North Tyneside directory of health and social care support groups

Transcription

1 North Tyneside directory of health and social care support groups July

2 Are you looking for support or advice on a health condition? If so, this directory could help you find the support you need. This directory lists support groups in the North Tyneside area and some national organisations which support local groups or offer online information. You can find out which organisations may be able to help by looking for health conditions in the contents list. Organisations are listed in the directory in alphabetical order by name. Health and social care services in North Tyneside This directory lists support groups and helplines. To find out about other services to help when you leave hospital you should talk to your health or social care worker. For adult social care services phone the Gateway team on Website If you are looking for information or signposting to health or social care services contact Healthwatch North Tyneside: Freephone Phone Website info@healthwatchnorthtyneside.co.uk Information in this directory was last updated in July Please contact Healthwatch North Tyneside with changes to information about any of the support groups in the directory. 1

3 Contents Organisation Page Alcohol PAUSE project 66 Alzheimer's Alzheimer's Society 5 Aphasia Speakability 73 Aphasia North East Trust for Aphasia 59 Arrhythmia Arrhythmia Alliance 6 Arthritis Arthritis Care 7 Arthritis National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society 49 Arthritis National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society 53 Autism Autistic North East 8 Autism National Autistic Society 50 Bipolar Bipolar UK 10 Bipolar Self Help Group Bipolar and manic depression 71 Bladder and Bowel Bladder and Bowel Foundation 11 Bladder and Bowel Urostomy Association 79 Blood Pressure Blood Pressure UK 12 Brain injury Headway Newcastle and North Tyneside 33 Brain tumour Brain Tumour Action 14 Brain tumour The Brain Tumour Charity 15 Cancer Beating Bowel Cancer 9 Cancer Cancer Connections 19 Cancer CancerHelp UK 20 Cancer Coping with Cancer North East 26 Cancer Leukaemia Care 36 Cancer Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service 39 Cancer Maggie s Cancer Caring Centre 40 Cancer Mesothelioma Self Help Group 44 Cancer North Tyneside Breast Cancer Support Group 60 Cancer Prostate Cancer Support Group 68 2

4 Coeliac Coeliac UK 24 Colostomy Colostomy Association 25 Crohn's and Colitis Crohn's and Colitis UK (NACC) 27 Dementia Alzheimer's Society 5 Dementia North Tyneside Memory Support Service 62 Diabetes Diabetes UK 28 Diabetic Retinopathy National Diabetic Retinopathy Network 52 Disability support North Tyneside Coalition of Disabled People 61 Disability support My Signpost 48 Eating Disorders NIWE Eating Disorders Service 56 Epilepsy Epilepsy Action 30 Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia Association UK 31 Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia in the North East (FINE) 32 Headache CHAT Chronic Headache at Tyneside Support Group 23 Heart Arrhythmia Alliance 6 Heart British Heart Foundation 16 Heart Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) 21 Heart Cardiomyopathy Association 22 Heart Heart UK 34 HIV Body Positive North East 13 HIV MESMAC North East 43 Ileostomy and internal Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support pouch Group 35 Kidney Tyneside Kidney Patients Association 78 Laryngectomees North East Laryngectomees Association 57 Leukaemia Leukaemia Care 36 Liver LIVEr NORTH 37 Lung British Lung Foundation 17 Lupus North East Lupus Group 58 Lymphoma Lymphoma Association 38 Lymphoedema Northern Lymphoedema Support Group 64 Manic depression Bipolar UK 10 3

5 Manic depression Self Help Group Bipolar and manic depression 71 ME ME North East 41 Mental health CAMEO Come and meet each other 18 Mental health Mental Health Matters 42 Mental health Richmond Fellowship 69 Mesothelioma Mesothelioma Self Help Group 44 Motor Neurone Disease Association - Tyne Motor Neurone Disease and Wear Branch 45 Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Multiple Sclerosis Society 46 Muscular Dystrophy Muscular Dystrophy Campaign 47 Neurofibramatosis The Neuro Foundation 54 Neuropathy Neuropathy Trust 55 Oesophagus Oesophageal Patients Association 65 Parkinson s Parkinson s UK 67 Prostate cancer Prostate Cancer Support Group 68 Rheumatoid Arthritis National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society 53 Scoliosis Scoliosis Association 70 Sexual health for men MESMAC North East 43 Spondylitis National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society 49 Stroke Different Strokes 29 Stroke Stroke Association 74 Stroke Stroke Information Service 75 Stroke Stroke North 76 Stroke Shiremoor Stroke Club 72 Stroke Whitley Bay Stroke Support Group 80 Syncope and Reflex Syncope Trust and Reflex Anoxic Seizures Anoxic Seizures (STARS) 77 Tinnitus North Tyneside Tinnitus Support Group 63 Urostomy Urostomy Association 79 4

6 Alzheimer's Society St Margaret s Centre Heighley Street Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 6AR National helpline Phone northtyneside@alzheimers.org.uk Website X Support group X Helpline The Alzheimer's Society offers a range of support services throughout North Tyneside for people with dementia and their carers. There is a national helpline and online forum for anyone affected by dementia. 5

7 Arrhythmia Alliance PO Box 3697 Stratford-Upon-Avon Warwickshire CV37 8YL Phone hour helpline Website Support group x Helpline (national) The Arrhythmia Alliance is a national charity that promotes better understanding, diagnosis, treatment and quality of life for people with cardiac arrhythmias. There is currently no support group in North Tyneside 6

