DCC Durham County News Spring 2021

Durham County News

Spring 2021

www.durham.gov.uk

Stepping towards social work Inspired to help others A social work student reunites with the woman who inspired her

Investing in our towns and villages A multi-million-pound investment is set to breathe new life into our communities

Keeping well this spring Top tips to care for your mind and body

Welcome to the spring edition of Durham County News The past year has proved incredibly challenging for us all as we deal with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and I would like to start by thanking you for your efforts in helping to stop the spread of the virus.

Despite these difficult times, help is at hand. In this edition of Durham County News, you can find a detailed pull-out highlighting the support that is available across County Durham.

Councillor Simon Henig, Leader of the Council

Supporting those in need and keeping our essential services going remains a key priority through the latest restrictions.

You can read stories from our staff – in both frontline services and those who have been redeployed.

Recovery will be key to the future of County Durham and you can read about the steps we are taking as we work harder than ever to ensure we bounce back stronger.

We are investing £25 million in our towns and villages to support the recovery of local communities. Our major employment sites will help new and existing businesses grow, helping to create thousands of new high-quality jobs.

Then, there is the wide range of grants and support programmes to help businesses meet their current challenges.

And despite a need to refocus our priorities, you can also read about our continued commitment to tackling climate change and efforts to make the county carbon neutral by 2050.

Inside...

Pages 12-13

Pages 24-25

Social working

Supporting you through the pandemic

Pages 4-7 News

Simon Henig

Page 19 Culture

Pages 28-29 Fostering

Pages 8-9 Economy and jobs

Pages 15-18 Supporting communities

Pages 30-31 Pages 20-21

Pages 26-27

Health and wellbeing

Towns and villages

Green living and climate change

Pages 22-23 LA7 BeatCovidNE

Pages 10-11 Support for business Front cover: Social work student Danielle Richardson reunites with social worker Kathrine Grant.

If you live in the Durham County Council area and haven’t received a copy of Durham County News at your home address, please contact us.

To contact the editorial team, call 03000 268 059 or email durhamcountynews@durham.gov.uk

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Look out for extra content… You can now view extra content wherever you see this icon by going to www.durham.gov.uk/dcn Durham County News is written and designed by Durham County Council, printed by Acorn Web Offset Ltd and distributed by Smart Distribution Services Ltd and Royal Mail. It costs 16p a copy.

When you have finished with this magazine, please recycle it.

County Record Office

Branch out into your family tree Have you ever wanted to find out the secrets behind your grandparents’ old black and white photos? Could you be related to someone famous?

Many of us will have time on our hands at the moment, so it’s the perfect opportunity to delve into the past and unlock your family history.

And Durham County Record Office is making it even easier to unearth your roots, thanks to its online courses.

If you’re unsure of what’s involved or where to start when it comes to tracing your ancestors, the record office’s Family History Course could be for you. Made up of three talks, which are booked individually, the course explores some of the sources family historians use and reveals how our archives can help you. With a choice of morning or evening sessions, the sessions offer the chance to find out more about civil registration, the census and parish registers.

The Family History Course takes place on the following dates: Wednesday, 14 April Civil Registration Wednesday, 21 April The Census Wednesday, 28 April Parish Registers

For those who are more interested in searching online for family history, Branching Out: Online Sources offers help in choosing the best quality resources.

Find out which sites suit which areas of research and uncover some useful resources, some of which are available for free.

Branching Out: Online Sources takes place on Thursday, 15 April

Each talk costs £5 per person.

All courses are available on a morning, from 10am to 11am, and on an evening from 6pm to 7pm.

To book, visit https://recordofficeshop.durham.gov.uk

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News

Contact us:

£70 million council house programme gets go ahead Plans for the first part of a £70 million five-year plan to build 500 new homes for rent in County Durham have been given the go ahead.

Visit our website to use online services 24 hours a day 7 days a week www.durham.gov.uk/ doitonline

The first phase will see around 155 homes built in seven locations across the county on council-owned land as part of a new era of council housing in the area.

The new developments will focus on rented bungalows for older people.

This is due to the number of older people currently living in unsuitable accommodation.

Phase 1 is made up of sites in Brandon, Bridgehill, Burnhope, Ferryhill, Murton, New Kyo and Seaham.

If you need to phone us, call

Customer Services

Multi-million-pound investment in services

03000 26 0000 8.30am - 5pm (Monday-Thursday) 8.30am - 4.30pm (Friday) Out of hours emergency service available.

For social care and independent living enquiries or adult and children’s welfare issues: Social Care Direct/Children’s First Contact Service

03000 26 79 79 @DurhamCouncil

linkedin.com/company/ durham-county-council /DurhamCouncil /durham_county_council Please ask us if you would like this document summarised in another language or format.

Audio

Large print

durhamcountynews@durham.gov.uk 03000 268 059

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The investments are outlined in our Medium Term Financial Plan, which sets out our spending plans and priorities for 2021/22 to 2024/25.

Despite the challenging financial climate, made worse by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, we have made investment possible through our careful management of resources to support the county’s recovery.

The plans include £7 million in Council Tax Support and funding to help vulnerable residents via our Area Action Partnerships (AAPs).

An additional £12 million of revenue spending next year will include more money for roads, fixing potholes and winter maintenance; climate change initiatives; sprucing up our local communities and employing neighbourhood wardens; and support for the most vulnerable residents.

Schemes worth £88 million have also been added to our ambitious capital programme.

/durhamcouncil

Braille

Wide ranging plans to invest more than £112 million in frontline services and major development projects in County Durham, have been approved.

Coronavirus - advice and support Coronavirus is a rapidly evolving situation – keep up-to-date with developments by reading the latest Government guidance at www.gov.uk/coronavirus Find NHS information at www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19 You can also find information about the impact on council services, along with the current restrictions and support for residents and businesses in the county, on our website at www.durham.gov.uk/coronavirus

News

Bus station receives £3.6 million funding boost Work to create a modern and vibrant new bus station for Durham City is now underway after a multi-million pound funding package was approved.

Following a successful bid to the North East Join Transport Committee, we have been allocated £3.6 million towards the scheme, which will support the county’s economic recovery from the pandemic.

The new bus station is expected to open in late 2022.

For more information, please visit www.durham.gov.uk/durhambusstation

School transformed into community space A former primary school has been given a new lease of life after being converted into a multi-purpose community hub.

Our construction services team revamped the site at Sherburn Hill so that it can be used as a community centre and a dedicated space for people with learning difficulties. The centre also offers a café, events’ space and disabled access.

New coastal community hub and café Work has begun on a new coastal community hub in the county.

Working with the Heritage Coast Partnership, we have invested £250,000 and secured £1.35 million funding from the government’s Coastal Community Fund for the new hub at Crimdon.

The hub will include a café, toilets and a community space in a modern, environmentally friendly building.

The space will provide a place for people to learn about the unique wildlife on the coastline and discover ways to help protect it in the future. Schools and community groups will also be encouraged to visit.

Find out more at www.durhamcommercialservices.co.uk

The hub supports the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s SeaScapes programme.

SeaScapes project set to make waves

It is hoped that the new building will be ready to welcome visitors this summer if coronavirus restrictions allow.

Work has begun on a £5 million project which will benefit coastal communities in County Durham, South Tyneside, Sunderland and Hartlepool.

The SeaScape project, which is part funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Landscape Partnership programme, will deliver 23 coastal projects over the next four years, including many on the Durham Coast.

