of sharks. Crafty Romans Easter fun at The Thursday 5 & 12 April, 11am – 3pm Easter Egg Hunt Easter Sports Days Customs House Friday 30 March - Monday 2 April, Easter Market at Arbeia Monday 2 - Wednesday 4 April, Get crafty with free activities for all the Enjoy a range of family friendly activities 11am - 4pm Monday 2 April, 10am - 5pm Tuesday 10 & Wednesday 11 April, family at Arbeia Roman Fort. this Easter at The Customs House. For 11am - 3pm Collect clues on an Easter egg hunt Find out more about Roman life more information contact The Customs around Souter Lighthouse to receive a at this free event, where you can Have a go at outdoor games and mini- House on 0191 454 1234. yummy chocolate treat. Small charge of visit a special Roman market and sports activities for all the family during The Magic of £2 applicable, booking not required. enjoy Easter activities such as egg the Easter holidays at Souter Lighthouse. Hollywood tapping and rolling. Free event, booking not required. Tuesday 1 May, 7.30pm
Pasha Kovalev, from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, heads to The Customs House with his dancers for an evening of sensational dance set EASTER @ THE WORD Alan in to a Hollywood theme. To book call Wonderland 0191 454 1234. and The 3 Goats Tremendous Tuesdays
Plus… Spring at Jarrow Hall Tuesday 3 & 10 April, Jarrow Festival and Wednesday 11am - 3pm Dragon Parade Monster Mash 11 April, 11am - This is the perfect time to explore Friday 25 May – Sunday 3 June Friday 6 & 13 April, noon & 2 - 3pm Jarrow Hall. Upcoming events include Enjoy free fun family open-air theatre performances, fireside crafts and activities at 10.30am, 12.45pm There will be lots of events and £4 per person. Suitable for under 7s storytelling, live music and a series of South Shields Museum & & 2.15pm activities throughout Jarrow as part pop-up cinema nights. To find out more Art Gallery during the Arts & Crafts Children will revel in this magical and of this popular festival, which this £3.50 child, £2.50 go to www.jarrowhall.org.uk school holidays. No Monday 2 & 9 and Thursday 5 & 12 immersive show from the Booster adult, £10.50 family booking required. year celebrates its 30th anniversary. April, 10 - 11am & 2.30 - 3.30pm of 4, £1 under 1s. Cushion Theatre. A mixture of Alice in Highlights include a Dragon Parade Wonderland and the Three Billy Goats Circus and monster themed crafts. Suitable for under 7s and their families from Jarrow Town Hall to Drewetts Park, Gruff, you will take part in a Mad £1 charge. where there will be a fabulous fun day The Word's very own Frankenstein’s Hatter’s tea party, become trolls under on Sunday 27 May. wife will tell some monster-tastic a bridge and help Alan save Alice! To find out more about these events and lots more go to: Science tales in this interactive and immersive Buddies StoryWorld session full of stories, www.southtyneside.gov.uk/whatson Tuesday 3 April, songs and monster crafts Visitor Information Centre @ The Word on 0191 424 7788 11am - noon & and activities. 2 - 3pm /southtynesideevents There’s lots more exciting £4 child, events to enjoy during May half term! Visit @stynesideevents £2 adult. Suitable for 4 years + www.theworduk.org Make your own monster slime and Please note: At the time of writing (February 2018) all dates and events were for a full list of events and to book your tickets. correct but you are advised to check before you travel. try a range of experiments at this fun Booking essential. and exciting session.
18 www.southtyneside.gov.uk/whatson www.southtyneside.gov.uk/whatson 19 12-25 May 2018
An audience with Highlights Kevin Maguire Below are some highlights of the exciting events programme but 25 May, 7-8.30pm, £5, 16 years+ for a full list visit www.theworduk.org South Shields journalist Kevin Book your tickets early to avoid disappointment, online at Maguire will talk about his long www.theworduk.org or by dropping into the shop at The Word. and interesting career. Doctor Who monsters, History Wardrobe Poetry crafts and costumes Presents… Bad Girls A series of poetry writing 12 May, 10am-4pm, FREE workshops with writer in residence and Bonnets Jenni Pascoe ending with a fun A full day of fancy dress Doctor 18 May, 7-8.30pm, £6.50, and fast-paced poetry slam at The Who-themed family-fun with an 16 years+ Stags Head in South Shields, 24 out-of-this-world assortment of View original costume items and May, 7.30-9.30pm, £3, 18 years+ creatures led by Davros, creator of hear readings from Jane Austen’s the evil Daleks! most famous works. Whatever ‘monster’ means You can read about children’s Writing Workshops A monstrous to you, from those written favourites such as the Gruffalo Stuart Maconie at The Various dates and times about in early mythology to and Shrek and be reminded of An Austentatious A series of workshops will be exhibition is the creatures digitally created the monsters from Hollywood’s Customs House held in collaboration with local by Pixar and Disney, you will golden age: Dracula, Wolf Man 12 May, 7.30-10pm, from £16 Murder - A night of publishers and authors, for those be amazed by their ability and the Mummy. murder mystery keen to write and publish their coming your way! Listen to Stuart as he discusses own literary works. to capture our imagination There are clips from monster his 300 mile walk retracing the 19 May, 6.30-8.30pm, £8.50, 18 years+ Monsters come in throughout the ages. movies and monster-themed famous Jarrow Crusade. all shapes and sizes and Meet Boris Karloff’s classic interactive games. A Jane Austen inspired, highly Authors’ Talks movie monster in Dr. An afternoon of comedy interactive murder mystery night Various dates and times you can find out Prepare to be enthralled and featuring a range of eccentric Frankenstein’s lab, see what surprised by ‘Monsters! The We will be joined by Nancy Revell, about them all at this with Ed Waugh characters who are likely to be the author of The Shipyard Girls series, it feels like to be held by King Good, The Bad and The Cuddly’. monster-tastic new Kong and take a selfie with 13 May, 2-4pm, £6, 16 years+ most suspicious suspects you’ll DCI Ryan creator LJ Ross, Tom Kelly, ever meet! exhibition. Sulley from Monsters, Inc. Join Ed and cast for two radio Adam Bushnell, Norman Kirtlan, style, live on stage performances Jenn Ashworth and debut novelist that will make you laugh out loud. Sarah Dunnakey and more.
OVER 40 EVENTS - VIEW THE FULL EVENTS LIST AT WWW.THEWORDUK.ORG
Supported by
20 www.theworduk.org 21 feel Restoration of great! Victorian park can start Plans to restore North Marine Park have been given the go-ahead after the project was awarded £2.4million from the National Lottery.
