Making A Difference In Your Community Today
It is with great sadness that as Chair of Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council I am having to make this statement. The community council (council) have recently been made aware of a Facebook post made by an ex-community councillor that made a number of inaccurate statements. Whilst it would not be usual practice for the council to comment on such nonsense, given this post created quite a significant amount of discussion with feedback being received from residents that the ex-councillor continues to speak ill of the council it was felt that we had no other option but to respond. My apologies that this will be a longer statement than I would ever wish to make but feel it’s important to share the councils version of events.
Firstly, I need to point out that Parish and Community Councillors are NOT volunteers, they are elected in to the position of councillor by the electorate ie the residents of Blakelaw and North Fenham. In July 2022 I was alerted to a serving councillor receiving £660 of grant funding from a grant recipient at Christmas 2021. The original grant application had stated that the organisation would be spending the funding on a lunch out, if an applicant wishes to change the use of the funding then they must contact the council to ask permission. On receiving the monitoring forms from the organisation, it appeared that a serving councillor had received the funds to provide a Christmas lunch, this was confirmed by the organisation. As Chair, I am required to investigate the claim especially as this particular issue has been raised and discussed on a number of occasions with councillors agreeing that NO councillor should financially benefit from any grant funding being awarded by council – this councillor attended every meeting that this matter was discussed and knew this funding application had been granted. Whilst this practice is not legally wrong it is viewed as being morally wrong within the remit of the council. On meeting with the councillor, a number of statements they made concerned me and at the end of the meeting I informed them that due to comments made by them, the fact that I had spoken to this councillor before about their conduct and my concerns, I as Chair would be referring them to Newcastle City Council’s(NCC) Standards Board for “misappropriation of council funds” NOT for aggression although the councillor did become aggressive when challenged. This type of referral is a confidential matter between the parties and the councillor will have been reminded of this when spoken to by NCC. Whilst this councillor was spoken to NO investigation ever took place, this was NOT because there was NO case to answer but because the councillor resigned prior to any investigation taking place. To be clear this is an unpleasant process for everyone but a one I felt needed to be undertaken on this occasion.
In relation to comments made with regards to the “toxicity” of the council and a subsequent 3 resignations for this same reason, the council did contact each person regarding their resignations. One person confirmed that the reasoning for their resignation was due to other commitments that they had and NOT due to the reasons stated in the ex-councillors Facebook post, the other 2 people did not respond to my request for further discussion and evidence of this type of behaviour. At no point during these councillor’s term of office have they ever raised concerns regarding toxicity and/or bullying and when at a recent staffing meeting were shocked and surprised when the clerk raised as a concern the conduct of some councillors. The council takes these types of allegations very seriously and are currently awaiting advice from NCC on how to self-refer to their Standards Board which will hopefully review processes, practices and comments made although I am confident that the council have not conducted itself in a manner that would question its reputation or the work it does within the community.
In relation to comments made about being jealous following the awarding of a BEM – why would those who serve on the council be jealous of another serving councillor, are we not meant to be working together? The council shared congratulations along with many others. I do find this statement very odd as councillors undertake the work they do on behalf of residents to help, support and enhance residents lives and the area they live in not to receive awards!!!!
We have also received feedback from a resident that this ex-councillor has also stated that we refused a funding application for the play group for the recent October half term. I can confirm that the council did not receive an application for funding from the playgroup. The council will not tolerate this type of behaviour and will be monitoring the various feedback we do receive. The people of Blakelaw and North Fenham deserve the best and the council want to continue working hard to support the community in achieving this. We would welcome the opportunity to work alongside as many organisations as possible to enhance the lives of residents but this works both ways.
Finally, the council is a tier of local government and are expected to follow very specific process, practice and regulation, just like any other government institution. To ensure that the resident we serve are receiving the best possible support and value for their precept payment questions need to be asked and challenges to information are required. We do not have an endless pot of money and any spend has to enhance those residents lives who pay the precept.
