Newcastle and North Tyneside Tech Hubs from April 2026
Tech Hubs
What is a Tech Hub?
A friendly space to explore technology for people living with memory problems, and the people who care for them.
We're on a mission to develop Community Tech Hubs - spaces where people living with dementia can explore and access technology that genuinely helps them.
To do that, we first need to understand what gets in the way. Many people face real barriers to using technology: confusing devices, lack of support, or simply not knowing what's out there.
By taking part in our sessions, you'll help us understand those barriers — and shape what a Hub could look like to bridge them.
Your experience could make a real difference to the quality of life of people living with dementia in the future. And in the meantime, the sessions themselves are relaxed, friendly, and - we hope - genuinely useful.
Tech Hubs are designed for people living with dementia or memory problems. Your experience is what matters most to us, and your voice is at the heart of our research.
Family members, carers, and support workers are welcome to come along for company. We may also offer separate sessions or follow-up conversations for carers and families in future. Get in touch if you'd like to know more.
What happens at a Tech Hub?
Sessions last around an hour. You might:
Try out devices like tablets, voice assistants, or simple reminder tools
Show the group something you already use at home
Have a conversation about what technology would (or wouldn't) be helpful in your life
Ask questions — there are no silly ones
One of our researchers will take notes during sessions. With your permission, we may also take photos, videos or audio recordings — but this is entirely your choice, and you can say no to any of it.
Where are the sessions?
Sessions are running in Newcastle and North Tyneside, at community venues including:
Rowan Croft Wellbeing Centre, Killingworth (EveryDay Care and Support)
Bradbury Centre, North Shields (Age UK North Tyneside)
Holy Nativity Church, Chapel House (SEARCH Newcastle)
Dates are being confirmed now — get in touch to find out when sessions are running in your area.
Get involved
We'd love to hear from you. Call Henry on 07429 022 533, or send us a message using the form below.
Want to know more before you sign up?
You can download our full participant information sheet, which explains everything about the research in plain English — including what data we collect, how it's stored, and your right to withdraw at any time.
This research is conducted by Northumbria University and is part of the TEDI (Technology Empowered Dementia Independence) project, funded by UKRI/EPSRC.
Questions about data? Contact Duncan James, Data Protection Officer: dp.officer@northumbria.ac.uk Research ethics concerns? Contact Emma Barkus, Research Ethics Office: emma.barkus@northumbria.ac.uk