The North East and North Cumbria Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub has published its August 2026 briefing, highlighting the free, confidential support available to anyone working in health or social care across the region. Demand for the service continues to grow. Between May and July, 755 staff contacted the Hub, including a record 288 referrals in July. The Hub still has capacity to support more people, with 99% of those providing feedback saying they felt listened to and supported, and 92% reporting that the service helped them remain in or return to work. Support when you need it The Hub offers timely appointments with experienced NHS clinicians, followed by […]

An innovative approach to cardiac monitoring is helping to support safer antipsychotic prescribing while improving the experience for patients and clinicians. Featured in the Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria (HI NENC) Innovation Library, this case study explores how AliveCor handheld ECG technology has been used to provide quick, accessible heart rhythm monitoring for people receiving antipsychotic medication.  By bringing ECG testing closer to patients, the initiative has helped to streamline care, reduce delays, and support clinical decision-making. The project demonstrates how digital innovation can improve patient safety while making assessments more convenient and efficient. It also highlights the value of integrating technology into routine clinical practice to enhance […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 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.  

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 […]