This funding, from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund, means that the Council and the Friends of the Park group can work together to implement the masterplan and restore North Marine Park to its former River Drive Victorian character. LAWE Road The project will: • Create better links between the park • Create a new Parks Officer and the newly transformed Littlehaven post and five apprenticeships Promenade and Seawall Being active is fun, social and keeps you healthy and Step up your game at Les Mills Body Combat, where you • Improve entrances into the with 136 fitness classes currently available each week can strike, punch and kick your way to superior cardio • Improve the area round the Lawe Top park as well as access for all at various locations across the Borough, there is fitness and burn over 700 calories during one workout! which, as the park’s highest point, acts • Encourage more and new something to suit all interests and abilities. Improve your speed, fitness, strength and agility at as a viewing platform for the stunning users as well as volunteers Les Mills Body Attack, or come along to Les Mills Body coastline and harbour If you’re looking to get active but want a gentle workout • Enhance the planting by Pump for the ultimate resistance class where you will • Restore and interpret original features then our Healthy Lives classes will be perfect for you. creating different character areas strengthen, tone and sculpt your entire body. These such as the stone grotto and the They are primarily aimed at over 50’s and those with • Reflect the rich historical sessions are a fantastic way to get in shape! promenade staircase long-term health conditions and include activities such as links, such as the Roman, defence badminton and circuits. • Introduce new features and facilities and maritime links such as a play area River Drive As part of our Healthy Lives range, we also offer So what are you • Improve the bowling facilities LAWE Road Maternity classes for both ante and postnatal women. The programme includes a variety of exercise classes waiting for? • Install interpretation to celebrate the that are great for those looking to keep active during park’s history and heritage their pregnancy and postnatal classes for mothers who For more information about venues want to make that positive step towards fitness after and fitness classes visit The next steps will include appointing a construction company to take the £3.19million having a baby. www.southtyneside.gov.uk/leisure project forward as well as a Parks Officer to work closely with the community and ensure best use and maintenance of the park. Easter holiday sports! The park is registered under the Historic and Ancient Monuments Act 1953 within the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens by English Heritage for its special historic interest. Kids can enjoy fantastic sports coaching sessions during the Easter holidays that will keep them fit, healthy, active and entertained. Sir John Mowbray, an Ecclesiastical Commissioner and formerly MP for Durham opened LAWE Road North and South Marine Parks on 25 June 1890. BOOK NOW for one of our sports courses or find out when our Activity Express days will be taking place. Visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/sports for booking and course information. For more information and to see the plans visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/northmarinepark To join Friends of the Park email [email protected]
22 www.southtyneside.gov.uk/leisure www.southtyneside.gov.uk/northmarinepark 23 Mayor and Mayoress are enjoying a busy civic year Life continues to be busy for the Mayor and Mayoress of South Tyneside, Councillor Olive Punchion and Mrs Mary French, as they continue to embrace their civic duties, community and fundraising work. Highlights of recent months have included visiting The Word for its first anniversary, launching new features of 1 an historical exhibition and unveiling a stunning display of knitted poppies. Tributes were also paid to fallen soldiers at poignant Armistice Day and 2 Remembrance services. Christmas got off to a spectacular 4 start when the Mayor and Mayoress switched on lights in South Shields, 3 Jarrow and Hebburn. They also joined local groups to celebrate key milestones, launched the Great North Dog Walk and marked Holocaust Let’s talk about Memorial Day. Over the coming months, the Mayor and Mayoress will continue their civic adult social care duties and raise more money for the Mayor’s Charity, which is supporting
South Tyneside Council launched its new adult social care strategy CLIC Sargent and the British Heart 7 56 Our Let’s Talk team can provide Foundation South Tyneside. ‘living better lives’ which is focussed on supporting people to remain information and guidance around independent for longer. the following: The Mayor said: “With plenty more engagements to come, we look forward Ideas on how to get out and about We know that most people are happier The first conversation, when people to many more occasions where we can and healthier if they can continue to initially approach adult social care, asks: What adaptations are available to boost our chosen charities and meet live in their own homes and we want “How can I connect you to the things that maintain independence people from across South Tyneside and beyond.” to work more closely with families and will help you get on with your life - based What local groups and activities communities to help make this happen. on your assets, strengths and those of there are for you to take part in For more details of the Mayor’s Charity your family and local community?” 9 10 Our Let’s Talk team and social care staff Support if you are a carer visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/ 8 will help support our new strategy by Conversation two, when people’s mayorscharity Making sure you are safe and well having a conversation with people situations change, or they are in crisis, Celebrating the first anniversary Celebrating 80 years with TS of The Word with writer in to really understand their situation, asks: “What needs to change to make Support if your situation changes 1 6Collingwood Sea Cadets residence Celia Bryce what strengths they have and what is you safe and regain control?” and you have care needs Mayor’s Switching on South Shields’ important to them. Conversation three, about the longer Launching the refreshed Lost 7Christmas lights with Reggie Dialect exhibition ‘N’ Bollie term situation, asks: “What does a good Call our Let’s Talk team on Civic Ball 2 life look like?” 0191 424 6000 or email 21 April 2018 Showcasing knitted poppies with Helping to launch the Great [email protected] A great opportunity to get all dressed 3The Word’s Knit and Natter group 8North Dog Walk 2018 up, enjoy a three course dinner and dance the night away while raising Paying tribute on Spreading happiness on We’re working money for the Mayor’s Charity. 4Armistice Day 9Blue Monday For more information visit: together to make sure the For tickets call the Civic Office on Mission to Seafarers 160th Remembering victims on www.southtyneside.gov.uk/ 0191 424 7311/7331 or email 5anniversary celebrations 10 Holocaust Memorial Day people of South Tyneside are betterlives [email protected] living better lives.
