North Tyneside directory

of health and social care

support groups

July 2014
www.healthwatchnorthtyneside.co.uk

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
0191 643 2777.
Website
www.northtyneside.gov.uk/mycare
If you are looking for information or signposting to health or social care
services contact Healthwatch North Tyneside:
Freephone 0808 801 0380
Phone

0191 263 5321

Email

info@healthwatchnorthtyneside.co.uk

Website

www.healthwatchnorthtyneside.co.uk

Information in this directory was last updated in July 2014. Please

contact Healthwatch North Tyneside with changes to information about
any of the support groups in the directory.

Contents
Organisation

Page

Alcohol

PAUSE project

Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's Society

Aphasia

Speakability

73

Aphasia

North East Trust for Aphasia

59

Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia Alliance

Arthritis

Arthritis Care

Arthritis

National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society

49

Arthritis

National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society

53

Autism

Autistic North East

Autism

National Autistic Society

50

Bipolar

10

Bladder and Bowel

Bipolar UK
Self Help Group Bipolar and manic
depression
Bladder and Bowel Foundation

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

Cancer

Cancer Connections

19

Cancer

CancerHelp UK

20

Cancer

Coping with Cancer North East

26

Cancer

Leukaemia Care
Macmillan Cancer Information and
Support Service
Maggies Cancer Caring Centre

36

Mesothelioma Self Help Group

North Tyneside Breast Cancer Support
Group
Prostate Cancer Support Group

44

Bipolar

Cancer
Cancer
Cancer
Cancer
Cancer

66
5

71
11

39
40
60
68
2

Coeliac

Coeliac UK

24

Colostomy

Colostomy Association

25

Crohn's and Colitis

Crohn's and Colitis UK (NACC)

27

Dementia

Alzheimer's Society

Dementia

North Tyneside Memory Support Service

62

Diabetes

Diabetes UK

28

Diabetic Retinopathy

52

Disability support

National Diabetic Retinopathy Network

North Tyneside Coalition of Disabled
People
My Signpost

Eating Disorders

NIWE Eating Disorders Service

56

Epilepsy

Epilepsy Action

30

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia Association UK

31

Fibromyalgia

32

Heart

Fibromyalgia in the North East (FINE)

CHAT Chronic Headache at Tyneside
Support Group
Arrhythmia Alliance

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

Disability support

Headache

61
48

23
6

HIV
MESMAC North East
Ileostomy and internal Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support
pouch
Group
Kidney
Tyneside Kidney Patients Association

43

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

35
78

ME

Self Help Group Bipolar and manic

depression
ME North East

Mental health

CAMEO Come and meet each other

18

Mental health

Mental Health Matters

42

Mental health

Richmond Fellowship

69

Manic depression

Mesothelioma

71
41

Mesothelioma Self Help Group

Motor Neurone Disease Association - Tyne
Motor Neurone Disease
and Wear Branch
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Multiple Sclerosis Society

44

Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular Dystrophy Campaign

47

Neurofibramatosis

The Neuro Foundation

54

Neuropathy

Neuropathy Trust

55

Oesophagus

Oesophageal Patients Association

65

Parkinsons

Parkinsons 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
Syncope and Reflex
Anoxic Seizures
Tinnitus

Whitley Bay Stroke Support Group

Syncope Trust and Reflex Anoxic Seizures
(STARS)
North Tyneside Tinnitus Support Group

80

Urostomy

Urostomy Association

79

45
46

77
63

Alzheimer's Society
St Margarets Centre
Heighley Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE15 6AR
National helpline 0300 2221122
Phone
0191 274 2727
Email
northtyneside@alzheimers.org.uk
Website
www.alzheimers.org.uk
Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

X Support group

X Helpline

Equipment
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.