Community Councillor
Blakelaw Ward
Community Councillor
Blakelaw Ward
Community Councillor
Cragston Ward
Community Councillor
Cragston Ward
Community Councillor
Cragston Ward
Community Councillor
North Fenham Ward
Community Councillor
North Fenham Ward
Clerk to the Community Council
FOR ALL MEETINGS OF THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL INCLUDING DROP INS AND SUB GROUPS, PLEASE CONTACT THE CHAIR OR CLERK TO THE COMMUNITY COUNCIL FOR FURTHER DETAILS REGARDING THE VENUE
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.
Standards and Codes
The Standards (Parish/Community Councils) Sub Committee, oversees the operation of the codes of conduct by providing guidance assistance and training. See the Code of Conduct
BNFCC Standing Orders 2018 (revised 2020)[2600].docx
BNFCC Financial Regulations July-2019[2598].docx
2022/2023 - Agenda's and Minutes
Date | Agenda | Minutes |
14 April 2022 (Cancelled) | Agenda 14.04.2022.doc | Meeting cancelled and rearranged to 28/04/2022 |
28 April 2022 (rearranged) | Agenda 28.04.2022(rearranged).doc | Minutes 28.04.2022.doc |
12 May 2022 (AGM) | AGM Agenda 12.05.2022.doc | Minutes 12.05.2022.doc |
09 June 2022 | Agenda 09.06.2022.doc | Minutes 09.06.2022.doc |
14 July 2022 | Agenda 14.07.2022.doc | Minutes 14.07.2022.doc |
August 2022 | No Meeting | |
08 September 2022 (postponed due to the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II) | Agenda 08.09.2022.doc | Minutes 08.09.2022.doc |
13 October 2022 | Agenda 13.10.2022.doc | Minutes 13.10.2022.doc |
17 November 2022 | Agenda 17.11.2022.doc | Minutes 17.11.2022.doc |
December 2022 | No Meeting | |
12 January 2023 | Agenda 12.01.2023.doc | |
09 February 2023 | Agenda 09.02.2023.doc | |
09 March 2023 |
Sub Groups
Date | Sub Group | Agenda | Chair (for further information please contact the Chair) |
08 June 2022 | Community Engagement | Agenda 08.06.2022.doc | Juna Sathian |
07 July 2022 | Environment | Evo Gp 07.07.2022.doc | Violet Rook |
04 August 2022 | Staffing (Closed Group) | John Wears | |
08 September 2022 | Community Engagement | Agenda 08.09.2022.doc | Juna Sathian |
06 October 2022 | Environment | Postponed | Violet Rook |
03 November 2022 | Community Engagement | Juna Sathian | |
01 December 2022 | Staffing (Closed Group) | John Wears | |
05 January 2023 | Budget Meeting | John Wears | |
02 February 2023 | Community Engagement | Juna Sathian | |
02 March 2023 | Environment | Violet Rook | |
March 2023 | Staffing (Closed Group) | John Wears |
2021/2022 - Agenda's and Minutes
Date | Agenda | Minutes |
08 April 2021 | Agenda 08.04.2021.doc | Minutes 08.04.2021.doc |
POSTPONED 13 May 2021 - AGM | AGM Agenda 13.05.2021.doc | POSTPONED due to the continuation of holding digital meetings lapsing |
20 May 2021 - AGM - to be held at English Martyr's Church | Agenda 20.05.2021 (Rescheduled from 13.05.2021).doc | Minutes(AGM) 20.05.2021.doc BNFCC Annual Report 2020-21[3390].pdf |
10 June 2021 | Agenda 10.06.2021.doc | Minutes 10.06.2021.doc |
08 July 2021 | Agenda 08.07.2021.doc | Minutes 08.07.2021.doc |
August 2021 - No Meeting | ||
16 September 2021 | Agenda 16.09.2021.doc | Minutes 16.09.201.doc |
