County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) is transforming staff education through innovative learning methods, including virtual reality (VR), gamification and immersive simulation experiences. Designed to make learning more engaging and memorable, these approaches help staff build confidence, develop skills and apply learning in realistic scenarios. By moving beyond traditional training methods, CDDFT is creating interactive experiences that support workforce development and ultimately improve patient care. The initiative demonstrates how technology and creativity can enhance learning, increase participation and help healthcare professionals retain knowledge more effectively. It also highlights the potential for innovative education techniques to support a skilled, adaptable and future-ready workforce. This inspiring example will be of […]
For the first time, the North East and Yorkshire Leadership Academy (NEYLA) will be delivering regional cohorts of the prestigious Rosalind Franklin Programme, bringing this nationally recognised leadership development opportunity closer to home. Designed for colleagues in mid to senior leadership roles, the nine-month programme supports leaders to develop the skills, confidence and capability to lead across organisations, systems and partnerships. Regional cohorts will launch from Winter 2026, with significantly reduced costs for delegates from NELA Partnership organisations. If you’re ready to take the next step in your leadership journey, now is the ideal time to discuss the programme with your line manager and register your interest. To find out […]
Monday 2 November, 9am until 4pm – The Catalyst, Newcastle Helix. Join leading researchers, policymakers, practitioners and experts-by-experience from across the region for a powerful one-day conference exploring some of the most pressing challenges facing women, families and marginalised communities. This unique practice improvement event will bring together national speakers with regional leaders in research, public health, social care and community organisations to examine how stigma, trauma and disadvantage shape people’s lives – and what we can do differently to improve outcomes. This event is jointly hosted by: Fuse, the Centre for Translational Research in Public Health; NIHR School for Public Health Research; Office for Health Improvement and Disparities; Newcastle […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Mindfulness is an innate capacity of the mind to be aware of the present moment in a non-judgemental way. It promotes a way of being that helps us to take better care of ourselves and lead healthier lives. It also enables us to access inner resources for coping effectively with stress, difficulty and illness. There has been a growing interest in the use of mindfulness-based interventions to reduce stress, increase self-compassion and promote the health and well-being of health care staff in their place of work. The Mindfulness Based Living Course (MBLC) is on offer to health and care staff working/volunteering in the North East and North Cumbria, to explore […]
Health and care colleagues across the North East and Yorkshire can now access a range of leadership development opportunities designed to support leaders at every stage of their career. Rosalind Franklin Programme coming to the North East and Yorkshire For the first time, the North East and Yorkshire Leadership Academy (NEYLA) will deliver regional cohorts of the prestigious Rosalind Franklin Programme, bringing this nationally recognised leadership development opportunity closer to home. Aimed at colleagues in mid to senior leadership roles, the nine-month programme helps leaders build the confidence, skills and capability needed to lead across organisations, systems and partnerships. Regional cohorts will launch from winter 2026, with significantly reduced […]
