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Stanley AAP e-bulletin - May 2015
Welcome to the May 2015 edition of the Stanley Area Action Partnership
(AAP) e-bulletin.
The e-bulletins will provide you with information to keep you up to date with
the work being developed by the Partnership and its partners to address
local issues in the area, along with items of information that we feel you or
your networks may be interested in. We hope you find it informative and
worthwhile.
Stanley AAP is the main engagement mechanism of Durham County Council in Stanley to ensure that
local residents are engaged with the Council’s policies and have a voice in their community. The AAP
takes forward neighbourhood issues, works with Partner Organisations to shape local service
delivery, develops projects in the local area to address priority issues and links with local Elected
Members to support them in their community leadership role.
For more information on the work of Stanley AAP visit
www.durham.gov.uk/stanleyaap or email us at [email protected]
our
website
at
Please feel free to circulate this e-bulletin amongst your friends, colleagues and networks and if
there's an email address you want adding to our electronic mailing list please send us an email or
telephone us on 03000 265 323 and let us know - it would be great to hear from you.
Stanley AAP Board and Annual General Meeting
The next Stanley AAP Board and Annual General Meeting will take place on:
Monday 11th May 2015 from 6.00pm – 8.00pm in Stanley Education Centre,
King Edward VIII Terrace, Shield Row, Stanley, DH9 0HQ.
The May 2015 Meeting will include:
 Appointment of the AAP Chair and Vice Chairs for 2015/16
 Appointment of County Councillors to the AAP Board
 Update from Stanley AAP Priority Task Groups
 Partner Work Update
Under the opening ‘Neighbourhood Issues’ section of the agenda, the opportunity exists for local
residents and the local community to submit items for discussion direct to the AAP Board and Staff
Team. Intended issues should be received prior to the Board Meeting in order that they can be
researched and information provided to the Board. Please submit any intended items by 12 noon
on Wednesday 6th May 2015.
To register to attend the Board Meeting, or to raise any issues to be included within the
‘Neighbourhood Issues’ section of the Board Meeting please email: [email protected] or
telephone 03000 265323.
Stanley Activity and Support Information Directory – Spring 2015 (2nd Edition)
The 2nd Edition of the Stanley Activity and Support Information is now available to view via the
following link:
http://www.durham.gov.uk/media/5183/Stanley-activity-and-supportdirectory/pdf/StanleyAAPActivityAndSupportDirectory.pdf
The Directory contains a wide variety of activities that you can get involved in in local accessible
community venues. Support information from a number of local organisations is also available at
the back of the Directory.
We hope you’ll enjoy the booklet and find an activity that suits you.
If you would like a hard copy of the Directory just get in touch with the Stanley AAP Office.
Volunteer Driver Service Pilot for the Stanley area
Stanley Area Action Partnership has helped fund a Volunteer Driver Service Pilot
Do you feel socially isolated?
Could you attend a social activity but have no means to get there?
Or do you have difficulty attending a hospital appointment because you have no means of
transport?
The Transport Pilot Project may be able to help by providing a volunteer driver door to door service.
To see if you qualify for the service or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer driver please
ring Rose on 01740 658879 or 01740 658881 or email [email protected]
The service aims to prevent social isolation for the passengers and to help them achieve a better
quality of life.
Welfare Rights Officer available in the Tommy Armstrong Centre on a
Wednesday.
Do you own your own home or rent from a private landlord?
Have you been taken off benefits?
Do you not know what you can claim?
A Welfare Rights Officer is now available every Wednesday at the Tommy Armstrong Centre, Clifford
Road, Stanley, DH9 0XG.
A Drop in Advice Surgery is available on a Wednesday morning from 9:30am – 12pm and a one to
one Appointment system is in place on a Wednesday afternoon from 1pm – 4pm.
To organise an appointment please call into the Tommy Armstrong Centre or pop along to the
Advice Surgery on a Wednesday.
Durham County Council’s Welfare Assistance Scheme 2015/16
The Council’s Welfare Assistance Scheme can help residents at times when they are at their most
vulnerable by supporting their short-term needs or helping them to maintain their independence.
