Welcome to the Community Toolbox, where we offer free access to smart sensing technologies for residents in the North East. Borrowers can explore these tools and uncover valuable data about themselves, their pets, and their surroundings. Our goal is to gather honest and ethical insights that can enhance health, well-being, and longevity.
At the heart of the Community Toolbox is Voice® —a growing network of citizens eager to engage in research and innovation, sharing their insights and experiences. By providing access to smart technology, we aim to improve understanding of personal data, break down technological barriers, and foster positive interactions that support healthier, longer, and more fulfilling lives.
To be eligible to borrow tools from the Community Toolbox you must be a resident in the North East region and become a member of Voice®, our citizen involvement network. If you are not a member already, Click here↗ to register.
Explore our selection of smart tools from our 'Borrow' page and and choose one that you would like to borrow.
When you have chosen a smart tool, click on ‘Borrow’ to complete the borrowing form. Here you can tell us why you want to borrow the tool and how long you would like to borrow it. We value knowing what inspired you to use the Community Toolbox. Our team will contact you in seven working days to confirm availability or offer an alternative date.
Our team will invite you to collect* your tool from our National Innovation Centre for Ageing↗ office or at our Being Well Place in the Newcastle Grainger Market. The team can also offer advice on setting up the device or provide a demonstration to help you get started.
*If you are unable to collect your tool due to mobility issues or caring responsibilities, please let us know as we may be able to make alternative arrangements. Select ‘yes’ on the booking form for additional support needed for collection.
We’d really encourage you to make the most of your loan period by exploring the tools’ capabilities, actively collect data and take part in any (optional) Challenges associated with the tool.
At the end of the loan period, simply return your tool to our team at National Innovation Centre for Ageing↗, either in person* or by post. Don’t worry about forgetting as our team will send you a reminder.
*If returning in person, please contact us to arrange a date so that a member of our team is on hand to accept the returned tool.
Tell us about your Community Toolbox experience by completing a short Insights Survey. We’ll send you a link to a short online survey when you return your tool.
We really value your feedback and ideas for the development of the Community Toolbox.
Let’s keep in touch! You can stay connected with us through Voice®, where we’ll be sharing updates about the Community Toolbox and information about events at the Being Well Place in Newcastle Grainger Market. Your continued engagement helps us create a vibrant community.
The Community Toolbox is being delivered by the Internet of Caring Things® programme (part of the National Innovation Centre for Ageing) with funding from the North of Tyne Combined Authority. It is inspired by and builds on the successful ‘SenseMyStreet’ Sensor Commissioning Toolkit created by Open Lab and Urban Observatory at Newcastle University.
In Partnership with
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