8 Arthritis Care Floor 4 Linen Court London N1 6AD Phone or National helpline am to 4pm Mon to Fri NorthEngland@arthritiscare.org.uk Website x Helpline The national website offers advice and booklets on arthritis and how to manage the condition, regular bulletins, magazine and links to other organisations with an interest in arthritis. Arthritis North does not have a branch in North Tyneside. There are local branches at: Gateshead meets at Gateshead Civic Centre Function Suite on the first Monday in month from 7 to 9pm South Shields - meets at The Charles Young Centre, Talbot Road, South Shields on second Thursday in month at 7pm Wansbeck - meets at Wansbeck General Hospital on the last Tuesday of every month in Education Room 12 from 6 to 8pm Arthritis North offer self-help courses that will help you to learn how to manage your pain and take control of your life. 7

9 Autistic North East Russell Stronach 7 Illingworth House St John's Green North Shields NE29 6PR Phone neurodiverse.north@googl .com Website Support group Helpline Autistic North East offers information, social meetings, advice and support for those with autistic spectrum disorders and associated conditions and their families and carers. 8

10 Beating Bowel Cancer Harlequin House 7 High Street Teddington TW11 8EE Phone Helpline Fax nurse@beatingbowelcancer.org.uk Website Support group x x x Helpline Beting Bowel Cancer offers information and support to patients, and their family and friends including: website and patient information leaflets on all aspects of bowel cancer; Newsletter by subscription national patient-to-patient support group where patients are matched up with other patients and support each other on the phone, or in person if they live close by; and support from a dedicated nurse who provides help and advice to patients either by phone or . 9

11 Bipolar UK Victoria Charity Centre 11 Belgrave Road London SW1V 1RB Phone Website Contact for local self help group Phone during office hours x Helpline Bipolar UK helps people affected by bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, to take control of their lives. Their e-community provides an opportunity to communicate with others on topics related to living with bipolar and their website includes links to other organisations that may be of interest to people affected by bipolar disorder. Bipolar UK run a self help group in Shiremoor. The group meets on the third thursday of each month (excluding August and December) from 6 to 8pm at the Shiremoor Centre, Earsdon Road, Shiremoor, NE27 0HJ. There is also a group meeting in Gosforth, see website for further information on that and other groups in the area. 10

12 Bladder and Bowel Foundation SATRA Innovation Park Rockingham Road Kettering, Northants, NN16 9JH Helpline Website Support group x Helpline (national) National organisation with a website and helpline. There is currently no support group on Tyneside. 11

13 Blood Pressure UK Wolfson Institute Charterhouse Square London EC1M 6BQ Phone Website Support group x Helpline 11am to 3pm Mon to Fri Blood Pressure UK offers a wide range of information and support to help people take control of, or avoid High Blood Pressure, with a range of booklets and leaflets. 12

14 Body Positive North East Mea House Ellison Place Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8XS Phone Website Helpline Body Positive North East provides services to those living with HIV and their carers: Leaflets and newsletters about HIV infection, medication and training opportunities. Internet access for related information. Guidance on welfare benefits, social care and counselling. Complementary therapies by appointment or referral from a known professional. Qualified and insured therapists provide aromatherapy, massage, reflexology and Indian head massage. 3 charge towards the cost of the oils used. Opening hours 10am to 5pm by appointment only 13

15 Brain Tumour Action 25 Ann Street Edinburgh EH4 1PL Phone Website Local information at Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary Contact Bev Smith Phone or Contact Sarah Azhdari-Nia or Kate Murray Phone or x x Helpline Brain Tumour Action runs its own support groups, and publicises support groups run by other groups and organisations. Brain Tumour Action support an online member-only community called BTUK. The Newcastle Support Group meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 11am to 1pm at Maggie s Centre, Freeman Hospital, Freeman Road, Newcastle, NE7 7NU 14

16 The Brain Tumour Charity Hartshead House Victoria Road Farnborough Hampshire GU14 7PA Helpline am to 5pm, Mon to Fri Phone Website Newcastle Group Contact - Sue Wreglesworth sue.wreglesworth@thebraintumourcharity.org x x Helpline The Brain Tumour Charity offer personalised support online, by phone, and through support groups. Their scientific research improves the quality of life for brain tumour patients and identifies better treatments. They raise awareness to change things for the better. The Newcastle Support Group meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 11am to 1pm in partnership with Maggies s Centre at the Freeman Hospital. The Group is aimed at patients and families and friends of those diagnosed with a brain tumour. 15

17 British Heart Foundation Greater London House 180 Hampstead Road London NW1 7AW Phone Head Office Customer Service Centre Helpline Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Fax Website Support group x x Helpline BHF have a North Office and operate a helpline and online discussion forum. They have nurses in the region, including one based in North Shields. They offer the chance to share experiences in a friendly and mutually supportive environment and provide a wide range of other benefits and activities for their members. BHF do not list a heart support group for North Tyneside. Contact the BHF Helpline for details of groups in the North East. 16

18 British Lung Foundation Goswell Road London EC1V 7ER Helpline Website am to 6pm Mon to Fri Breathe Easy Wallsend Phone x x Helpline The British Lung Foundation (BLF) helpline service offers free, confidential and impartial advice, information and support on subjects including travel and transport, oxygen, equipment, welfare benefits, and issues relating to over 40 lung conditions. Local BLF groups meet under the Breathe Easy banner. The local group meets at Allan Memorial Church, Wallsend NE28 6QY every second Thursday of the month from 2 to 4pm. The Breathe Easy support group network provides support and information for people living with a lung condition, and for those who look after them. Breath Easy also operate a pen pals scheme to put people affected by lung disease in touch with each other by or post. British Lung Foundation (BLF) Services also offers services for people with lung disease, from lung function testing and awareness campaigns to providing comprehensive self management plans and exercise diaries. They also help healthcare providers deliver respiratory services and raise awareness of lung health across all communities. 17