14 October 2021 | Agenda 14.10.2021.doc | Minutes 14.10.2021.doc |
11 November 2021 | Agenda 11.11.2021.doc | Minutes 11.11.2021.doc |
02 December 2021 - Special Meeting | Agenda 02.12.2021.doc | Minutes 02.12.2021.doc |
13 January 2022 | Agenda 13.01.2022.doc | Minutes 13.01.2022.doc |
10 February 2022 | Agenda 10.02.2022.doc | Minutes 10.02.2022.doc |
10 March 2022 | Agenda 10.03.2022.doc | Minutes 10.03.2022.doc |
Sub Groups
Date | Sub Group | Agenda | Chair (for further information please contact the Chair) |
04/02/2021 | Community Engagement Group | BNFCC Comms Meeting 04.02.2021.doc | Jimmy Gill |
03/06/2021 | Community Engagement Group | Agenda 03.06.2021.doc | Juna Sathian |
01/07/2021 | Environmental Group | Agenda 01.07.2021.docx | Violet Rooke |
21/09/2021 | Community Engagement Group | Agenda 21.09.2021.doc | Juna Sathian |
2020/2021 - Agendas and Minutes
Date | Agenda | Minutes |
09 April 2020 | No Meeting (COVID - 19) | |
14 May 2020 - No AGM till 2021 | Agenda 14.05.2020.doc | Minutes 14.05.2020.doc |
11 June 2020 | Agenda 11.06.2020.doc | Minutes 11.06.2020.doc |
09 July 2020 | Agenda 09.07.2020.doc | Minutes 09.07.2020.doc |
13 August 2020 | Agenda 13.08.2020.doc | Minutes 13.08.2020.doc |
10 September 2020 | Agenda 10.09.2020.doc | Minutes 10.09.2020.doc |
08 October 2020 | Agenda 08.10.2020.doc | Minutes 08.10.2020.doc |
12 November 2020 | Agenda 12.11.2020.doc | Minutes 12.11.2020.doc |
10 December 2020 - No Meeting | ||
14 January 2021 | Agenda 14.01.2021.doc | Minutes 14.01.2021.doc |
11 February 2021 (meeting postponed to 18 February 2021) | Meeting postponed to 18/02/2021 | Meeting postponed to 18/02/2021 |
18 February 2021 | Agenda 18.02.2021(rescheduled from 11.02.2021).doc | Minutes 18.02.2021.doc |
11 March 2021 | Agenda 11.03.2021.doc | Minutes 11.03.2021.doc |
2019/2020 - Agendas and Minutes
Date | Agenda | Minutes and Chairs Report |
11 April 2019 | Agenda 11.04.19.doc | Minutes 11.04.19.doc |
09 May 2019 (including AGM) | Agenda 09.05.19.doc | Minutes 09.05.19.doc |
13 June 2019 | Agenda 13.06.19.doc | Minutes 13.06.19.doc |
11 July 2019 | Agenda 11.07.19.doc | Minutes 11.07.19.doc |
August 2019 | No Meeting | |
12 September 2019 | Agenda 12.09.19(1).doc | Minutes 12.09.19.doc |
10 October 2019 | Agenda 10.10.19.doc | Minutes 10.10.19.doc |
14 November 2019 | Agenda 14.11.19.doc | Minutes 14.11.19.doc |
09 December 2019 - Special Meeting | Agenda 09.12.19.doc | Minutes 09.12.19.doc |
06 January 2020 - Budget Meeting | Agenda 06.01.2020.doc | Minutes 06.01.2020.doc |
09 January 2020 | Agenda 09.01.2020.doc | Minutes 09.01.2020.doc |
13 February 2020 | Agenda 13.02.2020.doc | Minutes 13.02.2020.doc Chairs Report 12.03.2020.pdf |
12 March 2020 | Agenda 12.03.2020.doc | Minutes 12.03.2020.doc |
Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR)
Each year Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council are required to complete and submit to its External Auditor, an Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR). Once the return has been approved by the External Auditor, it is published on the Council’s website.