Arrhythmia Alliance
PO Box 3697
Stratford-Upon-Avon
Warwickshire
CV37 8YL
Phone
Email
Website

01789 450 787 24 hour helpline

info@heartrhythmcharity.org.uk
www.arrhythmiaalliance.org.uk

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

Support group

x Helpline (national)

Equipment
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

Arthritis Care
Floor 4
Linen Court
London
N1 6AD
Phone
0207 3806509 or 0844 8882111
National helpline 0808 8004050 10am to 4pm Mon to Fri
Email
NorthEngland@arthritiscare.org.uk
Website
www.arthritiscare.org.uk
Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

x Helpline

Equipment
The national website offers advice and booklets on arthritis and how to
manage the condition, regular email 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.

Autistic North East

Russell Stronach
7 Illingworth House
St John's Green
North Shields
NE29 6PR
Phone
Email
Website

0191 259 6384

neurodiverse.north@googlemail.com
www.neurodiversity-northeast.org.uk

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

Support group

Helpline

Equipment
Autistic North East offers information, social meetings, advice and
support for those with autistic spectrum disorders and associated
conditions and their families and carers.

Beating Bowel Cancer

Harlequin House
7 High Street
Teddington
TW11 8EE
Phone
Helpline
Fax
Email
Website

08450 719300
08450 719301
020 8943 0629
nurse@beatingbowelcancer.org.uk
www.beatingbowelcancer.org.uk

Home care

x Web support

Day services

x Buddy groups

Support group

x Helpline

Equipment
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, email 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 email.

Bipolar UK
Victoria Charity Centre
11 Belgrave Road
London
SW1V 1RB
Phone
Website
Email

0207 931 6480

www.bipolaruk.org.uk
info@bipolaruk.org.uk

Contact for local self help group

Phone
0845 4349958 during office hours
Home care
Day services
x Support group

x Web support
Buddy groups
Helpline

Equipment
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

Bladder and Bowel Foundation

SATRA Innovation Park
Rockingham Road
Kettering,
Northants,
NN16 9JH
Helpline
Website
Email

0845 3450165
www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org
info@bladderandbowelfoundation.org

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

Support group

x Helpline (national)

Equipment
National organisation with a website and helpline.
There is currently no support group on Tyneside.

11

Blood Pressure UK
Wolfson Institute
Charterhouse Square
London
EC1M 6BQ
Phone
Website
Email

0207 8826255
www.bloodpressureuk.org
info@bloodpressureuk.org

Home care

x Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

Support group

Helpline 11am to 3pm

Mon to Fri

Equipment
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

Body Positive North East

Mea House
Ellison Place
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 8XS
Phone
Email
Website

0191 232 2855

info@bpne.org
www.bpne.org

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

Helpline

Equipment
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

Brain Tumour Action

25 Ann Street
Edinburgh
EH4 1PL
Phone
Website

0131 466 3116

www.braintumouraction.org.uk

Local information at Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary

Contact
Bev Smith
Phone
0191 282 1918
or
Contact
Sarah Azhdari-Nia or Kate Murray
Phone
0191 282 3739 or 0191 282 3739

Home care
Day services
x Support group

x Web support
Buddy groups
x Helpline

Equipment
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 Maggies Centre, Freeman Hospital,
Freeman Road, Newcastle, NE7 7NU

14

The Brain Tumour Charity

Hartshead House
61-65 Victoria Road
Farnborough
Hampshire
GU14 7PA
Helpline
Phone
Email
Website

0808 800 0004 9am to 5pm, Mon to Fri

01252 749990
support@thebraintumourcharity.org
www.thebraintumourcharity.org

Newcastle Group Contact - Sue Wreglesworth 0771 7175236

Email
sue.wreglesworth@thebraintumourcharity.org
Home care
Day services
x Support group

x Web support
Buddy groups
x Helpline

Equipment
The Brain Tumour Charity offer personalised support online, by phone,
email 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 Maggiess Centre at the
Freeman Hospital. The Group is aimed at patients and families and
friends of those diagnosed with a brain tumour.