19 CAMEO Come and meet each other Action for Blind People Elton Street East Wallsend NE28 8QU Website Phone Helpline CAMEO is a mental health support group in North Tyneside. The group is run by volunteer members who have knowledge and experience around mental health issues. The group meets every Wednesday from 11am to 3.30pm at Action for Blind People, next to Trinity Methodist Church. Access to CAMEO is through the car park in David Street. Just ring the bell and Come and meet each other. CAMEO provides: Information and knowledge on mental health issues through discussions, written material, workshops and courses Mentoring CAMEO aims to encourage social integration by organising: Social events Day trips Walking for health Creative arts CAMEO can also signpost to relevant services. If you would like to join a group of like-minded people then come along and meet each other for an opportunity to: Have a confidential 1 to 1 chat Join in a group discussion Make friends if you wish 18

20 Cancer Connections 258 Harton Lane South Shields NE34 0LR Contact Deborah Roberts Phone Website Helpline Drop-in and volunteers offer friendship, emotional and practical support, counselling, complementary therapies, home visits, benefits and financial advice, Phone support to anyone who has or has had cancer, their friends and carers, and anyone bereaved by cancer. Opening hours 9am to 5pm, Mon to Fri 19

21 CancerHelp UK Angel Building 407 St John Street London EC1V 4AD Freephone Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Website Support group X X Helpline Services provided Reliable, easy to understand patient information from Cancer Research UK who also run Cancer chat a moderated forum community. If you have a question ring the freephone or use the link from the 'contact us' page on the website. Every month, Cancer Spotlight, an e-newsletter, provides you with the latest cancer news, medical and scientific updates and insights from people affected by cancer. You can subscribe to the e-newsletter through the home' page on their website. 20

22 Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) Unit 7 Epsom Downs Metro Centre Waterfield Tadworth KT20 5LR Phone cry@c-r-y.org.uk Website Support group Helpline CRY offers help, support and counselling to families where there has been a sudden cardiac death of an apparently fit and healthy young person (Sudden Death Syndrome, SADS, SCD, YSCD). CRY has a network of individuals who have suffered a tragedy, some of which of have done their skills course, who are available to support others through their loss. 21

23 The Cardiomyopathy Association Unit 10 Chiltern Court Asheridge Road Chesham Bucks HP5 2PX Phone Website Newcastle Cardiomyopathy Support Group Contact Cathy Phone x Helpline The Cardiomyopathy Association is a charity that provides support to families affected by the heart muscle disease Cardiomyopathy. The Newcastle Support Group aims to provide people with information and gives the chance to meet others affected by the same condition. The group meets periodically on Saturdays 2-pm to 4pm in Newcastle. For information on meetings contact Cathy on

24 CHAT Chronic Headache at Tyneside Support Group Contact Susan Hurst Helpline CHAT is a new group being set up to support people with their headache condition. The group will meet at Wallsend Customer First Centre, 16 The Forum, Wallsend, NE28 8JR. It is intended that the group will address lifestyle and offer a more holistic support rather than medical support. The group will probably meet monthly with speakers invited to give informal advice on areas of life which impact on headache such as sleep management, relaxation, stress and exercise. Initially the group will be led by Susan Hurst, Clinical Nurse Specialist for Headache at Royal Victoria Hospital. When the group is established ownership will transfer to group members supported by Susan. Go along to the next group meeting to find out more: Tuesday 16 September from 5 to 6.30pm Wallsend Customer First Centre When the group is more established we will add contact information to this directory. 23

25 Coeliac UK 3rd Floor Apollo Centre Desborough Road High Wycombe HP11 2QW Phone Helpline Fax Website x Helpline (national) Services provided Newcastle and Gateshead group meet regularly and assist people, and their families, who have been diagnosed, or are actively seeking diagnosis of Coeliac Disease and dermatitis herpetiformis (DH). They organise cooking demonstrations, meet with experts, fundraise, campaign and host food fairs. the group for information on meetings and events. 24

26 Colostomy Association Enterprise House 95 London Street Reading RG1 4QA Helpline open 24 hours Phone Website Local contacts for Newcastle support groups RVI group Contact Gordon Weatherburn Phone x Support Group x Helpline The Association offers a helpline, support and reassurance, practical information, updates on new products, literature and a magazine. The Newcastle support Group meets at the RVI in the Bewick Seminar Room, Leazes Wing, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, on Wednesday, every second month from 10am to 12pm. There is also a weekly drop-in at the Molineux Centre, Molineux Street Byker, Newcastle on a Friday 10am to 12pm. Details are on the website. 25

27 Coping with Cancer North East The Medical Suite Cobalt Business Exchange Wallsend Tyne and Wear NE28 9NZ Phone Monday to Thursday, 9.30am to 2.30pm (answerphone outside these hours) Website x Helpline Provides emotional and practical help for cancer patients and their carers. They offer a telephone helpline, drop in and support groups and a range of support services. North Tyneside General Hospital (Rake Lane) Support Group for all cancer patients meets every Wednesday from 2 to 4pm in the Education Centre, Outpatients. 26

28 Crohn's and Colitis UK 4 Beaumont House Sutton Road St Albans AL1 5HH Phone Website enquiries@crohnsandcolitis.org.uk Information service open Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm Phone or info@crohnsandcolitis.org.uk Crohn s and Colitis Support Phone Monday to Friday, 1 to 3.30pm and 6.30 to 9pm Hadrian group Phone hadrian@groups.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk Website x Support Group x Helpline Crohn's and Colitis UK aims to improve life for everyone affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) including Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. They offer a confidential Helpline service for anyone affected by IBD including friends, family and carers. Hadrian Group is the local support group for Tyneside. Contact the group for details of meetings. The Family Network offer information and support to families who have a child diagnosed with IBD and an opportunity for them to develop informal mutual support. 27

