NTSP Big Community Conversation questions and answers - VCS

NTSP Big Community Conversation questions and answers

Please see a list of the questions you can find below. Please scroll down to find the answers to each question.

1. Can you develop a project to buddy people with sight impairments?

2. Could VODA suggest a buddy scheme for the partially sighted and blind?

3. Can VODA help me? I am blind and very isolated.

4. For people on benefits, more opportunities to volunteer and participate in local organisations – how could we make this happen?

5: How do we work together to influence and change policy?

6. Why is some corrupted and use ideas and concepts from local people to steal and gain the funding. Patriotism & Classism blatant theft from places like many gov orgs – can you implement NDA when you are asking others for ideas and concepts and pay those people?

7. How did you get involved?

8. Do Age UK help with completing Blue Badge applications?

9: Could Age UK reopen the café? It is sadly missed.

10. Where are voluntary organisations listed?

11. Are there enough resources being put into youth work – i.e. any youth club provision for young people on Longbenton estate?

1. Can you develop a project to buddy people with sight impairments?

Yes, this could be developed, but it would require appropriate funding, staffing, and resources to ensure accessibility and sustainability.

2. Could VODA suggest a buddy scheme for the partially sighted and blind?

At present, we haven’t identified any existing buddy schemes for blind or partially sighted individuals in North Tyneside. However, we recognise a clear need for this kind of support. As with similar initiatives, developing a scheme would require funding, staffing, and resources.

3. Can VODA help me? I am blind and very isolated.

We understand how important it is to feel connected and supported. Here are some organisations that may be able to help:

Pearey House Centre for Visually Impaired
A registered charity offering a day centre with activities such as music sessions, quizzes, and exercise. They also provide independent living flats for visually impaired adults.

0191 257 4388
Preston Park, North Shields, NE29 9JR
peareyhouse.co.uk

RNIB (Royal National Institute for Blind People)
RNIB offers practical and emotional support, employment and education services, and campaigns for accessible services.

0303 123 9999
helpline@rnib.org.uk
rnib.org.uk

4. For people on benefits, more opportunities to volunteer and participate in local organisations – how could we make this happen?

VODA’s accredited Volunteer Centre supports people from all backgrounds to get involved in volunteering. They offer tailored advice and extra support for those who may face barriers, including people on benefits.

You can find out more here: voda.org.uk/volunteering or get in touch with us on 0191 643 2626

5: How do we work together to influence and change policy?

North Tyneside VODA are the local infrastructure organisation for North Tyneside and are the identified organisation to represent the views of the voluntary sector across the borough. VODA are every well connected with organisations that make up the sector and host networking events to understand the needs of the sector and voice collective concerns and opinions at various strategic level cross sector boards. We also regularly attend high level events with senior public sector representatives and use the voice of the sector to influence policy change.

The voluntary sector uses the needs of the local community to shape their services to ensure that the support on offer is addressing that local need. Organisations across the sector work collaboratively to ensure that the best placed organisation is the one offering support.

7. How did you get involved?
It’s not clear what this question is referring to.

8. Do Age UK help with completing Blue Badge applications?

Answer: Yes, Age UK provides support with Blue Badge applications through their free Advice Line and local advisers.

Contact number: 0800 678 1602

9: Could Age UK reopen the café? It is sadly missed.
Unfortunately, Age UK is not planning to reopen the café at this time. However, there are other welcoming cafés and social spaces in North Tyneside that cater to older people and offer opportunities to connect with others:

Cafe 1879 (YMCA, North Shields): A community-focused café offering homemade food and a friendly atmosphere. More info can be found here: https://ymcanorthtyneside.org/cafe/
Cafe 32 (Linskill Centre, North Shields): A cosy café with affordable meals, free Wi-Fi, and a welcoming space for informal gatherings. More info can be found here: https://linskill.org/cafe-32/
Age UK Lunch Clubs: Age UK continues to run lunch clubs and dementia cafés in the area, offering meals and social activities for older people. More info can be found here: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/services/in-your-area/cafe-and-restaurant/

10. Where are voluntary organisations listed?

Answer: You can find a wide range of local voluntary organisations on Living Well North Tyneside, which hosts information about services, events, and activities across the borough.

Living Well North Tyneside: https://www.livingwellnorthtyneside.co.uk/

11. Are there enough resources being put into youth work – i.e. any youth club provision for young people on Longbenton estate?

There are youth projects in the area that offer safe spaces and activities for young people:

West Moor Youth Project

Address: West Moor Community Centre, Benton Lane NE12 7NP

Fridays: 4–5.30pm (ages 11–14), 5.30–7pm (ages 15–18)

Contact: holly@neyouth.org.uk

Forest Hall YPC
Offers inclusive activities for all ages, including sports, crafts, and wellbeing programmes.

Address: East Palmersville Sports Pavilion, NE12 9HW

Contact number: 0191 216 0308