Issue 1
Thank you to Healthwatch County Durham volunteers To celebrate their volunteers hard work and support, Healthwatch County Durham (HWCD) organised the planting of a fruit tree to recognise their contribution, and HWCD appreciation. The Pear tree was planted at Wharton Park on Thursday 3 June, to honour their dedicated volunteers and the time they offer towards letting communities have their say on health and social care in County Durham. The Healthwatch County Durham team would like to thank the Congburn Nursery Centre in Edmondsley, for their kind donation of a fruit tree and compost to make this celebration possible.
PROJECT APPEAL: Do you work with a group of young people? Children and young people’s mental health was identified by members of the public as being one of their top priorities of local health and social care services. Do you work with a group of young people who Healthwatch County Durham could run a focus group with to capture their views on mental health support? Contact emily.hunter@pcp.uk.net
PCP's new COVID-19 Resilience Team are now live! The new COVID-19 Resilience Team have now launched to support those impacted by COVID-19 in County Durham.
Michelle Ferguson, Project Lead of the COVID-19 Resilience Team at PCP
"I have 12 years’ experience within the NHS running projects and implementing services. Delighted to move into the voluntary sector supporting communities." Favourite quote: "Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value." Sharon Darter, Covid Resilience Worker at PCP
"I feel very passionate about helping people make positive, healthy changes to their lifestyles. I’ve always been interested in staying fit and healthy from a young age." Favourite quote: "Everything in moderation, including moderation!" Paul Relton, Health Trainer at PCP
"I have been a Health Trainer for seven years and l have worked on different projects including Move 4 life, Change for life and Wellbeing for life helping people improve health and wellbeing." Favourite quote: "The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." Donna Sheavills, Resilience Team Coordinator at PCP "I have 18 years’ experience working across the voluntary and community sector, NHS and local authority for a range of organisations focused on community support." Favourite quote: "Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful."
Laura Cruddace, Resilience Team Administrator at PCP
"I've had the role of an Administrator for nine years for various projects within PCP, and previously working as an integrated service with the NHS." Favourite quote: “Small steps in the right direction can turn out to be the biggest step of your life.” June Wainwright, UTASS
"I live in rural Upper Teesdale and work for Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services. I am a qualified Mental Health Social Worker, Counsellor and teach yoga and mindfulness." Favourite quote: "In the Beginner’s Mind there are many possibilities and in the expert’s there are few."
Linda Deakin, Community Resilience at East Durham Trust
"I have worked in the public sector for twenty years, seventeen of which working with communities and in the social housing sector." Favourite quote: "She believed she could, so she did."
Donna Kelly, Resilience Coordinator at PCP
"I have 11 years of working and supporting people out in the community, very motivational, good people skills, great listener." Favourite quote: "Never give up."
Sam Tuck, Northern Learning Trust F "I have experience in various sectors from charity, logistics, finance, support services, counselling to education. Love to work with and support the public."
Favourite quote: "Stop waiting for Friday, for summer, for someone to fall in love with you, for life. Happiness is achieved when you stop waiting for it and make the most of the moment you are in now."
Stockton Service Navigation Project (SSNP) offer wellbeing sessions The SSNP are currently offering online health and wellbeing/social sessions, which give clients a chance to meet with each other and take away valuable information about their general health and wellbeing. One-to-one telephone calls are available to support with accessing other services in the area via signpost and referral. Digital support via telephone and Zoom sessions is available to give information on using social media, video calling and general digital advice.
ROAD for those over 25 and unemployed in County Durham Reaching Out Across Durham (ROAD) is a social-inclusion programme, funded by the European Social Fund and the National Lottery Community Fund. ROAD is designed to help the residents of County Durham who are out of work and aged 25 and above to overcome barriers to employment. They help individuals find their potential to enable them to move into education, training or work. They do this by working closely with individuals to improve their confidence, develop their
skills and promote knowledge, health and well being. ROAD is available to those who are out of work and a resident of County Durham. For more information please contact Hannah Farran 07979826905.
the right support at the right time, ensuring health and wellbeing remains a priority for all.
