STRONG COMMUNITIES
ARTS, CULTURE AND LEISURE
SHOWING OUR SUPPORT In Stockton Borough we have 17,500 residents who are part of the Armed Forces Community (serving personnel, ex-services and their families). As part of the Local Strategic Partnership’s commitment to the Armed Forces Community Covenant, key services from the public, voluntary and community sectors and Armed Forces met to ensure all information on support to this section of our community is easily accessible and in one place. Details of services available to the Armed Forces Guest speakers from the British Legion and Civvy Street attended the event
Community can be found at www.stockton.gov.uk/help/communitycovenant or by contacting the helpline (01642) 528830.
HEALTHWATCH STOCKTON ON TEES IS HERE AND NEEDS YOU! Healthwatch Stockton-on-Tees, the new consumer champion for health and social care, has moved into their local offices at Catalyst House, 27 Yarm Road, Stockton, TS18 3NJ. They are now recruiting people just like you to volunteer to: Become members of Healthwatch Become a Healthwatch volunteer and help deliver Healthwatch Shape and influence local health and social care services Interested? See www.healthwatchstocktonontees.co.uk or email healthwatchstockton@pcp.uk.net or call (01642) 688312. Healthwatch Stockton can also provide information and advice on health and social care services. Freephone 0808 172 9559.
Don’t be lonely The Over 50’s Assembly is a group of local residents who come together to identify and tackle issues facing people over the age of 50 across the Borough. Their most recent project has been to look at what can be done to help those affected by loneliness. With the help of Council staff they organised an event where Marianne Symons from the ‘National Campaign to end Loneliness’ heard the results of a recent survey on ‘Loneliness in Stockton on Tees’ commissioned by the Over 50’s Assembly . The results show that loneliness most affects those aged 50-65 and people over the age of 85, is more likely to affect some groups of people than others and, once it hits, loneliness progresses rapidly and affects people in a wide range of ways. The participants looked at what factors contributed to loneliness and what services, communities and individuals could do to combat it. The outcomes will inform an action plan for the Over 50’s Assembly with a view to influencing future service delivery and a bid to Big Lottery, Fulfilling Lives – Ageing Better. If you would like to find out more, call (01642) 528441.
A WELL DESERVED AWARD! An incredibly keen interest in her local community has won Verna Pickering the accolade of ‘Vela – Resident of the Year’ in the recent Vela awards.
As Stockton News went to print, the town was gearing up for its first ever festival to celebrate engineering innovation and creativity. The engineering triumph that is the Tees Barrage and White Water Course is the setting for three fascinating days when Riveting Stuff comes to town. Riveting Stuff begins on Friday 31 May (10am - 5pm) with a Careers and Education Day offering young people the chance to: meet prospective employers take a guided tour of the white water course with its designer Andy Laird learn about training opportunities take fun aptitude tests talk to people who are already forging careers in ground breaking engineering companies. No appointments necessary - come along at any time during the day. Families welcome - there’s so much to see and enjoy at the Riveting Stuff Careers and Education Day that younger kids won’t be bored while older children and parents find out more about the amazing careers possible in engineering.
Saturday (10am - 5pm) and Sunday (11am - 5pm) is one for the families and engineering enthusiasts as television presenter Jem Stansfield presents the two-day action packed engineering extravaganza. Try the interactive engineering structures Test the working models of some of the region’s most iconic structures See photo displays of engineering works through the decades Play skittles with JCBs See 3D printing in action Watch demonstrations from a working blacksmith watch a new documentary on the history and legacy of local engineering firm Head Wrightson Fly across the Tees on a zip wire Take part in the raft or bridge building challenges
TEAM CHALLENGE!! We’re looking for teams to take part in free raft and bridge building challenges – visit www.stockton.gov.uk/rivetingstuff to register your team today! Riveting Stuff is the opening event of the region-wide Festival of the North East taking place throughout June. Partners Arup, Birse Civil, Nifco, Teesside University, Diggerland and Tees Active are working with Stockton Council to bring about this fascinating event. For information on other Riveting Stuff events in Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland visit www.festivalne.com
HAVE YOU HEARD? IT’S RIVETING STUFF!
Verna is not only active in her own area of Roseworth but also across the Borough. The many groups she is involved with include Roseworth Residents Association, Roseworth Community partnership, Community First Panel, and the Central Area Partnership Board. She also participates in many local community initiatives whether its tree planting, taking tours of the area, or being part of local group activities for bingo and knitting. She goes the extra mile by trying to secure funding for these, and other activities, and recently supported Heidi Laverick from Tristar Homes to organise a day trip for older residents. Friends’ comments about Verna include: “Verna is always approachable and someone you can always pick up the phone to.” And “She is just an amazing person!” The award categories include Young Achiever, Community Achievement, Resident of the Year and Good Neighbour.
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Verna front right with her husband Jed (left) and son Peter with his fiance Chantelle PAGE 31