24 www.southtyneside.gov.uk/betterlives www.southtyneside.gov.uk 25 Give children a better future, gain qualifications and get paid “By offering unstinting love, patience and care, Suzanne has enabled Peter to develop Our Fostering Service has changed. Exciting new opportunities await in foster care in South Tyneside. We now offer a ‘Payment for confidence and resilience that Skills’ model where the more experience and qualifications carers gain, the more they will be paid. This means that Looked After allows him to negotiate and Children are supported by skilled, motivated and rewarded carers who are supported by an experienced fostering service. problem solve the many barriers that he faces. She cycles with him What it means for you What our carers have to say: every day to and from school, bakes homemade fudge and biscuits to avoid Working for your local authority means that you are helping reactions from his nut allergy and takes your local community and some of its most vulnerable “We have been foster carers for South Tyneside since him on outdoor activity holidays and to members directly. April 2017, and in that time we have cared for a mother theme parks. Suzanne has joined support You will receive a competitive weekly skills fee as well as a and baby, and then the baby on its own. We were groups and bought books on how to be a weekly maintenance allowance. You will be supported to excited and at times nervous as we just wanted to do therapeutic parent and works tirelessly to develop a range of skills that meet the needs of the children everything right. ensure he gets the right support from the you care for. professionals who are involved in Peter’s We found the assessment process very enjoyable. Caring life. She lies with him every night until he Significant opportunities for training and development for a teenager with a baby had its ups and downs; feels safe enough to fall asleep. are offered to all carers through the Foster Carer Training teenage emotions and behaviour, boundaries - then a To others programme and the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board “Words don’t do justice to how much this baby - parenting skills, challenges and learning curves. it might mean training sessions. Qualifications in Care, Counselling and carer has given this a child. As well as the It was a real challenge but the positives far outweighed getting a young Health and Social Care are also available. best start in life, she has saved his life by the negatives. The small breakthroughs are so rewarding person back on the right giving him everything he needs to access when you realise that you have made a difference to track, helping a mother- to a bright future.” mum and baby, and possibly their futures. to-be stop smoking, giving Why fostering with South Tyneside a child the right support for their *Names changed for confidentiality Council is better As individuals, as a couple, and as a family the local needs, supporting a school to become purposes. authority have given us all the help, support and advice South Tyneside Council’s Children’s Service was recently outstanding, or making sure a child we have asked for and needed - and often above and ranked as one of the best in the country after being rated enjoys healthy meals at school. beyond. Help and support is always only a phone call "Good" for the services they provide to children, young Suzanne* from Boldon is a foster carer What does the best people and families. Fostering services were commended away. We have always felt safe and listened to no and has cared for Peter* since he was start in life mean for their comprehensive training and support to carers and matter how small the issue may have seemed. 18 months old. A colleague from The What does the best children in placement. start in life mean to you? PLACE (Project for Looked After Children’s to you? Being foster carers is rewarding, emotional, Education) tells their story: “Peter has Our network of support includes access to nursing, schools challenging and enjoyable, and something we We are dedicated to giving children and a specialist Project for Looked After Children’s Education would definitely recommend.” Giving children, young people, and their experienced severe neglect and trauma and young people in South Tyneside (PLACE) team, which provides individual support in learning, families the best start in life can mean from birth until he went to live with the best start in life and would like education and behaviour. Counselling and mental health many things. To some it might mean Suzanne. Although he is now nine years Peter and Jane Smith* you to be part of this. If you have a services are available as well. supporting a young mother in the early old, he is still greatly affected by the *Names have been changed for confidentiality purposes. story that you would like to share stages of her child’s life, a foster care impact of his early childhood and can be please contact jonathan.burrows@ worker who has made it possible for a extremely challenging. Despite difficult southtyneside.gov.uk brother and sister to stay together, or circumstances Suzanne has given him a For more information and to find out more about the skills and payments you could receive visit: helping a family access free activities and childhood that has joy, adventure, safety childcare. and nurture in abundance – even when things get tough. www.southtyneside.gov.uk/fostering 0191 423 8500
26 www.southtyneside.gov.uk/beststart www.southtyneside.gov.uk/fostering 27 Festive cheer across the Borough The Christmas Wonderland programme of events, activities and Share your memories live music attracted thousands of visitors to South Tyneside. Get involved in a new project which is asking residents to share memories, photographs Other programmed events saw Santa and experiences of South Tyneside’s famous Summer Parade. meeting children at South Shields Museum and Art Gallery, the popular The Creative Seed, a locally based the parade over the years. The outcome of the project will be a Whitburn Winter Festival and a vast creative production company, has pop-up exhibition at South Shields programme of live music across the whole worked with South Tyneside Council Museum in June to coincide with Borough. Fifteen school choirs performed on the Summer Parade for a number of this year’s parade. Sandy Harris, The throughout December at The Word, Jarrow years, producing colourful costumes, Creative Seed’s Director for Strategic Viking Centre and Hebburn Central. amazing large structures and fabulous Development, said: “This is an exciting The Christmas celebrations started floats. The Creative Seed has received project. Don’t miss this opportunity to with the Christmas Lights switch-ons. More than 200 children from 8 local National Lottery funding from the share your memories of past parades X Faxtor stars Reggie ‘N’ Bollie entertained school orchestras and choirs entertained Heritage Lottery Fund to undertake a and marches. Don’t let these memories 7,000 people in South Shields, with an audience of around 600 with an project that researches the history of and stories fade away forever.” hundreds more attending the lights evening of traditional and modern carols parades and marches in South Tyneside. switch-ons in Hebburn and Jarrow. at Temple Park Centre in South Shields. They will work with community Despite poor weather, crowds lined In addition families flocked to The Word groups, hold workshops and delve Share your story Ocean Road to witness the iconic Camel and enjoyed sold out performances of through South Tyneside’s archives for If you have any photographs, Parade. The colourful costumes and Christmas Tales in StoryWorld, craft photographs, newspapers, pamphlets memories or experiences of having live music entertained more than 4,000 activities, laser cutting in FabLab and a and stories to unearth how the Summer been involved in one of the parades people. The impressive drumming range of digital workshops. Parade has changed over time to reflect over the years please contact The group Spark! led the parade, which different communities. The Christmas Wonderland 2017 events Creative Seed by 30 April: featured the Three Wise Men travelling programme was organised by South The South Tyneside Festival Summer on camels, giant puppets, stilt-walking [email protected] Tyneside Council, with the support Parade, formally known as Sports Week shepherds and bouncing stars. Visitors of media partner BBC Newcastle and Parade, All American Mardi Gras and 07725 267 478 also enjoyed a stunning fireworks finale sponsor Colmans. Cookson Festival Parade, is a long /TheCreativeSeedCarnival fired from the South Pier, which was set standing tradition for South Tyneside. to a soundtrack of Christmas tunes. We would like to thank everyone who @CreativeSeed100 Each year celebrates a new theme and supported these events. The 2-day Christmas Fair at Haven Point brings together communities from across attracted 4,000 festive shoppers picking the Borough. Tens of thousands of up a wide selection of gifts from arts residents of all ages have taken part in and crafts, decorations and jewellery to gourmet food and sweet treats.
