September 2026

Regional innovators encouraged to enter the 20th Bright Ideas in Health Awards

Celebrate innovation with the 20th Bright Ideas in Health Awards. Sponsored by the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, the awards recognise individuals and teams improving health and care across the region. Boost is proud to sponsor the Collaborative Improvement Award, one of 14 award categories. Submit your bright idea by 27 November 2026.

Fresh launches More Ways to Quit campaign for Stoptober

Fresh is launching the next phase of its More Ways to Quit campaign across the North East from 21 September, encouraging more people to stop smoking during Stoptober. The campaign promotes stop smoking services, vaping support and quit aids. Resources are available via the More Ways to Quit library. Contact info@freshandbalance.co.uk

Small changes, big impact: NHS teams tackle food waste together

NHS teams across North East and North Cumbria are testing innovative ways to cut food waste, save money and improve patient experiences. From smarter meal ordering and better waste tracking to recycling and reusing surplus food, organisations are sharing ideas and results. Have a success story? Contact Peter Lillie to get involved.

An introduction to VR mindfulness

A recent Lunch and Learn showcased TYNE VR-MBI, a programme combining virtual reality with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Weekly sessions and a companion app help people manage anxiety and depression. Early studies report reduced symptoms, strong completion rates and less staff time, suggesting more accessible, practical mental health support.

AI-Supported spirometry helping transform respiratory care

An AI-supported spirometry service is improving respiratory care across North East and North Cumbria. It increases access to testing, helps diagnose conditions sooner, supports healthcare staff, and enables more patients to receive timely care closer to home.

Northumbria Healthcare Improvement Through Involvement

Join NHS colleagues on 13 October for Improvement Through Involvement 2026, hosted by the Northumbria Participation Group. Explore co-design, patient nvolvement and NHS policy through interactive sessions on accessibility, reasonable adjustments, and involving children and young people in shaping inclusive, responsive health and care services.

How councils can support climate action through food policies

Could food policies help tackle climate change? New research from the North East and North Cumbria and Oxford University highlights how councils can reduce emissions through sustainable food purchasing and advertising. The study finds climate-friendly policies remain rare and calls for clearer national guidance to drive wider change.

Diabetes Summit Event

Join colleagues from across North East and North Cumbria at the Diabetes Summit on 11 November 2026, 9.00am to 1.30pm, at The Durham Centre. Discover how digital technology, population health data and innovation can enable earlier intervention and improve diabetes care. Places are limited. Register via Boost Learning Academy.

Macmillan Q Lab: Reimagining cancer care closer to home

Macmillan Cancer Support and Q have launched Macmillan Q Lab, a nine-month programme exploring how holistic cancer care can be delivered closer to home. Teams and individuals can access workshops, coaching, peer learning and up to £75,000 to develop accessible, equitable, community-focused solutions. Learn more and apply.

Work and Health Practitioners Networking Event

Join colleagues from health, employment, voluntary and community sectors at this in-person networking event in Durham on 15 October. Connect with professionals supporting people whose health affects their ability to work, share learning, build relationships and explore ways to help people stay well and remain in work. Register now.

NHS England highlights North East and North Cumbria COPD initiative

OPTIMISE, a pioneering COPD programme in North East and North Cumbria, has been recognised by NHS England for helping people stay well and avoid hospital visits. Using a proactive, data-driven approach, the programme reduced A&E attendances, emergency calls and hospital stays, and will expand across the region this winter.

Connect with nature at free fair and training events

Connect with nature this autumn through a free regional fair and learning opportunities designed to support mental and physical wellbeing. A free Nature Immersion Day on 28 October at Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre offers training, practical activities and wellbeing support for health and social care staff, carers and volunteers.

Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism
This 90-minute NHS England e-learning module is the first step in the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training (Tier 1 and Tier 2) for health and care staff across North East and North Cumbria. Completion is required before attending the interactive session.

Access the module

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