Blakelaw & North Fenham Community Council

British Red Cross Carers Emergency Card Information (updated 18 October 2020)

Redcross Poster.pdf

The Carer’s Emergency Card offers free emergency support to adults living in Newcastle whose carer suddenly becomes unable to return and offer them care in the usual way. This could be because of a personal crisis such as sudden illness, accident or other emergency which occurs while they are away from home. The scheme supports carers to draw up an emergency contact plan or keep safe an existing plan. It is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year, providing a rapid response in the event of a personal crisis as well as additional planned support to allow the carer to attend personal appointments.

If the cared for person is living in Newcastle upon Tyne, you may complete the attached registration form (please feel free to go on to a separate document if you wish to add additional information) and email to Carerscard_Northeast@redcross.org.uk or post it back using the following Freepost address: Carer’s Emergency Card, British Red Cross, FREEPOST NEA5668, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 8SR. Alternatively, if you prefer, I can call you directly and complete the registration form over the phone.

Coronavirus Update (as at 13 October 2020)

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The Prime Minister set out on October 12 how the government will further simplify and standardise local rules by introducing a three tiered system of local COVID Alert Levels in England.

Addressing MPs before hosting a Downing Street press conference, he confirmed the levels will be set at medium, high, and very high.

North East; Northumberland, North Tyneside, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland and County Durham, to be classified in the 'High' level.

Local COVID alert level: high

This is for areas with a higher level of infections where some additional restrictions are in place.

This means on top of restrictions in alert level medium:

you must not socialise with anybody outside of your household or support bubble in any indoor setting, whether at home or in a public place

you must not socialise in a group of more than 6 outside, including in a garden or other spaces like beaches or parks (other than where specific exemptions apply in law)

businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-secure manner, other than those that remain closed in law

certain businesses are required to ensure customers only consume food and drink while seated, and must close between 10pm and 5am

businesses and venues selling food for consumption off the premises can continue to do so after 10pm as long as this is through delivery service, click-and-collect or drive-through

schools, universities and places of worship remain open

weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees

exercise classes and organised sport can continue to take place outdoors. These will only be permitted indoors if it is possible for people to avoid mixing with people they do not live with or share a support bubble with, or for youth or disability sport

you can continue to travel to venues or amenities that are open, for work or to access education, but should look to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible

You must:

wear a face covering in those areas where this is mandated

You should continue to:

follow social distancing rules

work from home where you can effectively do so

walk or cycle where possible, or plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport.

Self-isolation enforcement and support

From 28 September, people who ae legally required to self-isolate will be fined if they breach the regulations. The penalty will start at £1,000 for a first offence but could increase to up to £10,000 for repeat offenders. These fines will also apply to employers who refuse to allow staff the time off work to self-isolate.

People on low incomes who are required to self-isolate may be entitled to a support payment of £500 if they are unable to work from home and have lost wages while self-isolating.

Coronavirus - Changes to lockdown (as of 00.01 18 September 2020)

Additional restrictions from 18 September 2020

From Friday 18 September 2020, Newcastle along with Durham, Gateshead, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland became an area of national intervention.  This means that the following additional restrictions are in place in these areas:

 Regulations will ban the following:

• Residents must not socialise with other people outside of their own households or support bubble in private homes and gardens
• Hospitality for food and drink will be restricted to table service only
• Late night restriction of operating hours will be introduced, with leisure and entertainment venues required to close between 10pm to 5am.

Residents are also advised to adhere to the following guidance to further reduce rates of infection:

• Residents should not socialise with other people outside of their own households in all public venues.
• Residents are advised to only use public transport for essential purposes, such as travelling to school or work
• Holidays should be taken within your own household or support bubble
• Residents are advised against attending amateur and semi-professional sporting events as spectators.

These changes are in addition to the nationwide six person limit on social gatherings that came into force on Monday 14  September 2020.  The 'rule of six' remains in place across the country and sits alongside these additional restrictions in the local area.  Measures to protect people who are shielding are being developed for implementation in the affected areas.  

Once legislation is in place the police or the local authority will be able to take action against those who break these rules, including asking people to disperse and issuing fixed penalty notices starting at £100 for those who participate in illegal gatherings.  People aged 18 or over will be able to be fined:

• £100 for the first offence, lowered to £50 if paid within 14 days
• £200 for the second offence, then doubling for each further offence up to a maximum of £3,200

You can find answers to the most frequently asked questions here

Other restrictions 

Below is information on restrictions that are in place across England, and where relevant, in the devolved nations.  These restrictions should be read in conjunction with the additional restrictions outlined above that were implemented in Newcastle from 18 September 2020.