15

British Heart Foundation

Greater London House
180 Hampstead Road
London
NW1 7AW
Phone
020 7554 0000 Head Office
Customer Service Centre
0300 330 3322
Helpline 0300 3303311
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Fax
020 7554 0100
Website
www.bhf.org.uk
Email
heartmatters@bhf.org.uk
Home care
Day services
Support group

x Web support
Buddy groups
x Helpline

Equipment
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

British Lung Foundation

73-75 Goswell Road
London
EC1V 7ER
Helpline
Website

0300 0030 555 10am to 6pm Mon to Fri

www.blf.org.uk

Breathe Easy Wallsend

Phone
0191 263 0276
Home care
Day services
x Support group

x Web support
Buddy groups
x Helpline

Equipment
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 email 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

CAMEO Come and meet each other

Action for Blind People
Elton Street East
Wallsend
NE28 8QU
Email
Website
Phone

info@cameonorthtyneside.org.uk
www.cameonorthtyneside.org.uk
07712 275833

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

Helpline

Equipment
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

Cancer Connections
258 Harton Lane
South Shields
NE34 0LR
Contact
Phone
Email
Website

Deborah Roberts
0191 456 5081
info@cancerconnections.org.uk
www.cancerconnections.org.uk

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

Helpline

Equipment
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

CancerHelp UK
Angel Building
407 St John Street
London
EC1V 4AD
Freephone 0808 800 4040 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Website
www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help
Home care
Day services
Support group

X Web support
Buddy groups
X Helpline

Equipment
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

Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY)

Unit 7
Epsom Downs Metro Centre
Waterfield
Tadworth
KT20 5LR
Phone
Email
Website

01737 363 222

cry@c-r-y.org.uk
www.c-r-y.org.uk

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

Support group

Helpline

Equipment
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

The Cardiomyopathy Association

Unit 10
Chiltern Court
Asheridge Road
Chesham
Bucks
HP5 2PX
Phone
Email
Website

0800 018 1024

supportnurse@cardiomyopathy.org
www.cardiomyopathy.org

Newcastle
Contact
Phone
Email

Cardiomyopathy Support Group

Cathy
0191 276 6399
suze.saunders@btinternet.com

Home care
Day services
x Support group

x Web support
Buddy groups
Helpline

Equipment
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 0191 276 6399

22

CHAT Chronic Headache at Tyneside Support Group

Contact

Susan Hurst

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

Helpline

Equipment

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

Coeliac UK
3rd Floor
Apollo Centre
Desborough Road
High Wycombe
HP11 2QW
Phone
Helpline
Fax
Email
Website

01494 437 278

0845 3052060
01494 474 349
newcastle@coeliac.org.uk
www.coeliac.org.uk

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

x Helpline (national)

Equipment
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.
Email the group for information on meetings and events.

24

Colostomy Association
Enterprise House
95 London Street
Reading
RG1 4QA
Helpline
Phone
Email
Website

0800 328 4257 open 24 hours

0118 939 1537
cass@colostomyassociation.org.uk
www.colostomyassociation.org.uk

Local contacts for Newcastle support groups

RVI group
Contact
Gordon Weatherburn
Phone
0191 234 1109
Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support Group

x Helpline

Equipment
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

Coping with Cancer North East

The Medical Suite
Cobalt Business Exchange
Wallsend
Tyne and Wear
NE28 9NZ
Phone
Email
Website

0191 2805610
Monday to Thursday, 9.30am to 2.30pm
(answerphone outside these hours)
info@copingwithcancer.org.uk
www.copingwithcancer.org.uk

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

x Helpline

Equipment
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

Crohn's and Colitis UK

4 Beaumont House
Sutton Road
St Albans
AL1 5HH
Phone
Website
Email

01727 734470
www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk
enquiries@crohnsandcolitis.org.uk

Information service open Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm

Phone
0845 130 2233 or 01727 844296
Email
info@crohnsandcolitis.org.uk
Crohns and Colitis Support
Phone
0845 130 3344
Monday to Friday, 1 to 3.30pm and 6.30 to 9pm
Hadrian group
Phone
0845 130 6833
Email
hadrian@groups.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk
Website
http://www.groups.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/hadrian
Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support Group

x Helpline

Equipment
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

Diabetes UK
Macleod House
10 Parkway
London
NW1 7AA
Phone
Careline
Email
Fax
Website
Email

020 7424 1000

0845 1202960
Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
careline@diabetes.org.uk
020 7424 1001
www.diabetes.org.uk
info@diabetes.org.uk

