Coronavirus graphic

Coronavirus updates and guidance

It’s important we all continue to take steps to prevent the spread of the illness, and support our staff and volunteers in different ways as restrictions change.


Local organisations step-up to provide free school meals during October half-term holiday

26 October 2020
Following the parliamentary vote not to extend the Free School Meals over the October half-term we’ve been humbled to see so many local organisations and businesses unite to ensure local children don’t go hungry over the school holidays.
Read more

'Valuing Voices' report reveals pandemic is leaving many at risk of human rights breaches and care failures

21 October 2020
People who face discrimination are at the sharp end of inequality and poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought existing inequalities into stark relief. Those of us who are most negatively affected by inequality have also been most negatively affected by the pandemic. 
Read more

Hate Crime Advocacy in National Hate Crime Awareness Week (10-17 Oct)

14 October 2020
Our Hate Crime Advocacy service has seen a marked increase in referral rates during the Covid-19 pandemic with a 35% increase between July and September compared to the same period last year.
Read more


New COVID-19 restrictions announced across North East

17 September 2020
Following a spike in COVID-19 cases across the region, increased restrictions will be in place across the North East from Friday 18 September.
Read more

Upholding rights and valuing voices: Advocacy principles for coronavirus and beyond

14 September 2020
Similar to other health, social care, and voluntary services, in March 2020, almost overnight, the way independent advocacy support was delivered had to shift dramatically. The coronavirus pandemic required an urgent and immediate response which, at the time had meant changing the sector’s usual and preferred approach to supporting people. It also shone a light on and exacerbated inequalities.
Read more

Newcastle steps up COVID Control Plans

10 September 2020
Newcastle City Council has raised the city’s COVID Control plan to amber following a spike in cases across the region. The move comes as the city joined Gateshead, Sunderland and South Tyneside on Public Health England’s Watchlist as an area of enhanced concern. 
Read more


Stark COVID-19 warning from region’s Leaders

08 September 2020
Statement on behalf of the leaders of the seven North East local authorities and the North of Tyne Combined Authority.
Read more

Sharp rise in coronavirus cases prompt call for Gateshead-wide effort

08 September 2020
Gateshead residents and businesses are being urged to closely follow public health guidance after a sharp rise in new coronavirus cases. Gateshead saw its infection rate rise to 94 new cases in the last week, a rise from 32 from the previous week, equating to 45 cases per 100,000 people. This places the borough at significant risk of being placed on the Government’s watch list of areas of concern.
Read more

Coronavirus updates and guidance

31 July 2020
It’s important we all continue to take steps to prevent the spread of the illness, and support our staff and volunteers in different ways as restrictions change.
Read more


News Archive