The Tall Ships Races, held from July 6th-9th, proved to be an amazing weekend, with hundreds of thousands of visitors attending the biggest party Hartlepool has seen for years.
The occasion will live long in the memory and thank you to everyone who supported it. The stunning success of the event shows what a wonderful place Hartlepool is, and what can be achieved when we all pull together.
It is so important that we now embrace the feelgood factor as we drive forward our ambitious plans for the borough.
Those plans include the restoration of the Wesley Chapel which recently took a major step forward with the removal of the fire-damaged roof trusses. Read more about this and the progress being made on other Hartlepool Town Deal projects on page 17.
In August, the town hosted its tenth Big Lime Triathlon and it was fitting that the milestone was marked by the setting of a new course record. Well done to all who took part. Read more on page 7.
We also have an exciting few months ahead in relation to forthcoming events. First up, we have Hartlepool Restaurant Week. Running from 16th22nd October, it aims to promote and celebrate the borough’s fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs. More information is on page 7.
We’re also very much looking forward to the annual fireworks display, the Christmas lights switch-on and this year’s pantomime Peter Pan and the Lost Boys at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre. Read about these events on page 9.
There’s so much going on in Hartlepool – let’s look forward with a sense of pride, positivity and optimism.
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The stunning tall ships sailed into Hartlepool in July and what an incredible four days it was. With a jam-packed programme full of music, entertainment and family fun, hundreds of thousands of people visited to mark this historic occasion in Hartlepool’s history. The Indonesian ship, The Bima Suci proved to be a crowd favourite, with the crew delivering daily performances from the deck. Here’s a selection of photographs taken during the event.
Created in 2015, it’s an information, advice and guidance portal for young people, adults and families in Hartlepool where you can find information about help, support and events in the borough.
It has now been redesigned to make it more user-friendly, improve accessibility and include some exciting new features.
Visit www.hartlepoolnow.co.uk or download the Hartlepool Now app from the App Store and Google Play.
New additions under the Hartlepool Now umbrella include:
• All Together Now – the Hartlepool digital community hub. Find all the help and support you would get in your local Community Hub, but online from your own home.
Meet your friends or get to know new people in the online café, join sessions to learn a new skill or join your friends in bingo, chair exercises and many other sessions and events.
You can also visit NowPlay, our video library where you’ll find past sessions such as the latest local history CHAT events.
Visit www.alltogethernow.hartlepoolnow.co.uk
• The Wellbeing Re-Store. Free to anyone who lives or works in Hartlepool, this online health improvement library has a host of materials to promote good health, including DVDs, books, resource packs, displays and models – and they are all available for loan.
Visit www.hartlepoolwellbeingrestore.co.uk
Also, if you’re looking for a job in care or volunteering, or you’re an employer wanting to recruit to those roles, don’t forget that Hartlepool Now hosts the Virtual Job and Volunteering Centre
Visit www.hartlepoolnow.co.uk/opportunities
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Active Hartlepool celebrated ten years of the Big Lime Triathlon in style at the end of August with 185 athletes taking part, and a new course record being set!
Andrew MacRae, pictured below, was first across the line, setting the new course record in an amazing 1 hour, 2 minutes and 51 seconds. We still can’t get over just how quickly he completed the course.
The event is always extremely inclusive and is perfect for those just starting out on their triathlon journey, as well as the more experienced athletes like Andrew who want to set records. The youngest competitor taking part this year was just 16 years old and the eldest was 71 years old!
Following the event, there was some great feedback from competitors.
“I’ve raced all over the country and the race and the facilities are the best there is. It should be a GB qualification race in the future.”
“It was great, my best event this year. Thank you.”
“Really well run event, excellent medal.”
“Just to reiterate how brilliant the marshals were.”
Restaurants, cafes and pubs in Hartlepool are being invited to take part in the fourth Hartlepool Restaurant Week.
The campaign – which is led by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Economic Growth Team and promotes and celebrates the town’s eateries – has been so popular it’s returning again from Monday 16th to Sunday 22nd October.
Businesses wanting to take part will once again be required to develop a specific Restaurant Week menu or special offers within their existing menu at the set prices of either £5, £10, £15 or £20. They can choose the price points which suit them.
The menus will then be promoted in advance through a dedicated Hartlepool Restaurant Week web page and marketing campaign.
Councillor Andrew Martin-Wells, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Economic Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: “Since we launched Hartlepool Restaurant Week at the start of last year it has proved a tremendous success with businesses and customers alike, and we’re delighted to bring it back again.
“At a time when people continue to struggle with the cost of living crisis, it’s a great opportunity for them to enjoy some fantastic fixed-price menus and support our excellent cafes, restaurants and pubs.”
Venues interested in being involved in Hartlepool Restaurant Week should email tourism@hartlepool.gov.uk
There’s lots of excitement to come in this year’s Hartlepool Fireworks Spectacular and Christmas Lights Switch-On.
The fireworks will take place at Seaton Carew on Sunday 5th November and will include a fantastic afternoon programme of family entertainment.
Then get ready for our Christmas Lights Switch-On on Friday 24th November to start the countdown to the festive season.
Full details of both events will be announced in due course.
Have you got your tickets yet for Hartlepool’s spectacular Christmas family pantomime Peter Pan and the Lost Boys?
Seats are selling fast for this fun-packed show at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre from Sunday 10th to Thursday 28th December – the fifth family panto produced in the town by AJ Theatrical Productions.
In this magical re-imagining of the classic tale, we join Peter Pan some years later as he embarks on a new adventure. Captain Hook is back and ready for revenge, so Peter and the Lost Boys are in for a wild ride!
There’ll be lots of laughs from local legend and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Danny Posthill as deckhand Starkey and the irrepressible Gary Martin Davis, the North’s favourite dame, as Mrs Smee.