Local group
Contact through www.newcastle-diabetes.webeden.co.uk
Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

x Helpline (national)

Equipment
The local group holds meetings every third Thursday 7pm to 9pm except
August and December at St.Johns 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

Different Strokes
Local contact
Contact
Lisa Charlton
Phone
0191 212 1455
Email
charlton.lisa@googlemail.com
or The Stroke Information Service on 0191 293 4326 or 07787576562
National contact
Strokeline phone 0845 130 7172 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri
Website
www.differentstrokes.co.uk
Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

x Helpline

Equipment
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 0191 212 1455.
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 0191 293 4326 or 0778 7576562.
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

Epilepsy Action
New Anstey House
Gate Way Drive
Yeadon
Leeds
LS19 7XY
Phone
Helpline
Textphone
Email
Fax
Email
Website

0113 210 8800

0808 8005050 Mon to Thur 9am to 4.30pm Fri 9am to 4pm
0753 7410044
helpline@epilepsy.org.uk
0113 391 0300
epilepsy@epilepsy.org.uk
www.epilepsy.org.uk

Local group
Contact
Cliff Challenger, Local Services Manager.
Phone
01274 640 064
Email
cchallenger@epilepsy.org.uk
Website
www.epilepsy.org.uk search for local groups
Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

x Helpline (national)

Equipment
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, email
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

Fibromyalgia Association UK
Studio 3013
MileEnd Mill
12 Seedhill Road
Paisley
PA1 1JS
Helpline
Benefits helpline
Fax
Email
Website

0844 887 2444 Mon to Fri, 10am to 4pm

0844 887 2450 Mon and Fri, 10am to 12noon
0844 826 9033
charity@fmauk.org
www.fmauk.org

Newcastle Fibromyalgia Support Group

Contact
Angela Campbell
Phone
0844 887 2433
Email through website at www.fmauk.org
Home care
Day services
x Support group

x Web support
Buddy groups
x Helpline

Equipment
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

Fibromyalgia in the North East (FM-ne)

Contact
Helpline
Email
Website

Gill Corner
0844 887 2437
gillcorner@hotmail.com
www.fibromyalgianortheast.co.uk

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

x Helpline

Equipment
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

Headway Newcastle and North Tyneside

Voyage
Hadrians Court
52 Carville Road
Wallsend
NE28 6AB
Phone
0770 2286205
Helpline 0808 8002244 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri
Email
helpline@headway.org.uk
Email
enquiries@headwaynnt.org
Website
www.headway.org.uk
Local Website www.headwaynnt.org
Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

x Helpline (national)

Equipment
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

Heart UK
7 North Road
Maidenhead
SL6 1PE
Helpline
Phone
Fax
Email
Website

0845 450 5988 Mon to Fri 10am to 12.30pm and

1.30pm to 3pm
01628 777046
01628 628 698
ask@heartuk.org.uk
www.heartuk.org.uk

Home care
Day services
Support group

x Web support
Buddy groups
x Helpline

Equipment
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

Ileostomy and Internal Pouch Support Group (IA)

27 Bishopdale
Hadrian Lodge West
Wallsend
NE28 9TP
Contact
Pat Ahern
Phone
0191 263 1166
Email (local)
northeastern@iasupport.org
Email (national) info@iasupport.org
National website www.the-ia.org.uk
Local website
www.northeastern.iasupport.org
Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

Helpline

Equipment
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

Leukaemia Care
One Birch Court
Blackpole East
Worcester
WR3 8SG
Phone
Email
Website

08088 010 444 24 hour CARE line

care@leukaemiacare.org.uk
www.leukaemiacare.org.uk

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

x Helpline

Equipment
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 08088 010 444, 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

LIVEr NORTH
FREEPOST NEA2762
Stanley
DH9 0BR
Contact
Phone
Email
Website

John Bedlington
0191 370 2961 general enquiries
info@livernorth.org.uk
www.livernorth.org.uk

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

x Helpline (see below)