28 www.southtyneside.gov.uk www.southtyneside.gov.uk 29 Double inspection success for Simonside Outdoor Adventure Simonside Outdoor Adventure has been awarded the Learning Outside Friends of Thurston the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge and the Adventure Activities In 2017 the Friends of Thurston group Industry Advisory Committee (AAIAC), Adventuremark. raised funds to donate a giant Stand up Paddleboard to Thurston Outdoor The LOtC Quality Badge was established in Education Centre which provides young 2009 by the Education Select Committee people with access to a wider variety of and is supported by the now Department activities, as well as a new range oven of Education in order to improve standards and fridge for the campsite. regarding activity provision. If you would like to help raise funds for Simonside Outdoor Adventure which Thurston, join the Friends on Saturday operates from Simonside Climbing Wall, the Water Activities Centre in South Shields, 10 March at South Shields Sailing Club. and Akenshawburn Cottages at Kielder Tickets are £10 and include a pie and Forest in Northumberland is part of South First Aid training provider pea supper, live music and a raffle. Tyneside Council’s Outdoor Education After 2 years of positive feedback If you would like more information Service, along with Thurston Outdoor and success of delivering First Aid or to find out how you can join Friends Education Centre at Coniston Water in to educational establishments, of Thurston: Be a Volunteer Police Cadet the Lake District, who also holds the LOtC Simonside Outdoor Adventure is now Quality Badge and AAIAC Adventuremark. able to offer an expanded training www.thurston-oec.co.uk In being awarded the LOtC Quality programme and training to other thurston.info@ As a Volunteer Police Cadet you will be a vital part of Northumbria As a Volunteer Police Cadet you will learn Badge and AAIAC Adventuremark, organisations and professionals that southtyneside.gov.uk Police. You will have the opportunity to get involved with the work practical skills such as first aid and you will Simonside Outdoor Adventure has require First Aid qualifications. be eligible to enrol on the Duke of Edinburgh 01539 441 218 neighbourhood policing teams do across the force helping them to solve Bronze and Silver Awards - the DofE scheme successfully evidenced through a robust All staff are NUCO Training www.facebook.com/ is the very essence of the cadet scheme, inspection process that they provide: approved instructors and all training local issues whether that be assisting with surveys, delivering crime ThurstonOEC prevention advice or joining the team out on patrol. giving young people the opportunity to gain • Transparency and clarity regarding is accredited by First Aid Awards. life changing skills to succeed in life. what is offered Prices are very competitive and The scheme is open to 14 and 15 year olds You will have a dedicated cadet leader • Support a wide range of users The scheme will open for applications in training based at Simonside Climbing who, once joining the cadets, embark on a who will lead and guide you to help you the autumn. • An appropriate learning environment Wall also includes a buffet lunch. four year programme. succeed and become the very best. • Quality instruction delivered by If you would like to find out more visit experienced and highly qualified You will have the opportunity to take part At the very heart of the cadetship is the www.northumbria.police.uk/careers Outdoor Education Instructors For more information: in some of the region’s biggest events sense of community and citizenship. You including the Great North Run, Sunderland will work as part of a team to develop • A safe environment www.simonsideoutdoor International Airshow, Community Fun important life skills and as you progress Simonside Outdoor Adventure offers a adventure.com Days and the Kielder Marathon. you will take on leadership opportunities wide range of water and land based Outdoor.Education@ by helping to lead and develop your We will equip you with valuable life skills activities for educational establishments, southtyneside.gov.uk younger colleagues. to help you build strength and courage for organisations and residents, either on a 0191 424 0118 any future career path you decide to take. group or individual basis. www.facebook.com/ SimonsideOA 30 www.southtyneside.gov.uk www.northumbria.police.uk/careers 31 Working with young people as the lighter nights arrive A range of activities will be on offer over the Easter Holidays (29 March to 15 April) for young people in South Tyneside which aims to prevent anti-social behaviour. Reporting Motorcycle motorcycle nuisance As the clocks go forward and the evenings If you are affected by motorcycle start to get lighter young people tend to spend There are now more ways than ever to report incidents of anti-social behaviour: nuisance please help us to prevent it by more time outdoors meeting with their friends. reporting it in any of the following ways: Young people gathering can be intimidating South Tyneside Homes Community Safety and • Northumbria Police: 101 to other people, even if they are just talking, it Tenancy Enforcement Team directly on 0191 424 7999 nuisance • Community Wardens: can cause residents, particularly the elderly or more vulnerable, to feel frightened. South Tyneside Homes, Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, 0191 420 3713 Town Hall & Civic Offices, Westoe Road, South Shields, NE33 2RL The annual Lighter Nights campaign is a It is helpful if you can let us know: multi-agency campaign which aims to reduce [email protected] Let us know if it’s affecting you! • Details of the motorcycle (e.g. anti-social behaviour when the lighter nights TYPETALK on 18001 number plate, make, model, colour arrive. It involves partners from a wide range South Tyneside Council, Northumbria To be used on public highways, and where it is stored) Text ASB followed by your message to 07786 200 802 Police and South Tyneside Homes motorcycles must be constructed of agencies including South Tyneside Homes, • Details of the rider (e.g. name, are working together to deal with to a specific standard and are Northumbria Police, Tyne and Wear Fire and address and what they are wearing) Rescue Service, Youth Service and Simonside motorcycle nuisance in the Borough. required to have: Other useful numbers: • When and where the motorcycle is Outdoor Adventure, Community Wardens and Police: 101 (non-emergency) or 999 (in an emergency) Riding on open land, parks, rights being used (e.g. days, times, routes) Trading Standards Teams. A whole programme • A valid MOT of way and footpaths is almost • Insurance of events and activities will be delivered to Community Wardens: 0191 420 3713 always illegal. Even on private land, engage with young people. permission is required from the • Road tax What can we do? owner of the land. • Be registered • Seize the motorcycle and have it destroyed The rider must also: FREE • Take tenancy enforcement action Preventing Fires • Be aged 17 or over against the owner of the motorcycle • Hold a valid driver’s licence • Use our Public Spaces Protection Order Between April and May there is a to issue a fixed penalty notice activities significant increase in anti-social • Wear a suitable crash helmet For more information about the campaign and to see what activities behaviour (ASB) fires. are planned including a FREE climbing session and BBQ at Simonside To help us avoid the lighting of Climbing Wall on 29 March and 5-a-side football tournaments on 6 fires please report any fly-tipping For more information visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/communitysafety and 13 April visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk or a large build-up of rubbish to 0191 427 7000.