PROJECT APPEAL:
Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees is actively seeking good news stories to promote the positive outcomes and learning that has been gathered during the pandemic. As we exit restrictions, they want to ensure that services work collaboratively, putting local people at the heart of decision-making. Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees is in the process of developing its work plan for 2021-2022, to work with the public and services in their redesign so that people can access
Catch up with Options Options has returned to the Pioneering Care Centre (PCC) on a Thursday and Friday each week. Although their team are operating at a smaller capacity to keep everyone safe and abide to restrictions, many of our Options members are enjoying sessions virtually. It’s been wonderful for everyone to see each other once again. There has been lots of laughter and smiles all around.
If you know an organisation that would like to share its good news or become a Healthwatch Champion, get in touch on healthwatchstockton@pcp.uk.net. Together we can make a difference. Photo: Taken from case study with Five Lamps.
Catch up with Wellbeing for Life The Wellbeing for Life Team have been instrumental in providing COVID19 support to thousands of people over the last 12 months. This has included providing welfare phone calls to people who have been shielding, ensuring that they have had groceries delivered to them, whether this is through the County Durham Together Hub or food banks. The team have also made certain that people have had access to medications; often delivering prescriptions to people who have not been able to get to a pharmacy. Following working at home, the team have adapted their kitchens and bedrooms into work spaces. They have loved being introduced to everyone’s pets while they've had virtual meetings! More recently, the team have enabled the successful roll out of the
COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, working in collaboration with County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust. Their team have taken up the role of Covid Responders across County Durham, ensuring that people are staying safe and selfisolating when necessary. WBFL have said goodbye to fantastic staff, and welcomed new people into our team, including new Wellbeing for Life South West Hub Area Lead, Bill Oxbrough. The WBFL Service Reboot started as the Government COVID-19 Restrictions began to lift back in May 2021. They are now up and running again with the offer of one-to-one support and group sessions through a variety of engagement methods, including telephone, online video sessions and face to face delivery. People can access online resources and ‘how to’ videos through our WBFL County Durham YouTube channel. If you’re interested in improving your mental resilience or overall wellbeing, get in touch. Their team understand that not everyone is ready to meet face-to-face, so they're able to provide a flexible service that fits in with your needs. To refer into their FREE service, call 0800 8766887, email cdda.trWBFL@nhs.net or fill in an enquiry form on our website at www.wellbeingforlife.net
Healthwatch Sunderland launch new partnership Healthwatch Sunderland has united with the Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre (SBIC) throughout the pandemic. The partnership work has seen Healthwatch Sunderland deliver advice and guidance to the SBIC, which has been beneficial to health inequalities highlighted in recent research and feedback. By working with members of the BAME community who use SBIC to gather feedback, Healthwatch Sunderland have been able to connect NHS workers within South Tyneside and the Sunderland Foundation Trust (STSFT) to address issues experienced when using Sunderland Royal Hospital.
John Dean, Chair of Healthwatch Sunderland said; “Providing a platform for grassroot groups such as SBIC enables health inequalities to be highlighted and issues and concerns to be raised in health services across our city. "It is important that we engage with community groups in Sunderland to ensure the voices of our full population are heard.” "It is hoped the outcome of the partnership will lead to the SBIC having regular communication with the Trust, increased equality and diversity training for Trust staff, the development of communications aids including picture cards, which will ultimately enable staff to communicate better with people who do not have English as a first language (story continues on next page).
Abu Sharma, Manager of SBIC said: “Through our partnership working with Healthwatch we are able to advocate the voices of BAME individuals raising their issues and concerns in relation to health inequalities and how better we all can work together to make services meet needs of local BAME communities and individuals. "The partnership with Healthwatch has helped us at the Centre to develop our connections in different health areas such as for example cancer in helping to raise awareness in this field within the BAME communities.” Through the partnership work, Healthwatch Sunderland were able to make links between SBIC and the North Cancer Alliance.The connection between the two will see work set to educate the BAME community about the risks, signs and symptoms of cancer and to encourage people to talk about cancer related health issues within their communities.This work will also encourage people to take screening seriously and to take up the opportunity for screening when it is offered to them. Through this continued work, SBIC hope to offer a buddy system to Sunderland’s BAME communities, enabling them to attend the centre to have confidential discussions with staff there about cancer.