Equipment
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

Lymphoma Association
PO Box 386
Aylesbury
HP20 2GA
Phone
Helpline
Email
Website

01296 619 400

0808 8085555 Mon to Thurs 9am to 6pm, Fri 9am to 5pm
info@lymphomas.org.uk
www.lymphomas.org.uk

Home care
Day services
x Support group

x Web support
Buddy groups
x Helpline

Equipment
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

North Tyneside MacMillan Cancer Information and Support

Service
Sir G B Hunter Memorial Hospital
The Green
Wallsend
NE28 7PB
Contact
Phone
Email

Lisa Johnstone, Macmillan Support Services Team Leader

0191 220 5908 9am to 5pm Mon to Fri
macmillansupport@newcastle-pct.nhs.uk

National contacts
Helpline 0808 808 00 00
Website
www.macmillan.org.uk
x Home care
Day services
x Support group

Web support
Buddy groups
x Helpline

Equipment
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 www.macmillan.org.uk has an online community
that provides support. It also details groups in other parts of the North
East.

39

Maggies Cancer Caring Centre

Freeman Hospital
Melville Grove
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE7 7NU
Phone
Email
Website

0191 2336600
newcastle@maggiescentres.org
www.maggiescentres.org/our-centres/maggies-newcastle/

Home care
Day services
x Support group

x Web support
Buddy groups
Helpline

Equipment
Maggies provides emotional, practical and social support to people with
cancer and their families and friends. All services are free and you dont
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

ME North East
Bullion Hall
South Approach
Chester le Street
DH2 2ES
Contact
Phone
Text
Fax
Email
Website

Jennifer Elliott
0191 389 2222 9am to 5pm weekdays or
0191 388 4228 24 hour answerphone
07527 101026
0191 389 1841
info@menortheast.org
www.menortheast.org

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

Helpline

Equipment
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

Mental Health Matters

Avalon House
St Catherine's Court
Sunderland Enterprise Park
Sunderland
SR5 3XJ
North Tyneside Helpline 0845 6012458 6pm to 6am 7 days a week
Contact
Neill Ternent
Phone
0191 516 3500
Website
www.mentalhealthmatters.com/
Email
info@mentalhealthmatters.co.uk
Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

Support group

x Helpline

Equipment
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

MESMAC North East

3rd Floor
11 Nelson Street
Newcastle
NE1 5AN
Phone
Fax
Email
Website

0191 233 1333 Mon to Fri, 1 to 5pm

0191 233 1551
all@mesmacnortheast.com
www.mesmacnortheast.com

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

Support group

Helpline

Equipment
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

Mesothelioma Self Help Group

Contact
Phone
Email
Website

Chris Knighton
0191 263 7386
c.knighton@mkmrs.org.uk
www.canceractive.com

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

Helpline

Equipment
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

Motor Neurone Disease Association - Tyne and Wear Branch

Phone
0845 375 1845
Email
chris.noble@mndassociation.org
Website
www.mnd-tyneandwear.org.uk
MND Connect Helpline 08457 626262
Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

x Helpline (National)

Equipment
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

Multiple Sclerosis Society

Contact
Phone
Helpline
Email
Website

Sandra Richardson
0191 280 0553
0808 8008000 or email helpline@mssociety.org.uk
sandra.richardson@blueyonder.co.uk
www.mssociety.org.uk

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

x Helpline (national)

Equipment
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
12.30.

46

Muscular Dystrophy Campaign

61a Great Suffolk Street
London
SE1 0BU
Freephone information service
Phone
Email
Website

0800 652 6352

Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm

0207 803 4800

info@muscular-dystrophy.org
www.muscular-dystrophy.org/

Local North East support group

Contact
Janine Aldridge
Phone
0207 803 4838
Email
campaigns@muscular-dystrophy.org
Regional care advisor
Contact
Edwina Perkins
Phone
0191 241 8761
Email
Edwina.perkins@nuth.nhs.uk

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

Support group

Helpline (national
information line)

Equipment
The phone and email 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

My Signpost
Phone
Website

01661 839481
www.mysignpost.co.uk

Home care

x Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

Support group

Helpline

Equipment
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 cant find a service contact them
and they will try and find it for you.