32 www.southtyneside.gov.uk www.southtyneside.gov.uk/communitysafety 33 The A-Z of recycling! Universal Whilst residents are recycling more household waste than ever there are Credit - are still some concerns over what can and can’t be recycled. To make it easier for you we have developed an A-Z guide to recycling. Featuring over 200 items, the online guide clearly identifies you prepared? what can and can't be recycled. To view the guide visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/recycle Universal Credit is a single monthly payment for people in and out of work. It replaces six benefits: Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credit, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Income-based Jobseeker’s Do not recycle! Our top 5 items which can’t be recycled in the blue recycling bin include: Allowance and Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.
In South Tyneside, Universal Credit went ‘live’ in February 2016 with single people who claim Job Seekers Allowance. Universal Credit - be prepared Full roll-out will start from 30 May 2018. This will include all 1. Know your rent charges. You can get this information new claimants or people who have a change in circumstances. from your Landlord. If you are a council tenant you People who have not moved to the new benefit will follow can call 0300 123 6633. You can also view your rent some time before 2020. charges (if you are registered to manage your tenancy Clothes and textiles online) at www.southtynesidehomes.org.uk Pizza/takeaway Plastic carrier bags Nappies Food (bedding, curtains, You can apply through the Department for Work and boxes and black sacks 2. Make sure you have a bank account. If you need duvets, pillows etc.) Pensions through the online national system: www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit help finding a bank account, call Welfare Support on 0191 424 6040 What to put in your blue recycling bin The inner caddy is for paper including: Helpful information 3. Make sure you have access to a PC and internet • White office paper and are ‘PC ready’. Find out where you can access (flatten cardboard and rinse all containers • Universal Credit will be paid once a month, in arrears, public PCs and receive support at www.southtyneside. • Newspapers usually into a bank. This will be paid to one person in each gov.uk/getonline so they are free from food/liquid) • Magazines household each month 4. If you are having problems with debts or benefits, • Cardboard packaging (cereal boxes, egg boxes, • Envelopes • Any money you get towards your rent will be included get support now. See the Welfare Support Service (no jiffy/padded envelopes) toilet/kitchen roll) - No pizza or takeaway in your Universal Credit payment and you will pay your information below boxes with food or grease • Junk mail Landlord directly (in some circumstances you can request 5. Remember pay your RENT FIRST, you home • Plain card (no glitter or glue) • Catalogues that your rent is paid directly to your Landlord) could be at risk, if you don’t pay your rent. • Glass bottles and jars (beer, wine, • Printed paper • If you are left without food or utilities, Local Welfare perfume/medicine bottles, pasta sauce) • Brochures Provision may be available. Certain criteria does apply There is a lot of support available to you if you are in rent • Food tins (including pet food) • Letter/writing paper arrears, need help with your claim and help to get online. • Direct Debit is the easiest way to manage your bills and rent • Drink cans Get prepared and get support now. payments. Council tenants can call 0300 123 6633 to set up • Aerosols For more information on what can and can’t go in your blue rent payments in one quick easy phone call www.southtyneside.gov.uk/universalcredit • Cartons (milk, juice) recycling bin visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/recycle • Plastic (milk, juice, water, shampoo bottles, washing up bottles, yoghurt, margarine tubs, ice cream tubs) • Small electrical appliances (hairdryer, toaster, kettle, REMEMBER: IF in doubt, LEAVE IT OUT! iron, hair straighteners, power tools) Garden waste collections are starting Welfare Support Service Don’t forget to renew or subscribe to the garden waste service for £30 per bin. The collections start on Get debt, benefit and money advice by telephone, by appointment at an outreach session or in Monday 19 March 2018. If you wish to join the garden waste scheme, you can do so at any time in the season your home. This is open to everyone living in South Tyneside. It’s free, impartial and confidential. however you may not be registered in time to receive all collections. The service runs March - November. 0191 424 6040 www.southtyneside.info/welfaresupport For more information or to renew or subscribe to the scheme visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/greenwaste
34 www.southtyneside.gov.uk/recycle www.southtyneside.gov.uk/universalcredit 35 Don’t fall for it! Medicines and Falls Everyone is at more risk of falling as they age, but did you know that your medications could be increasing this risk, especially if you are on more than 4 tablets?
• Water tablets e.g Furosemide, Bendroflumethiazide Modern Slavery has a devastating What are we doing in What can I do to lower my risk? • Sleeping tablets e.g Zopiclone, Temazepam and lasting impact on victims, South Tyneside? Know your tablets! In South Tyneside, partners and Everyone should know why they take each tablet and what it • Tablets for depression or another children and families. agencies are working together to mental health problem raise awareness of, prevent and is supposed to do. Some tablets are important to take at very The Government recently estimated that between 10,000 and 13,000 people are improve the response to Modern specific times. currently subject to some form of modern slavery in the UK. It is an issue unrestricted • Tablets for allergies e.g Antihistamines Slavery cases. A new strategy sets by age, gender, ethnicity or background. out our vision: Review your tablets regularly with • Over the counter tablets e.g. Cold remedies Modern slavery captures a whole range of exploitation including: For everyone in your GP and/or Pharmacist Trafficking Domestic servitude South Tyneside to live a safe As our bodies change, our needs change with it. Sometimes What sort of effects can we need more of a medicine and sometimes less. You should Involving the transportation, recruitment, A victim is forced to work in a private and happy life free from receipt or harbouring of people for household, usually performing domestic have a detailed look at your tablets once a year (every 6 medicines have? slavery and exploitation in purposes of exploitation (sexual, forced chores and childcare duties. months if you’re over 75). Let your GP know if you’ve lost or Some common side effects that can make you unsteady labour, slavery and organ removal) using all its forms. gained weight, if you have been to hospital, or if your health are; dizziness, lightheaded-ness, drowsiness and fatigue, or immoral means, including violence, threats Child slavery has changed. deception, coercion, abduction or bribery. Four priorities have also been urgently needing the toilet. In addition to forced child labour, this can identified: Sexual exploitation involve child trafficking, forced marriage • Embed the Modern Slavery Act into and child domestic servitude. What’s wrong with a little tipple? Including sexual abuse, forced prostitution mainstream activity What can you do to reduce and the production of child pornography. • Improve awareness, understanding Alcohol can dull the senses and make you unsteady all on its Criminal exploitation and identification own. It can also interact with some medications making side your risk of falling? Forced labour The exploitation of a person to commit • Develop a positive protection and effects more likely. Check with your pharmacist or GP to see if • Make sure you have regular medication reviews a crime or combination of crimes, such Victims forced to work long hours for little support system for victims having a drink will affect your tablets. • Ask about any new tablets to know why you are taking or no pay, in poor conditions and under as shoplifting, cannabis cultivation, drug trafficking and other similar activities. • Hold perpetrators to account and them and what side effects they may have threat of violence to them and/or their promote appropriate prosecutions families. What particular types of tablets • Be cautious with alcohol • Read about side effects of over the counter medications, If you need help or think someone you know is at risk: should I be more aware of? if you have any doubts, ask the pharmacist • Call 999 if there is immediate danger • Take your tablets exactly when and how they are prescribed • Blood Pressure Tablets e.g Ramipril, Bisoprolol, • Contact the Police on 101 Doxazosin, Amlodipine • Report it to the Modern Slavery helpline on 0800 0121 700 (24 hours, 7 days a week) • Report it online at www.modernslavery.co.uk • Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 South Tyneside This message comes from South Tyneside Public Health, South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust and Age Concern Tyneside South. Special thanks to April Sim, Pharmacist for her professional input. www.southtyneside.gov.uk/worriedaboutanadult Safeguarding Adults Board