There are two types of welfare assistance available:


Daily living expenses help meet immediate short-term needs for goods or services that arise
because of a disaster or unforeseen circumstances. It can include direct payments to a gas or
electricity supplier or prepayment card/vouchers for food and travel.
A settlement grant can help residents remain in the community, or move back into the
community, after a period in supported or unsettled accommodation, for example someone
leaving care or an individual who has been made homeless. It includes access to standard
household items such as beds, bedding, furniture and white goods.
Since 2013 the scheme has been run by the Help and Advice Network Durham (HAND), a partnership
between the Council, Civica, Five Lamps and the Family Fund. From 1 April 2015 the Council’s
Welfare Assistance Scheme will be delivered in-house by the Council’s Revenues and Benefits
Service. The contact telephone number for the scheme will change to 03000 267900.
The Welfare Assistance Scheme policy has not changed and full details are available on our website.
Applicants can continue to apply for welfare assistance by telephone or by completing an application
form online at www.durham.gov.uk/welfareassistance
Free 7 Day Training Courses
Retail + Employment:
Tuesday 5th May, Thursday 7th May, Friday 8th May, Tuesday 12th May, Thursday 14th May,
Tuesday 19th May and Wednesday 20th May 2015.
Business Administration + Employment:
Tuesday 26th May, Wednesday 27th May, Thursday 28th May, Tuesday 2nd June, Thursday 4th June,
Tuesday 9th June and Wednesday 10th June 2015.
Eligibility:
You must not have attended or studied any of the above learn direct courses.
You must be 19+ and unemployed.
These Courses are all accredited courses and you will achieve 2 qualifications per course!
Bus fares can be reimbursed!
Venue and Times:
Glenroyd House, Medomsley Road, Consett .
Times: 09:30—16:30
Enrolment:
To enrol on a course or to find out more email: [email protected] or Text:
07501095980.
Car Boot Event – Monday 4th May 2015 at The Greenhouse, Annfield Plain,
Stanley, DH9 7XN
Groundwork NE & Cumbria welcomes you to our first ever Car Boot event at our prestigious eco
venue.
It promises to be fun for all the family, an event not to be missed with stall holders and children’s
activities throughout.
Date: 4th May 2015 (Bank Holiday Monday)
Time: 10am-1.30pm
Venue: The Greenhouse, Annfield Plain, Stanley, DH9 7XN
£7 per car or £10 per trailer (car boot event sellers need to be on site between 8.30 and 8.45am).
For more information or to reserve your pitch contact 01207 524 800.
Enjoy hot or cold food from our very own Greenhouse Café as well as indoor toilets with changing
facilities and a picnic area by the pond.
Sell your stuff or grab a bargain.
Thanksgiving Service for Services (Emergency, Voluntary and Military)
At Durham Cathedral on Sunday 17th May 2015 at 2pm.
Councillor John Robinson, JP, Chairman of Durham County Council invites you to a Thanksgiving
Service for Services in Durham Cathedral on Sunday 17th May 2015 at 2pm
The occasion is open to all and is to unite and thank all those who support our communities in
County Durham.
The Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, Dean of Durham will preach the sermon.
The music will be provided by the massed bands and songsters of the Salvation Army in County
Durham.
If you require further information please contact – Victoria Richardson via email on
[email protected] or telephone: 03000 267202
New County Durham & Darlington Community Safety Fund
Communities across County Durham and Darlington are set to benefit from £150,000 towards
projects aimed at improving community safety and reducing crime, thanks to a new funding scheme
that has been launched by the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Ron Hogg, Durham's Police and Crime Commissioner, has teamed up with local grant-making charity
County Durham Community Foundation to deliver the new Community Safety Fund.
Mr Hogg said: "This scheme was originally managed through my office, and I am delighted to confirm
that the new fund will be administered by County Durham Community Foundation. "I have provided
£100,000 of funding to the scheme, and I am pleased to announce this has been topped-up by a
further £50,000 from County Durham Community Foundation, under the new grant administration
arrangement."
Barbara Gubbins, Chief Executive of County Durham Community Foundation, said: "This is an
exciting new partnership which means that groups who have a particular focus on safety and crime
reduction initiatives will be able to access additional funding. We have been able to increase the
grant-making total by 50% through match funding that we currently have available. We look forward
to working with the PCC and his team."
