Mayor Meets

Kim joined older residents from across North Tyneside and Northumberland in Ashington to hear their experiences and discuss how we can make the region a better place to grow older. The conversation focused on independence, accessibility, and making sure services work for everyone.

Hosted by Age UK Northumberland, topics discussed included:

🚌 Access to reliable and affordable public transport, including the need for more accessible bus stops with seating and better provision of public toilets
🛡️ Concerns about anti-social behaviour and feeling safe when travelling and in local areas
👁️‍🗨️ How sight loss and hearing loss highlight the need for more accessible and inclusive transport options
📱 Digital exclusion and how ageing can impact confidence and ability in using technology
🤝 Tackling loneliness and staying connected

The session provided valuable insight into the priorities of older people and reinforced the importance of designing services and spaces that are inclusive and accessible for all ages.

Kim met with unpaid carers from across the North East in Newcastle for a conversation about the challenges they face and the support they need. 

Hosted by Newcastle Carers Centre topics discussed included:

🧡 The everyday challenges of unpaid caring
💷 Access to benefits and financial support
🏥 Navigating health services, including challenges when NHS systems don’t connect or share information
🛏️ Access to respite care and the need for more flexible support
🚌 Transport improvements that could make caring roles easier to manage
📣 Improving awareness and access to local support services

It was a powerful discussion that highlighted the vital role carers play in our region and the importance of making sure their voices are heard in decision-making.

Kim joined local residents in County Durham for a Q&A in Bishop Auckland.

Chaired by the Bishop Line Community Rail Partnership, topics discussed included:

🚌 Durham public transport improvements
🚗 Road schemes & congestion
⏱️ Cost and reliability of local bus services
🗣️ Upcoming bus consultation

Kim joined famers in Northumberland for a Q&A on a farm in Longhorsley.

Hosted by the National Famers Union, topics discussed included: 

🏖️ How the proposed overnight levy will help benefit our region 
🛜 Rural connectivity & technology 
🚜 Supporting more young people into agricultural careers 

A vital part of our local economy, job market, food supply chain and hospitality offering, it was inspiring to hear just how reaching the products grown and reared in Northumberland is. 🐄🐓

Kim joined local residents and transport providers in Prudhoe for a Q&A at Prudhoe Parish Hall.

Hosted by Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership, topics discussed included: 

🚌 Bus performance and bringing back under public ownership 
🚋 Rail timetables & routes
✅ Making our transport safer for all 
🎟️ Ticketing, fayres & cost of travel 
🤝 How we can better connect and serve our communities & more.

Kim joined businesses, charities, organisations, and residents in Alnwick for a Q&A hosted at Arcinova. 

Joined by David Smith MP, we discussed:

🚍 Public transport and dualling of the A1
🏫 T-Levels and further education options
📈 Improving accessibility in North Northumberland
🧪 Supporting Alnwick to become a STEM hub

Kim joined students from Dene Academy for her first edition of Mayor Meets.

It was an opportunity for the students to put their questions, concerns and pressing matters to the Mayor. We talked about:

🏭 Working with local factories 
🚍 Improving busses and public transport
👮‍♂️ Policing, crime, and community safety
🛝 Local parks, play areas, and youth centres 
💼 Improving job opportunities for migrants 

Kim visited ChronicleLive's Newcastle city centre offices to answer a variety of questions sent in by ChronicleLive readers, a year into her term in office. We talked about:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Child poverty
🚍 Improving public transport
👷‍♀️ The Gateshead Quays plan and construction
💰 Investment in the North East

Watch the session and read the transcript on the Chronicle website.