2021 - 2022
Certified AGAR including Audit Certificate 2021 - 2022
Notice of Conclusion of Audit
Notice of conclusion of audit.docx
Public Right of Inspection Notice
Public-rights notice 2021-22.docx
AGAR 2021 - 2022
Asset Register & Risk Assessment
Asset Register 2021 - 2022.xlsx
Risk assessment 2021 - 2022.docx
2020 - 2021
Certified AGAR including Audit Certificate 2020 - 2021
Notice of Conclusion of Audit
Notice of conclusion of audit_2021[1786].docx
Public Right of Inspection Notice
Public Right of Inspection (14.06.2021 - 23.07.2021).docx
AGAR 2020 - 2021(amended)
Amended Part 3 AGAR 30.08.21(Initialled)[5771].pdf
Annual-Return-Part3-2020-21-3-e-enabled.pdf
Asset Register & Risk Assessment 2020 - 2021
Asset Register 2020 - 2021.xlsx
Risk assessment 2020-2021.docx
2019 - 2020
Certified AGAR including Audit Certificate 2019 - 2020
Section 1&2 AGAR (Signed Off).pdf
Section 3 AGAR (Signed Off).pdf
Notice of Conclusion of Audit
Notice of conclusion of audit_2020[1786].docx
Public Right of Inspection Notice
Public Right of Inspection (01.09.2020-12.10.2020).docx
AGAR 2019 - 2020
Asset Register & Risk Assessment 2019 - 2020
2018 - 2019
AGAR 2018 - 2019 - if you require a copy, please contact the Clerk to the Community Council
Accounts 2018 - 2019
Copy of B&NFCC 18-19 accounts.xlsx
Asset Register & Risk Assessment 2018 - 2019
2017 - 2018
AGAR 2017 - 2018 - if you require a copy, please contact the Clerk to the Community Council
Accounts Certificate March 2018.pdf
Accounts 2017 - 2018
Copy of B&NFCC 17-18 accounts.xlsx
Asset Register & Risk Assessment 2017 - 2018
2016 - 2017
AGAR 2016 - 2017 - if you require a copy, please contact the Clerk to the Community Council
Accounts 2016 - 2017
Copy of B&NFCC 16-17 accounts.xlsx
Asset Register & Risk Assessment 2016 - 2017
2015 - 2016
AGAR 2015 - 2016 - if you require a copy, please contact the Clerk to the Community Council
Copy of B&NFCC 15-16 accounts (1385).xlsx
Asset Register & Risk Assessment 2015 - 2016
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:-
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 2022 - 2023 Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council have provided financial support to:
Blakelaw Club Juniors Football Club
SEARCH
Blakelaw Flats TARA
Blakelaw Community Council have also donated garden seating to an area within North Fenham
In 2021 - 2022 Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council have provided financial support to:
Holly Court
Blakelaw Flats TARA
Blakelaw Club Juniors Football Club
Hilton Primary School
Thomas Walling Primary School
Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council also donated a laptop to an apprentice via Projects4Change
In 2020 - 2021 Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council have provided financial support to:
Projects4change - Youth Work
Blakelaw Club Juniors Football
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
SEARCH Activities - February 2023
Vaccinations update Please see key updates in relation to covid 19 vaccination programme following recent announcements:
residents in a care home for older adults and staff working in care homes for older adults frontline health and social care workers all adults aged 50 years and over persons aged 5 to 49 years in a clinical risk group persons aged 12 to 49 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression persons aged 16 to 49 years who are carers Available clinics listed below are for flu vaccinations and blood pressure checks only. Covid vaccinations can still be booked via the national booking service. Please check our website for updates.
For up to date information on clinics please visit https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/services/public-health-wellbeing-and-leisure/public-health-services/coronavirus-covid-19/how-get To find a walk in clinic please click here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/find-a-walk-in-coronavirus-covid-19-vaccination-site/ Book your covid vaccination via the National Booking Service https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ Latest Covid Data for Newcastle A confirmed case is someone who has tested positive for coronavirus. Between 15 January 2023 and 21 January 2023, 0 - 2 people had a confirmed positive test result. This shows a decrease of N/A% compared to the previous 7 days. Some people with coronavirus have to go into hospital. Between 17 January 2023 and 23 January 2023, 33 went into hospital with coronavirus. This shows a decrease of -31.2% compared to the previous 7 days. There were 33 patients in hospital with coronavirus on 25 January 2023. Some people in the hospital need to use a special device called a mechanical ventilator to help them breathe. There were 2 coronavirus patients in hospital beds with a mechanical ventilator on 25 January 2023. Between 15 January 2023 and 21 January 2023, there have been 3 deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test. This shows no change compared to the previous 7 days. Information from https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk on Thursday 26 January 2023. Information on meetings in February Please find attached information provided by Jo Black, who spoke about the Kooth and Qwell services at our meeting on 12 January. In February we will be joined by: 9 February 10-11am – Rab Ferguson from The Literacy trust 