29 Diabetes UK Macleod House 10 Parkway London NW1 7AA Phone Careline Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm Fax Website Local group Contact through x Helpline (national) The local group holds meetings every third Thursday 7pm to 9pm except August and December at St.John s Church Hall, Grainger Street, Newcastle. They aim to provide support, help, education, newsletters and information for people living with diabetes, and their carers. Check the website for details of meetings. Careline, their confidential helpline offers help to all people with diabetes, their friends, family, carers and health professionals. 28

30 Different Strokes Local contact Contact Lisa Charlton Phone or The Stroke Information Service on or National contact Strokeline phone am to 5pm Mon to Fri Website x Helpline Different Strokes provides support for young stroke survivors. The group meets on Tuesday mornings from 11 am to 12 noon for swimming and Friday evening from 6 to 8pm at East End Pool, Corbridge Road, Byker, Newcastle NE6 1DY for aerobics, the use of the gym, physiotherapy sessions, complimentary therapies and counselling. For more information contact Lisa Charlton on Transport may be provided. Self help stroke groups are held in different locations across North Tyneside. For information about the groups contact the Stroke Information Service on or Groups aim to help stroke survivors and their carers to take control of their own lives, regain as much independence as possible and optimise their recovery. They to ensure that services are available to enhance mobility, confidence and reduce social isolation. Members can join in exercise and games or join others who have been through a similar experience for a cuppa. 29

31 Epilepsy Action New Anstey House Gate Way Drive Yeadon Leeds LS19 7XY Phone Helpline Mon to Thur 9am to 4.30pm Fri 9am to 4pm Textphone Fax Website Local group Contact Cliff Challenger, Local Services Manager. Phone Website search for local groups x Helpline (national) Epilepsy Action aims to improve the quality of life and promote the interests of people living with epilepsy. They support people with epilepsy through a freephone helpline, and text helpline, local branches throughout the UK including one in Tyneside, an online community, conferences for people with epilepsy and their families. They support accredited volunteers and run an epilepsy specialist nurse scheme. 30

32 Fibromyalgia Association UK Studio 3013 MileEnd Mill 12 Seedhill Road Paisley PA1 1JS Helpline Mon to Fri, 10am to 4pm Benefits helpline Mon and Fri, 10am to 12noon Fax Website Newcastle Fibromyalgia Support Group Contact Angela Campbell Phone through website at x x Helpline Fibromyalgia Association UK provides information and support to people with fybromyalgia and their families. In addition, the Association provides medical information for professionals. The Newcastle Fibromyalgia Group meet on the third Monday of each month at The Oxford Centre in Longbenton 12.30pm to 2.30pm. There is a small monthly charge for membership. Contact the group for details. 31

33 Fibromyalgia in the North East (FM-ne) Contact Gill Corner Helpline Website x Helpline Information and support to people with fibromyalgia and their carers. They run a helpline and their website includes information about fibromyalgia and links to other organisations. FM-ne hold meetings in Fulwell, Sunderland. For details of meetings contact Gill Corner. For local meetings see information about the Newcastle Fibromyalgia Support Group on the Fibromyalgia UK page. 32

34 Headway Newcastle and North Tyneside Voyage Hadrians Court 52 Carville Road Wallsend NE28 6AB Phone Helpline am to 5pm Mon to Fri Website Local Website x Helpline (national) Headway aims to: increase awareness of brain injury and its consequences; initiate activities and campaigns which will reduce the incidence of brain injury; provide information and support for people with brain injuries their relatives and carers and concerned professional people; promote improved approaches to brain injury screening acute care asessment rehabilitation and social re-integration; and assist people with brain injuries to return to community living including access to appropriate accommodation social outlets and productive activity. They offer weekly social meetings on a Tuesday evening at various venues for people with acquired brain injury. Contact the group for details of meetings. 33

35 Heart UK 7 North Road Maidenhead SL6 1PE Helpline Mon to Fri 10am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3pm Phone Fax ask@heartuk.org.uk Website Support group x x Helpline HEART UK is passionate about preventing premature deaths caused by high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. They provide information, advice and support, telephone helpline, website and membership scheme Their helpline is staffed by specialist nurses and dietitians. 34

36 Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group (IA) 27 Bishopdale Hadrian Lodge West Wallsend NE28 9TP Contact Pat Ahern Phone (local) (national) National website Local website Helpline IA, the Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group is a mutual support group helping people who have had their colon removed. IA provide trained visitors to patients pre-operatively and postoperatively allowing them to meet and talk to someone in complete confidence who has experienced a situation similar to their own. There are self-run local groups and meetings are organised periodically for local members to attend. The local group meets twice a year at Brunswick Methodist Church, Brunswick Place, Newcastle. For details of events in your own area, please contact your local secretary. Details of how to contact the North East local secretary are found on the website in the Regional Index. All membership subscriptions are paid to local groups. 35

37 Leukaemia Care One Birch Court Blackpole East Worcester WR3 8SG Phone hour CARE line Website x Helpline Leukaemia CARE provides care and support to all those whose lives have been affected by leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and the allied blood disorders including families and carers. Leukaemia Care offer a 24-hour CARE Line on , together with support groups, one to one phone buddy support, information booklets and in certain circumstances financial assistance There is no local group at present on Tyneside, contact the helpline for details of your nearest group. 36

