Gateshead VCSE Health Alliance

The Gateshead VCSE Health Alliance, hosted by Connected Voice, is free to join. The Alliance is open to all VCSE groups working in Gateshead and has a specific emphasis on supporting small grassroots organisations, including those that are volunteer and/or peer-led.

The Alliance has been shaped by the VCSE organisations across Gateshead that have engaged in its development so far. It is expected that this will continue to evolve.

The initial aims of the Alliance are to:

• Create formal and informal learning opportunities to grow skills and knowledge to help our sector and our communities thrive
• Join up resources within the community to improve opportunities for local people
• Support and not duplicate the work of existing VCSE networks in Gateshead
• Collaborate on funding partnerships
• Host three events a year to provide information and resources relating to health and wellbeing

To apply to join the Gateshead VCSE Health Alliance, email our VCSE Engagement Coordinator Julia Perry at julia.perry@connectedvoice.org.uk. The Alliance is open to both Connected Voice member organisations and organisations who are not members.

For more information, or if you have any questions, please email Julia, or call on 0191 235 7022.
 

Gateshead Safe Haven - Alternative to Crisis

The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (NENC ICB) is looking to mobilise a Safe Haven in Gateshead for a two-year pilot as part of the Long Term Plan Community Mental Health Transformation Alternative to Crisis agenda.

At this stage, the offer is being referred to as Gateshead Safe Haven, but we would be looking to rename this following consultation with service users.

Working in partnership with Citizens Advice Gateshead from their town centre premises, the Safe Haven will be operational seven days a week, between the hours of 3.00 p.m. and 11.00 p.m.

The current proposed staffing model - per shift - would be:

• 1 x Support Worker from Citizens Advice Gateshead
• 1 x Administrative Worker from Citizens Advice Gateshead
• 1 x Mental Health Worker from the VCSE

The Safe Haven will require staff that have the appropriate skills and experience of working with individuals that present in mental health crisis but who do not require clinical intervention from statutory services such as the Crisis Team.

The deadline for Expression of Interest Forms to be returned is 12 noon on Wednesday 20 November 2024. Completed Expression of Interest Forms should be emailed to julia.perry@connectedvoice.org.uk, with Gateshead Safe Haven as the subject.