48

National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society

Unit 0.2, One Victoria Villas
Richmond
TW9 2GW
Phone
Email
Website

0208 948 9117 9am to 12pm Mon to Fri (answerphone

outside these hours)
admin@nass.co.uk
www.nass.co.uk

Local group - NASS Tyne and Wear

Contact
Mrs Wendy Broderick
Phone
01207 543 854
Email
w.m.broderick@btopenworld.com
Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

x Helpline

Equipment
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

National Autistic Society

North Area Development Team
Anglo House
Chapel Road
Northenden
Manchester
M22 4JN
Helpline
Phone
Fax
Email
Website

0808 8004104
10am to 4pm, Mon to Fri excluding
Bank Holidays
0161 998 7860
0161 945 3038
NRegionalTeam@nas.org.uk
www.autism.org.uk/

Newcastle
Contact
Phone
Email

Resource Centre at Thomas Bewick School

Deborah Garland
0191 2296 020 or 07884 117 741
deborah.garland@nas.org.uk

NAS Newcastle and Gateshead Branch

Phone
07920 086299
Email
NewcastleGateshead@nas.org.uk
Contact for local social groups
Phone
07825 197244
Email
charlie.gallagher@nas.org.uk

Home care
Day services
x Support group

x Web support
Buddy groups
x Helpline

Equipment
See next page for more information about National Autistic Society

50

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

National Diabetic Retinopathy Network

24 Two Ball Lonnen
Newcastle
NE4 9RP
Contact
Phone

Alison Blackburn
0191 274 1414

Home care

Web support

Day centre

Buddy groups

Support group

x Helpline

Equipment
Telephone helpline for patients, carers and health professionals who
want to know more about Diabetic Retinopathy

52

National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society

Unit B4 Westacott Businesss Centre
Westacott Way
Littlewick Green
Maidenhead
SL6 3RT
Helpline
Phone
Website
Email

0800 298 7650

9.30am to 4.30pm Mon to Fri
0845 458 3969
www.nras.org.uk
helpline@nras.org.uk

North East group

Phone
07521 762387
Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

x Helpline

Equipment
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 07521 762387 for details or
email eleanorjoe@blueyonder.co.uk
Tai Chi classes take place in South Gosforth each Friday at 11.45am, for
more information contact Ilona on 0191 236 7150.

53

The Neuro Foundation

Quayside House
38 High Street
Kingston on Thames
Surrey
KT1 1HL
Helpline
Phone
Fax
Website
Email

07866 946334 Tues and Wed (use main phone number outside
these hours)
0208 439 1234
0208 439 1200
http://nfauk.org
info@nfauk.org

Home care
Day services
Support group

x Web support
Buddy groups
x Helpline

Equipment
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

Neuropathy Trust
PO Box 26
Nantwich
CW5 5FP
Phone
Website

01270 611 828

www.neurocentre.com

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

Support group

Helpline

Equipment
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

NIWE Eating Distress Service

Anne Marie Norman
The Old Post Office
5 Pink Lane
Newcastle
NE1 5DW
Phone
Email
Website

0191 221 0233 9am to 4pm Mon to Fri

enquiries@niwe.org.uk
www.niwe.org.uk

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

Helpline

Equipment
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.
NIWEs 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

North East Laryngectomees Association

Contact
Phone
Email
Website

Robert Carey
0191 440 0771
rbrtcarey30@gmail.com
www.laryngectomy.org.uk

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

Helpline

Equipment
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

North East Lupus Group

10 Eastfields
Stokesley
North Yorkshire
TS9 5EJ
Contact
Email
Website

A Taylor
chairman@northeastlupus.org.uk
secretary@northeastlupus.org.uk
http://www.northeastlupus.org.uk/

Home care

x Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

Support group

Helpline

Equipment
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.
Email the group's secretary putting 'Lupus' in the 'subject' or 'title' for
more information on the North East Lupus Group.

58

North East Trust for Aphasia

Contact
Phone
Email
Website

Dr Rose Hilton
0191 222 8550
aphasia@ncl.ac.uk
www.neta.org.uk

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

Helpline

Equipment
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 'caf' meeting.