On 9 September, following a rise in cases the government announced a number of new measures would come into place on Monday 14 September.  They also stressed that this was not the time for complacency and that it is critical that everyone observes the following key behaviours:

Hands: Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitiser if you are out and about.

Face: Wear a face covering in all indoor settings where you come into contact with people you do not normally meet unless you are exempt.  You can find more information on face coverings including exemptions here. 

Space: Stay at least 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible.  If this isn't possible then stay at least 1 metre apart and take other precautions such as wearing a face covering or meeting outdoors.

Changes from 14 September 2020

Rule of Six: You must not meet with people from other households socially in groups of more than 6 people.  This applies indoors and outdoors, including in your own home.  The police will have the power to enforce these limits including issuing fines of £100 for a first offence, which can double to a maximum of £3,200 for further breaches.  There are a limited number of exceptions to the rule of six including:

• Where more than six people live together or are in the same support bubble;
• To continue existing arrangements for children who do not live in the same parent as both their parents;
• Workplaces including voluntary and charitable services
• For education, training or registered childcare
• To fulfil legal obligations such as attending jury service
• To provide emergency assistance or support to a vulnerable person
• To avoid illness, injury or harm
• To participate in children's playgroups
• Wedding and civil partnership ceremonies and receptions, other religious life-cycle ceremonies and funerals - a maximum of 30 people will be able to attend
• Organised sports, physical activities and exercise classes
• Youth groups or activities
• Protests and political activities organised in compliance with Covid-19 secure guidance and subject to strict risk assessment

You can find out more about the rule of six including information on exceptions to the rule here. 

NHS Test and Trace: It will become mandatory for certain businesses to have a system to collect NHS Test and Trace data and to keep this for 21 days.  This will be enforceable by law.  Business who must collect this data include bars, restaurants, hairdressers, local authorities, libraries and places of worship.  You can find more information on which businesses should collect data and how to store it safely here.

Border enforcement: The government plans to simplify the Passenger Locator Form and increase enforcement to ensure those returning from abroad are quarantining if required to.

Planned pilots: Pilots planned for sports events will be limited to small numbers with strict conditions in place.  Plans for audiences to be able to return to conferences and other events from 1 October are being reviewed.

Restricted opening hours: The government will restrict the opening hours of certain businesses in lockdown areas with an option for this to be extended national in the future if necessary.  These restrictions are not currently in place in Newcastle.

Rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland may be different so please check before travelling to the devolved nations. 

Please be aware that there are local lockdowns in place in some areas of the UK.  You should check whether this applies to the area you are planning to visit before travelling.  More information on where local restrictions are in place can be found here.

CRISIS Support (freephone number)

CNTW-freephone-crisis-poster[1063].pdf

If you need urgent help with your mental health or learning disability call 24/7 

Newcastle Upon Tyne 

Adults - 0800 652 2863 

Children and young people - 0800 652 2864

Be Litter Aware - Dispose of masks and gloves properly(see attached poster)

Disposable Mask Poster.jpg

Streetwise Summer Activities

Streetwise are delivering FUN, FREE socially distanced activities for 4 weeks between 27 July 2020 and 22 August 2020

Blakelaw Session at Blakelaw Park - Thursdays between 2.30pm and 5.00pm

West Denton Session at Apperley Park - Wednesday between 2.30pm and 5.00pm

Throckley Session at Broomy Hill Road Park - Fridays between 2.30pm and 5.00pm

Projects4Change

Projects4Change are delivering a number of sessions throughout the summer holidays.  Please visit their website or Facebook page for further information.

Facebook @Projects4ChangeUK

Website - www.projects4change.org 

Blakelaw Post Office is Open and Hours of Business

From Monday 3 August 2020:

Monday 10.00am - 3.00pm, Tuesday 10.30am - 3.00pm and Wednesday 10.30 - 2.30pm 

Blakelaw Post Office Closure(update 10/04/2020)

Whilst we are aware that the Blakelaw Post Office had closed at the end of March 2020 due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Post Office have provided the below notification to BNFCC on the 9 April:-

"Dear Sir/Madam

We’re writing to advise you about the unplanned temporary closure of the above Post Office.