In the title role of Peter Pan is Great British Pantomime Award nominee Luke Adamson, while Hartlepool’s favourite baddy, Anthony Turner, is back to crank up the boos as Hook and audience favourites Ruff Diamond play the Lost Boys.
Add to this AJ Productions’ trademark spectacular scenery and costumes and magical special effects plus some of the biggest musical numbers in panto land and lots of audience participation, and this is one show you definitely won’t want to miss!
Tickets start from £18. Buy online at www.hartlepooltownhalltheatre.com, or from the Box Office on 01429 890000 (Tuesdays to Fridays 10am – 4.30pm and Saturdays 10am – 4pm), or in person at Hartlepool Art Gallery in Church Square (Tuesdays to Saturdays 10am – 5pm).
Major restoration work is getting under way on Hartlepool’s Stranton Grange Crematorium Chapels.
The £600,000 project – which is being funded by Hartlepool Borough Council and will take nine months to complete - will tackle the issue of damp in the two 100-year-old chapels caused by water leaking through the eaves and brickwork.
To avoid any disturbance during services, the work will only be carried out during the first half of the week and at weekends – during which time the chapels will be closed. The chapels will be open for services during the latter half of the week, with extended hours of 9am to 5pm.
The restoration work will initially focus on the exterior of the building to make it watertight, including repairing the capping stones, repointing the brickwork and replacing the guttering, during which both chapels will remain in use.
Then from mid-December onwards, the two chapels will each, in turn, be replastered and repainted, the wooden floors revarnished and the carpeting replaced.
Councillor Bob Buchan, Chair of the Council’s Adult and Community-Based Services Committee, said: “The two chapels date from just after the turn of the last century and unfortunately damp has become an increasing problem.
“We are very pleased to start this major restoration, which will make the chapels watertight and improve their internal appearance, following our £250,000 upgrade of the cremators last year.
“The work is being arranged so as to avoid any disturbance during services, but we would nevertheless like to thank people in advance for their understanding while it is being carried out.”
Access to the Book of Remembrance will be maintained throughout the work, but anyone wishing to view it is asked to please make an appointment in advance through the Cemetery Office on 01429 284030.
If you are struggling to pay your Council Tax you may qualify for help.
A range of exemptions, discounts and reductions are available depending upon your individual circumstances.
For example, you may be entitled to support if you are the only person in your household over the age of 18, a family member is disabled or severely mentally impaired or your partner is in a nursing home.
You may be able to claim Local Council Tax Support if you, or another adult in your home, are on a low income, either in or out of work.
Your income will determine the level of any support you might receive.
After finding out more about your earnings and looking at what bills you have to pay, we may also be able to agree a special payment arrangement based on what you can afford to pay.
If you a struggling to make a payment email recovery@hartlepool.gov.uk or call (01429) 284166
You can pay your bill anytime by calling 0300 1230703 (charged at local rate) or www.hartlepool.gov.uk/payment . All you need is your account details and bank card.
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Hartlepool Borough Council is investing in major improvements to the Burn Valley Gardens with funding from the Government’s Levelling Up Parks Fund.
A grant of £85,000 is being used to help develop an interactive trail, natural play facilities and a sensory maze.
The trail runs between Burn Valley Gardens, the Burn Valley Family Wood and Summerhill Country Park, and includes 22 way marker posts with rubbing plaques featuring native flora and fauna.
A family workbook relating to the Summerhill section of the trail can be downloaded at www.activehartlepool.co.uk by clicking on the “Get Involved”, “Family Time” and “Summer Trail” tabs.
The interactive element of the trail enables visitors to access educational nature videos by scanning a QR code.
Another key feature is a trim trail to promote physical activity. The maze, pictured, is fully wheelchair-accessible and is complemented by seating set back in lavender beds which guarantees a unique sensory experience.
Alongside these developments, a number of over-mature trees have been removed and replaced with 30 new trees, including a small apple and pear fruit tree orchard.
Councillor Bob Buchan, Chair of the Council’s Adult and Community Based Services Committee, said: “These developments demonstrate our commitment to providing welcoming and safe parks that meet the needs of local communities and visitors, whilst allowing nature to thrive.”
Two parks in Hartlepool have again been awarded a prestigious international quality award which recognises open spaces meeting the highest possible standards.
Summerhill Country Park and Ward Jackson Park have retained their Green Flag Awards.
The Green Flag Awards scheme is managed by Keep Britain Tidy and recognises well managed, clean and safe parks and green spaces.
Summerhill and Ward Jackson Park have both held Green Flags since 2008.
Councillor Bob Buchan, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Adult and Community Based Services Committee, said: “We are very proud of our parks and open spaces, and it takes a real team effort involving both Council staff and volunteers to keep them in the best possible condition.
Hartlepool Borough Council is seeking residents’ views on management plans it has prepared for Rossmere Park, Burn Valley Gardens, Seaton Park and Ward Jackson Park. The plans are designed to act as “strategic guides” for the sites’ effective management and development. An online survey is open until Sunday September 24th and can be accessed at www.hartlepool.gov.uk/parksconsultation2023
Smoking remains the single biggest cause of preventable illness and death in England.
Throughout October, Hartlepool residents, businesses and public health officials will take part in the annual Stoptober campaign which, since 2012, has helped 2.5 million smokers make a quit attempt.
This year’s theme is: “When you stop smoking, good things start to happen.”
Ailsa Rutter, Director for Fresh & Balance North East, which has over 30 years’ experience of working to address the impact of tobacco and alcohol, said: “Don’t ever think it’s too late to try to quit or that you’re too old. From the minute you stop your body starts to recover.”