59

North Tyneside Breast Cancer Support Group

North Tyneside General Hospital
Rake Lane
North Shields
NE29 8NH
Contact
Phone
Email

Amanda Walshe, Clinical Nurse Specialist

0191 2934183
amanda.walshe@nhct.nhs.uk

Contact
Phone

Mrs Elsie Grounsell,

0191 251 6823

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

Helpline

Equipment
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

North Tyneside Coalition of Disabled People

Room P174
North Tyneside General Hospital
Rake Lane
North Shields
NE29 8NH
Phone
Text Relay
Fax
Email
Website

0191 296 1437 24hr answering machine

18001 0191 296 1437
0191 296 5671
ntcdp@ntcdp.co.uk
www.ntcdp.co.uk

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

Support group

Helpline

Equipment
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

North Tyneside Memory Support Service

Sir GB Hunter Memorial Hospital
The Green
Wallsend
NE28 7PB
Phone
Email

0191 220 5985

NTAWNT.NTMSS@nhs.net

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

X Support group

X Helpline

Equipment
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

North Tyneside Tinnitus Support Group

Contact
Phone
Email
Website

Derek Craigie, Community Development Worker

0191 200 8574
derek.craigie@ntdf.co.uk
www.ntdf.co.uk

National website www.tinnitus.org.uk

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

X Support group

Helpline

Equipment
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

Northern Lymphoedema Support Group

33 Percy Street
Tynemouth
NE30 4HA
Contact
Phone
Email
Website

Kath Clark
0191 285 0063
jilllisle@stoswaldsuk.org or kathclark@stoswaldsuk.org
http://www.stoswaldsuk.org

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

Helpline

Equipment
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 email.
Information on Lymphoedema may be found on the St Oswalds website
in the Patient Hub information.

64

Oesophageal Patients Association

22 Vulcan House
Vulcan Road
Solihull
B91 2JY
Phone
Email
Website

0121 704 9860 Mon to Fri, 9am to 3pm

enquiries@opa.org.uk
www.opa.org.uk

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

Support group

x Helpline

Equipment
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.

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PAUSE Project
The Meadows
Waterville Road
North Shields
NE29 6BA
Phone
Mobile

0121 200 5034

Sue Wharton on 07984 547504
or Karen Patterson on 07984 537559

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

Support group

Helpline

Equipment
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 0191 200 5034 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

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Parkinsons UK
215 Vauxhall Bridge Road
London
SW1V 1EJ
Helpline
Phone
Textphone
Fax
Email
Website

0808 800 0303

020 7931 8080
18001 0808 800 0303 for textphone users only
0207 233 9908
hello@parkinsons.org.uk
www.parkinsons.org.uk

Local meetings
Contact
Vivienne Rogerson, Branch and Volunteer Support Officer
Phone
0844 225 3604
Email
bvso.northeast@parkinsons.org.uk
Regional contacts
Contact
Deborah McGarrity
Phone
0844 225 3608
Email
isw.northoftyne@parkinsons.org.uk
Home care
Day services
x Support group

x Web support
Buddy groups
x Helpline

Equipment
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 01670 361133 or
Vivienne Rogerson as above.
See the website for details of other groups in the North East.

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Prostate Cancer Support Group

North Tyneside General Hospital
Rake Lane
North Shields
NE29 8NH
Contact
Phone
Email

Pauline Bagnall
0191 293 4142
pauline.bagnall@nhs.net

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

Helpline

Equipment
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:
http://www.facebook.com/prostatecancernt

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Richmond Fellowship
30A High Street East
Wallsend
NE28 8PQ
Phone
Fax
Email
Website

0191 287 0151

0191 287 0152
northeastcss@richmond.fellowship.org.uk
www.richmondfellowship.org.uk/

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

Support group

Helpline

Equipment
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.