For more information, visit durhamheritagecoast.org

Heritage Coast Durham

As well as improving public access to beaches, the project will explore the heritage hidden beneath the waves, creating ‘snorkel safaris’, to produce a virtual reality wreck diving experience and offer opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy being on and in the sea.

Interpretation and access works are taking place at Seaham Marina.

Many more community projects are also planned for people to take part in once coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

Visit www.exploreseascapes.co.uk to find out more.

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News

Council tax discounts Did you know that council tax bills can be reduced for people who suffer from a severe mental impairment?

If you have been diagnosed by your doctor as suffering from a condition or illness that is classed as a severe mental impairment or if you care for someone who does, you may be entitled to receive a reduction or exemption on your council tax.

Take part in Census 2021 Households across County Durham are being asked to take part in Census 2021.

Run by the Office for National Statistics, the census is a once-in-a-decade survey that provides the most accurate information about people and households in England and Wales.

The findings will be used to understand the needs of County Durham as well as the wider country.

It allows organisations including central government, local councils and health authorities, to plan and fund public services such as transport, education and health.

To complete the census, and find out how you can get help to do so, visit www.census.gov.uk or call 0800 141 2021.

Register for May elections County and parish council elections are due to take place in May, along with the election of a new Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington.

If you wish to cast your vote, you must make sure that you are registered to do so. You may also want to consider applying for a postal or proxy vote so that you don’t have to attend a polling station.

Visit www.durham.gov.uk/elections for more information.

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This can include people who suffer from illnesses such as Alzheimer's, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s or other similar conditions as well as those with severe learning difficulties.

Those who are eligible and live alone, do not pay any council tax, while those living with another person qualify for a 25 per cent reduction.

To find out more visit www.durham.gov.uk/smi Discounts are also available for anyone who lives alone, residents with severe disabilities, students, student nurses, apprentices, National Traineeship trainees and anyone whose property is exempt from council tax.

If someone has moved out of their home permanently to receive care in a hospital, residential care home or a supported housing scheme or hostel, they may also be entitled to a discount or exemption on their property. Find out more at www.durham.gov.uk/counciltaxdiscounts

More funding to support businesses Grants of £10,000 and over are available for projects that help businesses and individuals to develop and grow.

The North and South Durham Community Led Local Development (CLLD) initiatives are offering the grants after receiving an extension for their European Regional Development Fund projects.

Recent awards have included Business Boost by the Durham based Finchale Group, offering advice and training to businesses, and Durham Business Growth Grants by Umi Ltd, offering small grants to existing businesses.

Find out more at www.durham.gov.uk/CLLD

Greta and the Giants

News

Children who received a free book as part of Durham Book Festival can now delve deeper into the story, thanks to a new set of online resources.

More than 17,000 free copies of Greta and the Giants were handed out through libraries, primary schools, nurseries and childminders across County Durham as part of the festival’s Little Read initiative.

To support the scheme, our Education Durham team and Durham Music Service have created a range of learning resources to accompany the book.

And author Zoe Tucker was so impressed, that she agreed take part in a live Facebook session and is also helping develop the resources even further.

Visit www.durhambookfestival.com

Mosaic makeover A mosaic telling the story of a Durham City park has been replaced after being damaged by bad weather.

Volunteer group Friends of Wharton Park, who maintain the park’s community garden, arranged for the artwork to be recreated and moved to another area of the site after it was ruined by heavy rain.

The renovated mosaic remains true to the original piece and features a selection of images telling the story of the park, including a Davey lamp and the city’s viaduct.

New community garden grows

The artwork is mounted on a wall in the park and the group are hoping to run craft workshops in the future to recycle leftover glass from the old mosaic.

A love of the outdoors has blossomed at a village primary school, thanks to a new community garden.

Developed by staff and pupils between coronavirus lockdowns, the garden at Bearpark Primary School has provided pupils with an opportunity to spend time in the fresh air and learn some life skills.

The children worked with the school’s caretaker and volunteers to plant trees and bulbs, donated by local suppliers. They are growing their own produce and spending time caring for the school chickens.

The school would like to hear from anyone with any gardening expertise who would like to volunteer their time or equipment to support the community garden. Email bearpark@durhamlearning.net

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Economy and jobs Need some advice?

Employment support The coronavirus pandemic has had an impact on many businesses, with the result that people across the country have either lost their jobs or seen a reduction in their hours.

For those in County Durham who have lost out, there is plenty of support available to get back into work.

The National Careers Service offers free advice and information, whatever stage you are at in your career.

For help exploring different careers, learning opportunities or setting new career goals, call 0800 100 900 or visit www.nationalcareers.service.gov.uk

Support for young people

Opportunities for all

Young people in County Durham who are not in education, employment or training, can access support from DurhamWorks.

We are thrilled to have been awarded a place in the government’s Top 100 Apprenticeships Employers list.

The programme, which is delivered by the council and partners, has helped thousands of 16 to 24-year-olds across the county, including Tallitha Walton.

Made up of employers from the public and private sector, the list celebrates outstanding apprenticeship employers in industries such as engineering, banking, healthcare, retail, local government, accountancy and the charity sector.

Tallitha, who is 21, reached out to DurhamWorks in October last year.

With a passion for IT, she was referred to its partner RAW Digital Training and secured an IT apprenticeship with the company, ITS, after just two weeks of training.

Tallitha said: “I am now well into my apprenticeship and it is the best thing that has happened to me. I see a career ahead of me with a company that supports DurhamWorks participant Tallitha Walton. me.”

To find out more about DurhamWorks, call 03000 262 930, email DurhamWorks@durham.gov.uk or visit www.durhamworks.info

We currently have 238 apprentices working in a wide range of roles across our services and schools, in areas including catering, accounting, construction, and business administration.

Business admin apprentice Callum Etherington.

Since the apprenticeship levy was introduced in April 2017, we have taken on 458 new apprentices and 460 upskilling apprentices across our services and schools – 918 in total across three years Callum Etherington joined us in September 2020 as a business admin apprentice in our bereavement services, studying for a Level 3 qualification in business administration. Callum is enjoying his apprenticeship, which involves arranging interments, memorial applications, deed transfers and liaising with funeral directors and the general public.

“Starting my apprenticeship during the pandemic has meant that I am working from home, but it’s been surprisingly straight forward,” said Callum. “My colleagues, line manager and college tutor are very supportive in making sure there’s a balance between working on the job and my course work.”

Callum has recently been appointed to a permanent role in the team and will continue studying for his qualification.

If you are interested in finding out more about apprenticeships with us, visit www.durham.gov.uk

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Integra 61.

Creating more and better jobs Long-term efforts to create thousands of new high-quality jobs in County Durham are starting to produce results. Although the pandemic continues to prove challenging for businesses, there is much to look forward to this year as our major employment sites continue to help new and existing businesses flourish and grow.

Jade Business Park, the £200 million manufacturing and distribution site that’s set to create over 2,500 jobs, has welcomed the arrival of its second tenant.

Innovative housebuilder, CoreHaus has now opened its first UK manufacturing site at the fully serviced development next to the A19, near Seaham.

At Sedgefield, NETPark, is moving forward with ambitious plans for its £5 million expansion. Plans to design and build bespoke premises as park of the third phase of the north east’s only science and technology park, will create up to 1,400 jobs.