People are five times more likely to quit for good if they can make it to at least 28 days smoke-free. To reach this milestone, experts advise they should know their smoking triggers and how to avoid them, tell other people they are
quitting, exercise away the urge to smoke and list their own reasons for quitting.
Hartlepool Borough Council’s Community Navigators, based in the Community Hub Central in York Road and Community Hub South in Wynyard Road, are able to offer support. Contact (01429) 272905 or helping@hartlepool.gov.uk
The free NHS Quit Smoking app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
More information about quitting is available at www.freshquit.co.uk
The latest Council Plan – Annual Report is now available to view and highlights the achievements that the Council has made over the last 12 months against its vision set out within the Council Plan.
In February 2021, the Council formally adopted a new Council Plan, covering the period up to 2023/24. The plan sets out the direction for the Council and the major steps that we need to take to achieve our vision the borough.
Since then, the Council has been laying the foundations for real change in the borough. We have secured significant sums of external funding to enable some of our ambitious plans to be delivered.
A range of new facilities have opened, including the new cycling track at Summerhill and the Local and Family History Centre at Sir William Gray House. As well as physical improvements across the borough, we have also continued to focus on supporting people and communities through the introduction of Warm Hubs, the delivery of events and
activities for children and families and supporting those wishing to start or grow businesses.
A selection of the achievements of the Council in 2022/23 can be seen in the following pages as well as a selection of what is still to come.
You can view the full versions of the Council Plan and Council Plan – Annual Report by scanning the QR code or by visiting: www.hartlepool.gov.uk/councilplan
Hartlepool will be a place…
where people are enabled to live healthy, independent and prosperous lives. where those who are vulnerable will be safe and protected from harm.
that has an inclusive and growing economy.
with a Council that is ambitious, fit for purpose and reflects the diversity of its community.
of resilient and resourceful communities with opportunities for all.
that is sustainable, clean, safe and green.
May 2022
• Active Hartlepool launched
• Jubilee inspired artwork by school children on display in Middleton Grange Shopping Centre
• First ever Hartlepool Business Week held
July 2022
Highlight Planning Permission Granted
Merlin Manor Opened
Gaia Exhibition in Town Hall Theatre Waterfront Festival
September 2022
• Hartlepool Warm Hubs approved
• National Moment of Reflection held at the War Memorial on Victory Square
• Family Fun at Elephant Rock
November 2022
• Fireworks display attracts approximately 15,000 people
• First ever Hartlepool Enterprise Week held
• Children in our care ‘Celebration of Success’ event held
January 2023
• Hartlepool Restaurant Week returned by popular demand
• Social Dance session launched at Community Hub South
March 2022
• New Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy adopted
• Road safety schemes completed in Wynyard Road and at Clavering School
• Work begins on the Wesley Chapel
• Parish Charter signed between the Council and the six Parish Councils
June 2022
• Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee events
August 2022
Big Lime Weekend
Hartlepool Horticultural Show held at Mill House Leisure Centre Summer at Seaton
October 2022
• Summerhill Cycle Track opened
• Hartlepool Restaurant Week held
December 2022
• Corporate Peer Challenge took place
• Christmas Pantomime – highest recorded ticket sales
• Free Christmas story trail in place around the town centre
February 2023
• Local Family History Centre opened
• Togetherall launched providing a safe, anonymous 24/7 community where people support each other to improve their mental health and wellbeing
Holiday Activity and Food Programme – 42 providers, 743 sessions delivered with over 17,225 attendances from children across the Easter, Summer and Christmas holiday programmes
£16.4m
Levelling Up Funding secured towards the development of a new Screen Industries Production Village in the Lynn Street / Whitby Street area
Secured from the Levelling Up Parks Fund for improvements to Burn Valley Gardens
£200k
£85k secured from the Libraries Improvement Fund for improvements to the Seaton Carew Library
£1.27m of funding secured from theYouth Investment Fund to refurbish the Rossmere Youth Centre
‘Good or outstanding’ schools as rated by Ofsted 89%
£25m Town Deal Funding secured to be spent across five key projects
Over 10,000 people supported through the Household Support Fund £
Up to £2m capital investment secured from Sports England towards the Highlight
Summerhill and Ward Jackson Park retained their Green Flag Awards
The Seymour Civil Engineering Skills Academy has placed its 400th learner into employment since launching its Gateway to Construction programme in the summer of 2020.
Chris Harland is a ground worker at Port Homes’ Seaton Meadows housing development.
He said: “I went through the academy and really enjoyed it. It helped me with my skills and confidence, and the staff were great.”
A partnership between Seymour Civil Engineering and Hartlepool College of Further Education, the academy, picture below, is now set to expand with investment from the Hartlepool Town Deal.
It is one of five Hartlepool Town Deal projects benefitting from £25m of Government funding following a successful bid by Hartlepool Borough Council.
Academy Manager Donna King said: “The 400th learner going into work is amazing for us because it demonstrates that the programme is doing exactly what we want it to do and that is to move unemployed people into work in the construction industry.”
Darren Hankey, Principal of Hartlepool College of Further Education and Chair of the Hartlepool Town Deal Board, said: “Thanks to the Hartlepool Town Deal investment, we are delighted to be in a position to expand the academy and help many more people like Chris.”
Telephone (01429) 273994, email info@seymourskillsacademy.co.uk or visit www.seymourcec.co.uk for more information about the academy and the courses it offers.
The restoration of the Wesley Chapel has taken a major step forward, with the removal of old fire-damaged wooden roof trusses.
And as Hartbeat went to print, work was scheduled to begin on the installation of new steel trusses.
This follows the completion of internal demolition, safety and scaffolding works.
The £3.8m project to preserve and restore the grade II listed building which is on the “at risk” register, will see the creation of a boutique venue for weddings and other large events. It will have 36 bedrooms.