38 LIVEr NORTH FREEPOST NEA2762 Stanley DH9 0BR Contact Phone Website John Bedlington general enquiries x Helpline (see below) LIVErNORTH is a regional adult liver patient support group with services available to both patients and carers. General meetings are held every six weeks from 7 to 9pm at the Freeman Hospital Teaching Centre in Newcastle. The primary biliary cirrhosis section hold lunchtime meetings throughout the region. Details of meetings are published in the newsletter. LIVErNORTH publish a free quarterly newsletter 'LIVErNEWS' giving hints and tips for living with liver disease as well as information about meetings, free parking permits, their helpline and other support sources. Go to the website contact page for a list of helpline numbers. All are LIVErNORTH members who are trained to help other liver patients via the telephone. 37

39 Lymphoma Association PO Box 386 Aylesbury HP20 2GA Phone Helpline Mon to Thurs 9am to 6pm, Fri 9am to 5pm Website x x Helpline The Lymphoma Association provides services to support people with lymphoma, their families, friends and carers. These include a freephone patient helpline, free written information, a buddy scheme and support groups. There is currently no support group in the North East area. 38

40 North Tyneside MacMillan Cancer Information and Support Service Sir G B Hunter Memorial Hospital The Green Wallsend NE28 7PB Contact Phone Lisa Johnstone, Macmillan Support Services Team Leader am to 5pm Mon to Fri macmillansupport@newcastle-pct.nhs.uk National contacts Helpline Website x x Helpline The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre provides an information and support service for anyone affected by cancer or a life limiting illness. This includes health and wellbeing groups. They also provide a befriending and bereavement service by referral from a health professional. The national website has an online community that provides support. It also details groups in other parts of the North East. 39

41 Maggie s Cancer Caring Centre Freeman Hospital Melville Grove Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7NU Phone newcastle@maggiescentres.org Website x Helpline Maggies provides emotional, practical and social support to people with cancer and their families and friends. All services are free and you don t need an appointment or a referral. You can talk to specialist support staff or join any of the courses provided. They also have an on-line centre and newsletter. The Centre is open Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm Details of meetings and courses can be found on the website. 40

42 ME North East Bullion Hall South Approach Chester le Street DH2 2ES Contact Jennifer Elliott Phone am to 5pm weekdays or hour answerphone Text Fax Website Helpline ME North East offers help, advocacy and information. It provides emotional and practical support to adults and children with ME. Local support group meets monthly in Newcastle at different venues, phone or see the website for details. ME North East covers the northern region, from the Scotland to North Yorkshire and including North Cumbria. 41

43 Mental Health Matters Avalon House St Catherine's Court Sunderland Enterprise Park Sunderland SR5 3XJ North Tyneside Helpline pm to 6am 7 days a week Contact Neill Ternent Phone Website info@mentalhealthmatters.co.uk Support group x Helpline Mental Health Matters helps people with mental health issues. It provides a range of services from day and drop-in facilities through to advice, information and advocacy. The Employment Service works with individuals who wish to increase their confidence, independence and skills through employment. The Housing Service provides a range of housing options from 24/7 residential care to supporting you in your own home. Please refer to the website for details of how to access services. 42

44 MESMAC North East 3rd Floor 11 Nelson Street Newcastle NE1 5AN Phone Mon to Fri, 1 to 5pm Fax all@mesmacnortheast.com Website Support group Helpline MESMAC North East works with gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men to increase the range of choices open to them. Their services are free and confidential, open to any man aged 13 years or over who is gay or bisexual, men who have sex with other men and men who are questioning their sexuality. Services provided include, telephone information and support, one to one support, advice and counselling. A free and confidential 1hour HIV testing service open to gay and bisexual men in the North East is available at MESMAC. Services include counselling. The website has links to emergency services relating to sexual health. 43

45 Mesothelioma Self Help Group Contact Chris Knighton Phone Website Helpline The Mesothelioma self-help group meets to provide information and support to the sufferers of Mesothelioma and their families. The group meets on the last Friday of each month at 11am (except August) at Walkerville Community Centre, Pinewood Close, Walkerville, Newcastle, NE6 4SZ. 44

46 Motor Neurone Disease Association - Tyne and Wear Branch Phone chris.noble@mndassociation.org Website MND Connect Helpline x Helpline (National) The Tyne and Wear Branch of MND Association provides support for people affected by MND, raises money to help people affected by MND and influence policy and decision-makers within the community. The Newcastle Support Group meets monthly, on a Friday from 1pm, in an informal setting to offer support and advice for those affected by MND at the Marie Curie Centre, Marie Curie Drive, Newcastle, NE4 6SS. MND Connect is the advice, information and support helpline for people living with MND, their carers and health professionals.. 45

47 Multiple Sclerosis Society Contact Sandra Richardson Phone Helpline or Website x Helpline (national) Social at Holy Saviours Church Hall, Manor Road, Tynemouth (opposite Tynemouth Metro Station) on the second Monday of every month from 7.30 to 9.15pm. Weekly Drop In, at Whitley Bay Young Peoples Centre (behind Whitley Bay Ice Rink) every Tuesday morning between 10am and 12noon. The branch produces a newsletter with local and national news. There is also a weekly exercise class held at Percy Hedley Sports Academy, West Lane, Killingworth, NE12 7BH on Thursdays from 11am to

48 Muscular Dystrophy Campaign 61a Great Suffolk Street London SE1 0BU Freephone information service Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm Phone Website Local North East support group Contact Janine Aldridge Phone Regional care advisor Contact Edwina Perkins Phone x Support group x Helpline (national information line) The phone and information service addresses your concerns about muscle disease and gives free information and emotional support Edwina Perkins is the regional care advisor in Newcastle and she supports children and adults with muscle disease at the Genetics Department in the Centre For Life in Newcastle. 47