22 February 6-7pm – Amanda Holmes, Learning disabilities and sexual health nurse at New Croft Centre. Please get in touch if you haven’t received invitations to these meetings The difference you make Thank you to all our Community Champions who have supported the Winter Wellbeing Get Together. Some of you have been involved by promoting and helping out at these events across the city. Some of you have even hosted your own events. Below we hear from Bryan Beverley at Tyne Housing. We were honoured, with support from Newcastle City Council, to support the Great Winter Get Together campaign this year, hosting our very own Great Winter Hot Dog Bananza! The doors to our Joseph Cowen Health Centre were open all day (8am - 4pm), offering tasty hotdogs, homemade soup, and hot drinks to help fight off the bitter winter chill - all before hosting a fun quiz in the afternoon for everybody to get involved in. When asked about how he found the event, John, one of the attendees, said ‘It's been great - tasty food, good craic with the lads and the staff were very friendly” Our Resident Consultation Group meets monthly and acts as a voice for the wider residents and visitors at Tyne, ensuring that resident views are always included in all aspects of Tyne’s activity. One of the members of the group, Barnie, brought his own expertise in helping facilitate the event, making sure we put on the best event we possibly could. When speaking on the event, Barnie said: “you could see that the people who attended found it a break from the streets. The snacks and hot drinks seemed very welcomed especially given the cold weather on the day. I helped a few visitors to take some warm clothing from the clothes store which they appreciated. Several of the visitors asked me if this will happen again and I said I hope it does.” Thank you all for the amazing work you are doing (in paid, voluntary and neighbourly capacities) to support our residents through the winter. Other updates Winter Wellbeing Hubs – We are continuing to promote our Winter Wellbeing Hubs across the city. These are community venues that can offer a hot drink, a friendly face and activities for free throughout winter. A full list of hubs is available here https://publichealth.newcastle.gov.uk/WellbeingHub/Directory. Sexual Health services survey - Newcastle City Council are undertaking a review of the clinical sexual health service provision across the city and as part of this process we would like to hear from you. Your thoughts will help us to define a new model for delivering clinical sexual health services within the city. If you have already responded – thank you. The survey is confidential and we will keep your answers private. The link to the survey is https://forms.office.com/e/QFtyKuWX6e Details relating to this review are given in the introduction to the survey. Please disseminate via your networks. Health & Digital Literacy at Community Hubs and Libraries With funding from Health Education England, Newcastle Libraries are running a year-long pilot to explore ways in which health literacy, underpinned by digital literacy, can be embedded in local information provision. The project is supported by Get Online Newcastle which has a long history of providing digital skills support. In 2023 we are running a range of events, classes and courses across different library sites. If you would like information about events and classes in your area, please contact: information@newcastle.gov.uk. Information about Fenham health drop in is attached. Every Mind Matters Loneliness Campaign - Loneliness can have a huge impact on our wellbeing, but there are lots of simple actions you can take to help lift yourself or others out of loneliness. Following the success of last year’s national campaign, which saw some very positive steps towards people taking action to help feelings of loneliness, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport will soon be launching their new loneliness campaign activity as part of the Better Health - Every Mind Matters campaign. The campaign primarily aims to reach 16-34 year olds by encouraging them to ‘Lift Someone Out of Loneliness’, knowing that this will likely help their own feelings of loneliness. This is based on recent research that shows that people in this demographic are at higher risk of feeling lonely compared to other age groups, but less likely to seek advice and support. We will once again be pointing people towards the Every Mind Matters loneliness webpage where there is advice for ways to help yourself or others who may be feeling lonely and suggested support routes. Please find attached a loneliness poster and a top tips for improving mental wellbeing to share within your networks. Please visit https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/ for more information and resources. Youthwatch Gateshead and Newcastle launch event - Interested in sharing your views about health or social care services? Do you want to help improve health or social care services? Interested in sharing your views with Healthwatch? We are looking for 16-25 year olds who live, work or study in Gateshead or Newcastle to join our Youthwatch Project and share your views about health or social care services. Our Youthwatch Project will be launched on 7 February 6-7pm, via Zoom. We are looking for organisations involved in working with