Hartbeat Magazine December 2024

Hartbeat December 2024

www.hartlepool.gov.uk @hpoolcouncil

2 Christmas and New Year Opening Times 2024/25

Details correct at time of going to print. For any further updates visit www.hartlepool.gov.uk/christmas-opening-times

Civic Centre Main reception and telephones Tue 24 Dec Closed from 4.30pm Reopen 8.30am (phone Thu 2 Jan lines) and 9am (reception) Register Office Closed from 4.30pm Tue 24 Dec. Open Fri 27, Mon 30 and Tue 31 Dec for telephone service and pre-arranged appointments only. For opening hours and details of the services available visit www.hartlepool.gov.uk/ registeroffice/christmas or call 01429 523337.

Children’s Hub & Multi-Agency Child Exploitation Team Close 5pm Tue 24 Dec. Reopen 8.30am Fri 27 Dec 8.30am – 5pm Mon 30 Dec – Tue 31 Dec Wed 1 Jan Closed Reopen 8.30am Thu 2 Jan. Tel – 01429 284284 The Emergency Duty Team will operate at all other times including evenings, weekends and bank holidays – Tel - 01642 524552.

Children’s Safeguarding, Assessment and Support Wed 25 Dec – Thu 26 Dec Closed Fri 27 Dec – 8.30am - 4.30pm. Appointment only - call 01429 523878 Mon 30 Dec – Tue 31 Dec - 8.30am - 5pm.

Appointment only - call 01429 523878 Wed 1 Jan Closed Thu 2 and Fri 3 Jan Normal hours One Stop Shop Tel – 01429 284043 / 523900 Facebook – Hartlepool Youth Services Close 4.30pm Tue 24 Dec and reopen 9am Thu 2 Jan Through Care and Staying Close (Pathfinders, Villiers St, and Civic Centre) Normal hours apart from closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Tel 01429 405588 Youth Justice Service Service - Civic Centre Normal hours apart from: Wed 25 Dec – Thu 26 Dec Closed Wed 1 Jan Closed Tel - 01429 523986 / 401891 Mill House Leisure Centre, Brierton Sports Centre and Headland Sports Centre Mill House 8am – 3pm Tue 24 Dec Brierton 9am – 3pm Headland 9am – 3pm Wed 25 - Thu 26 All closed Mill House 8am – 8pm Fri 27 Dec 9am – 6pm Brierton Headland 9am – 3pm Mill House Normal hours Sat 28 - Sun 29 Brierton Normal hours Headland Closed Mill House Normal hours Mon 30 Dec Brierton 9am – 6pm Headland 9am – 3pm Mill House 8am – 3pm Tue 31 Dec Brierton 9am – 3pm Headland 9am – 3pm All closed Wed 1 Jan Mill House Normal hours Thu 2 Jan Brierton Normal hours Headland Normal hours

Hartlepool Art Gallery Closed Sun 22 Dec - Wed 1 Jan. Reopens Thu 2 Jan. Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre Closed on Wed 25 and Thu 26 Dec, and Mon 30 Dec to Sun 5 Jan. Borough Hall Closed from Mon 23 Dec until Mon 6 Jan other than for existing wedding bookings.

Museum of Hartlepool Tue 24 Dec – Thu 26 Dec Fri 27 Dec onwards

Closed Normal hours

Summerhill Visitors Centre and Cafe Closes 2pm Tue 24 Dec. Reopens Thu 2 Jan 8am – 5pm Thu 2 Jan 8am – 4.30pm Fri 3 Jan *Please note the Summerhill site is permanently open.

Household Waste Recycling Centre Open Wednesday to Sunday 9am – 4pm (last entry 3.50pm) except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. The site is closed each day from 12 noon (last entry 11.50am) - 1pm.

Bulky Waste Collection Service The last day for the Bulky Waste Collection Service is Fri 20 Dec, restarting Thu 2 Jan. Tel: 01429 523333.

Collections over the Festive Period Please see below changes to refuse, recycling and commercial waste collections over the festive period. Please ensure your bin is placed out before 7.30am on your collection day.

Individual collection dates are online at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/findmybinday Usual Collection Day Revised Collection Day Tue 24 Dec Remains as normal Wed 25 Dec Fri 27 Dec Thu 26 Dec Sat 28 Dec Fri 27 Dec Sun 29 Dec Tue 31 Dec Remains as normal Wed 1 Jan Thu 2 Jan Thu 2 Jan Fri 3 Jan Fri 3 Jan Sat 4 Jan Normal collections resume Tue 7 Jan Christmas Tree Collections You can dispose of your real Christmas tree at the Household Waste Recycling Centre free of charge - Christmas trees will be accepted from Fri 27 Dec. Alternatively, we are offering a collection service for real trees from Tue 7 Jan. Residents wishing to use this service must book in for the collection to take place - book online at www.hartlepool. gov.uk/collectmytree or call 01429 523333. You must ensure that all decorations are removed prior to disposal. The collection service has a limited number of slots, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dog Warden Service From Mon 23 Dec up to and including Wed 1 Jan there will be a reduced service for the collections of found/stray dogs.

8.30am – 3.30pm Mon 23 Dec Tue 24 Dec 8.30am – 2pm Wed 25 Dec - Thu 26 Dec No service 8.30am – 3.30pm Fri 27 Dec 8.30am – 3.30pm Mon 30 Dec 8.30am – 2pm Tue 31 Dec No service Wed 1 Jan Normal service resumes on Thu 2 Jan Community Hubs, Libraries and Local & Family History Centre Seaton and Throston Libraries are currently closed for refurbishment.

Mon 23 Dec 9am – 4pm Hub Central 10am – 6pm Hub South History Centre 10am – 3pm History Centre 10am – 3pm Tue 24 Dec 10am – 2pm All Wed 25 - Thu 26 Dec Closed Fri 27 Dec 9am - 4pm Hub Central 10am - 4pm Hub South Sat 28 Dec 9am - 1pm Hub Central 10am - 12pm Hub South History Centre 9am – 1pm Sun 29 Dec Closed Mon 30 Dec 9am - 4pm Hub Central 10am - 6pm Hub South History Centre 10am - 3pm 10am - 2pm Tue 31 Dec All Closed Wed 1 Jan Thu 2 Jan 9am - 4pm Hub Central 10am - 4pm Hub South History Centre Closed Please note that the Headland Library is closed Sat 21 Dec - Thu 2 Jan, reopening Fri 3 Jan. Out of School Club (Oscars) Closes at 6pm on Fri 20 Dec. Reopens on Mon 6 Jan at 3pm Cemeteries and Crematorium The cemetery grounds and Book of Remembrance are open as usual throughout the holiday period.

Cemetery Office and Crematorium Tue 24 Dec Wed 25 Dec – Thu 26 Dec Fri 27 Dec Sat 28 Dec – Sun 29 Dec Mon 30 Dec Tue 31 Dec Wed 1 Jan

Open until 2pm.

Closed Normal hours Closed Normal hours Open until 2pm.

Closed

In out of hours emergencies please call 01429 266522.

Out of Hours Emergencies Emergency Duty Team and Children’s Social Care – 01642 524552 Other services – 01429 266522

3

Welcome to the final edition of Hartbeat for 2024 As 2024 draws to a close, let’s reflect on what has been a year of challenge and change for Hartlepool but also look ahead to the New Year with optimism.

The local elections in May saw our new Labour administration take over the running of Hartlepool Borough Council and this was followed by the election of a new MP for Hartlepool and a change of UK Government.

The new administration is settling in well and getting to grips with the challenges that running the Council brings. Like so many other local authorities, we are under significant financial pressure with a big increase in the cost of delivering social care to our most vulnerable adults and children a key factor.

Whilst difficult decisions will be required in the future, I can assure you that these will not be taken lightly and the very best interests of Hartlepool and its residents will always be at the heart of everything we do.