Twenty-six acres of development land have recently been opened up on the site, thanks to a £5 million grant from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership. Clear Futures, led by the Robertson Group, are hoping to design and build the state-ofthe-art facilities. Working alongside businesses, it will be drawing up plans to deliver high quality laboratory, office and warehouse space needed by individual science, engineering and technology businesses.

Plans to further develop the Integra 61development at Bowburn are also moving forward. The £215 million mixed-use logistics and manufacturing park next to the A1(M) is already home to an Amazon fulfilment centre, which has created 1,000

permanent jobs. A new Costa Coffee drive-thru facility opened in December, creating 15 jobs. Citrus Durham, which is developing Integra 61, has now submitted plans for the delivery of the next phase of the development. Known as Evolution@Integra61, this will be made up of 24 small industrial units which have been designed to address the regional shortage of high quality industrial and warehouse units in a prime location. Subject to planning permission, the units will be ready to welcome businesses by the end of the year. The development will also house hundreds of new homes, a hotel, nursery, car showrooms and a further 1 million sq ft of employment space, generating around 4,000 jobs.

In the next month, work will also begin on-site at Aykley Heads, in Durham, helping to deliver 4,000 jobs at the new business park on the County Hall site. After planning permission was secured in December, the first phase of work will see the creation of 3,500 sqm of Grade A office space within a three-storey building to the north of the site. £6 million has been allocated from the Government’s Getting Build Fund, and we are investing the remaining £6 million. This will create up to 300 jobs and stimulate private sector investment for the rest of the site and help put County Durham firmly on the map as a distinctive business location.

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Support for business

Seaham.

Supporting businesses, securing jobs If the county’s economy is to recover from the impact of the pandemic, it is vital that we continue to support businesses and sustain investment in the area. And we’re currently working harder than ever to ensure we can bounce back stronger.

Road to recovery Businesses across the county can now benefit from our £5 million Durham Business Recovery Grant. Overseen by our economic development arm, Business Durham, the fund is aimed at those businesses developing credible plans to meet the challenges the pandemic has caused them, by for example, developing new products or entering new markets. Businesses in all sectors can apply for grants from £1,000 up to £40,000.

Companies can also access a Covid-19 Business Support Brochure offering information on the support available including grants, business and digital support, innovation, skills, recruitment, training and employee welfare.

We also run a Covid Recovery Programme, giving micro and small businesses one-to-one support sessions focusing on developing marketing and sales plans.

Meanwhile, small and medium companies in the construction, health and ‘electech’ sectors across the

Find out more

county, which are looking to invest in research and development, can join the Durham Future Innovation Building programme. This is designed to help businesses unlock their innovation potential through a series of events, masterclasses, workshops and practical sessions.

We also provide support for start-up businesses through Durham Ambitious Business Start-ups (DABS). The DABS programme offers two unique packages: one for those who have a great idea but haven’t yet started their business, and another for new entrepreneurs who have recently set up their business.

Visit County Durham offers dedicated one-to-one support, training and webinars for the county’s tourism businesses. Their Love Local campaign supports local businesses to sell their products online, while the #LoveDurham from your sofa campaign shines a light on the area’s tourism attractions through virtual content.

www.businessdurham.co.uk

Training and support for tourism businesses – www.visitcountydurham.org

Support for start-ups – www.durhamstartups.co.uk

Love Local – www.thisisdurham.com

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Investing in people and places A world class destination We’ve recently secured a £19.9 million investment into Bishop Auckland from the Future High Street Fund.

The fund aims to support recovery from the pandemic as well as helping to protect and create more jobs. It will help us renew and reshape Bishop Auckland’s town centre and high street in a way that drives growth, improves the experience for residents and businesses and ensures future sustainability.

Bishop Auckland has also been selected to participate in the Stronger Towns Programme and invited to bid for up to £50 million in government grants.

In order to accelerate the regeneration of the town and ensure the impact is felt across the county, a

Bishop Auckland.

Stronger Town Board has been established to develop project proposals. The board’s vision is to make Bishop Auckland a ‘world-class heritage visitor destination of UK importance; a 21st Century bustling market town and service centre for the whole of South West Durham and gateway to the Durham Dales’. To support this, we will be developing new road infrastructure, creating new workspaces and establishing Bishop Auckland as a digital 5G enabled town.

More for your money We’re working to maximise the value of every pound spent in County Durham as part of our Social Value and Local Wealth Building project, which will play an important role in economic recovery.

The aim of social value is that the economic, social and environmental benefits for communities should drive decisions about how contracts are awarded.

For example, we recently appointed Esh Construction as our contractor for the new £10.6 million Bowburn Primary School, and the company committed to more than 40 per cent social value outcome in County Durham for the project.

Esh also employs 340 County Durham residents and has 450 County Durham businesses within its supply chain. The firm is also one of only a few UK companies to have received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Promoting Opportunity Through Social Mobility.

Local wealth building, meanwhile, means working with residents, businesses and partner organisations to create and retain wealth within communities.

The purpose is to maximise the value of every County Durham pound spent to ensure it benefits as many

The new £10.6 million Bowburn Primary School.

people and businesses as possible. We will be working with other major employers in the county to ensure our collective buying and employing power works for the county.

We are already a national leader in this area, demonstrating high levels of spending in County Durham and across the North East, with 68 per cent of our annual £530 million spend invested in the North East and 46 per cent in County Durham.

The County Durham Pound project, launched in September 2020, aims to build on this success to drive forward recovery measures and accelerate our work to develop a more sustainable local economy.

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Social working

Inspired to help others Danielle Richardson witnessed the positive difference social workers make to people’s lives after her beloved nana, Betty, suffered a fall in 2018. Now the mother-of-two is pursuing her own career in social work and has been reunited with the inspirational social worker who opened her eyes to this rewarding profession.

When Danielle Richardson, 34, embarked on an MA in Social Work at the University of Sunderland last September, she had one clear goal in mind; to help people through their most difficult times. Two years previously, her nana, Mary Elizabeth Wiley, known as Betty to her friends and ‘Mother Hen’ to Danielle and her sister, had fallen down the stairs and spent many weeks recovering in hospital.

Fiercely independent and happiest when looking after others, Betty was desperate to return to the home she

Danielle and Kathrine.

had lived in all of her life in Horden. She was worried that if she accepted support, her choice of living at home could be taken away from her, making it an upsetting time for her and her family.

Thankfully, these worries were eased when Durham County Council social worker Kathrine Grant visited Betty in hospital and put together a care package that enabled her to return home.

“Kathrine’s manner was absolutely perfect – professional yet approachable – and her kindness was evident,” said Danielle, from Hetton-le-Hole.

“My nana was born in her house and it was a source of comfort and pride for her. Seeing Kathrine empower my nana to live independently was incredibly inspirational and I knew it was something that I wanted to do too.

“When my nana passed away in 2019 our whole family was heartbroken. I decided it was a transformational moment and applied to do an MA in Social Work.

ardson,

Danielle Rich

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nana Betty, left, with her

en.

d daughter Ed

sister Jayne an

“I was really specific when I made my request for my 100-day placement, as I really wanted be on a hospital discharge team. I couldn’t believe it when I was placed in the same team as Kathrine at Durham County Council. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to thank her for helping my nana and my family and for inspiring me to go into such a rewarding career.”

Seeing Kathrine empower my nana to live independently was incredibly inspirational...

The reunion was equally emotional for Kathrine.