Nahida Aktar, Community Development Officer from SBIC said: “BAME communities are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer at an advanced stage and less likely to communicate with others, as there is a prevalent stigma surrounding cancer. "Most believe that a disease such as cancer should be kept within their own household and that one should not share or discuss their experiences with others. "Even the mere mention of the word ‘cancer’ is met with panic and distress most likely due to fear of the stigma surrounding cancer in BAME communities. "Only through raising awareness around cancer we can begin break down the stigma in our local community in Sunderland so that people receive early diagnosis and intervention as well as receiving the right support and care. This is a subject which needs to be spoken about within our BAME communities and this work will give us the perfect opportunity to do this.” Further links have been made between SBIC and Sunderland Clinical Commissioning Group, who are currently working to improve the information available to women in Sunderland and South Tyneside around the menopause.
Partnership initiative with libraries across South Tees Over the last few months, Healthwatch South Tees have been exploring ideas to extend our reach and connect with more isolated and digitally excluded local people during the Covid pandemic. As a result of this work, they have struck up a fantastic partnership with both Redcar and Middlesbrough libraries. As more people become aware about the #JustAsk information and signposting service, they can contact HWST about any issues they may have with local GP practices, hospitals and other medical services. The service provides: A single point of contact offering trustworthy local care and health information.
Tells you what you can do if you are not getting the service you need (in the way that you need it). Connects people to the most appropriate services. To ensure they are reaching out to these people, they designed a range of tote bags and bookmarks, which were then given to representatives at both libraries. Together, they agreed that if HWST could provide information and contact details on reusable bags and bookmarks, library services would use these to disseminate books as part of their adapted service. Customers can keep the bookmarks, whilst the bags would be reused to return books, then safely recycled for the next drop off. Julie Durdan of Dormanstown Library said: “People who use our service tend to be very isolated. Many are older people or have underlying health conditions, so have felt very alone and vulnerable during the pandemic (story continues on next page).
“We have had people talking to us about their health over the last few months, so the services that Healthwatch South Tees provide will come in handy for them.”
"When we drop off books to our customers, we always ask how they are and have a little chat on the doorstep. Using the bags and bookmarks from Healthwatch ensures they have the information they need to benefit from services to support their wellbeing.” These sentiments were echoed by staff at Middlesbrough Library, who said they were looking forward to giving the information to their customers. “The service has been really good for people during lockdown. "Continuing to provide books so people have had something to look forward to has been essential.
The project, which is expected to continue well after the Government's planned roadmap to normality, will help HWST to extend their reach to around 1,000 people across South Tees. They'd like to say a big thank you to all concerned. They really appreciate the help and support they have been given to progress this project. All merchandise has been joint funded by HWST and the Pioneering Care Partnership. If you would like to find out more about our Information and Signposting service, visit www.healthwatchmiddlesbrough.co.uk or contact healthwatchsouthtees@pcp.uk.net.
Step Forward Tees Valley If you know anyone who is 18+, out of work and lives in the Tees Valley area, Step Forward Tees Valley (SFTV) can support them to move closer to work through training and volunteering opportunities, help with money worries and improving confidence, health and wellbeing. Participants can be referred from Job Centre, Health and social care services, a variety of other services or self refer on to the programme. They are then assigned a navigator who helps plan and stays with them throughout their journey on the programme. Delivering a service in Darlington, Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland, PCP offers specialist health and wellbeing support to participants on the programme through a series of friendly small group workshops (Healthy Me, Confident Me) to support participants to make positive lifestyle changes to improve their physical health and mental wellbeing. Healthy Me, Confident Me Workshops include: • Goal setting / motivation • Relaxation and intro to mindfulness • Eat Well Guide, food groups, portion sizes • Healthy eating – fat, sugars, food labelling • Health walk
Participants are also introduced to other groups and services such as volunteering, gardening groups and training opportunities to help combat loneliness, increase skills and knowledge and improve confidence and self esteem.
Cancer Awareness Team Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, lockdowns and local restrictions, local services have been impacted and resulted in a huge decline in women attending their cervical screening, with many appointments missed and cancelled. The team have been busy promoting #CervicalCancerAwarenessWeek from Monday 14 – 20 June 2021. They have been raising awareness through a series of workshops.