It is one of five projects being funded through the £25m Hartlepool Town Deal and due for completion in 2025.
Hartlepool Town Deal is providing £1.4m of funding whilst the building’s owner Jomast is investing the other £2.4m. Local residents will not be contributing any money through their Council Tax.
Councillor Mike Young, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “The removal of what was left of the firedamaged roof is a real milestone, and it proves how we are delivering our regeneration vision for the town centre.”
The first phase of a project to improve links between Hartlepool marina, the town centre and Seaton Carew has been successfully completed.
The Waterfront Connectivity scheme – part of the £25m Hartlepool Town Deal - involved the improvement of a promenade footpath adjacent to the Tees and Hartlepool Yacht Club.
The works included the removal of steep ramps either side of a slipway cutting through the promenade to make the footpath more accessible and safer for pedestrians, including people with prams and pushchairs, and cyclists.
The path was heavily used by visitors to The Tall Ships Races in July, and it has been welcomed by local residents for opening up a route between the marina and Seaton Carew.
The principal contractor was Hartlepool-based Seymour Civil Engineering whose workforce included apprentices John Cooper and Rob Ingham who trained at the company’s civil engineering skills academy, another Town Deal project.
Restoring and protecting heritage and historic buildings is at the heart of the Council’s regeneration plans, and this has now been recognised nationally by Historic England whose high-profile Historic Places Panel will be visiting the town for three days to pass on expertise, support and guidance.
Councillor Mike Young, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “The provision of training leading to high-quality jobs is a key element of the Town Deal, and I was delighted to meet John and Rob on site.”
Darren Hankey, Chair of Hartlepool Town Deal Board and Principal of Hartlepool College of Further Education – a partner in the academy, said: “It is great to see how one Town Deal project in the shape of the civil engineering skills academy is supporting another – the Waterfront Connectivity scheme - by providing a skilled workforce.”
A new Hartlepool business is cleaning up – supporting people to continue living independently in their own homes.
Daily Maid Hartlepool – which provides domestic cleaning services – is one of the latest success stories from Businesses for Community – a partnership between HartlePower and Hartlepool Borough Council’s Adult Social Care Team.
Businesses for Community supports new business start-ups in Hartlepool that can help adults aged 60+ and adults with disabilities and long-term illnesses to retain control over their lives, achieve their goals, connect with the things that are important to them and participate in their communities.
The project offers a range of support including start-up funding, one- to–one guidance from a business development officer and help with writing business plans and business administration.
Daily Maid Hartlepool was set up by Charlotte Gatenby with help from her mum Sue Campbell, who runs a Billinghambased cleaning firm of her own.
“We help people keep on top of housework that people may be struggling with – from general cleaning, deep cleaning rooms and emptying bins to changing beds and even changing light bulbs – the list is endless,” said Charlotte.
Do you have a spare bedroom in your home and some space in your life?
“It gives us great satisfaction to know that we are helping people to continue to live independently in their own homes and by taking away some of the daily stresses we are enabling them to enjoy their lives more.”
Daily Maid Hartlepool can be contacted on 07873 858795.
If you are interested in starting your own Business for Community, contact HartlePower Development Officer Nancy Pout on 01429 555605 or email nancypout@hartlepower.co.uk
Do you want to make a difference and help adults with additional needs to live independently?
If so, Hartlepool Shared Lives might be for you.
As a Shared Lives Provider you share you home and family life with a person who needs some care and support, helping them to develop or maintain independent living skills, friendships and live as part of the local community in a safe and supportive environment.
You can decide if you want to provide short-term, long-term or emergency care for up to three people at a time.
Shared Lives – which is rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission - welcomes people of all ages (18+) and all walks of life. All that’s asked is that you have a spare bedroom, a safe, clean and comfortable home, a caring personality and the desire to make a difference.
In return you’ll receive an allowance to help you meet the needs of the person in your care and contribute to your household bills.
To find out more, call Alison Urwin on 07786 027139 or email shared.lives@durham.gov.uk
Did you know you can get 24/7 support to help you cut down your drinking or substance use or quit for good?
Breaking Free is a confidential recovery support programme you can access online whenever you need it, and thanks to Hartlepool Borough Council it’s available absolutely free if you live in Hartlepool.
It equips you with positive coping skills that are proven to work and lets you work on your recovery at your own pace.
It’s really easy to use and supports you every step of the way.
First you’ll go through some questions so that Breaking Free can understand the issues you’re facing.
You’ll set a goal to reduce your drinking or drug use or to quit or stay abstinent and strengthen your recovery.
As well as that, you’ll get a diagram that’s unique to you and shows what could affect your recovery.
You’ll use a wide range of positive coping skills, based on the latest science of how people achieve change, to help you deal with your high risk situations.
Breaking Free will help you escape from your negative thoughts and:
• control your emotions like anxiety or anger
• manage your cravings or urges
• structure your day to boost your mood
• help you lead a healthy lifestyle
You’ll get printed action plans, track your progress on your personal dashboard and get a certificate to show how well you’ve done.
You can access Breaking Free on any device with the internet – computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone –whenever you need it.
Join today for free at www.breakingfreeonline.com or scan the code belowclick on Sign Up then use the access code hartlepool11 to create your account.
And if you have an Android phone or iPhone, download the free Companion app to get even more from Breaking Free – search Google Play and the App Store for ‘Breaking Free Companion UK’.
Earlier this year, the Government announced that Cleveland would be one of a few select ‘trailblazer’ areas to receive funding for additional measures to reduce levels of antisocial behaviour.
Antisocial behaviour – also known as ASB – is conduct that has caused – or is likely to cause – harassment, alarm or distress to any person. It covers various issues such as rowdy or inconsiderate behaviour, vehicle nuisance and littering.