For further information please visit our Consultation Hub via the link below:

Consultation Hub - NE5 3PN

You can also refer to our FAQs on the Coronavirus Pandemic and Changes to the Post Office Network on our Consultation Hub home page www.postofficeviews.co.uk. We will update this as more information becomes available.

A customer information poster will be displayed in branch.

Yours faithfully

Audra Mirjah-Clarke
Post Office Ltd"

Northumbria Police Survey (Updated 26/07/2020)

Northumbria Police is committed to providing an outstanding service to its communities. We want to understand how safe you feel in your neighbourhood and how effective you think our feel our policing service has been.
Your views will help us to shape the future of local policing in your area.
You can take our survey here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/NorthumbriaPolPublicPerceptions20/ 

Stay Safe, Shop Local (Updated 26/06/2020)

Please find attached information about plans for changes to shopping areas on the West Road and Adelaide Terrace. Visit the website https://newcastledistrictshoppingcentres.commonplace.is/ for more information and to have your say. 

Adelaide Terrace email with links[11971].pdf

West Road email wth links[11970].pdf

Test, Track and Trace Update (01/06/2020)

NHS-test-and-trace[11881].pdf

Public Health England COVID19 Surveillance Summary(29/04/2020)

Public Health England Survellienace Report COVID19 Epidemiological Summary.pdf

Northumbria Police - Domestic Violence Update (29/04/2020)

For two million victims of domestic abuse, home may not be the safe place it should be.

We can help support you if you are experiencing domestic abuse, you can contact Northumbria Police by telephone on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

If you dial 999 and are unable to speak, the emergency operator will ask you to dial 55 and to follow their instructions to quickly put you in touch with police.

You can also get information and report incidents online via our website www.northumbria.police.uk

There is also a wide range of support services that we work closely with to support victims of domestic abuse.

These services are available across our force area and offer fantastic support to victims in need of advice and information.

Area specific:
Northumberland
DASN – Domestic Abuse Service Northumberland
01670 820199

North Tyneside
Harbour
0191 2513305

Gateshead
Domestic Abuse Team Gateshead
0191 4333333

Newcastle
NIDAS- Newcastle Integrated DA Services
0191 2146501

South Tyneside
Impact Family Services
0737 5788835

Sunderland
Wearside Women In Need
0800 0665555

General:
Angelou Centre
(support for BME/refuges)
0191 2260394
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
0808 2000247
Men’s Advice Line
0808 8010327
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline
0800 9995428

Extract from the press release on "www.gov.uk" w/ebsite from the Department of Education (updated 20/04/2020)

Disadvantaged children across England are set to receive laptops and tablets as part of a push to make remote education accessible for pupils staying at home during the coronavirus outbreak.

Devices will be ordered for children in the most vital stages of their education, those who receive support from a social worker and care leavers.

The government will also provide 4G routers to make sure disadvantaged secondary school pupils and care leavers can access the internet – where those families do not already have mobile or broadband internet in the household.

The country’s major telecommunications providers will make it easier for families to access selected educational resources by temporarily exempting these sites from data charges.

Newcastle City Council (Link updates automatically)

www.newcastle.gov.uk/coronavirus 

Waste Collection Updates - Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice to local authorities on prioritising waste collections

Travel & Transport Guidance - Coronavirus (COVID-19): transport and travel guidance

Coronavirus Leaflet - April 2020(updated 10/04/2020)

april coronavirus-leaflet[11303].pdf

 Northumbria Police (update 10/04/2020)

We're asking you to stay vigilant after it’s been reported thieves are targeting valuable items left in parked vehicles or in insecure homes and garages.
As a result our officers across our force area will be carrying out targeted patrols in key areas to deter thieves as well as continue enquiries to locate suspects and recover stolen items.
We’re reminding you to take extra steps to make sure your valuables are secured to prevent yourself falling victim to crime.
Remember to:
• Not leave valuables in your car
• Don’t leave your car keys in porches or near to the front door
If you are concerned of anyone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood please report it online via our website.
Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Online Support and Guidance(update 31/03/2020)

The Government has today announced that additional online support and guidance will be offered for people struggling during the #COVID19 pandemic. You can find the resources here 👉https://bit.ly/3auwRWP

Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council Food Bank Donation(updated 28/03/2020)

In order to support our local community in this ever changing COVID-19 crisis, Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council have agreed to make a donation in the sum of £500 to the Newcastle West End Food Bank in support of their ongoing work.

