Gateshead Council

Adult Social Care celebrates CQC recognition 💙 ✨ Teams across our Adult Social Care services have been recognised for their dedication to supporting people to live thriving lives in Gateshead. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessed Gateshead Council's Integrated Adult Social Care Services in nine different areas across four themes, including leadership, support, safety and its work with people. The regulators found there was a good understanding of the health and care needs of people living in the area, praising the way the authority supported people to lead healthier lives. The CQC report also highlights work with community groups to deliver services locally, as well as council-commissioned preventative services, such as offering peer support groups and breaks for caregivers. A huge congratulations to our teams across the service, and thank you to everyone who supported throughout the inspection! Find out more in the comments 👇

We're delighted to be supporting Out North East with the 2nd year of #PrideInGateshead! There's already a fantastic line up of free events with more to be confirmed. We can't wait for a #SummerOfPride!

Social workers from across the council's Adults and Children's Services celebrated World Social Work Day on Tuesday 18 March. World Social Work Day is a key day in the year where social workers worldwide stand together to promote and celebrate their profession. It is an opportunity for social workers to take part in a programme of activity to enhance their knowledge and enjoy some well-deserved wellbeing time. This year's theme is 'Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Wellbeing', which emphasises the importance of caring and respecting across generations to build strong societies, sustain the environment, and share wisdom for a better future. The day was also an opportunity for networking with a range of internal and external partner services for social workers to find out more about what is available to access on behalf of their service users.

A launch day was held last week to officially open ‘The Outpost’, a dedicated space for care experienced young people in Gateshead. Future plans for the Outpost include clinics and sessions on welfare rights, health, employment and training, housing and accommodation and social events. This will include support from the Job Centre, sexual health, careers advice and guidance, Learning for Skills, adult peer mental health support, talking therapies, and housing. Link to full story in the comments 👇

Memorial to remember lives lost to the pandemic agreed on the Day of Reflection 💛 This time last week, Saltwell Park was the focus of Gateshead's Day of Reflection, marking five years since the first national lockdown.  Residents joined the Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Kath McCartney, to remember those who died during the pandemic and to thank those who sacrificed so much to help others at the event held at the park. The mayor planted a tree near the war memorial to mark the occasion, and activities at Saltwell Towers gave guests the opportunity to leave heartfelt messages of remembrance and gratitude, as well as paint pebbles and complete colouring sheets which showed the heroes on the frontline. The response to the council's Covid-19 memorial consultation coincided with the event, where it was confirmed by Councillor Hall that most respondents were in favour of a permanent memorial for Gateshead to commemorate the lives lost to the pandemic. An update on the memorial for our communities will be provided soon. More information in the comments 👇

We're recruiting! We have a variety of vacancies, including: - Street Scene Service Manager - Customer Services Advisor - Management Support Assistant - Senior Support Assistant To find out more, visit www.gateshead.gov.uk/jobs

Hear Darcy's Tale. We were delighted to host the premiere of Darcy's Tale earlier today, a heartwarming short film created by Aardman highlighting the danger of groundwater flooding. Councillor John McElroy, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: "Groundwater flooding is one of the least understood types of flooding, yet it can be devastating, often causing disruptions that last for weeks or even months. "Our industrial past, which at its height saw more than 300 working mine seams here in Gateshead, makes us unique, hence why as a council we are the lead authority researching this type of occurrence nationally. Our work focusses on both how we can prevent such flooding, and preparing people to be ready should it happen. "It is great to have Aardman on board to help us get this crucial message across and having this film preview right here in Gateshead will really help make a difference." Read more about this powerful project (link in comments). Project Groundwater Northumbria

"Give me a break": 11-year-old from Gateshead shares the importance of respite for Young Carers Action Day 💙 On Young Carers Action Day, a national campaign ran by the Carers Trust, we celebrate all young people who care for a family member or loved one, while raising awareness of the support available to them from local authorities and partners. This year's theme, 'Give me a Break', was selected from a panel of hundreds of young carers across the UK. Their chosen focus aims to tell our wider communities how important it is to give young carers a break from their caring responsibilities, and what a difference specialist support can make. One of the young people who has recently been supported by our commissioned provider, Caregivers Connected Gateshead (The Carers Federation) tells us more about the importance of respite. Read more in the comments 👇

We're recruiting! We have a variety of vacancies, including: - Team Leader (Highway Design) - Street Scene Service Manager - Housing Solutions Officer - Data Engineering Team Manager To find out more, visit www.gateshead.gov.uk/jobs

Creative children take part in health research over the half term 🦷 🎨 Last week, our Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) hosted four creative play sessions across Gateshead Family Hubs, bringing creativity and play together with aim of creating resources to improve oral health for autistic children. The sessions were led by HDRC Gateshead researchers Dr. Olivia Mullaney and Dr. Michael Johansen and supported by Neha Jain, NIHR SPHR Pre-doctoral Fellow at Newcastle University as well as staff at each Family Hub. Throughout the week, children created colourful artworks reflecting on their dental experiences, which will be transformed into print resources, including flash cards. Once developed, the resources will help children feel more comfortable and confident in their dental care when visiting the dentist and at home, by empowering them to communicate their needs and how they are feeling.  We’d like to say a huge thank you to the families who have supported the project and to the North East & North Cumbria Child Health and Wellbeing Network which funded the community-driven research, with aim of breaking down barriers to health care. A fantastic example of how collaboration across partners can drive change in our communities. See more about HDRC Gateshead in the comments 👇