49 My Signpost Phone Website Support group x Helpline MySignpost helps you find out about community services. Their aim is to provide information on their website about every service and provider that is available in your area. If you can t find a service contact them and they will try and find it for you. 48

50 National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society Unit 0.2, One Victoria Villas Richmond TW9 2GW Phone Website am to 12pm Mon to Fri (answerphone outside these hours) Local group - NASS Tyne and Wear Contact Mrs Wendy Broderick Phone w.m.broderick@btopenworld.com x Helpline The National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society (NASS) provide advice and information to people affected by ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in the UK. They are a membership organisation and charge an annual fee. NASS Tyne and Wear is based in Gateshead, covering Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside and much of Northumberland. NASS Tyne and Wear runs a gym exercise class on Tuesday nights at Bensham Hospital 6.30 to 7.45pm. The class is run by a rota of physiotherapists and consists of warm-ups and a circuit of exercises to suit level of ability and ends with a relaxation session. The group also runs occasional social evenings at a local restaurant. 49

51 National Autistic Society North Area Development Team Anglo House Chapel Road Northenden Manchester M22 4JN Helpline am to 4pm, Mon to Fri excluding Bank Holidays Phone Fax Website Newcastle Resource Centre at Thomas Bewick School Contact Deborah Garland Phone or NAS Newcastle and Gateshead Branch Phone Contact for local social groups Phone x x Helpline See next page for more information about National Autistic Society 50

52 National Autistic Society - continued The National Autistic Society provides a wide range of services. Full details are available on their website and selected services are listed below. The helpline offers impartial, confidential information, advice and support to people on the autism spectrum, their families, professionals, researchers and students. Signpost is the personalised online search facility available through the website. You can use it to find support and advice according to your age, location and diagnosis. The Newcastle autism resource centre is a partnership between Thomas Bewick School and The National Autistic Society. NAS Newcastle and Gateshead Branch offers support to families who have a child or member with autism or Asperger syndrome. See previous page for contact information. 51

53 National Diabetic Retinopathy Network 24 Two Ball Lonnen Newcastle NE4 9RP Contact Alison Blackburn Phone Day centre Support group x Helpline Telephone helpline for patients, carers and health professionals who want to know more about Diabetic Retinopathy 52

54 National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society Unit B4 Westacott Businesss Centre Westacott Way Littlewick Green Maidenhead SL6 3RT Helpline am to 4.30pm Mon to Fri Phone Website North East group Phone x Helpline Meetings held in Newcastle in the Function Room 138, Education Centre, Level 1, Freeman Hospital, High Heaton, Newcastle, NE7 7DN. This NRAS group have regular meetings with speakers on various topics related to the management of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Details of meetings and functions are posted on the website. The North East Volunteer Group of the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society meet in the coffee bar at Newcastle Central Library, New Bridge Street West on the second Wednesday of the month between 11am and 12 noon for a chat and a cuppa. Swimming sessions are held at Gosforth Pool, Regent Farm Road, Gosforth on Mondays from 10 to 11am. Call for details or eleanorjoe@blueyonder.co.uk Tai Chi classes take place in South Gosforth each Friday at 11.45am, for more information contact Ilona on

55 The Neuro Foundation Quayside House 38 High Street Kingston on Thames Surrey KT1 1HL Helpline Tues and Wed (use main phone number outside these hours) Phone Fax Website Support group x x Helpline The Neuro Foundation (formerly The Neurofibromatosis Association) has a network of specialist advisors who are based within NHS trusts around the UK. The specialist advisor for the North East area is based at The Centre for Life. They publish a range of information leaflets which are available for download or by post. A facebook group provides an element of online support. 54

56 Neuropathy Trust PO Box 26 Nantwich CW5 5FP Phone Website Support group Helpline Subscribers to the Neuropathy Trust can access, through the website, information that is specifically related to the diagnosis and management of peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain. Subscribers and members get a magazine three times a year. The trust does not have a local group but they have volunteers operating throughout the UK. 55

57 NIWE Eating Distress Service Anne Marie Norman The Old Post Office 5 Pink Lane Newcastle NE1 5DW Phone Website am to 4pm Mon to Fri enquiries@niwe.org.uk Helpline NIWE supports people whose lives are affected by eating distress, or eating disorders. The service is available to friends, family members or anyone who is concerned about someone with an eating problem. Services include, group support, introductory meetings, information and training. They also work to increase knowledge and awareness of eating distress and its effects. An introductory one to one meeting of up to an hour can be arranged at the NIWE office to talk about how things are affecting you and to consider options for help and support. NIWE s qualified counsellors run weekly therapeutic groups for women over 18. NIWE run one-off workshops with particular themes, examples of which might be relaxation, collage, creative writing, music and 'food and feelings'. 56

58 North East Laryngectomees Association Contact Robert Carey Phone Website Helpline Meetings provide pre and post operative support to laryngectomees and their families and friends. NALC has almost 100 clubs nationwide and offers a range of services to Laryngectomees and their families and carers. A major role of the clubs is to provide the sort of non-medical help and information that can only come from the experience of living with a laryngectomy. There is a quarterly newsletter and a range of literature available for download from the website (or printed version by request) The Group meets on third Tuesday every month at 12pm at the Royal British Legion, 3 West Jesmond Avenue, West Jesmond, Newcastle, NE2 3EX 57