In the coming days and months if you find yourself in a position where you need to use this type of support please locate your nearest Citizens Advice(click on the link) “your nearest Citizens Advice” who will be able to make a referral. You can also be referred by a charity, someone like a GP or a social worker.

Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council would also encourage all residents to come forward with other suggestions that we can consider and progress. We are however unable to provide personal donations to residents.

Please look at our website for reliably sourced updates information www.blakelawnfenhamcommunity-council.com

And remember:

“the world came together as the people stayed apart” 

 Stay safe everyone!”

Thomas Walling Newsletter and Statement (updated 28/03/2020)/

Thomas Walling Newsletter 27March2020.docx

"This week has been turbulent for all the Academies each facing their own challenges and pushing through these no matter the obstacles presented with. All pupils should be commended for the effort they have taken this week to log in and complete the work provided on-line.

Staff within the Trust have been using Google Classroom to upload work, take classes and set tasks. Attendance of pupils at the Academies is being monitored closely along with those pupils who have not been attending also. This has been a large job for staff especially the welfare teams to check and manage all of our vulnerable children.

Moving forward the Trustboard are in discussions in regards to a fantastic new virtual learning environment which they hope to be launched after Easter.

The next stage of the strategy is to develop a way pupils can complete written work which can then be submitted and marked by the teacher.

Staff have also been given the opportunity to volunteer for the NHS with line manager approval.

100 Things to do with the Kids (updated 26/03/2020)

Tips for entertaining kids[11034].docx

Streetwise Young Peoples Project (updated 26/03/2020)

If your child or children /young people you know are stuck in the house looking for something to do, you can point them in the direction of Streetwise Young People’s Project. The Youth Workers are broadcasting live 3 times a day on Instagram @Streetwise_Newcastle 2pm 4pm 7pm Mon-Friday & 2pm 4pm Saturday. The broadcasts are aimed at young people between 13-25yrs old. Streetwise are also offering mental health and wellbeing support in the form of Skype, messenger and phone calls, to young people who need it. If you would like more information you can email them at admin@streetwisenorth.org.uk, check out their website Streetwise Newcastle, their Facebook Streetwise Newcastle or call them on 07852 107803.

NHS - Advice (link updates automatically)

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Citylife Line  (updated 28/03/2020)

As of today (Friday March 27), residents who need help accessing essential services, or who need support as social distancing and isolation measures impact on their existing support networks, can alert Newcastle City Council of their situation.

This can be done online at www.newcastle.gov.uk/citylifeline or by calling 0191 2778000. This number will go live at 11am on Friday March 27

Please read, share and support where you can, the new Citylife Line is now open. Read more about how this works and watch a short video clip on our website.

Citylife Line has been set up for people wanting to volunteer their time while also providing a service for people to register their need for assistance.

It has launched today (Tuesday March 24) with a webform at www.newcastle.gov.uk/citylifeline for people wanting to volunteer their time to support the wide range of established community organisations across the City or offer another type of support service to the City.

Coronavirus (COVID - 19)(Link updates automatically)

This page focuses on information and updates from a variety of reliable sources:- 

For updated information please access the websites below:-

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england

Increased COVID - 19 Related Fraud (updated 19/03/2020)

Please see link to below which highlight the issue of increase fraud related to COVID 19.

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/alert/coronavirus-related-fraud-reports-increase-by-400-in-march

Kooth.com - online support for young people(updated 24/03/2020)

Services Kooth Statement Supporting COVID19 BCP[11028].docx 

Safe Guarding Adults information for those self-isolating (updated 24/03/2020)

Safeguarding adults info for self-isolating (004)[11033].pdf

ALL MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL INCLUDING DROP INS AND SUB GROUPS WILL NOW BE HELD BY ZOOM, PLEASE CONTACT THE CHAIR OR CLERK TO THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FOR FURTHER DETAILS

Community Council Meetings

Meetings are  held on the second Thursday of each month, (except August and December), at 6pm in the Community Room, Moorland House, Moulton Place, Blakelaw, Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 3RY.  You are advised to check the location on each agenda.  Please see the below for the agendas and minutes of each meeting.

Members of the public are welcome to attend and raise any issues before the commencement of the formal business.  If you wish to speak during the formal business session, please indicate this to the Chair by raising your hand.  The Chair will conduct the order of speakers and will indicate who will speak next. 

The Community Council also hold a monthly drop in session on the first Thursday of each month, (except August and December) at 5.30pm in the Community Room, Moorland House, Moulton Place, Blakelaw, Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 3RY.  