Following a Home Office investment of £2m, Hartlepool will benefit from two new pilot schemes hoping to reduce levels of ASB and provide justice for victims.
Led by the office of Police and Crime Commissioner Steve Turner, both schemes will start in the next few months.
The ‘Immediate Justice’ pilot will see offenders repair the harm they have caused by undertaking unpaid work and improving community spaces
Adults on the scheme will work in high-visibility clothing so residents can see justice taking place as it happens, with work expected to take place within 48 hours of an order being issued.
The pilot will be delivered in partnership with Cleveland Police, the Probation Service and Youth Offending Teams.
PCC Steve Turner has committed to bulking up Hartlepool’s civil enforcement teams to conduct extra patrols in areas with high levels of ASB.
The officers will be expected to gather intelligence about frequent offenders and conduct high visibility patrols in an effort to drive down ASB in the town’s affected communities.
Steve said: “I’m delighted that we have been selected to trial two new approaches to reducing ASB across Hartlepool and the rest of Cleveland.
“The results of these pilots will help inform national policy to tackle this ongoing issue, which I know still affects too many people in our area.”
“The results of these pilots will help inform national policy to tackle this ongoing issue, which I know still affects too many people in our area.”
Steve Turner, Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner
Supporting Treatment and Recovery Together (START), a partnership between Hartlepool Borough Council and Foundations, delivers an integrated substance misuse treatment service to the town’s adults and young people.
Whilst Hartlepool has one of the country’s worst drug-related death rates, many people may not be aware of the work being carried out to help people tackle their addictions.
Below, we tell the stories of three members of Hartlepool’s growing recovery community.
Neil Flounders became a heroin user in his early 20s, but it was the death last year of his father who had consistently encouraged him to seek help, which gave him “the kick I needed”. He took the decision to go to START and after 25 years as a user he came off his prescription medicine in April.
“The staff at START are fantastic. The help they provide is invaluable, but they also make it clear that they won’t do everything for you and you have to be willing to help yourself.”
Neil says that he is now in a good place to the extent that he volunteers as a peer educator with the Hepatitis C Trust, a peer-led organisation working to eliminate Hepatitis C by 2030.
Sam is an alcohol user and would go on 12-week “benders”. At her lowest point, her drinking resulted in her being hospitalised 17 times in one year alone. She explained how her dad was an alcohol user too, and she experienced a seriously traumatic childhood. She was also diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder.
She said: “I’m quite a stubborn person and like to think I know it all. The fact is I don’t. Finally, I went to START and they taught me that they couldn’t do everything for me – I had to help myself too. If I had not sought help from them I’m sure I would not be here today!”
She now volunteers in the community, helping drug users in Hartlepool. More recently, she has also been assisting on a summer holidays playscheme.
Jimmy Callaghan struggled with his mental health from the age of 11. He was diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and ended up turning to drugs.
In July last year, he ended up in hospital after taking a deliberate overdose with the intention of taking his own life.
“Life seemed pointless, I stopped seeing my kids despite their mother’s best efforts to persuade me otherwise and I struggled to deal with my emotions. In August last year, I decided enough was enough and things had to change. The first few months were awful but START were fantastic,” he said.
Jimmy is now a senior peer educator with the Hepatitis C Trust and his role involves taking blood tests from addicts who may have contracted the virus. He also explains to them the importance of taking their medication and ensures they keep appointments.
START Recovery Community
Co-ordinator Billy Knight says: “It is all about creating a positive environment where people draw on their own personal experiences to support each other and help others. Such people are fantastic agents of recovery and have a vital role to play alongside the services and treatments offered by START.”
Held annually every September, Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those in recovery.
This year, a series of events and activities has been organised, both in Hartlepool and further afield.
A Celebration of Recovery gig, hosted by Hartlepool Community Studio in Tower Street in association with START, took place on Thursday 7th September, combining live music with “messages of hope” from a number of notable guests.
Throughout the month, START is visiting a range of community locations to raise awareness of its servicesTuesday 12th September, 4-7pm, The Wharton Trust, Wharton Terrace; Wednesday 13th September, 1-4pm, Community Hub Central, York Road; Wednesday 20th September, 10am-2pm, Community Hub South, Wynyard Road; Wednesday 27th September, 10am-1pm, Community Hub Central, York Road.
As Hartbeat went to print, the Headland Baptist Church was preparing to host the local launch of SMART Recovery UK’s Family and Friends Programme on Wednesday 13th September. Aimed at family and friends of people with a
drug and/or alcohol addiction, the programme encourages participants to spend time concentrating on themselves and explore how they can look after themselves better.
START will continue to hold weekly Friday SMART meetings throughout the month. These are free to attend and aimed at people who are not currently START clients. Meetings take place at Community Hub Central from 2-4pm on 15th, 22nd and 29th September
On Saturday 23rd September, a delegation from START heads to Hull to take part in the UK Recovery Walk which brings together individuals, families and communities from all parts of the UK.
Hartlepool Borough Council is inviting nominations for the title of Honorary Freeman/Freewoman of the Borough of Hartlepool.
Nominees must have made a sustained and significant contribution to the Borough and should be either an individual or a group of individuals.
Nominations may be made by:
• A member of the public.
• A voluntary organisation operating in the Borough.
• A public or charitable body.
• A corporate body with premises in the Borough.
• Any Hartlepool Borough Councillor
• A political party or group connected with the Council.
The Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Audit and Governance Committee is urging residents to get involved in its programme of work.
The committee exists to scrutinise the work of the Council, the NHS and the police on behalf of the public, and Councillor Jonathan Brash is keen for more people to take part in its investigations.
The committee recently launched an investigation into derelict land and buildings across the Borough.