Mr Hogg added: "Ultimately this is excellent news for the area, as residents will benefit from even
more community safety initiatives throughout County Durham and Darlington."
Community groups and voluntary sector organisations will be able to apply for funding to help
improve community safety and reduce crime by visiting the County Durham Community Foundation
website. Details of the scheme are available on the County Durham Community Foundation website:
www.cdcf.org.uk
The closing date for applications is 20th May 2015.
North Durham Clinical Commissioning Group Community Engagement Project
– Upcoming Focus Groups
North Durham Health Literature Focus Group
Are you happy about the information available to you from the NHS?
Is the information that is available easy to under-stand and do you know where to find it?
Come along and tell us what you think about the health information that is available to you and tell
us how you think it could be improved.
Thursday 14th May 2015 from 10am-12pm in Cornerstones, North Burns, Chester- Le-Street, DH3
3TF.
North Durham Mental Health Focus Group
Come and tell us what Mental Health means to you by joining us in an open forum to discuss your
needs and to ensure your views and experiences are taken into consideration regarding mental
health services across North Durham.
Wednesday 20th May 2015 from 10am-12pm in North Road Methodist Church, North Road, Durham
City, DH1 4SG.
For more information or to confirm your attendance at the above focus groups please contact the
Community Engagement Team on 01388 742040 or email [email protected]
‘Sorry’s Not Enough’ campaign
Following the launch of Durham Constabulary’s ‘Sorrys Not Enough’ campaign last month letters
have been sent to companies in the county offering free training on domestic abuse awareness.
So far the response to the campaign, aimed at raising awareness of domestic abuse in the
workplace, has been positive but we are always looking at ways we can improve that success.
If you know of a company, or work for one, that you feel would benefit from this training, please
contact Holly Dobson for further information via email at [email protected]
For more information please take a look at the following website: www.sorrysnotenough.co.uk
Unity Family Programme
The Unity Programme is designed for families with children and young people aged between 4 years
and 18 years, who have engaged in abusive behaviour towards their parent/carer(s), this includes
verbal, emotional and physical abuse.
The Programme is flexible and tailored around the family’s needs, working with the non-abusive
parent/carer and the family as a whole. Sessions can be delivered either in a group or on a one to
one basis depending on the needs of the individual family.
The Programme will be delivered in a therapeutic manner incorporating: arts, crafts, play, exercises
with worksheets, video conversations and practical demonstrations.
For further information or to make a referral please call on: 0191 3782300
Derwentside Domestic Abuse Service
Operation A.R.I.E.S
Tackling under-age drinking in County Durham and Darlington – Reducing Harm – Increasing
Confidence.
Operation A.R.I.E.S is a multi-agency operation which aims to tackle under-age drinking in County
Durham and Darlington.
What can you do to help?
We would like you to give us information on:
 Where youths are drinking in your area
 Where the youths are getting the alcohol from
 Who is buying the alcohol for the under-age youths
You can give us this information by emailing confidentially to [email protected] or call
Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
What will we do with the intelligence you give us?
We will use this intelligence to target areas/premises/individuals for enforcement operations, offer
support and further training to off licences should they require it and –
Make your community safe.
Durham County Council’s Private Landlord Accreditation Scheme
In August 2014 Durham County Council launched our Private Landlord Accreditation Scheme which
is operating a pilot in South Moor and New Kyo. The scheme was set up to recognise that private
landlords and management agents play an important part in the provision of accommodation within
County Durham and many who operate in our area offer good quality accommodation which is well
managed. We believe that these landlords and agents should be recognised and supported whilst
other landlords should be encouraged to reach the same standard.
The Private Landlord Accreditation pilot is currently a free, voluntary scheme requiring private
landlords to sign up to a Code of Practice in three areas; property condition, management standards
and the good character of the landlord. The Private Sector Housing Team will provide guidance and
information to promote good management practices to help private landlords to achieve the
required standards. This is turn will increase community and tenant confidence in landlords
operating in the area and the maintenance and management of rented accommodation.
