A new monthly email of printable posters for cafés, libraries and shops, so residents who are not online still hear what is on. How to sign up to share it.

A café on Park View, a library counter or a GP waiting room could soon carry a monthly sheet of what is going on in the borough, under a new Community Noticeboard launched by North Tyneside Council for residents who are not online.

The council announced the scheme on 3 November. Anyone can sign up to a mailing list, and the council says it will then email “simple, easy-to-read information like event posters, flyers and updates about local groups, activities and services” each month. Subscribers print the sheets and put them up where people will see them.

Who it is for

The council’s release names libraries, cafés, community centres, health settings, supported living schemes, workplaces and local businesses as places to display the updates. Its Age-Friendly Borough page adds pubs, restaurants and shops, and says individuals can join too: “You might want to print them at home, pop some in a window, or share them with friends, neighbours or family members.”

Sign-up is on that same page, which is open to residents, community groups, businesses and organisations.

“A simple idea”

Councillor Janet Hunter, North Tyneside Council’s Older People’s Champion, said: “We know that not everyone accesses information online, but staying informed and connected to your community is important at every stage of life.

“Our new Community Noticeboard is a simple idea that can make a real difference. By sharing information in places people visit every day, we can help more residents find out about activities, services, support and opportunities happening in their local area.

“This is just one part of our wider Age-Friendly work, which is focused on helping people stay active, connected and involved in their communities, while making North Tyneside a great place to grow older.”

The noticeboard was developed with Age UK North Tyneside and Healthwatch North Tyneside. Dawn McNally, chief executive of Age UK North Tyneside, said: “Access to good information helps people stay connected, independent and engaged in their communities. We are delighted to support the Community Noticeboard, which will help ensure older residents, particularly those who are not online, can easily find out about local activities, services, support and opportunities across North Tyneside.”

Part of the Age-Friendly programme

North Tyneside is a member of the World Health Organisation’s Age-Friendly Network, and the noticeboard sits within the council’s Age-Friendly Borough programme. According to the council, older residents chose three priorities for 2026 to 2027:

  • better outdoor spaces, meaning safer and more welcoming streets and public places
  • clear and accessible information, whether people are online or not
  • respect and social inclusion, with more chances to meet people and be heard

The noticeboard covers the second of those. Other strands include the Older People’s Involvement Network (OPIN), led by Age UK North Tyneside with Healthwatch North Tyneside, which lets older residents help shape local services. Age UK North Tyneside is also building a Neighbourhood Network in North Shields, where volunteers will help people find activities and services nearby.

To volunteer with the Neighbourhood Network or join OPIN, the council’s page gives the email enquiries@ageuknortyneside.org.uk.