Despite our challenging financial position, we have been successful in attracting millions of pounds of external grant funding for a range of regeneration projects that will have a truly transformative effect on the borough - at no cost to local Council Tax payers.

Highlight, our new active wellbeing hub in Hartlepool marina, is rapidly taking shape, the renovation of the Wesley Chapel is progressing at pace and plans for the restoration of the historic paddle steamer PS Wingfield Castle and the re-modelling of the Museum of Hartlepool are well advanced. These projects, and others, will bring new jobs and help to grow our local economy.

Read more about some of these projects on page 6 and 7.

On the theme of jobs, it is fantastic to hear how Owen Hughes has become the 2,000th person to be helped since the launch of our Jobs and Skills Hubs in April last year. Read his story on page 25.

With Christmas just around the corner, I know that many households continue to struggle with the rising cost of living and page 15 provides information about a range of advice and support that is available. As a Council, we have also partnered with Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash to deliver a series of Pension Credit awareness sessions to help ensure as many eligible pensioners in Hartlepool are signed up to this benefit which is worth on average £3900 per year. The last of these drop-in sessions is being held at the Citizens Advice Bureau on Park Road on Friday 20th December, 9am to 11am. There is no need to book so please go along and get any advice you need.

Hartlepool Pantomime - P4

Investing in the Borough - P6 and P7

Adult social care - P20

Finally, I would like to wish you all a peaceful Christmas and all the very best for 2025.

Jobs and Skills, 2,000 th learner - P25

Councillor Brenda Harrison Leader of the Council

On behalf of everyone at Hartlepool Borough Council we would like to wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

The photograph used on the front cover of this edition has been taken by local photographer Peter Greig from Chameleon 360. If you would like one of your photographs of Hartlepool to be considered for future editions of Hartbeat please send them to communications@hartlepool.gov.uk

Foster for Hartlepool - P26

Hartbeat is available in Braille and articles can be translated into other languages. For information please call (01429) 523578 or email communications@hartlepool.gov.uk To advertise in Hartbeat please call (01429) 523578 or email communications@hartlepool.gov.uk

4

Panto time is nearly here!

– son of TV’s Catchphrase host Roy Walker - who is joining the cast as Wishy Washy, and John Browning as Aladdin.

When Hartlepool Borough Council Leader Councillor Brenda Harrison was walking past the Town Hall Theatre she came across a strange and dusty old lamp and gave it a rub …

Back by popular demand is Hartlepool’s very own hip hop crew Ruff Diamond with their spectacular routines.

Shazam! In a puff of smoke there appeared Aladdin and Wishy Washy to remind her it’ll soon be Christmas pantomime time in Hartlepool!

Aladdin and the Hartlepool Monkey is on from Wednesday 11th to Sunday 29th December.

To get your tickets, scan the code in the advert below or visit www.culturehartlepool.com/events/aladdin-and-thehartlepool-monkey or buy in person at Hartlepool Art Gallery in Church Square (open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm) or call the Box Office on 01429 890000 (phone lines open Tuesday to Saturday 1pm to 5pm).

Councillor Harrison said: “Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a family trip to the panto.

“Get ready to join Aladdin, Jasmine, the lovable Genie and the mischievous Hartlepool Monkey as they navigate through exciting escapades and discover the true power of love and friendship in this spellbinding production.”

The show is produced by AJ Theatrical Productions, who have brought the magic of panto to the Town Hall Theatre for the past five years.

This year sees the return of all Hartlepool’s panto favourites, including Gary Martin Davis as the Dame and singing sensation Katelyn Edwards, alongside comedian Phil Walker

Councillor Brenda Harrison meets Wishy Washy (Phil Walker) and Aladdin (John Browning)

AND

HARTLETPHE MONKEYOOL

HARTLEPOOL TOWN HALL THEATRE 11TH29TH DECEMBER 2024 | 01429 890 000

5

Put some stardust into your New Year Looking for that unusual Christmas gift? Why not treat your special someone – or even yourself! – to a show at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre.

There’s a special celebration of one of Hartlepool’s famous sons, and one of the first viola players to achieve international renown, in At Home In Hartlepool – A Celebration of Lionel Tertis on Tuesday 21st January at 1.15pm, featuring Timothy Rideout on viola and James Bailleu on piano.

Looking further ahead to spring, make a date for the ultimate tribute to the Rocket Man himself with Soul Street Productions’ bestselling The Elton John Show on Friday 23rd May at 7.30pm.

From Tiny Dancer to Your Song, this dazzling production brings ‘Young Elton’ back to the stage at his energetic best.

Book now for all these shows at www.creativehartlepool.com or call the Box Office on 01429 890000 Tuesdays to Saturdays 1pm – 5pm.

Then on Friday 24th January at 7.30pm, shake it up baby with the sensational The Magic of The Beatles.

Featuring an incredible cast that not only looks and sounds like John, Paul, George and Ringo, with the Fab Four’s unique sense of humour thrown in for good measure too, this phenomenal show is packed with non-stop chart toppers including She Loves You, A Hard Day’s Night, Help!, I Feel Fine, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Hey Jude, Here Comes the Sun, Get Back and many, many more.

Are you up for a sporting challenge in 2025?

Entries are now being taken for Hartlepool’s 2025 Big Lime Triathlon.

Organised by specialist company Wild Deer Events in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council, it will take place on Sunday 10th August.

There is a range of competitive options, including a standard distance triathlon and aqua bike (swim/cycle) event, a sprint distance triathlon and aqua bike event and open water swims of 750 metres and 1,500 metres.

The events are open to competitors of all abilities, and people are being urged to book early to secure their places.

The standard distance triathlon will comprise a 1,500 metre swim, 40km cycle and 10km run and the sprint distance triathlon will be made up of a 750 metre swim, 20km cycle and 5km run.

Relay options are available for both triathlons.

The standard aqua bike event will comprise a 1,500 metre swim and 40km cycle whilst the sprint aqua bike event will consist of a 750 metre swim and 20km cycle.

All competitors will receive an event medal and merchandise, along with a snack and drink on the day.

To enter, or for more information, go to:

www.wilddeerevents.co.uk/events/173

6

Investing in YOUR borough Work is under way on a series of multi-million pound improvement projects across the Borough of Hartlepool.

Hartlepool Borough Council’s Capital Programme involves regenerating key areas of Hartlepool, creating new visitor attractions and opening up land for much-needed new housing.

Re-imagining Middleton Grange

shopping Re-development of the North East wing of the s Building’ ‘Binn listed II e Grad r forme the ing centre, bring d project is funde back into use. The Hartlepool Town Dealn consultants. desig of nt intme appo now progressing with the /27.

2026 in letion comp for due The project is

Waterfront Connectivity

Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, Chair of the Economic Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: “These are once-in-a-lifetime projects that will have a truly transformative effect. As well as creating fantastic new attractions and protecting our heritage by bringing historic buildings back into use, we aim to provide a range of job opportunities for local residents, grow the local economy and boost prosperity.”

Wesley Chapel

Once complete the project will deli ver a boutique hospitality venue, restaurant, bars , 36 rooms and four commercial units.

In the coming months the internal fit out of the building will begin with an overall complet ion of the project due in December 2025.

This project is delivered by Hartlep ool Borough Council and Jomast and is partly funded by the Government through the Hartlepool Town Dea l.

Screen Industries Production Village

This project is delivering public real m and accessibility improvements, new footpath and cycleway routes, and improved signage and legibility betw een Seaton Carew and the Waterfront.

of the Screen industries have become a growing part seeks to e Villag ction Produ the and omy Hartlepool econ ction produ build on this by providing vital pre and postpublic side along tries indus space supporting TV and film ents. realm enhancem

Phase one was completed last year and phase two is due for completion in spring 2026. This project is delivered

by Hartlepool Borough Council and is funded by the Government through the Hartlep ool Town Deal.

are currently Due diligence, cost consultancy and designs letion in comp for being worked on with the project due l Borough epoo Hartl by red 2026/27. This project is delive nt. rnme Gove the by d Council and funde

7

Civil Engineering Skills Academy

The Civil Engineering Skills Academy, supported by funding from the Hartlepool Town Deal, is a partnership between Hartlepool Borough Council, Hartlepool College of Further Education and Seymours Civil Engineering. It aims to initially enroll 429 learners / trainees / students across a wide range of qualification.