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Scoliosis Association
4 Ivebury Court
325 Latimer Road
London
W10 6RA
Phone
Helpline
Email
Website

020 8964 5343

020 8964 1166 Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm
info@sauk.org.uk
www.sauk.org.uk

Home care

Web support

Day services

x Buddy groups

Support group

x Helpline

Equipment
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.

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Self Help Group Bipolar and Manic Depression

Lynn Arkless
42 Wedmore Road
Westerhope
Newcastle
NE5 5NR
Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

Helpline

Equipment

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Shiremoor Stroke Club

Local contact
Phone
0191 200 8570 or 0191 293 4326
National contacts for the Stroke Association
Helpline 0303 3033 100 Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm
Email
info@stroke.org.uk
Website
www.stroke.org.uk
Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

Helpline

Equipment
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 0191 293 4326 or Mobile 0778 7576562.
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.

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Speakability
1 Royal Street
London
SE1 7LL
Phone
Helpline
Fax
Email
Website

0207 261 9572

0808 808 9572
Mon to Fri, 10am to 4pm answerphone at other times
0207 928 9542
speakability@speakability.org.uk
www.speakability.org.uk

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

x Helpline

Equipment
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

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Stroke Association
240 City Road
London
EC1V 2PR
Phone
Helpline
Email
Website

0207 566 0300

0303 3033 100 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
info@stroke.org.uk
www.stroke.org.uk

National Stroke Helpline and Information Service

Phone
0303 303 3100 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
Home care
Day services
x Support group

Web support
x Buddy groups
x Helpline

Equipment
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 0191 293 4326 or mobile 0778 7576562.

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Stroke Information Service

Contact
Phone
Email

Pam Groom
0191 293 4326 or mobile 0778 7576562
answerphone when office is not attended
pam.groom@nhct.nhs.uk or strokeinfo@nhct.nhs.uk

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

Support group

x Helpline

Equipment
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.

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Stroke North
Contact for local groups
Phone
0191 237 7453
0191 293 4326
Mobile
0778 7576562
National contacts for the Stroke Association
Helpline 0303 3033 100 Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm
Email
info@stroke.org.uk
Website
www.stroke.org.uk
Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

x Helpline

Equipment
Stroke North meets on second and fourth Thursdays of the month from
12.30 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 0191 293 4326 or mobile 0778 7576562.
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.

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Syncope Trust and Reflex Anoxic Seizures (STARS)

PO Box 175
Stratford Upon Avon
CV37 8YD
Phone
Fax
Email
Website

01789 450 564

01789 450 682
info@stars.org.uk
www.stars.org.uk

Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

Support group

Helpline

Equipment
STARS works with individuals, families and medical professionals to
alleviate the effects of, and provide support and information on,
syncope and Reflex Anoxic Seizures.

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Tyneside Kidney Patients Association

c/o Freeman Hospital Renal Unit
Freeman Road
High Heaton
Newcastle
NE7 7DN
Helpline 0845 601 0209 Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm
Email
admin@tynesidekpa.org.uk
Website
http://www.tynesidekpa.org.uk/
National website www.kidney.org.uk
Home care

x Web support

Day services

x Buddy groups

x Support group

x Helpline (National)

Equipment
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.

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Urostomy Association
54 Mountfield Gardens
Kenton
Newcastle
NE3 3DD
Contact
Phone
Email
Website

Mrs E M Spraggon
0191 285 1667 after 6pm
eileen.spraggon888@btinternet.com
www.uagbi.org

Home care
Day services
x Support group

x Web support
Buddy groups
Helpline

Equipment
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.

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Whitley Bay Stroke Support Group

Local contact
Phone
0191 257 4992 or 0191 293 4326 or mobile 0778 7576562
National contacts for the Stroke Association
Helpline 0303 3033 100 Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm
Email
info@stroke.org.uk
Website
www.stroke.org.uk
Home care

Web support

Day services

Buddy groups

x Support group

Helpline

Equipment
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 0191 293 4326 or Mobile 0778 7576562.
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.

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Its 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
Email
Website
Facebook
Twitter

0191 263 5321

0808 801 0380
info@healthwatchnorthtyneside.co.uk
www.healthwatchnorthtyneside.co.uk
HealthwatchNT
@HWNTyneside

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