young people to attend this event to find out more about Healthwatch and helping involve young people in our work. We will then be holding online events for 16-25 year olds to attend, share views with Healthwatch and feed into our future work. If you’re interested in either the Youthwatch launch event on 7 February or Youthwatch online events, please email lesley@healthwatchnewcastle.org.uk text 07498503497 or Freephone 0808 801 0382. Monday Matters - The Bostey holds a drop in for parents and all community members every Monday (termtime only) from 10-12.30pm. They invite you to pop along for a cuppa and a friendly chat and there will be new activities to try out every week. Venue: The Bostey, Church Street, Walker. The Newcastle Fund - Please see below recent funding opportunity. Newcastle small grants fund applications are open Deadline for applications is 24th February 2023 at 5pm. The Newcastle Fund is available to constituted VCS organisations, registered charities and social enterprises. Funded activity must take place in Newcastle and benefit Newcastle residents. You can find out about the aims and priorities of the Fund here. Speak their name memorial quilt - Please see attached regarding next steps and awareness raising for the North East Speak Their Name Suicide Memorial Quilt. We are delighted to announce that the North East Speak Their Name suicide memorial quilt has an official launch date of 11th November 2023 2-4pm at Newcastle City Library. We are going to be hosting workshops in May and June in the region to support people to create the fabric squares. We are looking to raise the profile of the project and direct those bereaved by suicide to our social media sites and information page. Attached is a flyer to promote the project with your contacts and communities. For further information or support to engage with the project contact northeastspeaktheirname@gmail.com |
St Vincent's Centre - Activity Time Table
Activity Timetable Oct 2022[5122].docx
Register your interest and find out more:
stvincentsnewcastle@svp.org.uk Or call 0191 2616027
Popup Market and Warm Space - St Vincent's Centre, Newbridge Street NE1 2TQ
Every Thursday between 12.20pm and 3.30pm starting 26th January 2023
Poster pop market (1)[5121].pdf
The Great Winter Get Together
The return of the Community Defibrillator
Following the sad news that our original defibrillator had been stolen in April 2022, Blakelaw and North Fenham Community have successfully obtained a replacement life saving Defibrillator to help support the community and all the residents in the area of Blakelaw and North Fenham. With the support of the The Red Sky Foundation and the continued support from Your Homes Newcastle, the defibrillator has been placed on the outside of Moorland House.
Cost Of Living Guide
Please see the below statement from the Leader of Newcastle City Council, Cllr Nick Kemp, on his commitment to support residents with the rise in the cost of living. The guide is a live document and will regularly be updated by the City Council.
Please find a link to our Cost of Living Guide.
"The guide is a living document which will be updated regularly. I am keen to share this piece of work as widely as possible to make sure our residents all have access to up-to-date information and advice. Please make use of this guide in the work you do supporting residents and check back for updates.
The Cost of Living Crisis is one of my administration’s three overarching priorities. I hope we can work together across the city to support our communities through these toughest of times.
The work of people and organisations like yours across our city has been amazing for many years and highlighted even more so throughout Covid. It is even more essential now with so many more pressures, the cost of food, energy, fuel, these are unprecedented times. Everything you do to help our communities is hugely appreciated.
It is only by working together for each other that we will get the support and advice to everyone who needs it.
I would like as Leader of the City Council to personally thank you for all that you do and I know will continue to do.
If your organisation offers services or activities that will help residents impacted by the cost of living crisis and you would like them to be included in the guide please get in touch with Beverley Ogle on beverley.ogle@newcastle.gov.uk providing information on the service or activity offered and how residents can access them.
Thank you
Nick"
Cllr Nick Kemp
Leader of Newcastle City Council
Alcohol Awareness Leaflet
Alcohol Causes Cancer 2022 PARTNER TOOLKIT FINAL LA7[4552].docx
RCH
Tik Tok Awareness Leaflet
Thomas Walling Primary School - Queen's Green Canopy
Mr Serfontein, Deputy Lieutenant, attended Thomas Walling Primary Academy on Monday 11th October, 2021. He addressed an assembly of pupils, explaining the significance of the Queen's Green Canopy and included some very interesting facts about trees. The children thoroughly enjoyed joining in with his 'wow' moments and felt very excited and privileged to be the recipient of one of only 70 birch trees as part of this important initiative. Following the assembly, Mr Serfontein planted the birch tree (betula ermanii) with members of the School Council. It now has pride of place on 'the hill' outside of the school's dining hall, where it can be viewed every day.