The Exeter Street Fabrication and Welding site launched on 19th April 2024. Works are nearing completion at the Brenda Road site with an official opening planned for March 2025.

PS Wingfield Castle and Museum of Hartlepool

Funding has been secured to restore the PS Wingfield Castle. Emergency works are already completed with further repairs to be carried out to fully restore her by autumn 2028. This is just part of a wider project which looks to revitalise the Museum of Hartlepool A bid has been made to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for support to re-imagine the museum and ship.

If successful, the refurbished museum will tell the story of the paddle steamer alongside museum collections to engage residents and visitors with the rich history of Hartlepool.

The projects are currently at concept design stage, and if successful in our bid, the next phase of work will be to develop detailed design proposals. The estimated opening date of the new Museum of Hartlepool is spring 2029.

Health and Social Care Academy

The Health and Social Care Academy at the University Hospital of Hartlepool aims to initially enroll 220 learners / trainees / students on Level 2 to Level 5 quali fications across range of disciplines.

The Hartlepool Town Deal project officially launc hed and opened on 5th September 2024.

Hartlepool Western Link Project

ing a This is a significant infrastructure project creat into road new a new junction on the A19 at Elwick and Hartlepool. e over the The detailed design of the new road and bridg concluding, are ns tiatio nego Land well. g essin A19 is progr start will ss proce and a Compulsory Purchase Order ed. reach be ot where agreement cann .

Construction is likely to take up to two years

For more information about Hartlepool Borough Council’s Capital Programme schemes scan the QR code. yoursay.hartlepool.gov.uk/ hub-page/town-deal

8

Highlight construction forges ahead

Highlight’s facilities include: 25 metre eight-lane main pool, 25 metre four-lane learner pool with movable floor and leisure pool, including race slide and water play features Spectator viewing gallery 100-station gym Left to right: Wates’ Project Manager Ash Wilkinson, Councillor Brenda Harrison, HBC Assistant Director (Neighbourhoods) Kieran Bostock and HBC Consultancy Manager Scott Parkes in one of the pools.

Two inter-connected fitness studios Indoor cycling/spinning studio Active and soft play areas and party room

More key milestones have been reached as the construction of Highlight continues to make rapid progress.

The concrete swimming pool tanks inside the building are now formed and work is progressing to make the building substantially watertight by the end of the year.

Councillor Brenda Harrison, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, recently visited the site of the active wellbeing hub and said: “It’s only a few months since the first steel arrived on site, and we have now got this hugely impressive building.

“It was amazing to stand in one of the completed pool tanks and get a feel for what the building is going to be like when it is finished.

“Highlight is going to be a fantastic asset for the borough and it will give the whole area a huge lift.”

Ash Wilkinson, Project Manager with principal contractor Wates, said the next step would be to carry out stabilisation tests on the pool tanks.

“These test the concrete structure to ensure it will do its job of holding the water. We will fill the pools at a certain rate per day until we have got them at the right level and then leave the water in there for 21 days.”

Café with seating for 100 covers Four NHS consultation suites External ground and first-floor terraces External activity and events spaces

The active wellbeing hub will also be surrounded by informal outdoor event and activity spaces to support walking, cycling, running and outdoor fitness, with connections to Hartlepool Marina for water sports.

Practical completion of the building is scheduled for the end of 2025, followed by a phased hand over of services as Mill House Leisure Centre closes.

The project is being funded by Hartlepool Borough Council, Tees Valley Combined Authority and Sport England.

For more information about Highlight and answers to some frequently asked questions visit https://www. activehartlepool.co.uk/highlightactivewellbeinghub

9

Get strength on your side...

Offices in: Wynyard | Hartlepool | Stockton | Barnard Castle Tilly Bailey & Irvine LLP York Chambers | York Road | Hartlepool | TS26 9DP Castle House | 11 Bridge Road | Stockton-on-Tees | TS18 3AD @tbilaw

TillyBaileyIrvine

Tilly Bailey & Irvine

Tilly Bailey & Irvine LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

12 Evolution | Wynyard Park | Wynyard | TS22 5TB 8 Newgate | Barnard Castle | DL12 8NG T: 01429 856750 F: 0333 444 4420 W: www.tbilaw.co.uk

10 Licensing SAVI

Improvement projects target town centre A range of projects funded through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is helping to tackle issues affecting Hartlepool town centre.

The projects centre on cleansing, tackling crime and antisocial behaviour and ensuring a night out is a safe and enjoyable experience.

The UKSPF funding which must be spent by March 2025, is provided by the UK Government and administered locally by the Tees Valley Combined Authority.

The Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative, known as Licensing SAVI, is an on-line selfassessment tool that helps licensed premises meet the standards required by regulatory authorities.

It enables them to evaluate their arrangements for dealing with a range of safety and security issues they may face, including violent behaviour, drug misuse, responsible drinking, opportunist theft and safeguarding vulnerable customers.

Hartlepool Borough Council is offering up to 54 premises free access to the initiative by paying their first 12-month subscription.

Here, we look at how the money is being spent…

Uniformed warden patrols Hartlepool Borough Council has joined forces with Kingdom Local Authority Support, a specialist supplier of environmental enforcement staff, who are providing six new enforcement officers with a focus on tackling antisocial behaviour such as fly-tipping, dog fouling and litter.

Shop Watch

They are working predominantly in areas of the town centre covered by Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to tackle the issues that most concern local people.

Premises are being offered the use of radios free of charge for 12 months. They can be used to contact Hartlepool’s CCTV Control Room to report incidents and to alert other retailers to the presence of shoplifters in a particular location.

This project aims to support retailers and help tackle shoplifting, which has been identified as a major crime issue affecting the town centre.

CCTV cameras Two existing mobile CCTV cameras have been deployed in the town centre. These are installed on street light columns in areas identified as being at risk of crime and disorder and which can’t be covered

by Hartlepool Borough Council’s fixed public space CCTV cameras.

Funding is also being used to pay for an increase in the mobile phone airtime connection for the CCTV cameras so they can be regularly viewed remotely by Hartlepool’s CCTV Control Room.

The money will also pay for maintenance to cameras and systems.

Deep clean New cleansing equipment has been hired to enable Hartlepool Borough Council cleansing staff to carry out a deep clean of the UKSPF town centre area which includes Hartlepool marina.

The equipment includes one large road sweeping vehicle and one smaller mechanical street cleaner.

Minor repair and replenishment of street furniture is also being carried out.

11

Restoring community spirit An initiative to tackle anti-social behaviour and neighbourhood crime is helping to bring a Hartlepool community together and make it stronger.

The Victoria Ward which was hit by serious disorder in the summer, is benefitting from funding totalling £335,408 as part of the Home Office’s Safer Streets 5 programme.

The initiative involves Hartlepool Borough Council working closely with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland and Cleveland Police.

Grass roots community action is now in full swing with: •

Security measures being supplied to the homes of 85 burglary victims and burglary prevention packs being distributed to “at risk” properties in Sheriff Street/Sandringham Road, Dent Street/Derwent Street and Stephen Street/Suggitt Street.

•

Two residents’ drop-in sessions per month where they can air concerns and find out how to set up new Neighbourhood Watch groups.

left to right, Community Cohesion Officer Martin Jones, Cleveland PCC Matt Storey, Councillor Karen Oliver and Environmental Projects Officer Thomas Carroll.

alongside local police officers and PCSOs. They are very visible and their work has undoubtedly helped to make residents feel safer in their own homes and the wider community.

