People living with serious mental illness often experience poorer physical health outcomes and face significant barriers to accessing the care and support they need. Addressing these inequalities requires innovative, person-centred approaches that bring together physical and mental health services to deliver more coordinated care. A new case study in the Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria (HI NENC) Innovation Library highlights an initiative focused on improving physical health outcomes for people with serious mental illness. The resource explores how services worked collaboratively to identify health needs, improve access to care, and support individuals to manage their overall wellbeing more effectively. The case study provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals, […]
August 25, 2026
A sustainability initiative from North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC) has received regional recognition at the NHS Excellence Awards. The reusable theatre hats project was introduced to reduce the use of disposable surgical caps in operating theatres, helping to cut waste, lower costs and support the NHS commitment to a greener future. The initiative demonstrates how simple, practical changes can make a significant difference to environmental sustainability while engaging staff in positive action. The project has been praised for its innovative approach and highlights how frontline teams can lead improvements that benefit both healthcare services and the environment. For organisations looking to reduce their environmental impact, this award-winning […]
Social prescribing for North East and North Cumbria offers personalised wellbeing support for NHS staff, helping colleagues access practical support to stay well, feel more connected, and manage challenges that may affect their health, wellbeing or work. The service is designed for colleagues who may be experiencing difficulties such as stress, isolation, financial worries, housing concerns, confidence issues, or challenges linked to work or ill health. Support is tailored to individual needs and can help colleagues connect with local services, community resources and wider wellbeing support. Taking a holistic approach to wellbeing can make a positive difference for both individuals and organisations. Social prescribing recognises that health and work can […]
Funded places for the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism are available for health and social care staff across the North East and North Cumbria until the end of October 2026. What is this training? Named after Oliver McGowan, whose preventable death highlighted the need for better training, it equips staff with practical skills to meet people’s needs and reduce health inequalities. It is mandated by NHS England and helps meet the statutory requirement for learning disability and autism training. It has been co-produced by people with lived experience and helps staff provide safe, kind and inclusive care. Why does it matter? Autistic people and […]
The paediatric diabetes team at the University Hospital of North Tees and the University Hospital of Hartlepool has received the prestigious Investing in Children Membership Award after an independent evaluation involving children and young people aged 8 to 18 years who use the service. The evaluation found that young patients feel listened to, involved in decisions about their care and well supported by staff. Families praised the team’s personalised approach, clear communication and commitment to helping children manage their diabetes with confidence. Feedback from patients has directly shaped several service improvements, including monthly evening clinics, more flexible appointment options, telephone consultations, psychology support groups, parent support sessions, and enhanced assessments […]
The Northern Cancer Alliance is asking cancer patients to share their experiences of how a cancer diagnosis has affected their work life, and what information or support was available to them. The feedback will help build a better understanding of the support patients may need at diagnosis, during treatment, when returning to work, and while managing the ongoing impact of cancer in the workplace. Individuals are encouraged to complete the anonymous survey and share their views. Complete the survey here: Work and Cancer Survey – Patient The survey is anonymous and will remain open until Friday 28 August.
August 24, 2026
Social Prescribing Link Workers across the North East and North Cumbria are being invited to take part in a new free skills development programme this autumn. Delivered by Teesside Mind in partnership with VONNE, the programme offers two practical training workshops designed to support continued professional development and strengthen person-centred practice in social prescribing. The training is provided through VONNE’s Healthy Communities and Social Prescribing Programme, funded by the North East and North Cumbria ICB’s Healthier and Fairer Programme. Workshop one: Goal setting How can I support people to identify goals that genuinely matter to them? What makes a goal realistic, meaningful and achievable? How do I maintain momentum when […]
Cleveland Sexual Harms Network is offering a free, survivor-designed trauma-informed training session for GPs and primary care staff. Delivered by Survivor Sophie Olson and GP Dr Jonathon Tomlinson, the session will help colleagues feel more confident in identifying, responding to and supporting victims and survivors of child sexual abuse with compassion and professional judgement. Training details: Date: Thursday 17 September 2026 Time: 9.30am to 3.00pm Venue: ICB Boardroom, North Ormesby Health Village, TS3 6AL Cost: Free Suitable for: All primary care staff, with particular relevance for Practice and PCN Safeguarding Leads, GPs and anyone involved in patient care. Places are free, but spaces are limited. Secure your place today using […]
August 21, 2026
Cumberland Council has been recognised for its work to improve access to affordable, healthy and sustainable food, receiving the Excellence Award in the Good Food Local Awards (North East and North Cumbria). The council was also ranked highest for leadership among the 13 participating authorities. Since joining the Good Food Local programme in 2024, Cumberland has increased its overall score from 67% to 86%, with its score for tackling food poverty rising from 58% to 79%. The award reflects strong partnership working between the council, local organisations and communities. Initiatives contributing to the achievement include increasing the number of affordable food hubs from 16 to 21, supporting 10 schools to […]
August 5, 2026
We’re asking for your help to share the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism with NHS colleagues, teams and networks across the North East and North Cumbria. Funded places are available until the end of October 2026. Please encourage staff to book and complete the training before then. What is the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training? The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism is the government’s preferred training for health and social care staff. It helps meet the statutory requirement for learning disability and autism training and is mandated by NHS England. The training was developed following the preventable death of Oliver McGowan. Oliver’s […]
July 29, 2026