36 www.southtyneside.gov.uk/worriedaboutanadult www.southtyneside.gov.uk 37 Looking after your h ealth and wellbeing
The Council is driving forward the public health agenda and residents Diane Walker took part in Dry January can look forward to improved health and wellbeing thanks to a range of initiatives that are taking place across the Borough. South Tyneside Snack Smart Half the sugar children consume comes from unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks Public Health England is helping On average, children are consuming at Dry January 2018 champion parents in South Tyneside take control least 3 unhealthy snacks and sugary of their children’s snacking with the drinks a day, with around a third Diane Walker, A Better U Co-ordinator for South Tyneside Council, took part in Dry January for the first time. first Change4Life campaign promoting consuming 4 or more. The overall result Every year South Tyneside Council’s Public Health team back the campaign and one member of staff is healthier snacks. is that children consume three times chosen to be their Dry January champion, and this year Diane, from Cleadon, represented the team. more sugar than is recommended. ON AVERAGE A CHILD The Change4Life campaign encourages Diane said: “Working in a public health "Before we went out to celebrate I CONSUMES AROUND 7 parents in South Tyneside to “Look for role means I tend to lead a healthy thought I would miss not being able to Benefits of SUGAR CUBES A DAY. 100 calorie snacks, two a day max” to lifestyle, and I have never been a big have a glass of red wine and a coffee help them purchase healthier snacks. Download the drinker. My partner and I don’t drink liqueur but I just chose alternative drinks. Dry January The “100 calorie snacks, two a day Change4Life Food in the house, only when we go out I actually preferred them so I’ve stuck of participants max” tip applies to all snacks apart from so taking part in Dry January wasn’t with them instead of my glass of wine saved money fruit and vegetables, as children should Scanner App too difficult as a whole. None of my even though Dry January has finished. 79% also be encouraged to eat a variety of The improved app will show you how friends or family were surprised I did “Through my role at work I know the of participants these to achieve their 5 A Day. many calories, sugar, salt and saturated Dry January as I always like to try new importance of leading a healthy lifestyle, 62% had better sleep fat there is in food to help make challenges. so I would recommend people to sign & more energy healthier choices easier. Download FREE Money-off vouchers “I have never done it before but every up to Dry January next year. It’s a great This is because half of children’s sugar in the App Store or Google Play. year the Public Health team at work way to start the New Year and to help of participants intake, currently around 7 sugar cubes for parents lost weight a day, comes from unhealthy snacks Resources were delivered to all schools supports and promotes the campaign, raise money for charity.” 49% Visit www.change4life.co.uk to and sugary drinks, leading to obesity in the Borough in January and a number and one person becomes the team’s sign-up for a FREE pack containing and dental decay. Each year children are of sessions have been delivered in Dry January champion. This is done on If you are concerned about how much you, or someone you know drinks, money-off vouchers to help you try consuming almost 400 biscuits; more schools and children’s centres to help a voluntary basis and the team takes there is lots of help available. For tips on cutting back on alcohol go to healthier snack options including than 120 cakes, buns and pastries; children pick healthier options when it in turns, so this year I decided to www.change4lifesouthtyneside.co.uk or telephone 0191 424 7300, you malt loaf, low sugar fromage frais around 100 portions of sweets; nearly 70 choosing snacks. volunteer. I did discuss it with my partner can also speak to your GP, find your local alcohol support service or and drinks with no added sugar. of both chocolate bars and ice creams; about undertaking it for the team as contact Drinkline Freephone on 0300 123 1110 or Alcoholics Anonymous You will also receive stickers for For more information visit washed down with over 150 juice drink the only big occasion in January is his on 0800 9177 650. kids and helpful tips and ideas. www.nhs.uk/change4life/ pouches and cans of fizzy drink. birthday. food-facts/sugar
38 www.change4lifesouthtyneside.co.uk www.change4lifesouthtyneside.co.uk 39
Look out for the Council’s refreshed alcohol strategy which Local and national will explore these issues further and include recommendations campaigns encourage where local partners can work together to tackle the harms people to drink less associated with alcohol. The Alcohol Concern's Dry January helps people to re-set their relationship with alcohol. new strategy will be published To link in with this, the Council is backing another campaign to encourage people to in spring 2018. take more days off from alcohol. This comes after the results of a survey found 6/10 people who responded admitting they feel tempted to pour a drink most nights. Diane Walker, a Better U Co-ordinator for the Council took part in Dry January for Balance is also supporting the new the first time which challenges people to campaign from Public Health England stay alcohol free for the month. encouraging people to take at least 2 or 3 days off drinking every week as a way She said: “I enjoyed taking part in Dry of cutting down to 14 units or under January as I always like to try new and reducing the risks of an alcohol challenges. I thought I would miss not related disease. being able to have a glass of red wine and a coffee liqueur when I went out for The Chief Medical Officers’ guideline for my partner’s birthday in January but it both men and women is that people are didn’t bother me at all. safest not to drink regularly more than 14 units per week, to keep health risks “I tried alternative drinks rather than from drinking alcohol to a low level. For alcohol and found I actually preferred people drinking 14 units per week, it is Balance is also re-launching its Can’t them so I’ve stuck with them instead best to spread this evenly over 3 days See It campaign highlighting that of my glass of wine even though Dry or more. A good way to reduce weekly alcohol increases the risk of seven types Local people discuss the effects of too much alcohol January has finished.” alcohol intake is to have several drink- of cancer as a clear reason to reduce free days each week. You can read more about Diane’s story weekly unit levels. Listening to your views on the on page 39. harms associated with alcohol Local people were given a chance to have their say on how too much alcohol can have a detrimental effect on the Borough. Members of the public were invited to answer a set of questions which were discussed at the event which was recently held at The Word, National Centre for the Written Word, in South Shields.
