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North East Link - September 2006

by bendickenson — last modified 2006-09-12 01:24 PM

Summer's over

The sun has got his night-cap on and he's going back to bed for the Autumn. But in the homeless sector things are really starting to brighten up! Over the next few month's the North East plays host to some exciting events, seminars and developments. We'll see the opening of a pioneering self-build scheme by Tyneise Cyrenians, Crisis Skylight comes to Newcastle, there's a major conference at The Sage Gateshead, a seminar on volunteering, and strategic forums about employment for homeless people.

Phew! It's all going on, so get in touch and get involved.

NEWS

Youth Homeless Network up and running

September 1st - remember the date! That day more than 70 people came to the first regional Youth Homeless Network meeting, hosted by Homeless Link and Government Office North East. Thanks to everyone for a great turnout, and especially to the 20 service users who came along to give their views. Over 40 organisations were represented from Durham, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and the Tees Valley.

After presentations from Centrepoint, Community Campus, Newcastle Youth Homeless Network and Shaidy Characters, the Network resolved to focus on three things: - campaigning with decision makers - sharing good practice - tackling single room rent.

Members were also committed to involving service users. Like Ed and Jade (pictured) from Newcastle's user-led Youth Homeless Forum.

Find out about the presenters at the Youth Homeless Network: Community Campus; INLINE; NIN; Sunderland YMCA; Shaid.

Homelessness falls in North East

New cases of homelessness have fallen by nearly a quarter in the North East since last year. The Department of Communities and Local Government statistics show that 1,240 new households became homeless between April and June this year. This is nearly 25% lower than the same time last year. The North East has also seen a 20% reduction in the number of households in temporary accommodation, down to 710 across the region.

National statistics have also fallen. Read the Government Office North East press release to find out more.

New substance misuse accomodation opens in North Tyneside Turning Point's new Sub Mis Supported Housing Service, funded by Supporting People opened this month in North Sheilds. We'll keep you posted for their forthcoming open day.

IN THE MEDIA

Homeless Link releases research into needs of A8 nationals in London, and calls for co-ordinated action in response. Find out more here.

Report on the Homeless Link research from Inside Housing.

More on Eastern Europeans and homelessness in this Guardian report.

Crisis launches weapons of mass instruction campaign.

REGIONAL EVENTS

Places of Change Network Meeting Working on a new build or re-design project? Want ideas on how to make the best possible environment for homeless people? Then come to our seminar in Liverpool on September 26th. Meet architects and projects who are leading the way in creating "places of change" in the homeless sector. Read the flyer here.

Employability seminars Off the Streets and into Work are one of the country's leading authorities on employment strategies for homeless people. On September 19th and 20th they will facilitate seminars in Newcastle and Stockton, bringing agencies together to talk about how, why, where and when to create the best routes to employment for their service users. Read the leaflet here, or email ben.dickenson@homelesslink.org.uk

Homeless Strategy seminar Further details on this Durham event as soon as we get them or email events@homelesslink.org.uk.

Hidden Potential - adding value through volunteers October 6th, Durham. A day event exploring the value of volunteers to the work of the homeless sector. With speakers from the BBC, talking about their forthcoming No Home series, and workshops by Homeless Link, OSW and local organisations. Download the flyer or book online.

Great Expectations - arts and homelessness At The Sage Gateshead, October 25th, and you're invited. - a major regional conference - debate the "why" and "how" of arts with homeless people - hear from The Sage, Arts Council, DCLG, Northern Rock Foundation and Massechusettes Cultural Council - performance and video from Streetwise Opera, Cardboard Citizens and De Paul Trust Want to know more? Check out the flyer or book online here. Want to showcase some work at the event? Email ben.dickenson@homelesslink.org.uk.

Spotlight on outcomes measurement Looking ahead to Christmas already? Well we can give you an early present. In December Homeless Link will host a Spotlight event in the Tees Valley, exploring how outcomes and their measurement affect our sector. Interested? Then email ben.dickenson@homelesslink.org.uk

RESOURCES

Crisis rent deposit bulletin. Great bi-monthly news bulletin with recent articles and seminars concerned with homelessness, housing and rent deposit schemes - produced by Crisis.

Shelter Housing Act website - New website for housing professionals.

Scarman Trust can do website - full of links for bringing communities and organisations together.

Newcasle Homeless Liaison Project - details of all accomodation and services in the city.

Being supported: Homeless People's views of the Supporting People Programme Groundswell Report

Support solutions - Online housing & support sector forum

FUNDING & AWARDS

Northern Rock Foundation to launch new programmes from October.

RBS Innovate - Fund managed by Transact promoting financial inclusion.

Microsoft Community Learning Awards - Grants to tackle digital exclusion. Deadline 27 September.

Abbey National Charitable Trust - Funds education/training, regeneration, financial advice for disadvantaged people.

Big Lottery Fund Advice Plus Programme, aiming to ensure that more people who need advice have access to good advice services wherever they live in England. The Advice Plus programme will fund projects that benefit the people who need advice and the organisations that provide it.