“I was overwhelmed when I received an email from Danielle informing me she was a student with our team,” said Kathrine.

“I was saddened by the news her nana had Danielle as a little gir passed away but l with Bet ty. overjoyed that her experience with myself and her nana had inspired her to become a social worker. I believe my strengths are being an empathic listener, understanding what clients like Danielle’s nana want to achieve and striving to promote independence.

“Danielle was also able to demonstrate this with her nana and I’m sure she will take these skills forward into practice with other clients. I am looking forward to working with Danielle during her placement and wish her every success in her future as a social worker.”

We currently employ more than 180 social workers supporting adults across a range of specialisms, including mental health, learning disabilities, substance misuse and hospital discharge. The teams work closely with colleagues in the NHS as part of the county’s integrated approach to health and social care.

There are many routes into adult social work, from degree programmes to apprenticeships.

To find out more, visit www.basw.co.uk/resources/become-social-worker

If you’re interested in studying for a social work qualification, visit www.socialworkengland.org.uk

In 2020, the council supported 23 social work placements, providing opportunities for students like Danielle to get firsthand experience.

Due to the pandemic and the vulnerabilities of many clients, processes have been adapted to help keep people safe, including offering more virtual and telephone appointments.

There’s more information on mental health social work at www.thinkahead.org

“Working in a pandemic is challenging to say the least, but it’s amazing how resilient and creative people are in the face of adversity,” said Danielle. “It’s hard not having face-to-face contact but having Teams calls and emails still makes me feel part of the team. Everyone has been incredibly supportive and I don’t feel like I’m missing any learning opportunities.”

If you’d like to work in children and young people’s services visit www.gov.uk and search ‘Step up to Social Work’.

“I would strongly recommend anyone who is thinking about a career in social work to go for it. You’ll never look back.”

You can also find out more about the children’s sector at www.thefrontline.org.uk

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NAT

Think Careers in Care

There’s a broad range of roles available in adult social care with great opportunities for progression.

Care Academy offers a range of remote training and development programmes to suit people at every stage in their career.

My Wellness App Live and On Demand Classes from friendly fitness coaches from DCC leisure centres

If you are interested in starting your career journey into adult social care apply to the Care Academy today by visiting www.durham.gov.uk/careacademyrecruitment

For more information on how to get the app, visit:

durham.gov.uk/fitnessclasses @DurhamThriveActive

www.durham.gov.uk/careacademyrecruitment 03000 260 222

facebook.com/CareAcademyDurham

Your first choice for housing in County Durham

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0300 1311 999

Karbon Homes

0808 164 0111

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0800 587 4538

North Star Housing 03000 11 00 11

www.durhamkeyoptions.co.uk

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Supporting communities

Supporting you through the pandemic DCC staff preparing food parcels for vulnerable residents.

The coronavirus pandemic continues to prove challenging for us all but support is available for those who need it. Whether you are self-isolating, having trouble managing your money or have concerns about someone’s safety, help is at hand.

Contact our Community Hub

Victims of domestic abuse

If you’re self-isolating and don’t have family, friends or neighbours who can help, a list of local support groups and organisations is available at www.durhamlocate.org.uk

Domestic abuse affects more than 1.8 million people in England and Wales each year and cases can often rise when households are under additional pressures.

You can also contact our County Durham Together Community Hub for help with essential supplies, financial support or our Chat Together service if you’re feeling lonely. Email communityhub@durham.gov.uk or call 03000 260 260 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 4.30pm on a Friday.

And domestic abuse isn’t always physical – it is about someone you know trying to control your life. It can be financial, psychological, emotional, or sexual – but there is no excuse for it.

More information is also available on our website at www.durham.gov.uk/covid19help

Financial help Coronavirus has left many people needing financial support. If you’re struggling to pay your bills or are dealing with debt, the best thing you can do is to ask for help.

We can offer support with debt advice, council tax discounts and Discretionary Housing Payments. Our Welfare Assistance scheme can also provide short-term help with living expenses to cover food, baby milk and nappies, heating and hygiene products.

Find out more at www.durham.gov.uk/covid19money

Please remember, if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, you should call 999.

We understand that making the first call for help is a big step, but if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, help and support services are available.

We work with Harbour Support, a specialist domestic abuse service that helps people in County Durham.

Contact them on 03000 202525 or email info@myharbour.org.uk Find out more at www.durham.gov.uk/domesticabuse or via the government website at www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help

It’s more important than ever that people are safe in our communities. If you see, hear or suspect that an adult with care and support needs is being harmed, abused or neglected or you are worried that a child or young person is being harmed, please report your concerns.

Contact Social Care Direct (for adults) or First Contact (for children) on 03000 267979.

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Supporting communities

Mental Health & Emotional Support for adults in County Durham

This is a great starting point to help you access support

Advice and self-help

Connecting to local support Wellbeing for life | www.wellbeingforlife.net

NHS | www.nhs.uk Stressed, anxious or depressed? Or just want to feel happier?

Your NHS is here to help.

Helping you find what’s around you and how to make the most of it.

Call free for expert advice 0800 876 6887

Every Mind Matters

ManHealth | www.manhealth.org.uk

Find expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing

01388 320023

www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters The Recovery College Online

Offering advice, peer workshops and a place to talk

Talking Changes | www.talkingchanges.org.uk

Providing a range of online courses and resources

PA self-help, counselling and talking therapies service designed to help anyone with common mental health problems

www.recoverycollegeonline.co.uk

0191 333 3300

Mind | www.mind.org.uk

Time to Change Hub

Resources from Mind can help find what’s right for you and your family.

Rethink Mental Illness www.rethink.org |

Offer online support and some local groups.

Helplines and Webchats Shout | www.giveusashout.org Anxious? Worried? Stressed? Get 24/7 help from our team of Crisis Volunteers. Text 85258

Samaritans | 116 123 | www.samaritans.org The Samaritans are there to listen. 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

A local social movement aiming to change the way people think and act about mental health

www.time-to-change.org.uk

Durham Locate | www.durhamlocate.org.uk Durham County Council | www.durham.gov.uk Helping you find support locally.

Accessing specialist services NHS | 111 | www.111nhs.uk/supportlocally

Answer questions about your mental health and find support locally.

County Durham Together Hub | 03000 260 260 Help when self-isolating/how to volunteer

SANE 07984 967 708 www.sane.org.uk

www.durham.gov.uk

Sane and the SANEline offers one-to-one support for those times you feel you need it most.

Community Floating Support Teams

Calm: Campaign against living miserably

Offering services for people with mental health issues who do not have a social worker or care coordinator to access support

|

|

Access the helpline to talk and find support.

5pm-Midnight 365 days a year

03000 269 071 | www.durham.gov.uk/cfs

0800 58 58 58 | www.thecalmzone.net

Crisis Resolution and Intensive Home Treatment Team

TEWV Crisis Line 24 hour service for people experiencing a mental health crisis

Providing specialist treatments and assessments with a range of professionals 24/7

0800 0516171

03000 200 317 | www.tewv.nhs.uk

Remember GPs are available to help.

You are not alone, we can get through this together.

