Boost Learning and Improvement Community

03/09/2026

A new national opportunity is inviting health, care and community partners to work together to improve cancer care for people across the UK.

Macmillan Cancer Support, in partnership with Q, hosted by the NHS Alliance, has launched the Macmillan Q Lab, an innovation programme focused on one important question:

"How might we reimagine holistic cancer care closer to people's homes?"

Over a nine-month period, participants will take part in workshops, peer learning, coaching and a structured design process to develop innovative solutions that could make cancer care more accessible, equitable and community-focused. Teams will also have access to expertise from Macmillan and Q, alongside funding support of up to £75,000 to help turn ideas into action.

The programme aims to bring together people from across health, social care and community organisations to tackle challenges faced by those experiencing the greatest inequalities in cancer care, particularly within under-served communities.

Who Can Get Involved?

There are two ways to participate:

Team applications from community organisations and public sector partners working together.
Individual contributors, including people with lived experience of cancer, carers, healthcare professionals, community engagement specialists, policy experts and those working in data and insights.

Macmillan is particularly encouraging applications from people from ethnically diverse communities, disabled people, LGBTQIA+ people and those living with long-term conditions.

Key Dates

Team application deadline: 14 September 2026
Individual contributor applications open: 7 September 2026

Find Out More

The Macmillan Q Lab offers a unique opportunity to collaborate across organisational boundaries, develop innovation skills and help shape the future of cancer care closer to home.

For further information, application guidance and eligibility details, visit the Macmillan Q Lab website.

Learn more and apply: https://ow.ly/bYB050ZIKp5

03/09/2026

🌟 Funded Oliver McGowan Training places available until October 2026
💙 Please share this opportunity with NHS colleagues, teams and networks across the North East and North Cumbria.
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism gives healthcare staff the knowledge and practical skills to provide safer, more inclusive and compassionate care.
✅ NHS England-mandated and co-produced with people with lived experience
✅ Tier 1 and Tier 2 options for clinical and non-clinical staff
✅ Practical skills to understand individual needs, make reasonable adjustments and improve communication
Complete your training while funded places are still available—and help build confidence in supporting autistic people and people with a learning disability

https://ow.ly/S1cF50ZIGOU

26/08/2026

Curious about how Virtual Reality is supporting mental wellbeing?

Join our next Lunch & Learn to explore VR Mindfulness and hear from researchers and practitioners using this innovative approach to help tackle anxiety and depression.

📅 15 Sept 2026 ⏰ 1:00-1:30pm 💻 Online

Book your place here ➡️ https://ow.ly/k7uc50ZFHSU

North East and North Cumbria NHS

14/08/2026

🚌 A mobile healthcare service in Sunderland is helping to tackle health inequalities by bringing primary care directly to people experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders.

During its pilot, the Sunderland Health Bus supported 164 people, with 96% rating their experience as good or very good. By offering flexible, walk-in healthcare in a welcoming environment, the service has improved access to care, strengthened partnerships and helped reconnect people with wider support services.

Following its success, funding has now been secured for a permanent Health Bus, helping to reach even more people across the city 💙

Read the full findings: https://ow.ly/V6TM50ZwIvE

North East and North Cumbria NHS

13/08/2026

🌍 Dietitians at North Cumbria Integrated Care are helping to create a greener NHS through an innovative home enteral feeding project.

By introducing reusable feeding bottles for families, the team achieved an 83% reduction in single-use container use between March 2025 and January 2026, cutting plastic waste, reducing costs and making day-to-day life easier for families.

A great example of how small changes can deliver big benefits for patients, the NHS and the environment 💚

Read Joey's story and find out more: https://ow.ly/jKou50ZwInY

North East and North Cumbria NHS

12/08/2026

🌟 Celebrate, Share and Inspire: Palliative and End of Life Care Event

Join colleagues from across North East and North Cumbria on 15 September 2026 for a day dedicated to celebrating achievements, sharing innovation and showcasing great practice in palliative and end of life care.

The event is an opportunity to connect with others, learn from improvement projects across the region, and be inspired by the work making a real difference to patients, families and carers.

Whether you are looking to learn, network or share your own work, we'd love to see you there.

📅 15 September 2026
👉 Book your place now: https://ow.ly/CnwJ50ZwFKS

North East and North Cumbria NHS

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11/08/2026

🧘 Take time for yourself with the Mindfulness Based Living Course (MBLC)

Health and care staff and volunteers across North East and North Cumbria are invited to explore mindfulness as a practical self-care strategy through this evidence-based programme.

The course includes an introductory session followed by an 8-week online programme designed to help participants manage stress, build resilience and improve wellbeing.

Previous participants describe the course as life-changing, helping them feel calmer, more self-aware and better equipped to cope with challenges.

📅 Introductory sessions start in September, with 8-week courses beginning in October.

🔗 https://ow.ly/xn6I50ZwFsc

North East and North Cumbria NHS

10/08/2026

❤️ Learn more about Inherited Cardiac Conditions this World Heart Day

Healthcare professionals across North East and North Cumbria are invited to a free Inherited Cardiac Conditions (ICC) Lunch and Learn on 29 September at Ramside Hall, Durham.

Hear from expert speakers, learn more about ICCs, including cardiomyopathies and channelopathies, and connect with others working in this field.

📅 29 September | 12pm to 4pm
📍 Ramside Hall, Durham

👉 Register your place: https://ow.ly/NV6P50ZwFkj

North East and North Cumbria NHS

07/08/2026

💙 Helping more people access support

If you work or volunteer in health, social care or the VCSE sector, join a free online information session on 19 August to learn about the confidential services available through the Staff Health and Wellbeing Hub.

Discover how the Hub can support your wellbeing and help you signpost colleagues to the right support.

🗓️ 19 August, 1pm to 2pm (Microsoft Teams)

👉 Register now: https://ow.ly/GHib50ZwEXz

North East and North Cumbria NHS

06/08/2026

💙 Deciding Right relaunch marks a new chapter for advance care planning across North East and North Cumbria

Health and care professionals recently came together to relaunch Deciding Right and introduce new digital palliative and end of life care planning templates, helping to ensure people’s wishes, values and priorities remain at the heart of care.

The refreshed approach includes updated advance care planning documentation, new Treatment Escalation Plans (TEPs), and enhanced digital tools to support person-centred conversations and shared decision-making.

To support implementation, colleagues can access a wide range of learning resources through the Boost Learning Academy’s Palliative and End of Life Care Programme.

👉 Find out more and explore the learning opportunities available: https://ow.ly/NBoO50ZwFCr

North East and North Cumbria NHS