The panel discussed what South Tyneside could look like if we drank less alcohol Themes explored were: and responses included people feeling safer, healthier and happier. The panel was made up of a number of local experts, including: • Reasons why people drink alcohol • Kerrie Whelan, Headteacher at The • PC Steve Chappell, Neighbourhood Beacon Centre in South Shields Beat Manager with South Tyneside • Why it is important that Area Command (Northumbria Police) children are given an alcohol • Melanie Soutar, Manager at free childhood Matrix Young People’s Service in • Stuart Wright, Senior Development South Tyneside Services Manager at South • Why alcohol is everyone’s • Michelle Cutler, Community Safety Tyneside Council business and Tenancy Enforcement Manager at • Susan Taylor, Partnerships Manager • How alcohol can impact on South Tyneside Homes at Balance, the North East Alcohol every part of people's lives • Tom Hall, Director of Public Health in Office South Tyneside
40 www.change4lifesouthtyneside.co.uk www.change4lifesouthtyneside.co.uk 41 The top five reasons for consultations have been for: • Fever • Headlice • Coughs • Threadworm • Teething
What do I have to do? All pharmacies in South Tyneside offer the scheme and you will be seen as soon as possible without having to make an appointment. Staff will speak to you about your health condition and discuss with you what treatment you might need. Most pharmacies now have a consultation area if you feel you need to discuss things in private. You will be asked questions about your symptoms, including which medicines you are taking and information about your illness. It would be helpful if you took a list of GP online services now any medicines you are using. This is to make sure that the treatment you are given is right for you. All details given to the pharmacist are confidential. available across South Tyneside If you need it, the pharmacist will be able to provide the right medicine for GP online services enable people to use their computer or smart phone to you, as well as telling you the best way to take the medicine and give you book appointments, order repeat prescriptions or view their coded GP record. any extra advice you need to help with your illness. For example, if your child These services, now available at all GP practices in South Patients urged to has a fever the pharmacist will be able Tyneside, enable patients to book GP appointments and to give you advice as well as give you request repeat prescriptions via their computer, smartphone Registering for paracetamol if it is needed. or tablet at a time that suits them, anywhere, anytime - 24 Think Pharmacy First hours a day, seven days a week. GP online services Free treatment Patients who require repeat prescriptions can request these If you want to register for GP online services you NHS South Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group If you don’t normally pay for your from the comfort of their own home, rather than venturing will need to fill out a form at the surgery and show medicines, then you don’t need to out in the cold or wet weather to drop their request off two forms of ID, one of which should have a photo (such is encouraging patients to visit pharmacists for free, pay with Think Pharmacy First – you at the surgery. You will also be able to review which as a UK passport or driving licence) and the other should medication you should be taking, the dosage and when it professional advice on a range of minor health problems can get them free and over the have your address (such as a council tax bill). If you don’t counter from your local pharmacist should be taken - helping to improve your understanding have photo ID or anything with your address on it, it under the Think Pharmacy First scheme. without the need to see your GP. of your medication. doesn’t mean you will not be able to use online services, Make sure you ask for a ‘minor your practice staff may be able to help. Recent figures show that South Tyneside Think Pharmacy First is aimed at illness consultation’. patients seeking advice from pharmacists encouraging people to get advice and To register for GP online services, drop in and ask your have helped to free up around 35 GP medicines to treat common or less serious For more information GP practice, or to find out more visit the NHS Choices appointments per practice every month illnesses, such as coughs, colds, upset ask at your pharmacy or visit website at www.nhs.uk/GPonlineservices for people in more urgent need. stomachs and skin problems, simply by www.southtynesideccg.nhs.uk/ going to a community pharmacy. your-health/thinkpharmacyfirst/
42 www.southtynesideccg.nhs.uk www.southtynesideccg.nhs.uk @STyneCCG 43 housing Housing Solutions - finding you the home you need matters South Tyneside Homes offers access to hundreds of homes across South Tyneside, bringing a variety South Tyneside Homes’ newsletter - Housing Matters - has been merged with of properties to tenants, as well as access to essential pre and post tenancy support services. South Tyneside Council’s newsletter to deliver cost efficiencies and savings. Key information and stories for South Tyneside Homes’ tenants are featured on pages 44-47. As a South Tyneside Homes tenant you benefit from: • Specialist Teams in Area Management, Income Management and Customer • No deposit or fees • Affordable rent levels Service to provide support when • Dedicated pre-tenancy support to set • Repair Service, including Annual Gas you need it you up for success in your home Safety Check and Decent Homes Work • Local customer focussed services Finding a Property showcase As a South Tyneside Homes tenant you have access to a wide range of properties including one, two and three-bed flats, houses, bungalows and Housing Plus. new home Here are some of the properties that could be available to you.
just got a lot Three-bedroom house Wenlock Road, South Shields
Offering amazing value for money for a easier spacious family home, the rental cost for this property is just £93.09 per week, including the cost of water and sewerage. Due to the changing demands for housing Housing Benefit will be accepted. Housing Plus - Bungalow This property includes a modern kitchen and the impact of changes to benefits, we Don Dixon Drive have developed a new Lettings Policy. leading to a spacious lounge, three One-bedroom upper flat A fabulous one-bed bedrooms with ample storage and a Marlow Walk, Biddick Hall, bungalow available to modern bathroom. Additional benefits South Shields let at Don Dixon Drive. include UPVC double glazing, gas combi boiler and spacious private gardens. The The policy continues to provide you with easy and effective The new simple and fair process means that when you Located in the heart Offering excellent value for money, property is near good bus links, is close to ways to apply for a new home, and following consultation with look for a home you should find it quicker and it should of Fellgate in a quiet the rental cost for this property is only a local metro station, and within walking you, we have made some changes. These include: be clearer which homes we can and cannot offer you. It residential area, Don £72.99 per week, including the cost of distance of local shops and schools. also means that we can meet housing need, make the best Dixon Drive is central to local shops. It water and sewerage. Housing Benefit has great transport links from Durham • Being upfront and open before you move about the use of the housing that is available and help to provide safe will be accepted. Drive to the town centre and surrounding Properties available at time of print. homes you can afford, what it means to be a tenant, and sustainable communities. areas. It is also within walking distance to If showcased properties are unavailable, what services we will provide to you and ensure you This property includes a modern kitchen/ The new Lettings Policy will be available in April at Fellgate Metro Station. you can search for similar homes at understand your housing options so you make the right open plan lounge, good size double www.southtynesidehomes.org.uk www.tyneandwearhomes.org.uk move at the right time bedroom, separate bathroom and w.c. This bungalow is fully decorated, with We will write to you when this is available. Recently refurbished. Additional benefits fitted modern facilities as well as access to Visit www.tyneandwearhomes.org.uk to • Supporting existing tenants to stay in their home rather include UPVC double glazing, gas combi a communal hall for residents. Housing Plus place bids at any time, or to register for than move to ensure our communities are sustainable boiler and porch to front. Excellent bus accommodation offers you independent social housing. Call South Tyneside Homes places to live links. Walking distance to a variety of living in a safe and secure environment and 0300 123 6633 with any queries. local shops. support from your Housing Plus Officer.