59 North East Lupus Group 10 Eastfields Stokesley North Yorkshire TS9 5EJ Contact Website A Taylor chairman@northeastlupus.org.uk secretary@northeastlupus.org.uk Support group x Helpline Services provided Lupus UK supports people with systemic lupus and discoid lupus and assists those approaching diagnosis. The North East Lupus Group is part of Lupus UK. It covers the area from Northumberland to Cleveland including parts of North Yorkshire. The Group does not meet however the website provides information and a range of fact sheets, together with a quarterly newsletter. the group's secretary putting 'Lupus' in the 'subject' or 'title' for more information on the North East Lupus Group. 58

60 North East Trust for Aphasia Contact Dr Rose Hilton Phone Website Helpline NETA supports people with Aphasia, providing information and therapy support and the funding of the NETA Aphasia Support Centre, which currently operates every Thursday at Newcastle University by referral only. They offer information and activities through their website, newsletter and a regular 'café' meeting. 59

61 North Tyneside Breast Cancer Support Group North Tyneside General Hospital Rake Lane North Shields NE29 8NH Contact Amanda Walshe, Clinical Nurse Specialist Phone Contact Mrs Elsie Grounsell, Phone Helpline Group for women and men who have experienced breast cancer. This informal group provides emotional support and information and is run by volunteers with no permanent professional person. Meetings are held in The Education Centre, North Tyneside General Hospital, Rake Lane, North Shields on the first Monday of the month at 7pm -9pm. 60

62 North Tyneside Coalition of Disabled People Room P174 North Tyneside General Hospital Rake Lane North Shields NE29 8NH Phone hr answering machine Text Relay Fax Website Support group Helpline North Tyneside Coalition of Disabled People provides a wide range of information so that disabled people can make an informed choice about the services and facilities they require to meet their needs. This includes local, regional and national information and the ability to tap into a broad range of both formal and informal networks to provide an accurate and up-to-date service. 61

63 North Tyneside Memory Support Service Sir GB Hunter Memorial Hospital The Green Wallsend NE28 7PB Phone X Support group X Helpline North Tyneside Memory Support Service offers information, advice and support top people with memory problems and dementia. They also support carers of people with dementia who in North Tyneside. The service offers help and advice over the phone and offers home visits to meet people and offer individual advice, information and support. They run carer support groups in North Shields and Dudley. You can contact the Memory Support Service direct or ask a health professional to refer you. This service is run by Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust 62

64 North Tyneside Tinnitus Support Group Contact Derek Craigie, Community Development Worker Phone Website National website X Support group Helpline The group meets fortnightly on the second Thursday of the month at 2pm at The Shiremoor Centre, Earsdon Road, Shiremoor, NE27 0HJ. Refreshments are provided and the venue has an induction loop fitted for hearing aid users. 63

65 Northern Lymphoedema Support Group 33 Percy Street Tynemouth NE30 4HA Contact Kath Clark Phone or Website Helpline Meetings are held 3 to 4 times a year in the Day Services Centre at St Oswalds Hospice, Newcastle. For information on meetings or the newsletter contact Kath Clark by phone or . Information on Lymphoedema may be found on the St Oswalds website in the Patient Hub information. 64

66 Oesophageal Patients Association 22 Vulcan House Vulcan Road Solihull B91 2JY Phone Website Mon to Fri, 9am to 3pm Support group x Helpline Informal meetings for patients and carers are held in regional centres around the UK. At the meetings new patients can talk to former patients who have recovered.there is no current group in the North East, however there is a telephone support line staffed by trained staff and volunteers and leaflets and factsheets to download from the website. 65

67 PAUSE Project The Meadows Waterville Road North Shields NE29 6BA Phone Mobile Sue Wharton on or Karen Patterson on Support group Helpline PAUSE work with individuals, families and carers living in North Shields (NE29 and NE30 postcodes) who are: experiencing problematic alcohol use family member or friend of someone with problematic alcohol use PAUSE aims are: support and advice around alcohol misuse and its effects alcohol awareness, education and support towards a reduction plan sustaining tenancies management of debt and money issues referral to other agencies for specific support counselling support service Call for a confidential conversation. Or ask your GP or any other support service to make a referral and PAUSE will contact you. Or drop into The Meadows 66

68 Parkinson s UK 215 Vauxhall Bridge Road London SW1V 1EJ Helpline Phone Textphone for textphone users only Fax hello@parkinsons.org.uk Website Local meetings Contact Vivienne Rogerson, Branch and Volunteer Support Officer Phone bvso.northeast@parkinsons.org.uk Regional contacts Contact Deborah McGarrity Phone isw.northoftyne@parkinsons.org.uk x x Helpline Parkinsons UK provides a forum for sharing experiences and providing support. Local meetings are held at St Andrew's Church, Eastfield Avenue, Monkseaton, Whitley Bay. NE25 8LU. The group meets on the third Monday monthly 1.30 to 3.30pm. For further information, contact Christine Bryars or Vivienne Rogerson as above. See the website for details of other groups in the North East. 67

69 Prostate Cancer Support Group North Tyneside General Hospital Rake Lane North Shields NE29 8NH Contact Pauline Bagnall Phone Helpline Group for men with prostate cancer and their carers. Support, information, advice and social events. Meetings on second Wednesday of each month(except July and August) at 6pm in the Education Centre of North Tyneside General Hospital. Follow them on Facebook at: 68

70 Richmond Fellowship 30A High Street East Wallsend NE28 8PQ Phone Fax Website Support group Helpline Richmond Fellowship (RF) is a specialist provider of mental health services. The Tyneside Community Support Team Service provides supported housing for adults with severe and enduring mental health problems. They offer single person tenancies in Gateshead (women only), Newcastle and Northumberland They provide one to one support to people to help maintain their tenancy and to live within their community. Each tenant is allocated a primary support worker who will help them achieve their goals towards greater independence through the use of a client centred support plan. The support plans are tailored to meet individual client needs which may include practical support with housework, filling in forms and making phone calls, in addition to maximising benefits, setting budget plans, support with managing finances, accessing social groups or activities and accessing training or employment. They also offer an employment service in North Tyneside providing specialist support for people with mental health problems focussing on getting people into work. 69