“The challenge now is to ensure we build on the excellent progress made in the future.”

Residents can find out more about Safer Streets 5 by emailing community.safety@hartlepool.gov.uk

•

Regular days of action to tackle issues flagged up by residents.

•

Security improvements to 36 alleygates, including installation of rotating anti-climb spikes.

Grants support local initiatives

•

Laminated screens on the doors and windows of empty houses to make them look lived in.

•

An environmental campaign run in partnership with Lynnfield Primary School to deter dog fouling and littering.

The Developing Neighbourhoods Fund which has been boosted by additional funding from Thirteen Group, offers up to £250 to existing groups/initiatives and up to £500 for new groups/initiatives.

•

The provision of small grants through a Developing Neighbourhoods Fund to support community projects.

Applications must demonstrate that funding will benefit local residents/local resident groups.

The following which must be working or operating in the Victoria Ward area, are eligible to apply:

This work is being led by Community Cohesion Officer Martin Jones and Environmental Projects Officer Thomas Carroll.

•

Any local service, resident group or community group working to improve the lives of local people.

Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey said: “This initiative really does show that communities can work together successfully and are stronger when they unite in a common cause.”

•

Charitable organisations.

•

Community centres.

•

Neighbourhood Watch groups or initiatives.

•

Local residents groups.

•

Any youth provision.

•

Any education provision.

Councillor Karen Oliver, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Neighbourhood Services Committee and a Victoria Ward councillor, said: “Safer Streets 5 is having a hugely positive effect on the community, tackling some of the issues that most concern residents through an effective combination of education and enforcement.

“Martin and Thomas deserve a lot of praise for the energy and commitment they have brought to their roles,

For an application form or more information email community.safety@hartlepool.gov.uk

12

True grit!

They’re on standby around the clock during the dark winter months to ensure Hartlepool doesn’t grind to a halt.

Hartlepool Borough Council has a dedicated band of employees who implement its Winter Service to keep roads free of ice and snow, treating 184 miles of first and second priority routes (National Highways treats the A19).

The Council’s response to adverse weather is spearheaded by five HGV “gritters” – three dedicated vehicles and two de-mountable wagons suitable for other uses too – which, in turn, are maintained by the Fleet Services team.

Treatment of roads is based on supplied weather forecasts and ice prediction data received via road-side sensors.

Types of treatment include: •

First stage response: Pre–treatment or precautionary salting to prevent ice from forming.

•

Second stage response: Post-salting to melt ice and snow already formed. Where precautionary salting fails to deal with adverse conditions, post-salting continues until they ease.

•

Third stage response: Clearance of snow more than 30mm deep. This happens only in exceptional conditions. Post-salting is carried out alongside snow clearance.

Councillor Karen Oliver, Chair of the Council’s Neighbourhood Services Committee, said: “A lot of gritting is undertaken at night or early in the morning, so it is not always obvious that a treatment has been undertaken and it can be easy to take clear roads for granted. I would like to thank the team for their hard work, dedication and professionalism.

“I would also urge drivers to reduce their speeds in icy conditions and to consider pedestrians and other motorists.”

In line with national guidelines, not all of the highway network requires gritting. It is also impossible to treat all roads due to the extent of the local road network, so they are done in order of strategic priority.

The Council provides grit bins in residential areas and places where adverse weather can cause problems. It is responsible for refilling 170 grit bins on the public highway, as well as other HBC bins and those of private customers.

This salt should not be used on private driveways.

Residents can request a new grit bin – applications are assessed against set criteria - or a re-fill of an existing bin at https://online.hartlepool.gov.uk/service/Winter_gritting The Council is also keen to hear from local companies, including supermarkets, interested in entering into a service level agreement for the treatment of their land. To get a quote they can email construction@hartlepool.gov.uk

Is your business interested in bidding for work with Hartlepool Borough Council and other north east local authorities? Open is the Council’s new procurement platform. The new system will gradually replace the NEPO portal and become the sole platform to find and compete for competitive opportunities. You can sign up for free at www.open-uk.org.

Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, Chair of Economic Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: “I really want to promote the new Open Portal to get as many local businesses as possible signed up to the portal so that they have the ability to bid to work with the Council through our tendering opportunities. You will be able to sign up for email notifications so you can keep track of the live tender opportunities and it takes just a few minutes to get your business signed up!”

13

Lead-ing the way with on-street charging Hartlepool Borough Council is providing free quotations for the installation of an innovative cross-pavement cable solution to allow residents to charge outside their homes where there is no off-street parking.

This will enable them to safely charge an electric vehicle at the kerbside from a charging point installed separately on their properties, making EV ownership a more realistic prospect for many.

The Council carries out all pre-work surveying and the installation of the cable channel solution.

In a further benefit to residents to help encourage electric vehicle take-up, we have joined forces with Tees Valley Combined Authority to offer a grant towards the cost of the installation. This grant is passed on in the form of a £500 saving. Grants are limited and offered on a first come-first served basis.

Obtain a free quote at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/cable-channels or by scanning the QR code.

For more information about the service, please email construction@hartlepool.gov.uk

www.clevelandfire.gov.uk

14

Work starts on library transformation Work is under way by Hartlepool Borough Council on the main phase of a quarter of a million pounds of improvements to Seaton Carew Library, securing its future and making it an exciting space for the whole community.

The improvements - which will take about four months - have been made possible after the Council bid for and won a £200,000 grant from the Libraries Improvement Fund, which is delivered through Arts Council England.

The remaining £50,000 has come from the Council itself in the form of a roof replacement which has already been completed.

Councillor Gary Allen, Chair of the Council’s Adult and Community-Based Services Committee, said: “These improvements will transform Seaton Library and put it at the very heart of the community, creating a warm and welcoming environment which is accessible to everyone and which people will want to visit regularly and enjoy spending time in.

“Turning it into a Community Hub will allow us to co-locate in it services which have proved so popular in our other Community Hubs, such as Jobs and Skills, the Support Hub, the Fab Lab and Digital Inclusion, and allow us to provide space for external partner organisations to deliver support such as financial advice and mental health.”

You can’t recycle wasted time!

Turkey, trees… and queues to recycle your waste!

These are just a few of the UK’s favourite festive traditions, but now residents of Hartlepool are being asked to break with tradition to ease pressure on the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) over the Christmas/New Year period.

To prevent queues building up inside and outside the site in Burn Road, Hartlepool Borough Council is asking them to store their clean recyclable waste at home and to dispose of it throughout January instead.

Councillor Karen Oliver, Chair of the Council’s Neighbourhood Services Committee, said: “We want everyone who visits the HWRC to have a positive experience and by delaying your visit this is more likely to be the case. This is the first Christmas for a number of years with no appointment system in operation, so we all need to work together to make it a success.”

Over the festive period, the HWRC will be open 9am-4pm (closed for lunch and essential site operations from 121pm) from Wednesday to Sunday, with the exception of Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. The last morning and afternoon entries are at 11.45am and 3.45pm respectively.

The Council is maximising resources across the HWRC during this busy time. However, where skips fill up more quickly than expected – and this is likely over Christmas and New Year - the site will need to close for them to be emptied or rubbish to be compacted. This will lead to additional traffic queues.

The limitations of the site are not the fault of staff and the Council takes a zero tolerance approach to physical and verbal abuse. CCTV and security will be in operation, and anyone who abuses staff will be banned from the site and their details passed to the police.

15

Hardship Advice and Support for Residents

Energy

Hartlepool Borough Council’s “Hardship Advice and Support for Residents” webpage provides detailed up-to-date information at hartlepool.gov.uk/ hardship-support (or scan the QR code):

If you are cold at home for any reason, the Fire Brigade’s Stay Safe and Warm service can provide heaters, blankets and other advice/support and are available 24/7 (between Oct and Mar) on 01429 874063. The council can also provide information on energy efficiency schemes and home improvement grants to save energy, reduce heating costs and make homes warmer.