Throughout June, the team have also focused on spreading signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, lung cancer and sun awareness. As we take the first steps out of lockdown, many of us have not been outdoors as much as we used to. This could result in our skin being oversensitive to the sun and a reminder that we need to take extra precautions in the hot weather. If you would like to know more about cancer awareness, get in touch with Andrea or Elliott by emailing andrea.mackrell@pcp.uk.net or elliott.snowball@pcp.uk.net
Better Health at Work Awards A leading North East partnership is showcasing organisations with excellent workplace wellbeing. The Better Health at Work Award (BHAWA) County Durham is proud to honour organisations for their dedication to improving workplace health through advanced training and awareness. County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) are one of many organisations leading the way to shape a future of better health and wellbeing practices in the workplace, as they currently hold a Maintaining Excellence Award and Ambassador Status. Stuart Errington, Chief Fire Officer (CFO) at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Being a part of the Better Health at Work Award has been a really important part of our overall approach t o understanding and improving the wellbeing of all our staff. “The award helps focus our attention on this vital area, motivates staff to get involved in important initiatives and helps drive a culture of excellence where staff priortise their health and wellbeing.”
The BHAWA are appealing for businesses in County Durham that are ready to join CDDFRS and prioritise their workforce’s health and wellbeing. The award is free and available to all businesses in County Durham, who will be given access to a supportive workplace health team and training opportunities to understand stress and basic mental health.
Through relevant training from the award, organisations across the region have seen a decrease in absenteeism and an increase in productivity and improved performance from their team. Other areas employers can focus on to build on staff wellbeing include financial wellbeing, smoking and tobacco, disease prevention, physical activity, cancer awareness and dementia awareness. If you know of relevant organisations of projects interested in raising awareness and values health and wellbeing, contact workplacehealth@pcp.uk.net
The Pioneering Care Centre The Garden Kitchen at the Pioneering Care Centre (PCC), in Newton Aycliffe is currently open for staff and service users on Monday and Wednesday from 11.30am until 1pm. PCC is not currently open to the general public.
During opening hours, the Garden Kitchen will be manned for service and payment, however if you would like drinks outside of these hours an honesty box will be left at the side of the coffee machine. For those of you who wish to charge to your cost code the sheet will be left on the counter. If you are having a meeting on site and would like something please let us know the day before and we can prepare for you.
Every Call Counts The Every Call Counts team have been appealing for more befrienders to offer practical support through a weekly phone call. The phone call will enable service users to build confidence, access community resources and activities where available. The service is for those aged 18+ living in County Durham. Ready to make a positive change to someone's life?
If you or anyone you know would benefit from using our Every Call Counts Service, please call 01325 329934 or contact ann.bennett@pcp.uk.net for more information.
COVID-19 Stockton-On-Tees Community Champions The Stockton-On-Tees COVID-19 Community Champions are celebrating the success of one of their champions. Their Champion, Brian Jones, is from Stockton, and CEO of the Moses Project. He has been awarded British Empire Medal (BEM) as part of the Queen's birthday honours. The honour is given for meritorious service and we are overjoyed for Brian being recognised for his voluntary dedication to communities. As part of his work at the Moses Project, Brian has and continues to offer mentoring and support to hundreds of people who are battling addiction.
Brian not only dedicates his time to the Moses Project, but he is also a devoted Champion to the COVID-19 Community Champions. He has supported the team by offering his time to combat COVID-19 misinformation, whilst promoting factual information throughout our communities. We would like to congratulate Brian for all his fantastic work in shaping communities in the Tees Valley area. To find out more about the COVID-19 Community Champions or share information about becoming a champion within their team, visit www.facebook.com/stocktoncovid19c ommunitychampions
Together 21 Meet Eve! Her and her family are service users of Together 21 (T21). Her family have shared an insight into how T21 has supported them: Ron and Cathy, Eve's parents, said: "When Eve was diagnosed with Down Syndrome shortly after she was born we were in shock for a while. "We didn’t really have much knowledge about Down Syndrome and we were scared about what the future would hold for Eve, and for us as a family. "Going along to Together 21 when Eve was six weeks old helped us to come to terms with her diagnosis. It was so helpful to meet other parents who had been through the same thing we were going through, and to see their amazing kids just doing typical kid stuff! "The group is so supportive and we’ve learned so much from the other parents and made some good friends in the process."
"From Eve’s point of view, the activities that she does at group have helped her development and she has benefitted from the social interaction with other children from a young age. "The group has increased our knowledge about Down Syndrome, especially from an educational perspective, and given us more confidence in knowing how best to help Eve." To find out more about T21, contact enquiries@pcp.uk.net