More information about the Queen’s Green Canopy, ‘Plant a tree for the Jubilee’, can be found at this website:
Useful Links
Newcastle City Council, Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8QH
Telephone No. 0191 278 7878
www.projects4change.org
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
October 2020
Christmas Update December 2020 and 2021 Calendar
January 2021
INTRODUCTION TO WELLBEING COACHING
DELIVERED BY MARO PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
We are now working with MARO Personal Development to offer residents of Blakelaw and North Fenham this free course.
Are you interested in a role as a wellbeing coach? If so enrol on our FREE online introductory course.
A wellbeing coach can help people achieve their goals in life by applying the principles and processes of life coaching to achieve lifestyle improvements. The wellbeing coach stands by the client as an advocate of their health and wellbeing whilst inspiring and supporting their growth and development.
Our FREE introductory course will give you an awareness of the role of the wellbeing coach.
Course Start date – Ongoing dates - please just ask
Course length - There is a 2-week window for you to complete the course and you can access the course any time to undertake your learning.
Course duration - The course should take you around 4 - 5 hours to complete.
Course Modules–
Introduction to the course
The Role of a Wellbeing Coach
The Benefits of Wellbeing Coaching
Hot Topics in Wellbeing Coaching
Wellbeing Coaching in the Community and Workplace
Building a Wellbeing Coaching Business
Next Steps
Course assessment - There an external assessment at the end of the course in a format of a quiz.
Course access - You will access the course through our Moodle platform the URL is https://www.maropersonaldevelopment.online.
On completion - On completion you will be emailed a MARO Personal Development Certificate.
About us - if you would like any more information about MARO our information is on our website maropersonaldevelopment.com . If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us, via email or by phone on 0191 903 5629 or +447368306854.
Christmas has started in the world of Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council. On the 25 November, off we went on a special journey to Northern Christmas Trees based in Gosforth to select 2 very special Christmas trees. These special trees were being donated by the Community Council and heading off to 2 special venues to brighten up the faces of the staff and children at Hilton Primary School and Thomas Walling Primary School. The trees were picked and delivered to the schools at the beginning of December and I’m sure you’ll all agree they are beautiful. It was a pleasure to be able to donate these gorgeous trees to our community.
Despite the recent Coronavirus uncertainty Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council have continued to work hard supporting various organisations within the community, below is an update of what has been happening including some photographs for everyone to see.
Christmas Trees Christmas has started in the world of Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council. On the 27 November, off we went on a special journey to Northern Christmas Trees based in Gosforth to select 2 very special Christmas trees. These special trees were being donated by the Community Council and heading off to 2 special venues to brighten up the faces of the staff and children at Hilton Primary School and Thomas Walling Primary School. The trees were picked and delivered to the schools last week and I’m sure you’ll all agree they are beautiful. It was a pleasure to be able to donate these gorgeous trees to our community.
Anyone for a Christmas Selection Box Did you know there are around 900 children attending the both Thomas Walling and Hilton Primary Schools and Little Learners Nursery in the Blakelaw and North Fenham Parish boundary area. With a little help from the Community Council, Santa Claus managed deliver to the schools and the nursery a selection box for everyone – we hope that you all enjoy your sweet treats.
Christmas Tree Hamper Appeal It is with great pleasure that Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council were able to donate £500 worth of food to support the Christmas Tree Hamper appeal in aid of the community’s older residents who will be spending Christmas on their own this year. We hope that those receiving a hamper this year enjoys all the surprises inside.
If you are proud of and love the area you live in, if you are community focused and want to be part of a supportive, forward thinking community oriented committee, Blakelaw and North Fenham Community Council need you!
The Community Council are looking for 2 volunteers to represent the North Fenham Ward, 3 volunteers to represent the Cragston Ward and 1 volunteer to represent the Blakelaw Ward areas of the Community Council Parish Boundary.
For further details about the role and how you can become involved please contact John Wears, Chair at johnwears@bnfcc@gmail.com or Helen Richardson, Clerk at bnfcc@outloook.com for further information.