Key Contacts Hartlepool Borough Council 01429 266522, Civic Centre, Victoria Road, TS24 8AY. Advice Services: Citizens Advice Drop in Mon/Wed/Fri 9:30am-3pm at 87 Park Road, TS26 9HP, telephone advice line 0808 278 7967 West View Advice and Resource Centre 01429 271294 Advice@Hart 01429 748010 Age UK 01642 805 500 (Please note these services can be very busy/subject to change.)

Money Matters Hartlepool Borough Council’s Welfare Support provides help for residents, including low level welfare entitlement advice and limited access to financial support in exceptional cases. Some people can also get help paying for their rent through housing benefit. In some cases the council can help people with shortfalls in their rent or other related housing costs. This is a grant from the government called Discretionary Housing Payments and once it’s spent no more help can be provided in that year. Some people may also be eligible for reduced Council Tax. For difficulties paying Council Tax please call 01429 284166. Anglian Water may be able to provide help and advice to residents with their water bills. Community centres, including West View, Belle Vue and Kilmarnock Road, offer warm clothing.

Housing Support Hartlepool Borough Council provides a wide range of housing related services including housing advice (tenant and landlord), advice on homelessness, what to do about property disrepair and how to access social housing.

If your landlord is a Registered Provider (e.g. Thirteen, Accent, Karbon, Believe, Home Group) then make sure you speak to your Housing or Tenancy Support Adviser. They should keep you up-to-date with any help available and are there to discuss problems with money. If you are struggling to pay your mortgage, speaking to your mortgage lender is key. Local advice services (see key contacts above) can also help you navigate your way through help with housing costs.

!

Struggling with your energy bills? Your energy company has a duty to explore options with you. Also ask about the Priority Services Register which is there to help vulnerable customers. Some advice services have access to Household Support Fund (a limited government grant) to help eligible people with energy top ups after the necessary checks.

Food (Subject to change as dependent on supply and volunteers.

May be disruption over Christmas.)

No cost to you food options include: Hartlepool United Community Foodbank (07497 204 960), Food Cycle 3-course meal Mondays 6:30pm (Community Hub South, Wynyard Road, TS25 3LQ), Poolie Time Exchange grocery bags & hot meals (07973 528 631), Wharton Trust donated groceries Wed/Fri 9:30am (The Annexe, Wharton Terrace, TS24 8NS), St Aidan’s Kitchen groceries Thurs 9:30am (St Aidan’s Church, Oxford Road, TS25 1SN), Nite Light CIC Free market stall first 2 Tuesdays of the month 11am-1pm (Outside LilyAnne’s, 5 Victoria Road, Hartlepool, TS24 7SE).

Holy Trinity Church groceries Friday 10am (Davison Drive West View, TS24 9BX). Kilmarnock Road Centre Community Fridge with frozen/fresh foods/food parcels MondaysFridays 9:00am-3:00pm (Kilmarnock Road Centre, 44 Kilmarnock Rd, TS25 3NU). Note many supplies are limited or first come, first served.

Low cost food options include: Belle Vue Sports Community Youth Centre grocery bags £3 worth estimated £30 Wed 12pm (Kendal Road, TS25 1QU). Poolie Time Exchange Community Shop (50-90% cheaper) Tues/ Thur 10am-2pm (81 York Road, Hartlepool, TS26 8AH).

Discounted groceries for parents of Stranton School (01429 275 595). The Bread & Butter Thing £35 of groceries for £8.50: text your name, postcode and a nearby collection hub (Headland Baptist Church Wed 2pm, Community Hub Central 12noon, Community Hub South Tues 2pm, West View Community Centre Mon 2pm, Burbank Community Centre Fri 1:30pm) to 07860 063 304 to become a member.

To access the Trussell Trust Foodbank contact the Council Welfare Support Team on 01429 806895. The Healthy Start scheme can also help buy healthy foods like milk or fruit or get free vitamins if you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4 and claiming certain benefits or under 18. Free School Meals may be available if you are in receipt of a qualifying benefit and your child is a registered pupil at a school, or receiving nursery school education before and after the lunch break. Call 01429 284188 to apply.

Be on your guard against unsolicited text messages. A recent text invited people to claim a new living allowance in place of the winter fuel allowance. Suspicious messages should be forwarded to 7726, OFCOM’s scam call and text message reporting facility, and then deleted. Never click on a link within such a message.

16

17

18

Trees on Tees Help us plant one million trees in Tees Valley.

Trees on Tees is an exciting new programme to increase woodland creation in Tees Valley.

Tree Week – the first week of December – is here and that means we have free trees to help residents get planting!

Residents

Businesses

From Tree Week until the end of March every winter, people in Hartlepool will be able to pick up a free tree from a collection point. This is now prime tree planting season and Trees on Tees can give you advice on how and where to plant, along with your very own tree!

Simply register on the Trees on Tees sign-up page.

If you have land which you would like to plant trees on, contact Trees on Tees.

Landowners The Trees on Tees team is available to offer free support to landowners and their agents to develop tree planting and woodland creation projects across Tees Valley.

Alternatively, you can donate directly to our Trees on Tees Community Fund. These donations will be used to fund our Residents Tree Giveaway and support communities, schools and businesses where other forms of tree planting grants are not available.

It may also be possible to match you directly with a community group or school which is looking for additional support with their planting schemes.

In partnership with

This is led by

To find out more scan QR code or visit TreesOnTees.com

19

NEW OPENING HOURS! Venue

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Community Hub Central York Road

9am – 4pm

9am – 4pm

9am – 6pm

9am – 4pm

9am – 4pm

9am – 1pm

Community Hub South Wynyard Road

10am – 6pm

10am – 4pm

10am – 4pm

10am – 4pm

10am – 4pm

10am – 12pm

Headland Library Middlegate

Closed

10am – 12.30pm Closed 1pm – 6pm

Closed

9am – 1pm

Closed

Local & Family History Centre Clarence Road

10am – 3pm

10am – 3pm

Closed

Closed

9am – 1pm

10am – 3pm

Seaton Carew Library and Throston Grange Library are currently closed for refurbishment.

Community Hub Central is now open Saturdays 9am - 1pm!

Activities each week include: Stories and rhymes for ages 0-5 9.30am - 10am Crafts and games for children 10am - 11am Knit & Knot crochet club 10.30am - 12.30pm Creative workshops until the end of February - a different activity each week! Ages 14+ 10.30am - 12.30pm Jobs and Skills drop-in - first Saturday of the month Monthly reading groups - dates coming soon:

The Local & Family History Centre is now open Saturdays 9am - 1pm too!

Call in to research your family history or discover Hartlepool’s past. Historians young and old are also invited to join us each week to research projects to create exhibitions which will be displayed in Community Hub Central.

Coming soon to Community Hub South Community cafe

•

Junior book club for ages 5-10

Film club

•

Saturday reading group for adults

Family homework club

•

Themed reading groups including horror

Community outdoor space

20

It’s a career like no other

Mental health matters

Have you thought about a career in adult social care?

Residents and support organisations from across Hartlepool came together at the Centre for Independent Living to celebrate World Mental Health Day.

There’s nothing like the sense of achievement knowing that you’re helping the people you look after to live their best lives.

Each day is different, you’ll get regular training, support and advice is always on hand and there’s flexibility around hours and shift patterns, which helps many people fit the work around family and other commitments.

Debbie Marsh, a Care Assistant at Hartlepool’s Clifton House Residential Home, says: “Working as a care assistant gives me the opportunity to help residents do the things they are no longer able to do themselves, as well as chatting and singing with them, making them laugh and smile, which improves their quality of life.

“It’s so rewarding to see a resident smile, knowing they are happy and content with their life – it’s priceless.”

Joanne Ferguson, a Care Assistant and Activity Coordinator at Clifton House, adds: “I was offered the opportunity to do some training to enable me to be an Activity Co-ordinator, as I have always been very interested in that aspect of residential care.