The way meetings of the committee are held has changed, with the committee planning to meet at a number of different community venues instead of only at Hartlepool Civic Centre. The timing of meetings has also been changed so that more working people can to get involved.
A drop-in session will take place at Hartlepool Civic Centre from 5-6pm on Wednesday 27th September where people can attend to speak to Councillor Brash after their derelict land and buildings issues.
Nominations of people who have formerly served as elected members of Hartlepool Borough Council are also being sought for the title of Honorary Alderman/Alderwoman. However, these nominations can only be made by a Hartlepool Borough Councillor, a Council committee or Full Council.
Self-nominations cannot be accepted.
All nominations must be put in writing and sent to the Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool or the Managing Director of Hartlepool Borough Council, c/o Hartlepool Civic Centre, Victoria Road, Hartlepool TS24 8AY.
They should state the person or body making the nomination, their address and an explanation as to why the person nominated is considered appropriate to be elected as an Honorary Freeman/Freewoman or Honorary Alderman/ Alderwoman.
The deadline for nominations to be received is Monday 16th October.
Councillor Brash said: “My message to residents is simple –this is your committee tackling the issues that matter to you, so please get involved and have your say.”
He also said he would be willing to visit any community group anywhere in the town to meet them and discuss issues affecting their local area.
Commenting on the committee’s latest investigation, he added: “The issue of derelict land and buildings, both commercial and domestic, is of huge importance. I want a more aggressive strategy to deal with the owners of these properties and we need to look at what levers we can pull – be they financial, legislative or enforcement.
“It’s not just that empty properties don’t look nice, they also attract crime and anti-social behaviour and can have a corrosive effect on whole areas and seriously affect law-abiding residents’ quality of life. We need to have a coordinated plan in place for the whole Borough.”
Anyone who wants to find out more about the derelict land and buildings investigation and the work more generally of the Audit and Governance Committee can email scrutiny@ hartlepool.gov.uk Community groups wishing to engage with the committee can also get in touch using this email address.
Michael Gallagher has been appointed Hartlepool Borough Council’s new Armed Forces Veterans’ Champion.
The 55-year-old, who was born and lives in the town, will work alongside the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Brian Cowie, to help achieve the objectives of the Council’s Armed Forces Community Covenant to encourage support for the Armed Forces community across the borough.
This will include providing the Armed Forces Champion with a first-hand perspective of the needs of veterans in Hartlepool and working with him to strengthen links with the Armed Forces community, supporting veterans alongside Armed Forces organisations in the town and raising public
awareness of the issues affecting the Armed Forces community and the support available.
Michael joined the Army in 1984 aged 16 and served for 16 years with the Royal Engineers, including service in the Gulf War, tours of Belize, the Falkland Islands, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Germany – where he trained as a combat engineer – and two winter tours of Canada.
He served for several years with 516 Specialist Team Royal Engineers, providing specialist support to the UK Armed Forces on operations across the world.
He said: “I am very proud to have been appointed Armed Forces Veterans’ Champion and I look forward to helping veterans and highlighting the issues facing them, particularly post traumatic stress disorder and homelessness.”
Councillor Brian Cowie can be contacted on 07802 584285 and email brian.cowie@ hartlepool.gov.uk and Michael Gallagher can be contacted on 07545 134188 and email mick8723@hotmail.co.uk.
Ward Surgeries to be confirmed
Councillors: David Nicholson (Conservative), Jonathan Brash (Labour), Ged Hall (Labour)
03 October 2023 3pm - 4pm
West View Community Centre, Miers Avenue
07 November 2023 4pm - 5pm
West View Community Centre, Miers Avenue
Councillors: Veronica Nicholson (Conservative), Rachel Creevy (Labour), Brenda Harrison (Labour)
FENS & GREATHAM
17 October 2023 5:45pm - 6:30pm
The Heron Room, Fens Primary School
21 November 2023 5:45pm - 6.30pm
The Heron Room, Fens Primary School
Councillors: Jim Lindridge (Independent), Bob Buchan (Conservative), Philip Holbrook (Labour)
FOGGY FURZE
21 October 2023 11am - 12 Noon
Belle Vue Sports & Community Centre, Kendal Road
18 November 2023 11am - 12 Noon
Belle Vue Sports & Community Centre, Kendal Road
Councillors: Melanie Morley (Labour), Carole Thompson (Labour), Martin Dunbar (Labour)
See Councillor Webpage
Councillors: Tom Cassidy (Conservative), John Leedham (Conservative), Rob Darby (Conservative)
HEADLAND & HARBOUR
11 October 2023 5pm - 6pm
Constable Bar, Borough Hall, Headland
08 November 2023 5pm - 6pm
Hartlepool Sea Cadets, Harbour Walk
Councillors: Brian Cowie (Conservative), Shane Moore (Hartlepool Independent Union), Matthew Dodds (Labour)
03 October 2023 6pm - 7pm
Community Hub South, Wynyard Road
07 November 2023 6pm - 7pm
Community Hub South, Wynyard Road
Councillors: Henry Ashton (Conservative), Pamela Hargreaves (Labour), Ben Clayton (Labour Party)
ROSSMERE
21 October 2023 11am - 12 Noon
Community Hub South, Wynyard Road
18 November 2023 11am - 12 Noon
Community Hub South, Wynyard Road
Councillors: Christopher Groves (Conservative), Moss Boddy (Labour), Tom Feeney (Labour Party)
Alternative Arrangements – Park Residents Association
Councillors: Scott Reeve (Conservative), Andrew Martin-Wells (Conservative), Mike Young (Conservative)
Hartlepool’s Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club meets every Saturday from 10am-12pm at the Jacksons Wharf pub in the marina.
It is a chance for veterans and those who are currently serving in all branches of the Armed Forces to meet, enjoy breakfast and chat.
