| Every week we circulate a round-up of information we have been asked to distribute to our members, along with any other items of interest to share with you.
Contact us via the email address below if you have any items to request for inclusion, using the subject line ‘Child Health Tuesday’.
Email us: nencicb.northernchildnetwork@nhs.net Find us on LinkedIn and Bluesky
If you have been forwarded this email, join the Network now to receive future bulletins directly to your inbox.
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Network Huddle Event: Chris Drinkwater Creative Health in Primary Schools Awards Ceremony
Thursday 26th March, 12pm-1pm
We are delighted to host this Creative Health Celebration Event for the fourth year! If you are from a creative arts organisation or a primary school, then this event should be of interest to you.
Our Creative Health projects demonstrate the beneficial impact of arts on the wellbeing of primary-aged children, bringing creative expertise to the classroom, and to especially benefit those in the highest areas of deprivation.
Come and see this year’s innovations from our region and hear about the exciting new approach for the 26/27 programme.
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Lunch and Learn: Common sleep issues facing children
Tuesday 24th March, 1pm-2pm
A session to discuss common sleep issues facing children led by Paediatric Consultant Dr Liz McLellan.
This lunch and learn session is aimed at all healthcare professionals in primary care. It will help you to learn about common sleep disorders, some of the investigations used and some treatment strategies offered.
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Meningitis awareness
Cases of invasive meningococcal disease have been confirmed in Kent which may be a cause for concern for some. It is always important to know the signs of symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia.
Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges).
It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults. Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening sepsis and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves.
A number of vaccinations are available that offer some protection against meningitis.
Get specific information for teenagers and young people or for babies and young children on the Healthier Together website.
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Type 1 Kidz – Regional Activity Day
Tuesday 26th May, 11am-3pm Gateshead International Stadium
Type 1 Kidz, an Investing in Children project, works with children and young people living with Type 1 Diabetes and their families in the North East & North Cumbria. Type 1 Kidz are holding an Activity Day, in partnership with Together Type 1 and the Children and Young People’s North East and North Cumbria Diabetes Network. We would like to invite families living with Type 1 to join us to:
To sign up to this event or find out more information about other events please email type1kidz@investinginchilren.net, call 0191 3077030 or join our Facebook Group: ‘Type 1 Kidz Group (IiC)’
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Opportunity to help develop programme to tackle attendance issues for pupils with SEN(D)
Based on prior research regarding school attendance problems, a PhD student researcher from Northumbria University is currently working on developing an intervention focusing on partnerships between home and school. The programme aims to improve the relationship between home and school, when trying to understand the issues for pupils with Special Educational Needs (and Disabilities) in mainstream secondary schools, and importantly how to empower all voices in the partnership so that they can contribute to solutions meaningfully.
You, your colleagues and families you work with might be interested in being involved in developing the intervention to make sure it is engaging and viable.
The programme being developed is to build knowledge and skills among pupils, caregivers and school staff to be effective in shared learning and shared problem-solving when it comes to issues which make attendance difficult for pupils with SEN(D). It aims to give everyone involved the tools to work together and feel empowered to make change within their school community; and advocate together for change that needs to be done outside of it.
The researcher is working with the people that the programme is aimed at, to make sure that the programme is designed in a way which is engaging and meaningful to those that will use it, and that resource is available for those that will deliver it. They are currently looking to speak to those who may be interested in being involved in the development of the intervention.
If you have any colleagues, schools, families, or pupils who would be interested in being involved to shape the programme, please get in touch to find out more information about the project.
Please use this form to register your interest and to be sent further details about being involved. Feel free to forward this information to anyone you think might be interested in taking part.
Contact the researcher Andrea Carrick andrea.carrick@northumbria.ac.uk directly if you have any questions.
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North East Autism Society Acceptance Project
As part of World Autism Acceptance Month in April 2026, we’re inviting individuals, schools, and organisations to take part in The Acceptance Project.
Inspired by our Autism Activists, the Acceptance Project will bring together pieces of powerful artwork exploring what acceptance means to you.
Participants are encouraged to express ideas, experiences, and perspectives through any creative format, using art as a way to challenge misconceptions and promote inclusion.
This is not about technical skill. This is about expression, having a voice, and above all, acceptance.
The deadline for entries is Thursday, 2 April. Every submission will be proudly showcased on our website in an online exhibition and across our social media channels.
The overall winning design will be used in official NEAS merchandise. If you or your organisation would like to get involved, you can find out more and submit artwork on the NEAS website Please share with your network and together we can celebrate autism acceptance.
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Developmentally Appropriate Healthcare & Health Transition Conference
Thursday 30th April, 9am-5pm STRIVE Academic Centre, The James Cook University Hospital
This one-day conference aims to share good practice and enable healthcare staff to enhance knowledge and skills in looking after adolescents and young adults’ transition and ultimately transferring to adult services. It will also provide support for those who look after young adults coming into the adult services for the first time at this crucial time in their life.
Register to attend the event – further details will be available in the coming weeks.
If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to get in touch on michelle.leahy1@nhs.net.
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NECTAR specialist transfer feedback survey
For the attention of our Acute Emergency Department colleagues
To inform service development and improvement, our specialist regional paediatric transfer and retrieval team (NECTAR) are seeking your feedback about your transfer experience. Please can you ensure that our paediatric Emergency Department teams are aware of this opportunity to engage with NECTAR.
The survey should take around 5 mins to complete and explores:
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NENC Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub
Quick, Free & Confidential Support for You!
Free, confidential support for all health and social care staff across the North East and North Cumbria. We aim to offer you an initial appointment within seven working days, followed by up to three additional brief therapy or support sessions. All with no waiting lists! Most sessions are via videocall or telephone, at times that work for you.
Whether you’re facing challenges at work, at home, or both, we’re here to help. Our experienced NHS clinicians are ready to listen and support you with flexible, timely appointments.
Getting help is simple:
Click here and self-refer online with our confidential brief form Email us: hubstheword@cntw.nhs.uk Leave us a confidential voicemail: 0191 223 2030
Don’t wait. Reach out today!
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Wellbeing resource on Boost website
A free health and wellbeing offer is available on the Boost platform for all staff and volunteers across the North East and North Cumbria. It includes resources for emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing, plus resilience tools and useful apps. You can also explore support for organisational change. Perhaps start with the ‘Emotional Wellbeing’ section for quick tools you can use today.
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The following messages have been circulated by the Children and Young People’s Transformation Programme team for information and action where appropriate.
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Neighbourhood MDTs for CYP/ Integrated child health – BMJ journal articles
We are pleased to share a 3-part commissioned piece on integrated child health/ neighbourhood multi-disciplinary teams for CYP, led by Mando Watson, including the benefits of these models of care, case studies and some practical guidance on getting started.
The 3-part series can be found here:
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Published: March 19