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If you are looking for more specific help. www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/ mental-health-helplines

Supporting communities

Mental Health & Emotional Support for children, young people & families in County Durham

Local Support

National Support

One Point | 03000 261 111

KOOTH

Advice and practical support across all aspects of family life

Free, safe, anonymous online support for young people aged 11+

www.durham.gov.uk/OnePoint Education & SEND Support

Support for children with special educational needs or disabilities

www.kooth.com

Anna Freud Centre for Children and Families Self-care to look after our own mental health

www.countydurhamfamilies.info

www.annafreud.org

Humankind | 01325 731 160

Charlie Waller Memorial Trust

Health and wellbeing support for LGBT young people (15-24yrs)

www.humankindcharity.org.uk Investing in Children

A children’s rights organisation, creating spaces to be heard

www.investinginchildren.net

Rollercoaster Parent Support | 07415 380 040 Helping parents to support children with mental health issues.

DurhamWorks | 03000 262 930 Supporting 16-24 year olds not in education, employment or training

www.durhamworks.info

Recovery College Online Educational resources for people experiencing mental illness

Resources for schools and families

www.cwmt.org.uk

Childline | www.childline.org.uk A free, private and confidential service where children can talk about anything.

Headspace Free tools around mindfulness and meditation

www.headspace.com

Public Health England Guidance on health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus

www.gov.uk

www.recoverycollegeonline.co.uk

MindEd

County Durham Together Hub

www.mindedforfamilies.org.uk

Help when self-isolating/how to volunteer www.durham.gov.uk/covid19help | 03000 260 260

Young Minds

Safe and reliable advice about young people’s mental health

Support for mental health during the pandemic

Children’s Social Care First Contact

www.youngminds.org.uk

Report a concern about a child’s welfare www.durham.gov.uk/FirstContact | 03000 267 979

NHS | 111

CAMHS - Single Point of Access

Get medical help near you www.nhs.uk

Community mental health teams for children www.tewv.nhs.uk | 03001 239 296

Remember your local school and GPs are available to help.

TEWV Crisis line | 0800 0516 171

You are not alone, we can get through this together.

24 hour service for young people experiencing a mental health crisis www.tewv.nhs.uk

County Durham

Clinical Commissioning Group

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Supporting communities

There when you need us Since the start of the pandemic, staff across Durham County Council have been working hard to maintain services and help residents and businesses when you need us most. Here are some of the ways we and our partners have been supporting communities.

90k+

vulnerable residents contacted by the council

142%

increase in use of our

library eServices

21,118 food vouchers

issued to support children and young people between 0 to 19 years old

35,400

grants paid to businesses totalling

£149m 23,151 households

have received hardship payments, totalling more than

£3.9m

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,522 14 children

provided with holiday activities with food

Care Connect has responded to more than

26,800 calls

to the elderly and vulnerable households

Care providers contacted more than

39,100

times offering advice and support

Fitness app launched with over

1,500 users 6,772 free car parking spaces made available for

NHS staff and other key workers

500 council staff

re-deployed to work on critical services

900,000 pieces of PPE

distributed to the care sector

£3.6m

available for community and voluntary sector projects, with £3 million committed so far for

598 projects

1,200+

hospitality and tourism businesses provided with advice and support

122 rough sleepers

provided with accommodation

Keeping culture alive Culture has always been vital to County Durham. Not only does it enrich people’s lives and bring communities together, it also plays a key role in our economic prosperity. It attracts visitors into our towns and villages and creates and safeguards jobs.

Culture

The East Durham Dementia Friendly Choir enjoy a virtual singing session at Christmas.

Hannah Goudie-Hunter, of Kitchen Zoo, supported the library service’s virtual storytelling sessions.

Sadly, the sector has been hit hard over the past year by the coronavirus pandemic, with the restrictions resulting in the Paul Hartley, left, and Neil Armstrong, wrote and directed Rottenchops’ Revenge. cancellation of events and the temporary closure of culture and leisure venues.

Yet despite these challenges, we remain committed to culture and recognise the vital role it will play in the county’s economic recovery Although our venues have been closed, and long-term prosperity. We have been working hard to find new ways work has been going on behind the to inspire people and support the creative industry. By moving events scenes to ensure they can offer an even such as BRASS and Durham Book Festival online and creating new better customer experience when it is virtual events, including the Durham Festival of Food and Drink, we safe to reopen. have created new platforms for artists and traders to connect with the public, while offering much-needed entertainment and escapism.

At Gala Durham, we are transforming the Last summer, we teamed up with Durham University to present foyer, bar and box office areas. Empire On Stage: Online, a virtual theatre festival featuring shows created by Consett, meanwhile, has benefited from local companies and performing arts groups. improvements to the stage, lighting, backstage Other highlights included Rottenchops’ area, café and box office.

Revenge, a series of festive films bringing the magic of Gala Durham’s much-loved Bishop Auckland Town pantomime into people’s homes, brand new Hall has undergone a radio drama Sunset On Tantobie and £1.5 million makeover, The Christmas Tree, an exciting audio including the creation of a adventure for children. new café. And, at Durham Virtual storytelling sessions organised by our Town Hall, restoration library service also proved a big hit with work is underway to Durham Town Hall. youngsters. More information about County preserve the building and Durham libraries, including the Library Online its artefacts. service, can be found at www.durham.gov.uk/libraries To stay up to date with the latest news Our community arts team has also been busy developing innovative from these venues visit: ways to lift people’s spirits. Older people in the East Durham area, for www.galadurham.co.uk; example, can now enjoy a variety of online workshops, including www.empireconsett.co.uk; East Durham Dementia Friendly Choir, a weekly art group, reading www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk; group and a dance project all through the Artful Age project. To find and out more about community arts projects across the county, visit www.durham.gov.uk/durhamtownhall www.durham.gov.uk/communityarts

Behind the scenes

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Health and wellbeing

Staying active through lockdown Contending with the cold weather on top of lockdown restrictions, has meant finding the motivation to get out and get active has been difficult. That’s why we are now offering a series of virtual fitness classes that people can join in with at home.

Keeping fit online We’ve teamed up with Technogym to offer a varied timetable of classes via the MyWellness app. There’s a mix of 100 pre-recorded sessions ranging from gentle yoga to more active challenges – and some of the sessions even feature staff from our own leisure centres.

Our instructors will take you back to basics so that you can exercise your way, at your pace and in your own time. Getting started is easy, all you need to do is: Step 1: Register online at www.durham.gov.uk/fitnessclasses Step 2: Download the MyWellness app from your app store Step 3: Log in and get going If you have any questions, you can email CSVirtual@durham.gov.uk Instructors are also on hand to help via the Thrive Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DurhamThriveAction

Health and wellbeing assistant Stephen Lowerson has kept busy in his garden through lockdown

Start your active journey Health and wellbeing development assistant, Stephen Lowerson, shares his three top tips to help take those first steps towards an active lifestyle: ✔ Start small: aim for a 20 minute walk every day, at your own pace.

Movement made easy The pandemic has made it especially challenging for the elderly and those with long-term health conditions to stay active.

✔ Try to introduce more variety as your confidence grows. For example, jogging, swimming or cycling. ✔ Most importantly, find something that brings you enjoyment and you’re more likely to want to do it again.

In order to support them, we have 50 copies of the Movement Made Easy DVD available on loan for people who are unable to exercise outdoors or can’t get online to join a virtual a class.

Produced by the Keep Fit Association, with help from both Sport England and National Lottery funding, the DVD has been designed to help improve fitness levels through gentle routines that will gradually improve your fitness levels.

You can hire the DVD free of charge by calling the Books on Wheels library service on 03000 263789.