The club is free to attend – all you have to do is pay for your breakfast!
For more information call Rob “Stitch” Taylor on 07818 275773 or email poolsafvbcbuttyclub@outlook.com
SEATON
07 October 2023 10.30am - 11.30pm
Seaton Carew Branch Library, Station Lane
07 November 2023 5.30pm - 6.30pm
Seaton Carew Branch Library, Station Lane
Councillors: Sue Little (Independent), Leisa Smith (Independent)
16 October 2023 5pm - 6pm
Throston Community Centre, Glamorgan Grove
15 November 2023 5pm - 6pm
Gus Robinson Centre, Wiltshire Way
Councillors: Paddy Brown (Independent), Cameron Sharp (Labour), Steve Wallace (Independent)
02 October 2023 5.30pm - 6.30pm
St Luke’s Parish Centre, Tunstall Avenue
04 November 2023 11.00am -12 Noon
Raglan Quoit & Social Club, Stuart Street
Councillors: Helen Howson (Labour), Gary Allen (Labour), Karen Oliver (Labour)
Every Monday, commencing at 4pm. For an appointment, contact Leader@hartlepool.gov.uk or telephone 01429 523647
For details of your local Councillor(s) contact Hartlepool Council on (01429) 523702/523704. Anyone wanting to speak to MP Jill Mortimer please telephone her office 01429 226457 and an appointment can be made.
Email: jill.mortimer.mp@parliament.uk
Hartlepool Holiday Fun has been another fantastic success this summer, with thousands of children and young people taking part.
The project – run by Hartlepool Borough Council in partnership with different organisations across the town and funded by the Department for Education – provides activities for children and young people over the main school holidays throughout the year. They also get a tasty meal into the bargain.
Under the terms of the Government funding, the programme is primarily aimed at children who receive benefits-related free school meals.
Football, food workshops, Pokemon and Harry Potter games, boxing, cycling, performing arts, swimming, sensory sessions, a forest school and activities for children with SEND were just some of the many activities on offer over the summer holidays.
Councillor Jim Lindridge, Chair of the Council’s Children’s Services Committee, said: “We’re delighted that thousands of children and young people were again able to enjoy exciting, stimulating activities over the summer holidays and receive nutritious meals as well.
“There’ll be lots more to look forward to with our Christmas programme – watch for details being announced nearer to the time.”
Students in Hartlepool have been praised after receiving their exam results.
The GCSE results were announced against the background of the examining bodies seeking this year to bring the grades across the country back into line with pre-Covid levels.
Sally Robinson, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Director of Children’s and Joint Commissioning Services, said: “Early indications suggest that the GCSE grades in Hartlepool are slightly up on our 2019 pre-pandemic levels and we have also seen more of our students achieving a strong pass in their subjects.
“Given the disruption which students experienced during the pandemic and the grading revisions this year, this is a substantial achievement in itself and the students deserve our congratulations and our praise for the commitment and dedication which they have shown.”
Councillor Jim Lindridge, Chair of the Council’s Children’s Services Committee, said: “A lot of very hard work and dedication has gone into reaching this point and I send my warmest congratulations to all the Hartlepool students receiving their results today - both in GCSEs and in vocational and technical qualifications.
“I also want to pay tribute to all those who have given them so much encouragement and support.
“I wish all this year’s students the very best of luck and every success in the future, whatever path they choose.”
Hartlepool’s Tall Ships Races 2023 may have made a huge splash in the town earlier this year, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had.
The ever-popular Hartlepool Folk Festival is back from 6 to 8 October, with the biggest names in traditional music descending on the town.
Irish outfit Altran, English duo Spiers & Boden and multi-award-winning singer-songwriter Martin Simpson are some of the names on offer. They will be joined by Billinghamborn group the Wilson Family, poet and comedian John Hegley, inset, and many more for a celebration of song.
This year’s spooky theme will celebrate the 50th anniversary of horror classic The Wicker Man. Special events will include a Monster Mashup Cabaret, Ghost Tour of the Headland, a chat with Dave Arthur about seminal 70s album Hearken to the Witches Rune and a
virtual tour of the Museum of Magic and Witchcraft in Boscastle.
Hartlepool Folk Festival is being supported by £133,940 of funding from the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority over four years, as part of the Festival Scale-Up Programme. This will help it grow, attract a wider audience and become increasingly self-sufficient.
Based in and around the Headland, the free Wintertide Festival is bringing Ignite from 24 to 26 November.
The community-focused outdoor celebration of art, light and illumination will have you seeing the town you love in a completely different way.
With events and spectacle for all the family, this must-see event will brighten up the long autumn evenings.
Wintertide, below, has secured £147,000 over four years from the Festival Scale-Up Programme.
These projects are delivered on behalf of Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority and are receiving funding by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
For more details on these – and other fantastic events and attractions across Hartlepool, check out www.visitteesvalley.com
Hartlepool Borough Council has come out top in a national survey of social worker satisfaction with their employer.
The Standards for Employers of Social Workers survey is carried out annually by the Local Government Association among registered social workers and sets the national benchmark for employer performance.
The Council’s Adult & Community Based Services and Children’s & Joint Commissioning Services ranked first and second respectively in the national table of overall standards as an employer, and both came first in the region.
Both services led the field nationally and regionally when social workers were questioned on aspects of their working environment which have the greatest impact on how they contribute at work, including their confidence and competence, and their desire to stay in their workplace.
They also topped the rankings when social workers were quizzed about whether they are usually able to balance the demands of case work and the resources needed to fulfil their responsibilities.
Rated on how much social workers feel their employer understands the barriers and challenges that can get in the way of them doing their best work, Hartlepool’s two services rated in the high 80s/low 90s out of 100, compared with a national average of 74.