71 Scoliosis Association 4 Ivebury Court 325 Latimer Road London W10 6RA Phone Helpline Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm info@sauk.org.uk Website Support group x x Helpline The Scoliosis Association (SAUK) is a membership organisation. Membership costs 15 per year,and gives access to the Scoliosis contacts network and a twice yearly magazine. Regional Secretaries offer additional support to SAUK members in their regions. 70

72 Self Help Group Bipolar and Manic Depression Lynn Arkless 42 Wedmore Road Westerhope Newcastle NE5 5NR Helpline 71

73 Shiremoor Stroke Club Local contact Phone or National contacts for the Stroke Association Helpline Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm Website Helpline Shiremoor Stroke Group meets on the second Wednesday of the month from 2 to 3.30pm at North Tyneside Disability Forum, Shiremoor Centre, Earsdon Road, Shiremoor, NE27 0HJ. Self help stroke groups are held in different locations across North Tyneside. For information about the groups contact the Stroke Information Service on or Mobile Groups aim to help stroke survivors and their carers to take control of their own lives, regain as much independence as possible and optimise their recovery. They try to ensure that services are available to enhance mobility, confidence and reduce social isolation. Members can join in exercise and games, social outings or join others who have been through a similar experience for a cuppa. 72

74 Speakability 1 Royal Street London SE1 7LL Phone Helpline Mon to Fri, 10am to 4pm answerphone at other times Fax speakability@speakability.org.uk Website x Helpline Speakability supports people living with aphasia and their carers through its information service, national network of groups and activities programme. At present there is no local group, contact Speakability for details of a group near you 73

75 Stroke Association 240 City Road London EC1V 2PR Phone Helpline Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Website National Stroke Helpline and Information Service Phone Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm x x Helpline The Stroke Association offers information and advice on stroke. It provides range of specialist stroke rehabilitation and support services across the UK. There is an on-line community Talk Stroke For information about local stroke groups contact the Stroke Information Service on or mobile

76 Stroke Information Service Contact Pam Groom Phone or mobile answerphone when office is not attended or Support group x Helpline This service provides a single point of access to information and support for as long as you need it. Information and support can be provided in various settings including hospital, community and your own home. In hospital you will be given a handbook called living with stroke which contains information about stroke and contacts which you and your family may find useful in your longer term recovery. The service is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. An answerphone is used when the office is unattended. 75

77 Stroke North Contact for local groups Phone Mobile National contacts for the Stroke Association Helpline Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm Website x Helpline Stroke North meets on second and fourth Thursdays of the month from to 3pm at Howdon Community Centre, Denbigh Avenue, Wallsend, NE28 0DS. Self help stroke groups are held in different locations across North Tyneside. For information about the groups contact the Stroke Information Service on or mobile Groups aim to help stroke survivors and their carers to take control of their own lives, regain as much independence as possible and optimise their recovery. They to ensure that services are available to enhance mobility, confidence and reduce social isolation. Members can join in exercise, social outings and games or join others who have been through a similar experience for a cuppa. 76

78 Syncope Trust and Reflex Anoxic Seizures (STARS) PO Box 175 Stratford Upon Avon CV37 8YD Phone Fax Website Support group Helpline STARS works with individuals, families and medical professionals to alleviate the effects of, and provide support and information on, syncope and Reflex Anoxic Seizures. 77

79 Tyneside Kidney Patients Association c/o Freeman Hospital Renal Unit Freeman Road High Heaton Newcastle NE7 7DN Helpline Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm Website National website x x x Helpline (National) Tyneside Kidney Patients Association supports local kidney patients who have irreversible or chronic kidney disease, The resource room at Freeman Hospital is open during the working day. It contains a good selection of books on understanding and living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The National Kidney Federation website provides a range of information and resources including a telephone helpline and internet based forums that allow you to join in other patients discussions or raise a new topic yourself. 78

80 Urostomy Association 54 Mountfield Gardens Kenton Newcastle NE3 3DD Contact Phone Website Mrs E M Spraggon after 6pm eileen.spraggon888@btinternet.com x Helpline The website of the Urostomy Association includes frequently asked questions (FAQ), leaflets, publications, journals and videos that can be requested, on-line or by post, including some that can be downloaded. The Newcastle branch holds meetings at the Freeman Hospital twice a year in April and October on a Saturday at 1pm in the Post Graduate Centre. Other get-togethers and fund raising activities are held throughout the year. 79

81 Whitley Bay Stroke Support Group Local contact Phone or or mobile National contacts for the Stroke Association Helpline Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm Website Helpline Whitley Bay Stroke Support Group meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 2 to 4pm at Preston Grange Community Centre, 90 Malvern Road, NE29 9ES. Self help stroke groups are held in different locations across North Tyneside. For information about the groups contact the Stroke Information Service on or Mobile Groups aim to help stroke survivors and their carers to take control of their own lives, regain as much independence as possible and optimise their recovery. They try to ensure that services are available to enhance mobility, confidence and reduce social isolation. Members can join in exercise and games, social outings or join others who have been through a similar experience for a cuppa. 80

82 It s all about your care services: Find information Get involved Have your say Make things better Healthwatch North Tyneside Parkside House Elton Street East Wallsend NE28 8QU Phone Freephone info@healthwatchnorthtyneside.co.uk Website Facebook HealthwatchNT 81