Organisations can also request a copy for their clients by emailing ebooksupport@durham.gov.uk

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We’ve put together some top tips to help you take care of your mental health:

Spend time together in different ways There are lots of ways to spend time with your friends and family without having to meet in person. Chatting on the phone, video-calling and social media can remind you that you aren’t alone. There are also lots of opportunities to join online clubs and virtual social events, or even play games with your friends online.

Taking care of your mind as well as your body Many of us continue to feel worried, anxious or lonely as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Not only has our social contact been limited over the last year, but we have also faced disruption and uncertainty.

In a recent survey by Public Health England, almost half of adults admitted that their mental health and wellbeing had been negatively affected.

Perhaps you’re missing your family and friends, worrying about your health and finances or feeling isolated and lonely. It’s important to remember that it is OK to not feel OK. Staying at home can be difficult but it won’t always be this way.

Recognise your achievements We have all found new ways to adapt over the past year. Take 10 minutes to list some of your successes, however big or small. Perhaps you learned how to cook a new meal, home-schooled the children or finished a task you’ve been meaning to do for a long time. Whatever it is, be proud of your accomplishments.

Be kind to yourself Remember that this situation is not permanent and if you are struggling with feelings of uncertainty, try to accept that you can’t control everything.

Instead, focus your time and energy on what you can control.

Maintain a routine Having a structure to your day helps you to avoid bad habits and boosts your mind. Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time each day. Fill your day with positive and meaningful activities, such as cooking, exercise, reading and keeping in contact with your friends.

Look after your body Our physical health has a big impact on how we feel. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water and exercise regularly.

Avoid smoking or drinking too much alcohol.

If you are staying at home, try exercising indoors or taking part in an online class.

If you’re feeling lonely and could benefit from a friendly conversation, you can contact our virtual community hub, County Durham Together, on 03000 260 260 or email communityhub@durham.gov.uk There’s more information on specialist mental health support at www.durham.gov.uk/covid19mentalhealth There are also tips to help you manage anxiety about coronavirus at www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus

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LA7 BeatCovidNE Jaswinder (Jas as he’s known to his friends) Singh is a bus driver for Go North East. He lives in Seaham with his wife Kamal and six-year-old son Mann. He’s taking part in the #BeatCovidNE campaign to share his experiences as a key worker during the pandemic and to thank others for everything they are doing to help curb the spread of the virus.

Here he talks about coronavirus and how months of tough restrictions have affected him and his family.

Adjusting to the new normal

Homeschool challenges

“I’ve been thinking a lot recently about how much we have all adjusted to the changes coronavirus has brought into our lives. At the start of the pandemic, it felt so strange to stay home, wear a mask, constantly wash your hands and social distance – but it all just feels so normal now.

“I home-school my six-year-old son on my days off work, so I know first-hand how tricky it is having the kids at home, but seeing how quiet the buses are, I can understand how the school closures can limit the spread in many ways.

“Before coronavirus, Kamal and I always had so many plans to entertain our six-year-old and keep him busy – but now we love spending time at home, doing simpler things like playing Snakes and Ladders together. We enjoy the slower pace and spending proper time together as a family, just the three of us.

“At work at Go North East, we have plenty of guidelines in place to keep us safe – for example at the Bus Interchange we all wear masks and follow the one-way system. One thing I have noticed recently is that the buses are much quieter since the schools have only been open for key worker children. It shows how limiting the number of children in schools has an impact at a wider level.”

We enjoy the slower pace and spending proper time together as a family, just the three of us.

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“Adapting to home-schooling online has been quite a learning curve for us parents. I think kids are resilient and Mann is doing brilliantly with the change. Although it was tricky at the start, we can navigate things online a lot better now and have found a bit of routine. These are not normal times and we are all just doing our best.”

Coronavirus wiped me out “I was really unfortunate over Christmas and tested positive for coronavirus, which completely wiped me out. I was so lucky not to need hospital treatment, but I was taken aback by how much the exhaustion caused by the virus would affect me, as I’m usually so fit and healthy.

“The experience of having coronavirus made me realise that one of the worst things about this pandemic is the unknown. None of us knows how long this virus will continue to affect our lives. None of us knows if we will catch it, and if we do test positive, how our body will respond to it. We can’t even be certain that we don’t have coronavirus at any given time, as one in three people are asymptomatic.”

Staying vigilant, sticking to the rules “The one thing we can control is how we behave. I’ve always been vigilant about following the rules and I think it has become second nature now.

Popping on a mask when I go to a local shop or into work, as well as sanitising my hands and social distancing, just feels natural now. By doing this, we are all in effect acting like we have coronavirus. By working together in this way, we can all beat this by bringing the daily number of cases and deaths down.”

Looking after my mental health “The other thing I have learnt after having the virus and having to isolate is how important it is to stay positive and look after your mental health.

Now I’m feeling more myself after the virus, I’m enjoying being able to exercise again. The endorphins from exercise just give you a real boost and I would encourage everyone to find a way of getting a little bit of activity into their day to help them stay strong and resilient.”

Hope on the horizon “With news of the vaccine roll-out, it does feel like there is hope on the horizon. Just like everyone else, I do miss a normal life. One of the things I miss the most is watching Liverpool FC play at my local pub over a pint.

All we need to do in the meantime is to follow the guidelines together, and take care of ourselves, to get to the other side of this. By acting like we have coronavirus and following the rules, I know there is light at the end of the tunnel for us all.”

“Thank you County Durham for not letting Covid win” Jaswinder Singh, Bus Driver

Staying at home keeps key workers safer.

Help us get to the future we all want at BeatCovidNE.co.uk

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Suppor ting you

Supporting you through the pandemic Staff from across the council have been working tirelessly to support our communities over the past year.

From frontline care to financial support, we remain committed to helping you through these difficult times. Here are just a few examples of the work of our teams.

Frontline support

Care Connect responder Ashley Prested.

Our Care Connect team, which supports residents to live independently in their own home, has continued to provide a 24-hour service throughout the pandemic. In doing so, the service is not only providing peace of mind to clients’ family and friends but is also helping to relieve some of the pressure on the NHS.

Because there was no other way inside, the police and a joiner had to be called to remove the kitchen window. “I then had to climb through the small window and into the kitchen. My colleague and I found the lady behind the front door and she explained that she had fallen when trying to get to the post and couldn’t get up,” said Ashley.

“Our control room and responders Once the paramedics arrived, the We’ve adapted our have continued answering lady was taken to hospital with a working practices to emergency calls across the county suspected broken hip and Ashley during the pandemic,” explains comply with coronavirus and her colleague made sure she Care Connect responder Ashley had everything she needed for restrictions...

Prested. “We’ve adapted our hospital before asking the Care working practices to comply with Connect control room to contact coronavirus restrictions, such as wearing full PPE and her family. They also made sure her house was safe. maintaining social distancing to offer maximum “Our response to emergencies like this shows our protection against the virus.” service is vital to people in County Durham,” explains Recently, Ashley and a colleague were called out to Ashley. “Many of our clients comment that they would help a lady who had fallen in her home. When they not be able to live independently in their home without arrived, they found she’d fallen behind the door, the service to help them. It’s this kind of feedback that preventing them from getting into her house. “We makes me proud to work as a telecare responder, as I waited at the property talking to the lady through the know I’m providing a service that is improving quality letter box to reassure her that help was on its way,” said of life and helping people to maintain their Ashley. “The lady shouted that she was freezing cold as independence.” she was only wearing thin clothes so I pushed my coat For more information about Care Connect, email through the letterbox to keep her warm while we careconnect@durham.gov.uk or call 03000 262 195. waited.”