2020/2021 - Agendas and Minutes 

2019/2020 - Agendas and Minutes 

Blakelaw & North Fenham Community Council aims to improve the social and economic welfare of the residents of the Parish. It is essential that any organisation requesting financial assistance will be expected to support the aims of the Council and that its activities address at least one of the following objectives:-

1. To enhance community cohesion
2. To develop social inclusion
3. To alleviate deprivation   

Applications must be from a community based organisation. The Council will not consider applications from individuals, projects that are political or religious projects that do not demonstrate social or economic benefits.

You can apply for a grant funding by completing the below grant funding application(click on the link), don't forget to read the guidance notes thoroughly and ensure you have ALL relevant documents requested before you submit your application.

Grant Application June 2020.docx

Grant application guidance notes June 2020.doc

Grant Monitoring Form June 2020.doc

In 2019/20 Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council have provided financial support to:

Blakelaw Pensioners Association 

Newcastle West Kinship Carers 

Blakelaw Flats Tenants and Residents Association

Holly Court Club

165 Tenants and Residents Association

Fostering in Newcastle 

Jelly Tots Messy Play 

Little Learners Nursery - Blakelaw

Newcastle United Foundation 

Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council aim to provide a community newsletter 4 times per year.  If you would like to contribute to our newsletter.  Please email bnfcc@outlook.com with your request.  Our Newsletters are below:

March 2020

BNFCC Newsletter MARCH 2020[10699].pdf

June 2020 

BNFCC Newsletter JUNE 2020[11955].pdf

JULY 2020

"RAFFLE TIME - WE HAVE WINNERS"

We have WINNERS!

 Thank you to everyone who joined in our raffles over the last few weeks. The raffle was drawn on the 1 August 2020 and the winners are:

Adult Raffle

1 – Charlotte Allan

2 – Denise Redhead

26 – Carole Josling

41 – Joan Gill

77 – Val Morrison

Kids Raffle 

6 – Katelin Heslop

26 – Daniel Cunningham

48 – Joseph Middlemas

49 – Lola O’Shea

50 – Callum Rose

Please can you contact the Clerk, Helen Richardson via email bnfcc@outlook.com or text 07588154441 to claim your prize and make arrangements for delivery.

 WELLDONE TO YOU ALL

MAY 2020 

“COMPETITION TIME - AND WE HAVE A WINNER”

Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council held 2 competitions due to the postponement of their Whitby trip and charity night – these events WILL both be rearranged when it is safe to do so.

Well done to you all, our winners of the raffle are:

1.  Marie Vincent (42) - Hamper
2. Gemma Middlesmas (14) - Candle Set
3. Katherine Christie (8) - Harding and Bayliss Set
4. Michelle Keenan (31) - Perfume Set
5. James Gill (32) - Ringtons Hamper
6. Alan and Elaine Richards (30) - Ringtons Hamper
7. Carole Josling (34) - Ringtons Hamper
8.  Margaret Taylor (7) - Ringtons Hamper
9.  Samantha Gibson (24) - Ringtons Hamper
10. Liz Patton (75) - Ringtons Hamper
11. Tanya Marshall (29) - 2 Ringtons Union Jack Mugs

Our second competition was for our children and young people. Blakelaw and North Community Council had an excellent response, we have some very talented artists in our community.  Sadly, we were only able to select one design to be printed but everyone is a WINNER  - well done to you all.  

Our WINNER was Mason with the below design.  Mason will have his card printed and sent as a thank you to key workers, those who work within a caring role and our NHS - you are all truly hero's in our eyes.  

Winning Design 

Well done Mason 

Runners up 

Well done to Jack, Leo and Callum 

Well done Lola 

Well done Isla 

Well done Hannah - Image to follow

SAVE THE DATES - Details to follow

POSTPONED - Whitby Trip – 25 April 2020 

Following a number of updates from Government regarding the COVID 19 virus, Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council have made the difficult decision to cancel our community trip to Whitby being held on the 25 April 2020. This trip will be rearranged to a future date to be confirmed. Our current ticket list will be carried forward to the new date and updates will be provided as and when we receive them. If you have any queries please contact our Clerk, Helen on bnfcc@outlook.com or 07588154441

Summer Community Coach Trip - 15 August 2020 - POSTPONED 

Christmas Community Coach Trip - 5 December 2020 - POSTPONED