The event was organised by Hartlepool Mental Health Forum, Healthwatch Hartlepool and Hartlepool Borough Council and sponsored by The PFC Trust and Hartlepool Community Trust, and was also supported by Stagecoach Hartlepool.

One highlight was the presentation of Hartlepool’s new Community Wellbeing Champion Awards, celebrating the town’s unsung heroes who make a difference to the wellbeing of others.

Congratulations went to Young Champion Georgia Robson, Adult Champions Teigan Cook, Katie Bage, Donna Hornsey and Patrick I’anson Liddell and also all those who received Certificates of Appreciation.

Another very popular feature was the Togetherall Wellbeing Wall, on which people could share how they were feeling.

“We always try our best to ensure that we meet both the care needs and social activity needs for each resident’s personality and ability. We enjoy introducing new activities to keep bodies and minds active, talking about our life experiences, and most of all having some laughs!”

For details of care vacancies in Hartlepool visit www.hartlepoolnow.co.uk/opportunities and www.northeastjobs.org.uk or search for ‘care careers’ online.

Clifton House resident Elsie Powell enjoys a craft session with Care Assistant and Activity Co-ordinator Joanne Ferguson

The Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool, Councillor Carole Thompson, and her Consort Councillor Phil Holbrook add how they feel to the Togetherall Wall.

Togetherall is the safe, anonymous, caring, online mental health community available to you round-the-clock, day and night, for support with a wide range of issues.

Thanks to Hartlepool Borough Council, if you live in Hartlepool and you’re aged 16 or over, you can join Togetherall for FREE at togetherall.com Councillor Gary Allen, Chair of the Council’s Adult and Community-Based Services Committee, said: “We all have bad times when we struggle with the challenges of life and it’s never been more important for us to maintain our mental health.

“Since we commissioned Togetherall in March last year it has helped countless residents and we are delighted by its success. Why not give it a try?”

21

Putting people at the heart of future mental health services Hartlepool Lived Experience Forum was created to ensure that people with lived experience or carers or families are at the heart of all future mental health services.

“The Forum is an informal, friendly meeting, where people come together and talk about things related to mental health services/support that is important to them,” says Catherine Wakeling of Starfish Health and Wellbeing, which, together with Red Balloons, set up the Forum.

“We use this information gained to give feedback to services and help them change the way their services are delivered.

“We would love as many people as possible with lived experience to take part in the Forum and we try to make it as easy as possible for people to have a say – you can attend the forum in person, or we can also send out questionnaires, do online meetings, phone calls and email.

“The Forum members really make a difference in helping services to change.”

Over the past 12 months the Forum has been involved in: •

Creating a template of what good mental health services look like.

•

Reviewing the Crisis Team and working with service providers to create better crisis support for people in Hartlepool.

•

Giving feedback into what changes should be made to inpatient services across Teesside.

•

Reviewing the Togetherall service which offers online mental health support for the people of Hartlepool.

•

Taking part in funding panels and service evaluations.

This is what forum members say about being part of the Forum and using their experience to make services better: “It is amazing to come together, feeling that our experience is valuable and will make a difference to others.”

“It was difficult to speak at first, but now I have been to a couple of sessions, people help me to feel safe to speak and talk about my experience.”

“I found it really brave of her to speak. It made me feel I can speak too.”

“It has been really empowering being involved in this work. It has supported my own wellbeing, increased my confidence, given me purpose and lots of great experiences.”

Catherine adds: “The Forum would love you to be involved in any way you can, if you or your family members have experienced poor mental health and want to help services be the best they can be.”

Please call Catherine on 01642 672987 or Leigh Trimble from Red Balloons on 07486 594499.

Discover the options available in Hartlepool for helping people who are worrying too much, depressed or anxious.

All the information you need is together in a single place online. A warm, welcome awaits - without judgement about why you might not be feeling right.

Please pass it on to people you know who need some help. https://www.hartlepoolcommunitytrust.org.uk/mentalhealthservices

SCAN HERE

22

Get strength on your side...

Tilly Bailey & Irvine LLP York Chambers | York Road | Hartlepool | TS26 9DP Castle House | 11 Bridge Road | Stockton-on-Tees | TS18 3AD @tbilaw

TillyBaileyIrvine

Tilly Bailey & Irvine

Tilly Bailey & Irvine LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

12 Evolution | Wynyard Park | Wynyard | TS22 5TB 8 Newgate | Barnard Castle | DL12 8NG T: 01429 264101 F: 0333 444 4420 W: www.tbilaw.co.uk

23

Are you worried that an adult is being neglected or abused, or you need help yourself?

Say something For all ways to report abuse or neglect visit www.tsab.org.uk/report-abuse

I’m worried Hear Feel See Something is wrong?

Say something

The Teeswide Safeguarding Adults Board works in partnership with a wide range of organisations to safeguard and promote the wellbeing and independence of adults at risk of abuse and neglect.

Your views are important to us to help shape our work and protect communities. Please scan the QR code to fill in our Annual Consultation survey.

Are you aware of the “Safe Places” in Hartlepool?

Who can I talk to?

You can contact your Local Adult Social Care team in Hartlepool:

Safe Place Scheme locations are venues in the community where people who need extra support can go if they need some help. This ‘help’ can range from a phone call home, or help with directions.

01429 523 390 078336 72357 ispa@hartlepool.gov.uk Evenings & Weekends: 01642 524 552 Call Cleveland Police 101 or 999 in an emergency

It is good to know there is someone I can talk to.

Have Your Say!

Report abuse

Look out for the Safe Place Scheme logo in the windows of venues or scan the QR code to find out more.

You are not alone.

Hartlepool popped up to say we’ve

Ahead of our permanent store opening, we’re welcoming customers and the community to our temporary pop up in Middleton Grange.

We love to chat! So, if you want a little friendly advice, from finding a new home to paying your rent, pop by and visit us opposite Boots and Sports Direct.

We’re open from 9.30am until 2.30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. www.thirteengroup.co.uk

24

Venator praised for staff health award

Chemical company Venator has been praised after its Greatham site earned a high accolade for its commitment to the health and wellbeing of its employees.

The site, which produces titanium dioxide pigments, has achieved the Bronze Level of the Better Health at Work Award.

The awards, which are administered in Hartlepool by Hartlepool Borough Council, support and recognise the efforts of employers in creating a safe, healthy and supportive working environment for their staff.

Venator’s Greatham facility has invested in a series of initiatives to address a wide range of health concerns, from physical activity and mental wellness to work-life balance and nutrition.

Picture caption: Front row from fourth left Councillor Brenda Harrison, Helen Plummer, Venator Greatham Human Resources Manager and Karen Askwith, Venator Greatham Site Director, celebrate Venator’s Better Health at Work Award with health colleagues from Venator and the Council.

Councillor Brenda Harrison, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council and Chair of the Hartlepool Health and Wellbeing Board, said “Clearly, people enjoy coming to work here and the fact that they are being looked after

and given lots of different courses to help with better health is fantastic.

“I congratulate Venator and very much hope this encourages other employers to do the same” Karen Askwith, Site Director of Venator Greatham, added: “The Better Health at Work Award here at Greatham means an enormous amount to our team and we aim to advance to the Silver and Gold Levels in the coming years.

“Looking after our people is integral to life at Greatham, and the work that we’ve done, supporting people inside and outside of their working life, makes so much difference.”

The award scheme is free and open to all employers - find out more at www.betterhealthatworkaward.org.uk

In partnership with

Not a Numbers persoN? You’re not alone.

Three in ten (31%) of UK adults don’t think numbers are for them.

Through Multiply you can access free, flexible numeracy courses to refresh your maths skills for employment.

01429 868 616

jobs.skills@hartlepool.gov.uk

.

www.hartlepooljobsandskills.com

If you’re aged 19+, live in Tees Valley and think you need some support with your functional numeracy skills, Multiply is available to you - even if you hold a GCSE maths grade C (or equivalent).