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Financial support Staff in our finance teams have played a vital role in supporting vulnerable people and businesses through the pandemic. As well as working to maintain their usual services, the team has been working tirelessly to process support to those in need, thanks to support from colleagues in customer services, awards and our enforcement and support team. ✔ More than 60 staff have been involved in supporting the welfare assistance team to distribute thousands of pounds worth of vouchers for free school meals during the October half term and Christmas holidays, ensuring that families with children have access to food over the holidays.

✔ The Business Rates and Support team has distributed £149 million in grants to support businesses across the county which have been impacted by the pandemic. Dozens of staff have been involved in ensuring these were given out in a timely manner.

✔ The assessment and awards team, which would normally administer housing benefit and council tax reduction, have been administering the Government’s Test and Trace Support Payment.

This has supported people on low income who have been told to isolate by NHS Test and Trace and who are unable to work from home, with a grant of £500.

Mary Readman, our head of transactional services, said: “I have to say how bowled over I was at seeing the commitment, flexibility and adaptability of staff in both my team and across other key council areas. I’ve seen teams who hadn’t worked together before, knuckle down and deliver, and people willing to work weekends, evenings, and everything in between to support residents in need. And of course, not forgetting the staff who have kept the ‘day job’ going in order to ensure continuity of service.”

Redeployment leads to dream job When coronavirus restrictions stopped Claire Fothergill-Smith from carrying out her normal role at one of our leisure centres, she was redeployed – a move which ultimately led her to embark to a new career.

Claire was given a choice of teams to work with but felt that her previous experience of working with children suited a role at Aycliffe Secure Centre.

Claire had considered applying for roles at the children’s home before but had been reluctant to commit without knowing more. She said: “When the redeployment opportunity came along, I saw it as an amazing experience, kind of try before you apply.

“After my first shift I knew straight away this was the job for me. The young people were nothing like I had imagined, and the staff were amazing by offering support and help along the way.”

Claire Fothergill-Smith.

When restrictions were lifted, Claire realised her role at Freeman’s Quay Leisure Centre in Durham was no longer the job for her and she successfully secured a post at Aycliffe. “Now I have my dream career,” she added.

Now I have my dream career 25

To w n s a n d v i l l a g e s

Horden Station.

Investing in our towns and villages Communities across County Durham are set to benefit from a multi-million-pound investment.

Our Towns and Villages Investment Plan will see £25 million spent on regeneration in settlements all over the county – breathing new life into our communities and ensuring they are able to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

The plan will see £20 million spent on projects in some of our most disadvantaged areas to ensure an equitable approach to regeneration; and a further £5 million put towards projects identified as priorities by residents across our towns and villages.

The money will be used alongside existing council budgets and investment by partners; and will also help to attract additional external funding.

We will be backing projects which support our aims of creating more and better jobs; meeting the housing needs of our communities; improving and maintaining the fabric of our town and village centres; and finding uses for empty buildings. We will also invest to make sure that connections through walking and cycling, public transport and broadband connectivity around the county

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Artist impression of the new ALDI at Festival Walk in Spennymoor.

are accessible, reliable and well-maintained; and to keep the climate emergency at the heart of our regeneration work.

The plan will give money to projects which build resilience in communities and help them recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

The £5 million will be divided among our 14 Area Action Partnerships (AAP), with each given a budget of £300,000 to spend on projects supported by residents during online consultation events at the end of last year. More than 1,000 comments were received during these events and our AAPs will give money to projects which address the challenges and explore the opportunities put forward.

Through our Towns and Villages Strategy we are also ensuring all of our budgets and activities are aligned to reflect the priorities residents have identified during the consultation.

Ongoing regeneration Our Towns and Villages Investment Plan is part of our wider Towns and Villages Strategy, which has already seen more than £750 million committed by the council and its partners to regeneration projects across County Durham. This has included:

The new café at Bishop Auckland Town Hall.

The Digital High Street programme has seen Bishop Auckland and Stanley town centres benefit from free Wi-Fi. The next phase of the roll-out will see Wi-Fi installed in Chester-le-Street, Barnard Castle, Seaham and Durham City.

In the north of the county, improvements will be made to the former Co-op building in Sacriston. Consett has seen recent improvements to Middle Street, with works in the town continuing, and Burnopfield has benefited from a Spruce Up programme.

A Targeted Business Improvements scheme has seen businesses in areas such as Crook, Lanchester, Barnard Castle and Consett offered help to improve their shop fronts while vacant properties have been brought back into use.

A Green Home Fuel Efficiency Programme is to be introduced in Ferryhill, Chilton, West Cornforth and Bishop Middleham, meaning properties with a low energy efficiency rating will be improved.

Shildon now has a Community Action Scheme to tackle issues such as empty properties and noise.

Work has started on-site at Festival Walk in Spennymoor, following a £200 million investment into the town, which will see the development of a new car park, ALDI store and refurbished retail units ready for new business space.

The 200th anniversary of the Stockton-Darlington railway line in 2025 is generating work to enhance cycling and walking paths in the area.

Bishop Auckland Town Hall’s café has been refurbished, with the rest of the Town Hall hoped to open this year.

Meanwhile, following a successful bid to the Future High Streets Fund, the town can also look forward to a new bus station and the redevelopment of a number of vacant properties. Bishop Auckland is also the centre of a funding bid to government as part of the Stronger Towns Fund, a grant which would see Durham’s second largest town regenerated into a world-class heritage visitor destination. The 17th Century Walled Gardens at Auckland Castle are undergoing renovation and an Eleven Arches Park will build on the Kynren show with day-time attractions for families.

Demolition at Festival Walk in Spennymoor.

In East Durham there has been a focus on new house building with developments

by Chapter Homes and Durham Villages Regeneration in Peterlee, as well as the planned demolition of the former Easington Colliery Primary School which will make way for a pocket park. A new Morrisons has opened at Murton, creating 350 jobs, and the £10.5 million Horden Rail Station opened for passengers in June 2020, linking the east of the county into the local, regional and national rail network, allowing better connectivity for employment opportunities.

In Newton Aycliffe, jobs have been created at Merchant Park on Aycliffe Business Park, and new housing is planned for Low Copelaw with up to 950 properties planned.

Finally, in the west of the county we are committing £2 million to the transformation of the heritage Weardale Railway to help it become a major visitor attraction. We have made public realm improvements to Staindrop, rural business support has been delivered to businesses in towns such as Mickleton, and we have also been supporting local businesses in Stanhope.

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Fostering

Could you make a difference to a child’s life?

Fostering was always part of Chris and Jason Clark’s family plan. With two sons and an adopted daughter of their own, the couple first began fostering with us 15 years ago. What started as an offer of respite care, looking after children for short periods of time, has now grown to be something much more permanent.

Surgical care practitioner Jason and his wife, Chris, who is now a full-time foster carer, were in their mid-thirties when they first started fostering. Chris’s elder brother had fostered, and with some of their friends and family either having adopted or becoming foster carers, they had some experience of the process.

so nice to see her being able to put those skills into practice and the child going home to live with her.”