Asked about their reasons for being a social worker with Hartlepool Borough Council, social workers cited a wide
range of factors including the support from managers and senior management, feeling safe and valued, the annual leave entitlement, the friendliness of colleagues and the caring, open and ‘can do’ culture.
Councillor Bob Buchan, Chair of the Council’s Adult & Community Based Services Committee, said: “Good social work can transform people’s lives and to achieve the best possible outcomes for people our social workers must have the best possible skills and the most supportive and encouraging working environment in which to flourish.
“We remain absolutely committed to achieving and maintaining that, and we’re incredibly proud to be ranked first in the country in the latest survey.”
Councillor Jim Lindridge, Chair of the Council’s Children’s Services Committee, added: “We are determined to give children and young people in Hartlepool, and their families, the very best care.
“Our social workers are key to achieving that. We are proud of the work they do and proud of the support we give them to help them succeed and become the very best they can be. We are very pleased indeed by the survey results and will continue to strive to be the best that we can be as an employer.”
For details of current social worker and other vacancies at Hartlepool Borough Council visit www.northeastjobs.org.uk
People in Hartlepool are invited to a Hartlepool Food Partnership event to look at how to ensure future generations of the town’s residents can access local, low-priced, nutritious food.
The Hartlepool Food Partnership has been established by the Hartlepool Food Council and Hartlepool Borough Council’s Public Health Team. Its regular Open Forums allow residents, organisations and businesses to come together to develop ideas for meeting the Partnership’s goals.
The next Open Forum is on Tuesday 26th September from 10am to 12 noon at Greenbank, Stranton, Hartlepool, TS24 7QT. This Forum will focus on identifying actions to ensure Hartlepool’s children are able to eat more nutritious local food. An update on the Partnership’s progress and a free buffet lunch will be provided.
Anyone wishing to attend the event should email info@hartlepoolfoodpartnership.co.uk or call 01429 555600.
To find out more about the Partnership, scan the QR code or visit hartlepoolfoodpartnership.co.uk
20th
Safeguarding Adults Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of adult abuse and neglect, and to assist people in finding help and information.
The theme for the week is “Safeguarding Yourself and Others” and it will focus on how people can prioritise the welfare and wellbeing of themselves and others.
The campaign, led by charity The Ann Craft Trust, is being supported by Hartlepool Borough Council and the Teeswide Safeguarding Adults Board, the statutory body which sets the strategic direction for safeguarding adults in the Boroughs of Hartlepool, Redcar and Cleveland, Middlesbrough and Stockton-on-Tees.
For more information, or if you are worried about someone, go to https:// www.tsab.org.uk/report-abuse/ or visit the Council’s Community Hubs.
If you’re worried about someone and you want to report abuse or neglect contact the Council via the following numbers: (01429) 523390, SMS 078336 72357, Relay UK/SMS (18001) 07977 709900. On evenings and at weekends, the number to call is (01642) 524552. Alternatively, email iSPA@hartlepool.gov.uk from Monday-Thursday, 8.30am-5pm, Fridays 8.30am-4.30pm.
Hartlepool Borough Council, in support of the Teeswide Safeguarding Adults Board and The Cleveland Anti-Slavery Network, will be sharing information on spotting the signs of modern slavery and sexual exploitation in the community. This will take place between 2nd-6th October as part of our campaign “A Spotlight on Modern Slavery and Sexual Exploitation”.
Some signs are physical – a victim may look uneasy, unkempt or malnourished and they may have untreated injuries. Others are less obvious and can include someone paying for a person’s travel, someone speaking for them, they may be picked up and dropped off from work at unusual times and they may not be sure of their own address.
You can find out more about modern slavery and how to spot the signs at www.tsab.org.uk and https://hopeforjustice. org/spotthe-signs/ or download the Unseen App at https:// www.unseenuk.org/about-modern-slavery/downloadthe-app/ Information will also be shared throughout the week on the Teeswide Safeguarding Adults Board’s Facebook and Twitter accounts (@TeeswideSAB).
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If you love history, make tracks to the new Tees Archaeology website.
Tees Archaeology provides archaeological services to the people and local authorities of Hartlepool and Stockton and aims to raise awareness of our historic environment to ensure it’s protected for future generations.
It maintains a record – the Historic Environment Record – of all the known archaeological sites and historic buildings in the two boroughs, from occasional finds of coins and pottery to World War II pillboxes and medieval villages, and the website explains how people can get details of those.
The website also features reports on past and current projects including Anglo-Saxon Hartlepool, the Heritage of Hart, the Elwick Village Atlas and the Seaton Carew Protected Wreck – the remains of a 19th century collier brig which was likely beached during a storm.
There are also lots of resources to download for free, including booklets and leaflets, plus educational materials including colouring and activity sheets and cut-out models.
Find out more at www.teesarchaeology.com
Crucial Crew, a multi-agency event that teaches schoolchildren in Hartlepool how to stay safe, has taken place.
Over 1,300 pupils from 32 local schools attended, taking part in a series of practical workshops.
The workshops were used to recreate dangerous situations that children might encounter in their everyday lives, with issues covered including deliberate fires, substance misuse, road safety, cyber crime, electricity safety and safety at the coast.
Supporting organisations included Hartlepool Borough Council, Cleveland Fire Brigade, Cleveland Police, Middlesbrough Environment City, Northern Powergrid and the RNLI.
The event which ran for two weeks, took place at Hartlepool Power Station.
Councillor Jim Lindridge, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Children’s Services Committee, was present to welcome the first pupils to attend from Kingsley Primary School.
He said: “Crucial Crew has been running for over 20 years and over that time thousands of local children have benefitted, learning important lessons about personal safety. I would like to thank all of the partners for making this important initiative possible, including EDF Energy for once again providing the venue.”