Search Tees Valley Multiply

25

Hartlepool Jobs and Skills celebrates supporting its 2,000th person - Owen Hughes Hartlepool Jobs and Skills is proud to announce a major milestone in its aim to support more people into work.

Owen Hughes has become the 2,000th person to be helped since the launch of the Jobs and Skills Hubs in April of last year, and this support means he has now started work as a valetor.

To commemorate this achievement, Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, Chair of the Council’s Economic Growth and Regeneration Committee, met with Owen to hear about the challenges he’s faced and how the guidance he received from the team made a crucial difference. Owen’s story serves as a reminder of the dedicated help available in Hartlepool.

Owen said “It’s good because Jobs and Skills have always been by my side and they’ve always been massively supportive. If I’ve ever needed anything, they’ve always been there. All the Jobs and Skills team, I couldn’t thank them enough.

“There’s a lot of people out there who have got no one. There’s people who are struggling with finding work, and people who may feel low, down and depressed, but there’s loads of support out there in Hartlepool”.

Councillor Pamela Hargreaves added “A key aim of the Council is to expand the local economy and a vital part of that is ensuring that Hartlepool residents have the skills to take advantage of future job opportunities.

“Owen is an inspiration and I hope his story will inspire others to give it a go. I wish him every success in the future.”

VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE 01429 868 616

Councillor Pa mela Hargreav es with O

wen Hughes.

You can find Hartlepool Jobs & Skills in the Community Hubs, so take the next step!

The Jobs and Skills Hubs offer a wide range of help including: • • • • •

Employment Support Learning Careers Guidance Qualifications and much more...

Whether someone is looking for their first job, considering a career change, wanting to earn a new qualification, or simply interested in enhancing their skills then you can find help through Hartlepool Jobs and Skills.

Scan the QR code or visit www.hartlepooljobsandskills.co.uk to get employment support, guidance and browse our courses

jobs.skills@hartlepool.gov.uk

/HartlepoolJobsandSkills

@HartlepoolJS

26

Hartlepool caring for our own or short-term care. Could you spare a weekend maybe, or the school holidays or do it on an emergency basis?

Please don’t rule yourself out – foster carers come from all walks of life and backgrounds and you’re likely to have some great life experience to bring to the role.

I’m a gay single dad with a son, and although I now work as a family support worker, my previous background was as an actor and singer in theatres and on cruise ships.

I’ve been a foster carer for the past six months and during this time I’ve so far provided care for two boys – one 13 and one aged six.

I provide short-term cover – from overnight stays through to six months or longer - and when my son goes to university next year I’ll be looking to do more of it.

It’s so rewarding, because you become a part of that young person’s life.

Often doing the smallest of things can make a huge impact – like listening to them and understanding their needs. There’s nothing like the feeling you get from that.

Hi. I’m Brian and I’m a foster carer for Hartlepool Borough Council.

There’s a really urgent need for more foster carers in Hartlepool and I’m hoping you’ll consider fostering yourself.

From my experience, Hartlepool is one big community and we really do care for our own.

Could you give a child or young person a place to call home, feel safe and help shape their life and future for the better?

You get very thorough training and constant ongoing support – I’m supported by an amazing social worker and, of course, by the Hartlepool fostering community as well, who are wonderful.

Each child is supported financially through the Council, and you get paid a good amount – it can be £400 or more a week - for the care you provide, depending on your experience and the individual circumstances.

So, can you share your heart and your home with a child or young person who needs it? If you think you can, why not get in touch and find out a bit more?

We need many different carers from all backgrounds and all walks of life to offer long

You can contact the Council’s Fostering team through: www.fosterwithnortheast.org.uk/hartlepool-borough-council

0800 917 7771

27

Essential guide for new dads in Hartlepool

The DadPad was created because babies don’t come with a set of instructions.

Developed with the NHS, the DadPad gives new dads and dads-to-be the knowledge and practical skills necessary to be able to support themselves and their partner, and give their baby the best possible start in life.

The DadPad app is available for free download for all new dads and dads-to-be in your area.

Simply enter the search term ‘DadPad’ into the app store for your phone/tablet and download.

Once the app is installed, enter your postcode when prompted and select your local area or hospital.

Follow us on:

@dadpaduk

For more information on DadPad: thedadpad.co.uk

28

Appeal for youth centre memories People in Hartlepool are being encouraged to share their

memories and photographs of a popular youth centre to help celebrate its transformation.

Work is ongoing on a £1.27m internal modernisation of Rossmere Youth Centre, which opened in 1964, to create a more welcoming environment and enable it to increase its range of activities and reach out to even more young people aged 13-19 across the town.

The centre is due to reopen in the new year and the young people who use the centre are planning an exhibition looking back on the centre’s last 60 years and are appealing for photos and reminiscences to feature in it.

Please email photos and memories to Sarah McCluskey of the Youth Support Services Team at sarah.mccluskey@ hartlepool.gov.uk. Alternatively, arrangements can be made to scan and return original photos or to chat to people to record their memories – please call 01429 523900.

The transformation of the youth centre has been made possible after the Council’s Youth Services bid for funding from the Government’s Youth Investment Fund.

It includes an extensive makeover of the main hall, refurbishment of the sports hall, remodelling of the existing kitchen, installation of a separate training kitchen and the creation of an emotional wellbeing space for one-to-one support from a qualified youth worker.

Alaina Musgrave, one of the exhibition organisers, said: “Rossmere Youth Centre has meant a lot to so many people over the years and we’d love to hear from people who are happy to share with us their stories and photos of the time they spent there when they were teenagers.”

Councillor Rachel Creevy, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Children’s Services Committee, added: “Youth Services have supported thousands of young people over the years and it will be fantastic to hear some of the memories from people who’ve used Rossmere Youth Centre or who have worked there over the years.”

(Left to right) Councillor Rachel Creevy pictured outside Rossmere Youth Centre with some of the young people organising the exhibition – Alaina Musgrave, Jack Mitchell and Brandon Malton – and Youth Service Team Leader Caitlin Connor and Youth Support Worker Elle Sullivan.

Pupils benefit from safety initiative

Councillor Rachel Creevy, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Children’s Services Committee, attended and said: “Giving children the knowledge and skills to keep themselves safe on a day-to-day basis is so important. I would like to thank all supporting organisations for making it possible.”

Over 1,200 schoolchildren from across Hartlepool have attended a multi-agency event to learn how to stay safe.

Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash said: “The Crucial Crew event has been a long-standing fixture of young people’s experiences in Hartlepool. Over 26 years it has ensured that young people, including my own daughter, have learned critical safety skills across a range of areas. I visited the power station recently to see this fantastic work and I pay tribute to everyone involved in this brilliant event.”

Crucial Crew, organised by Hartlepool Borough Council, took place at Hartlepool Power Station over two weeks.

Pupils from years 5 and 6 took part in a series of workshops covering issues such as electrical safety, road safety, water safety, cybercrime, first aid and the dangers of vaping.

Supporting organisations included host EDF Energy, teams from Hartlepool Borough Council, Cleveland Police, HM Coastguard, Northern Power Grid, the RNLI and St John’s Ambulance (with funding from CURV, the Cleveland Unit for the Reduction of Violence)

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland Matt Storey said: “It was a pleasure to attend the event and see first-hand the fantastic training it offers, including that delivered by the St John’s Ambulance Young Responders team. First aid is an essential life skill for everyone to learn and be confident with.

I would like to see Crucial Crew rolled out across the whole of the Cleveland area in the future so that even more young people can benefit from it.”

29

Happy Christmas from Hartlepool Holiday Fun! Ho! Ho! Ho! There’s another action-packed programme of activities in store for schoolaged children and young people in Hartlepool over the school Christmas holidays with Hartlepool Holiday Fun – and they’re all free for eligible children!