To begin with, they looked after children short-term, For the last five years the couple have been fostering four looking after one child overnight when their mum was in sisters on a long-term basis. “We got a phone call asking hospital. Over time, the number of children the couple us to take the four girls the week before Christmas,” were able to care for increased and explains Chris. “We were moving they found themselves looking after house in the February and half of it It was such a positive was packed, but we welcomed them children for longer periods of time, too. “We never expected to have the in. They were all under the age of six experience,... children for as long as we did,” Chris at the time.” The girls are now firmly explained. “It was such a positive part of the Clark family, along with experience, but the longer we looked after them, the three alpacas, two dogs, seven chickens and a bearded harder it was when they had to move on.” dragon, with Chris believing that the animals play a big role in family life.

Although it became difficult to say goodbye to the children, caring for them for a longer time helped them to Alongside the many rewards that fostering can bring, get to know not only the children, but their parents too.

Chris admits that the coronavirus pandemic has brought They found that some parents often had had poor life a number of challenges for the family. “Jason was experiences themselves and needed greater support. For working in ITU, which is obviously quite traumatic in itself, Chris and Jason, understanding the child’s background and we had all four girls being home schooled during the helped them to understand the situation they were in, first lockdown. In the second lockdown, the younger two and helped them make a difference to the families. “We sisters, who have special needs, returned to school, which had one child whose mum was young and single and does make things easier,” said Chris. She has also found a couldn’t cope,” said Chris. “It was almost like helping her stable routine has helped the family. “I tend to do all of with her child. She came on some family days out with us the practical things and Jason plays with the family when and we helped her to develop her parenting skills. It was he’s home from work. It works for us.”

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Durham County Council had a good reputation and a good Ofsted report so we chose them.

The couple chose to foster with us after researching a number of agencies. “I used to work in administration for an Independent Fostering Agency (IFA) and I knew that I wanted to foster through a council,” explains Chris. “They are responsible for placing children through the IFAs, so we were cutting out the middleman. Durham County Council had a good reputation and a good Ofsted report so we chose them.”

Chris would also encourage any potential foster carers to do their own research and not to rush, advising them not to be put off by the process. “It’s not instant but there is a balance,” said Chris. “It gives you time to be prepared.

Fostering gives you the chance to see that you made a real difference to a child’s life. However, you have to be realistic and understand that you can’t save everyone or rescue the world.”

Fifteen years on from their first experience in foster care, the Clarks still keep in touch with those children who have moved on to be adopted. They have also been supported throughout the entire period by the same social worker, helping both them and the children in their care to feel settled and well-supported.

To find out more about fostering or adopting with us, visit www.durham.gov.uk/inourcare

We are holding virtual information events to help you find out more about fostering and adoption.

Adoption events will be taking place: Wednesday, 21 April at 6pm and Saturday, 1 May at 10am.

Fostering events will be taking place: Thursday, 13 April at 6pm, Saturday, 24 April at 10am, Thursday, 6 May at 6pm and Saturday, 22 May at 10am.

To register to attend one of the events, send your email address and choice of date to fostering@durham.gov.uk or adoption@durham.gov.uk

Daughter Cheryl with their pet alpacas.

You can also call us for more information on 03000 269 400.

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Green living and climate change Awards go digital The achievements of the county’s green champions have been celebrated online this year.

The team behind the 2020 County Durham Environment Awards had to think on their feet when coronavirus restrictions meant the annual ceremony couldn’t go ahead as normal.

As a result, a virtual ceremony took place on Friday, 19 February and can be watched online at https://youtu.be/LE99Obryqbo

An entry into the Big Draw by Erin, aged 10 (left) and by Phoebe, aged 6 (below).

The Big Draw Environmental issues provided the inspiration for young artists when they visited our parks during the autumn.

Younger visitors to Wharton and Hardwick parks were invited to take part in the world’s largest drawing festival – The Big Draw – during their visit.

Following the theme ‘A Climate of Change’, youngsters were encouraged to come up with climate-themed designs.

We received hundreds of amazing entries and the winning designs will be used to make up a flag that will soon be displayed in Wharton and Hardwick parks.

Lighting the way to energy efficiency On the road to a greener future Electric vehicle charging points will become more widespread across County Durham in a move to reduce carbon emissions and make it easier for you to own electric cars.

We’re installing 160 charge points across the county within the next 15 months as part of an ambitious plan to ensure those without offstreet parking can access a charge point within a five-minute walk from their home. Currently focusing on the county’s rural areas, the charging points will be installed in councilowned car parks and each will be capable for charging two vehicles at once.

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The latest stage of a scheme to reduce energy use from street lighting in the county will be rolled out over the next three years.

The Street Lighting Energy Reduction Programme, which aims to improve the county’s energy efficiency, has already seen almost 60,000 streetlights retrofitted with LED units. This has reduced our energy consumption by almost 17,000 kilowatt hours and saved just under 8,500 tonnes per annum in carbon emissions.

In turn, this has meant savings of £2.8 million per annum and a reduction of 7.95 per cent in the council’s baseline carbon emissions, making it the biggest single contributor to our reduction in carbon emissions.

The next phase of the project will see the conversion of more than 17,000 streetlights to LED units, saving another 1,300 tonnes of carbon emissions per annum.

Some of these lights will be within the North Pennine Area of Natural Beauty, which is aiming to achieve International Dark Sky Status.

Some of the new street lighting in place around the Shildon by-pass area.

Tackling climate change Our priorities may have shifted over the past year due to the pandemic, but we remain as committed as ever to tackling climate change.

In 2019, we declared a climate emergency and pledged to reduce carbon emissions from our operations by 80 per cent by 2030. We are also working to make County Durham carbon neutral by 2050. Since this pledge we have taken a range of actions.

Planting trees across County Durham as part of the Urban Tree Challenge.

We offer grants of up to £150 to community groups, parish councils, schools and individuals who want to revitalise green spaces by planting trees.

Last year, our low carbon team was awarded the Best Climate Action Initiative at the prestigious Association for Public Service Excellence awards. We were also acknowledged by Sustain as one of only 13 councils in the country to include proposals to tackle food emissions at an adequate scale.

This year, we set out a Corporate Environmental Statement outlining how we will continue our work towards positive environmental change. The statement pledges to reduce the impact of our operating methods; ensure environmental impacts are included in decision-making; regularly monitor and improve our performance; and raise awareness and encourage environmentally positive behaviours.

Our clean and green team is currently planting trees across the county as part of the Forestry Commission Urban Tree Challenge, a project to increase tree coverage in urban areas.

We hosted a Community Energy Workshop, the first of its kind in County Durham, for greenthinking businesses keen to set up a network to look at low carbon solutions.

Our Business Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP) has helped small and medium businesses make savings by being more energy efficient.

Our solar farm in Tanfield has now been providing most of the electricity required to run our offices at Comeleon House for over a year.

We have opened our first reuse shop at Stainton Grove Household Waste Recycling Centre, where preowned items can be donated for use by someone else.

We are part of the European SME Power project, which identifies gaps in support to organisations wanting to become more energy efficient, and the LOCARBO scheme, which works to improve low carbon economy policies.

Our Single Use Plastic Pledge asks schools, businesses, residents and community groups to commit to cutting down on single use plastics, such as carrier bags and water bottles. Sign up at www.durham.gov.uk/singleuseplastics

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“Thank you County Durham for not letting Covid win” Jaswinder Singh, Bus Driver

Staying at home keeps key workers safer.

Help us get to the future we all want at BeatCovidNE.co.uk