A free comprehensive referencing service is included, working in partnership with the police, so
knowledge is shared about tenants moving into the area. Stonham will be present at the signing of
tenancy agreements to identify support for tenants at the commencement of tenancies. Tenants
housed in private accommodation through Accreditation will have support tailored to their needs at
the earliest possible opportunity to prevent issues escalating.
Empty properties will be advertised on Durham Key Options (the Council’s choice based lettings
system) and a sample of those properties will be inspected. This will improve the quality of
accommodation available in the private rented sector and reduce the length of time properties
stand empty.
A Project Group is in operation to monitor and continually review the Scheme to ensure a multiagency approach to delivery. The aim of this approach is to bring organisations and residents
together to cooperate in tackling issues and promoting new ideas. By ensuring a co-ordinated
approach towards the private rented sector issues will be dealt with immediately and effectively,
raising confidence and contributing to a more settled area.
To date 112 landlords/agents have signed up to become Accredited countywide, this represents a
total of 1431 properties. This includes 35 landlord/agents in the pilot area. 21% of private rented
properties in the pilot area are now Accredited.
For further information or for an application pack please contact the Private Sector Housing Team
directly on 03000 262 140 or [email protected]
Care and Support is changing…
The Care Act 2014 is the biggest change to adult social care and support in over 60 years putting
people and their carers in control of their care and support.
A national communication campaign is being coordinated by Public Health England and will include
leaflet drops to 112,000 homes in County Durham and 36 G.P surgeries.
More detailed information on the Care Act and the national communication campaign can be found
via the following link http://www.durham.gov.uk/careact
It matters to natter
Hello, we’re Silver Talk, we offer regular, friendly telephone calls to older people in County Durham.
So if you miss a little light conversation or think you are losing touch with your community, we
would love to hear from you.
Our volunteers offer a free, confidential service and are well trained in chatter, chin wagging and are
all ears to any more serious concerns you may have.
For more information please call John or Natalie on: 0800 093 0092
Are you getting the best deal on your gas and electricity?
If your fuel bills are rising, or if you’re concerned that you’re not on the best energy plan for you,
Tadea is on hand to help.
We now have FREE home visits available in your area so that we can provide you with tailored, faceto-face support.
During the home visit we’ll talk about:
 Ways to reduce your fuel bills
 How to manage fuel debt, financial advice and support
 How to get the best gas and electricity deals
 Increasing your household income by referring you for a benefit entitlement check
 How you can set up a Prince Bishop Community bank savings account And much more ...
No matter what your circumstances, you can access this service by calling Tadea free*on 0800 124
4320
Book your FREE home energy visit today
Who can take up the offer?
Anyone living in the County Durham region can take up this offer. However, you will benefit most
from this help if you are over 60 or have a low household income.
How can I take up the offer?
All residents in County Durham can access a home visit by calling Tadea free* on 0800 124 4320 or
by completing the online application form at:
www.tadea-uk.com/managingmoneybetter
What will happen during the home visit?
An experienced advisor will visit your home for about 1 hour. During this time the advisor will carry
out a home MOT:
 Examining your fuel bills and fuel supplier and help you to switch suppliers if savings can be
made.
 Making sure you understand your heating system and controls. Giving demonstrations
where required.
 Providing energy efficiency advice and arranging practical support, if needed.
 Maximising income by ensuring you are receiving any financial benefits you are entitled too.
 Improving money management and setting up a bank/savings account with the Prince
Bishop Community Bank if you wish.
Prince Bishops Community Bank
Prince Bishops Community Bank (PBCB) is a not for profit, democratically run financial cooperative,
that offers convenient ways to save and gives access to low-cost loans to its members. PBCB
currently has about 3600 members.
You can save as little or as much as you like each week or month and you will receive a dividend on
an annual basis as well as interest on your savings. A lot of our members like to save for Christmas or
unexpected bills by using direct deductions from their salary as they don’t miss the savings when it
comes straight out of their pay. It only takes a phone call to get your savings transferred into your
current account.
Our loans are simple and affordable, and can be applied for online. We have been able to take
people out of the hands of payday lenders and significantly reduce the amount they are paying back
each week or month.