Christmas parties, a forest school, swimming, wellbeing sessions, boxing, Pokemon Club, general sports and visits to the Hartlepool Pantomime are just some of what’s on offer, and the children get a tasty meal too!

Plus - once a child has attended two faceto-face activity sessions, they are eligible for an activity pack of arts and crafts materials, games and sports equipment. There will also be recipe cards and a £10 Aldi voucher for use on groceries.

Under the terms of the Government funding, the programme is open to children who receive benefits-related free school meals and some additional children as identified by schools.

There are also a small number of subsidised, payable spaces available for non-eligible children. These are advertised by, and bookable directly via, the activity providers.

Councillor Rachel Creevy, Chair of the Council’s Children’s Services Committee, said: “The Hartlepool Holiday Fun programme continues to provide an excellent programme of activities for the children of Hartlepool.

Please do take advantage if your child is eligible.”

For more details visit www.hartlepool.gov.uk/hartlepool-holiday-fun Hartlepool Holiday Fun

#Hartlepool HolidayFun

PROUD NORTHERNER?

We are too but we all need a little extra help sometimes.

Join our free Priority Services Membership if you might be more vulnerable in a power cut. Be prepared, whatever the weather.

Save our power cut map and 105 in your moblie phone. We’re here for you 24/7.

Find out more and join our priority services community today at northernpowergrid.com/care

30

Hartlepool welcomes link with new Royal Navy frigate

Councillor Chris Wallace, the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, added: “We are very proud to welcome HMS Venturer to our Hartlepool ‘family’.

Hartlepool’s proud links with the Armed Forces have been further strengthened with the affiliation of a new Royal Navy frigate with the town.

“We look forward to HMS Venturer visiting the town, with all the opportunities it will bring, and to following the progress of the ship and her crew, wherever they find themselves in the world.”

HMS Venturer is one of five Type 31 frigates currently being built at Rosyth. Expected to come into service before the end of the decade, she will play an important role in maritime security around the world, protecting the United Kingdom’s interests.

Commander Cozens said: “This new affiliation with a Royal Navy ship is one which is long overdue and we are looking forward very much to exploring how we can help support the local community in areas such as outreach work and visits to schools.”

The affiliation was marked by the formal presentation to the Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool, Councillor Carole Thompson, of a plaque bearing HMS Venturer’s crest

by Commander Chris Cozens, Senior Naval Officer and Lieutenant Neil ‘Fluff’ Freeman, Deputy Marine Engineering Officer, both of HMS Venturer.

HMS Venturer welcomes new followers on X, formally known as Twitter at @HMSVenturerRN.

Councillor Thompson said: “We are delighted to once again have a Royal Navy ship affiliated to Hartlepool.

“Generations of Hartlepool people have served in the Royal Navy and no town could be prouder of its commitment to our Armed Forces. HMS Venturer and her crew will always be guaranteed the warmest of welcomes here.”

Commander Chris Cozens of HMS Venturer (centre) presents the HMS Venturer crest to Councillor Carole Thompson.

Upcoming Councillors’ Ward Surgeries BURN VALLEY 03 December 2024 5pm – 6pm St Matthews Community Centre 17 December 2024 5pm – 6pm Centre of Independent Living 04 February 2025 5pm – 6pm St Matthews Community Centre Councillors: Ged Hall (Labour), Corinne Male (*LCO) Owen Riddle (*LCO) DE BRUCE 18 December 2024 4pm – 5pm West View Resource Centre, Miers Avenue 11 January 2025 12 noon – 1pm Hartlepool Working Mens Club, King Oswy Drive 19 February 2025 4pm – 5pm West View Resource Centre, Miers Avenue Councillors: Rachel Creevy (Labour), Brenda Harrison (*LCO), Michael Jorgeson (*LCO) FENS & GREATHAM 11 December 2024 5.45pm – 6.30pm 15 January 2025 5.45pm – 6.30pm 11 February 2025 5.45pm – 6.30pm The Heron Room, Fens Primary School Councillors: Bob Buchan (Conservative), Philip Holbrook (*LCO), Jim Lindridge (Independent) FOGGY FURZE 21 December 2024 11am – 12 noon Belle Vue Sports & Community Centre, Kendal Road 18 January 2025 11am – 12 noon Oxford Road Baptist Church, Caledonian Road 15 February 2025 11am – 12 noon Belle Vue Sports & Community Centre, Kendal Road Councillors: Melanie Morley (Labour), Martin Dunbar (*LCO), Carole Thompson (Labour)

HART 07 December 2024 10am – 11am Hartfields Retirement Village, Bishop Cuthbert Councillors: Rob Darby (Conservative), Aaron Roy (*LCO) HEADLAND & HARBOUR 11 December 2024 5pm – 6pm Central Estate Methodist Church, West View Road 15 January 2025 5pm – 6pm The Annexe, Wharton Terrace 12 February 2025 5pm – 6pm Constables Bar, Borough Hall Councillors: Shane Moore (Hartlepool Independent Union), Matthew Dodds (*LCO), John Nelson (*LCO) MANOR HOUSE 03 December 2024 6pm – 7pm 07 January 2025 6pm – 7pm 04 February 2025 6pm – 7pm Community Hub South, Wynyard Road Councillors: Pamela Hargreaves (Labour), Ben Clayton (*LCO), Fiona Cook (*LCO) ROSSMERE 07 December 2024 11am – 12 noon 04 January 2025 11am – 12 noon 01 February 2025 11am – 12 noon Community Hub South, Wynyard Road Councillors: Moss Boddy (Labour), Tom Feeney (*LCO), Quewone Bailey-Fleet (*LCO) RURAL WEST Ward Surgeries to be arranged Councillors: Andrew Martin-Wells (Conservative), Mike Young (Conservative), Scott Reeve (Conservative)

SEATON Ward Surgeries to be arranged Councillors: Leisa Smith (Independent), Sue Little (Independent) THROSTON 09 December 2024 5pm – 6pm Throston Primary School, Flint Walk 15 January 2025 4.50pm – 5.50pm Throston Community Centre, Glamorgan Grove 10 February 2025 5pm – 6pm Throston Primary School, Flint Walk Councillors: Cameron Sharp (Labour), Martin Scarborough (*LCO) VICTORIA 07 December 2024 11am - 12 noon Raglan Quoit & Social Club, Stuart Street 04 January 2025 11am - 12 noon St Luke’s Parish Centre, Hart Lane 01 February 2025 11am - 12 noon Grange Road Methodist Community Centre Councillors: Gary Allen (*LCO), Karen Oliver (*LCO), Christopher Wallace (*LCO) *Labour and Co-Operative Party For an appointment with the Leader, contact memsec@hartlepool.gov.uk or telephone 01429 523702/523704 For details of your local Councillor(s) or to check ward surgery dates please contact Hartlepool Council on (01429) 523702/523704.

31

Electric vehicle home charger installation If you’re thinking of installing an electric vehicle home charger then some careful consideration on items such as cost, location, safety and accessibility need to be at the forefront of any decision you make.

Hartlepool Borough Council’s fully accredited homecharging installation team can assist in this decisionmaking and provide advice as part of the installation process.

For residents with no off-street parking, Hartlepool Borough Council can offer an innovative home charger and footway duct installation as a complete package. We can offer guidance regarding the choice of location for both items of equipment, ensuring ease of use going forward and helping to make the transition to electric hassle-free.

For more information email

construction@hartlepool.gov.uk

The smallest changes can make the biggest difference

Your gateway to community information and services across Hartlepool For more information please visit www.meccgateway.co.uk/nenc

Alcohol

Keeping active

Looking after mental health

Eating healthily

Employment

Finance and Cost of Living

Carers

Library and Digital Services

Social Connections

www.meccgateway.co.uk/nenc

32

Worldwide from Teesside To 155+ worldwide destinations when you connect via Amsterdam with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Scan here

flyteesside.co.uk