Support in the North East of England

We are here to support you whether you are looking for peer support or advice from a professional. Below you can find out more about our Specialist Huntington's Disease Advisers and local branch and support groups.

Specialist Huntington's Disease Advisers

Our specialist advisers are experienced and compassionate care management professionals. 

They support anyone who needs their help at any stage of the Huntington’s journey. They can help people living with the disease, people at risk of inheriting the disease, family members and carers, and children or young people. They can even advise friends, neighbours, employers and your medical team.

Our Specialist Huntington’s Disease Advisers can help by:

  • providing a listening ear, advice and emotional support
  • delivering our confidential telephone helpline service
  • communicating with medical, health and social care professionals
  • working with specialist Huntington’s disease clinics
  • advocating for the person with Huntington’s disease to get the best support
  • organising and attending local support networks and carers’ group meetings
  • providing information resources on symptoms and how to manage them
  • connecting younger family members with our Youth Engagement Service - HDYES
  • giving support for sensitive end-of-life care
  • educating medical, health and social care professionals
Ivy - Specialist Adviser

Ivy Broadhead

Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham, Teeside

0191 4064974

ivy.broadhead@hda.org.uk

James - Huntington's Disease Association

James O'Connor

Specialist Youth Worker

0142 2411466

james.o'connor@hda.org.uk


Branch and support groups

You can click on each branch and support group to find out more about the groups and where they meet. If you can't see one in your area and you are thinking about setting one up, please email branch@hda.org.uk and we can support you in doing this.

County Durham support group

Open to anyone in a family affected by Huntington's disease - whether you have Huntington's, are at risk or are a carer or another family member. The meetings are very informal and a chance to chat and share advice and experience with other people living in families affected by Huntington's disease. 

 
 

 

When we meet

10:30am -12:30pm

  • Wednesday 15 January 

  • Wednesday 12 March 

  • Wednesday 14 May 

 


 

Where we meet

The Community Room
Pelton Library
Pelton
County Durham
DH2 1HS

   

 

Key contact

Ivy Broadhead

Specialist Huntington's Disease Adviser

ivy.broadhead@hda.org.uk / info@hda.org.uk

01914 064974 / 0151 3315444

 


 

Specialist Huntington's Disease Adviser

Ivy Broadhead

ivy.broadhead@hda.org.uk

01914 064974

North East online support group

Open to anyone in a family affected by Huntington's disease - whether you have Huntington's, are at risk or are a carer or another family member. The meetings are very informal and a chance to chat and share advice and experience with other people living in families affected by Huntington's disease.
 
New members are always very welcome, please contact Ivy or Head Office for joining details.  
 

 

Where we meet

 

Online every other month at 7.00pm (usually the last Wednesday of that month)
   

 

Key contact

Ivy Broadhead

Specialist Huntington's Disease Adviser

ivy.broadhead@hda.org.uk / info@hda.org.uk

01914 064974 / 0151 3315444

 


 

Specialist Huntington's Disease Adviser

Ivy Broadhead

ivy.broadhead@hda.org.uk

01914 064974

Northumberland Tyne and Wear support group

The group allows those living with, or those affected by, Huntington's disease to meet others in a similar position. People will be able to access support, advice and guidance in an informal setting. We will also look to invite internal speakers in and also welcome any ideas/feedback from those attending. All welcome.
 

 


 

When we meet

Meet every other month on a Sunday.

Meetings are held 1.30 - 3.30pm.

 


 

Where we meet

The Wellbeing Centre
Marie Curie Hospice
Marie Curie Drive
Newcastle
NE4 6SS

   

 

Next in person meetings

Come and join other people affected by Huntington's disease for advice, support and a good chat.

Meetings are held between 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

  • Sunday 17 November

  • Sunday 26 January

  • Sunday 23 March

  • Sunday 25 May

  • Sunday 20 July

  • Sunday 21 September

  • Sunday 23 November

 

Support group flyer

 


 

Key contact

David Whalley

northumberlandtynewearhdagroup@gmail.com

 


 

Specialist Huntington's Disease Adviser

Ivy Broadhead

ivy.broadhead@hda.org.uk

01914 064974

Useful services

Community neuropsychiatry team

(plus access to specialist clinic, genetics service and inpatient beds) 

 

The Neuropsychiatry Outpatient Team is a specialist, planned care service which offers assessment, signposting and short-term interventions to people with a neuropsychiatric condition which may arise as a result of Huntington’s disease or other conditions.

 

Find out more

 

16-bed neuro-psychiatry unit for assessment and treatment of neuro-psychiatric consequences of brain injury acquired in adult life and regional service for the assessment, diagnosis and management of Huntington’s disease.

 

Find out more

Northern Genetics Service

 

The Northern Genetics Service provides assessment and counselling for families with genetic disorders in the northern region.

 

Find out more