We work with many partners on projects like Managing Money Better, a comic Relief funded energy
saving and switching project for anyone in County Durham. The aim is to help reduce fuel poverty
and empowering people to reduce their bills by switching provider or tariff, and changing behaviour
in using their heating more efficiently. The average saving for each home visit is in the region of
£100.
We are working in partnership with The Northern Housing Consortium and Derwentside Homes on
The Smarterbuys Store which is an affordable weekly payment furniture and white goods retailer,
with top brands. We take an ethical stand and do not charge the same interest rate as other weekly
payment stores but are more in line with Argos, Currys, and M&S.
We offer other services such as low cost home contents Insurance, free life insurance for over 50s,
and an oil savings scheme.
So come and talk to us today to see how we can help you.
We are authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct
Authority, so your money is safe with us.
Contact us on 01207 232351 or email [email protected]
Enterprise Durham Partnership (EDP)
Enterprise Durham Partnership (EDP) has opened up its doors on Stanley Front Street.
EDP aims to offer white goods and furniture at a very reduced rate to the high street, whilst meeting
their aims to divert from landfill.
EDP have a commitment to support people into training and employment opportunities to ensure
they can access sustainable employment opportunities. To do this EDP employ local people who
struggle to access employment and train those in manufacturing, customer service and whole host
of other areas. As this employment is on a temporary basis, we work with individuals to find more
sustainable employment ensuring qualifications and work experience meet their future career
needs. Some of those involved will also gain experience in Social Housing Enterprise Durham (SHED)
as well as EDP supporting the developed of these companies.
If anyone is interesting in accessing this service for jobs and training please contact Jodie on 0191
5868493 as we have opportunities running throughout the year.
START TODAY 2015
For your information www.help4teens.co.uk/start has been updated. It lists current apprenticeship
and training opportunities in County Durham 16 – 19 year olds.
Greencroft Netball Club
Netball Training Sessions:
North Durham Academy - every Wednesday:
Juniors – School Years: 4, 5, 6, & 7 – 5:30pm – 6:30pm - £3.00
Older Juniors – School Years: 8, 9, & 10 – 6:30pm – 7:30pm - £3.00
Seniors - 7:30 – 9:30pm - £3.50
Consett Sports Academy - every term time Wednesday:
School Years 6 - 10 from 6.30pm - 8.00pm - £3.00
For further information please phone Greencroft Netball Club on 07787051425
Stanley AAP Priority Task & Finish Groups 2015/16:
Stanley AAP’s Priorities for 2015/16 are:

Regeneration of Stanley and its Villages

Opportunities & Activities for Young People

Support for the Elderly, Carers, and Disability Groups
Each Priority has a Task and Finish Group that is made up of AAP Board Members, interested AAP
Forum Members and professionals whose expertise lies within the priority. The main role of the
Task and Finish Groups is to develop potential projects around the priorities by looking at the
underlying issues outlined by the AAP Forum in greater detail.
The Priority Task and Finish Groups meet regularly to discuss proposed projects to address the
themes and issues. The main aim of Priority Task and Finish Groups is to involve members of the
AAP Forum and local service deliverers to ensure that the AAP Board has access to the opinions of a
wide range of people. Task and Finish Groups also allow Stanley AAP partners to consult Group
Members about their work and publicise their activities at a local level.
If you have a particular skill or interest in any of Stanley AAP’s current priorities and you would like
to come along and get involved in one of the Task and Finish Groups please contact the office
(contact details below) for more details and upcoming Task and Finish Group Meeting dates.
Stanley AAP Forum Recruitment
Do you know anyone who would like to become a Stanley AAP Forum Member?
Stanley AAP brings the Council and its Partners together with local people and organisations so they
can have a greater say on how services are provided in the area.
Stanley AAP Forum is open anyone who lives, works, volunteers or studies in the area. All you have
to do is sign up and get involved in the work of Stanley AAP.
If you know of anyone who would be interested in becoming an AAP Forum member or would like
further information, please contact our staff team via the contact details below.
We hope that you have enjoyed reading this edition of the Stanley AAP e-bulletin. If you would
prefer not to receive future e-bulletins please email [email protected] with the message
'unsubscribe' in the title line.
Stanley AAP is now on Facebook! Please like us by following this link:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stanley-Area-Action-Partnership-AAP/204354963028171