44 www.southtynesidehomes.org.uk www.southtynesidehomes.org.uk omes.org.uk 45 You can enjoy the privacy of your own home and also spend time with others, you will also have access to shared services including conservatories, sky rooms, a kitchen and laundry facilities. You don’t need to be a South Tyneside Mutual Homes tenant to apply for a home. Helping to prevent Bill* moved into McIntyre Exchange homelessness Hall in December last year. He said: “I like it here better Many of us take for granted the roof than anywhere I have lived over our head, but for others a change in circumstances, such as the loss of a before. The staff are really job, change in benefits, deterioration in Enjoying a tai chi class; Housing Plus tenants Gillian Middleton (front) with friendly and the heating is (L-R) Susanne Blackburn, Marjorie Fickling and Pat Dixon health or just the constant struggle to included so I don’t need to meet the demands of everyday life can place them at risk of losing their home. Over 55 and interested in a range of worry about the bills. Most of Nationally, the number of households all I feel safe and secure.” accepted as homeless or in priority impressive, affordable rented housing? need is rising. Currently, the threat of Plan your future and make sure Thinking about a move? homelessness is defined as starting 28 Housing Plus brings you a range of All homes have their own front door it’s a happy, healthy one. To talk days before the person loses their home. modern one and two-bed apartments and a modern kitchen and bathroom. to someone about Housing Plus To help prevent more homelessness and bungalows. Our tenancies benefit from a 24-hour call 0300 123 6633. Just swap it! in South Tyneside and to meet the emergency alarm system, level access As well as supporting you with www.southtynesidehomes.org.uk/ Homelessness Reduction Act, we are: showers or bath, and safe environments. independent living, our Housing Plus housingplus If you would like to move home for any reason, for example • Assessing someone at risk of being To help you stay safe and healthy you service offers a range of services and made homeless 56 days before losing will also have access to a Housing Plus *Name has been changed for confidentiality size or location, you can swap it with other willing tenants. social opportunities so you can plan for their home Officer to provide advice and support purposes. a happy, healthy and more active life. A mutual exchange is when an existing tenant swaps home permanently • Helping people move to a more and a 24-hour warden call service. with another tenant. Benefits include: affordable home • Possibility of a move regardless • You may be able to negotiate what • Working with landlords, family and of immediate housing need and fixtures and fittings are left in the partners to resolve issues and provide Did you know that priority status on the housing property to the benefit of both parties, support register for example carpets, light fittings etc • Working with partners to provide the South Tyneside Homes • You may be able to move within • Could offer a wider choice than right support your chosen area faster than available to people registered for • Providing more drop-ins, in the places now operates a LiveChat waiting for a tenancy to be rehousing where customers need us most terminated and being successful • Raising awareness about homelessness service? • Eligibility guidelines are different so with a bid on the Housing with customers so they can ask for you may be more likely to get the Register help and advice as soon as possible property you would like The service is available Monday We can help you to log in In South Tyneside we have a strong track to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm. During online where you can do this. It’s easy to register (or we can do this for you) and we will send you regular record of supporting people in crisis these times you can connect to Live Chat is free to use for updates of new properties. and our focus is on the prevention of a Customer Service Advisor to those who have a broadband homelessness. discuss your enquiry, receiving an subscription. immediate response in a real time We understand that your time You can access the mutual exchange register at For more information contact conversation. www.tyneandwearhomes.org.uk our Housing Options Service on matters, use our new Live Chat We can now also discuss rent 0300 123 6633 or email to connect in just one click at “LiveChat is quick and simple to use.” Contact the Homefinder team on 0300 123 6633 or via account enquiries, however we connect2@southtynesidehomes. www.southtynesidehomes.org.uk cannot take payments or set up Livechat at www.southtynesidehomes.org.uk org.uk “We were very pleased with the direct debits via this service. Don’t delay, give it a try today. immediate response.”
Like South Tyneside Homes on facebook For all South Tyneside Homes enquiries: 0300 123 6633 Stay up-to-date with the latest news and services from your housing company. [email protected] www.southtynesidehomes.org.uk
46 www.southtynesidehomes.org.uk www.southtynesidehomes.org.uk 47 Your future your ote your choice
Local Government Elections Thursday 3 May 2018 This is your chance to vote for who you would like to represent you on South Tyneside Council, but to have your say you must be registered to vote.
Make sure you can vote Easy postal voting
If you have moved house recently or think More than 36,000 local people choose to vote by you may not be registered to vote, for any post and you can too. All you have to do is fill in a reason, you can apply to register online at simple application form and provide a signature and www.gov.uk/registertovote. If you don’t have your date of birth. access to a computer, tablet or smart phone you can call the Customer Contact Centre on If you would like to apply to vote by post, or 0191 427 7000 to provide your information want to cancel or change an existing postal vote or request a registration form (open Mon-Fri 8am please call our Customer Contact Centre on to 8pm and Sat 9am to 1pm). 0191 427 7000. Completed postal vote Online applications and completed registration application forms or changes to existing forms must be received by The Elections Office postal votes must be received by The by Tuesday 17 April 2018. Elections Office by 5pm on Wednesday 18 April 2018.
We have changed the format and paper stock of the South Tyneside newsletter to make sure we keep costs down and provide you with as much news and information as possible. If you live in South Tyneside and don’t receive this newsletter to your home address by Friday 16th March 2018, or if you would like to provide feedback or comments, please call 0191 427 1717 or email [email protected] to let us know. If you would like the newsletter in a different format we can arrange this for you. If you would like to receive enewsletters from South Tyneside Council visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/email This issue includes information from South Tyneside Homes, if you have any queries please call 0300 123 6633 or visit www.southtynesidehomes.org.uk
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