This Spring NHS teams are working hard to vaccinate those eligible against COVID-19.

All the latest information about the COVID-19 vaccine – who is eligible and how safe it is, can be found here

How to book a vaccination

Eligible adults over 75, and anyone over 6 months who is immunosuppressed, can book a vaccination online by searching 'NHS COVID-19 vaccine', or by using the NHS App, at either a GP practice or participating local pharmacy.

If you can’t get online, the free NHS 119 number can make bookings for you at the same websites.

Physical Activity Service

Homegroup’s Physical Activity Service supports 12 individuals on 1:1 basis or in a group setting to encourage healthier lifestyles. Based in East Durham College Sports Centre in Peterlee, the service is available to those aged 18+ who have a mental health and/or learning disability need in the East Durham area.

Using a person-centred approach, the staff team will support individuals to create a bespoke health plan to identify and create flexible, achievable goals to improve physical and mental wellbeing.

Support includes – health checks, increased social opportunities and the chance to learn new health techniques in addition to gym sessions, walks and group activities.

For further information contact John: 07843632023.

Find out more

Recovery Service

.The Supported Recovery Service is person-centred, supporting 25 individuals in the community on a 1:1 basis whilst providing a weekly group offer based in Newton Aycliffe.

The service aims to give individuals the confidence to achieve health outcomes that are important to them whilst providing support with healthier lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise; support to attend health appointments including screening/ health checks and support to navigate and liaise with professionals/services.

This service is designed to support individuals who are 18+ who have a mental health and/or learning disability need in the Durham Dales, Easington, and Sedgefield area. For further information contact Andrea: 07917 472435.

Find out more

Volunteering Service

Homegroup Supported Volunteering Service provides 1:1 support for 12 individuals, helping them to navigate into volunteering roles and opportunities. This will result in individuals improving their wellbeing and having a positive impact on their mental health.

The service aims to provide individuals with an awareness of what volunteering is; including the benefits, what roles are available and any training that would be needed for them to contribute to their local community.

This service is designed to support people with mental health and/or learning disabilities within the Durham Dales, Easington, and Sedgefield areas.

For further information contact Cris on 07710 710151

Jack Drum Arts has started its journey in prioritising the health and wellbeing of its staff by signing up to the Better Health at Work Award (BHAWA).

The BHAWA is delivered by the Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP), and encourages organisations to improve the health and wellbeing of their employees, by supporting workplaces to deliver health focused that address key public health priorities. The award is free, and available to all businesses across County Durham.

Join Stamp It Out on Tuesday 14th May at Jubilee Fields Community Centre in Shildon for this event as part of Mental Health Awareness Week. 

There will be a number of stalls providing information, support and advice around mental health. There will also be ongoing activities throughout the day. 

Pop along from 10:30am until 2:30pm to take part in this free event; refreshments will be provided.

Join the Mental Health Foundation on Thursday 16th May during Mental Health Awareness Week and help turn the world green for good mental health!

Organise a 'Wear it Green Day' in your school, workplace or community and help to raise vital funds and awareness for mental health.

By going green, you can support vital research and delivering programmes for different communities.

There are resources available to run your event, whether you’re holding a quiz at work, baking some treats for your family or holding a scavenger hunt at your school.

Dementia Action Week is an Alzheimer’s Society annual awareness raising campaign that brings people together from across the country to take action on dementia. This year, Dementia Action Week will run from 13th - 19th May,  

In County Durham Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Advice and Support services are supporting the delivery of 'Dementia Friends' sessions to Durham County Council staff, the Forget me not Appeal with Morrisons and awareness raising talks across the County.

You can join open sessions through the week at:

• Monday 13^th Beamish Museum and New College Durham hosted Tea Dance
• Tuesday 14^th Sedgefield Community Hospital
• Tuesday 14^th  No 17 Café in Dipton
• Monday 20^th Melissa Bus at Dalton Park
• Tuesday 21^st Melissa Bus at Durham Market Place or Crook Salvation Army (TBC)

For more information please contact 0191 3890400 or durhamandchester@alzheimers.org.uk  

New to the Pioneering Care Centre this June is a free 'Back on Your Bike Course'. The course will take place on Tuesday 4th June from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

During the session, you will be provided with cycling advice and basic maintenance demonstrations to help you build confidence to ride a bike. Bikes and helmets are available to loan. Booking essential. Please contact enquiries-move@sport.durham.gov.uk to book your place.

Do you struggle with your hearing or eyesight and need help?

There is a Sensory Support Day taking place on Wednesday 5th June from 9.30am - 4.00pm on the MELISSA bus in Ferryhill Market Place with dedicated services who work across County Durham to provide advice and guidance for people with vision or hearing impairments.

The following services will be available to speak to:

• Action Deafness
• Durham Deafened Support
• Sunderland and Durham Royal Society for the Blind
• Durham County Council Sensory Support Team

There will be information for you to take away and a variety of equipment aids demonstrated to help overcome some hurdles for people who have vision and hearing impairments. There is also space on the bus for anyone needing to chat about the services on offer and they can take referrals too.

Durham County Carers Support will be highlighting the invaluable contributions of Carers across the County and will raise awareness throughout the week with information stands in local venues such as supermarkets, surgeries and libraries.

If you or someone you know are looking after someone, support can be provided with:

• benefit application forms and access to grants and bursaries
• funding to help Carers do something nice for themselves
• counselling
• training
• Useful guides
• advice for working Carers
• parent carer needs assessment
• and so much more

You can make a referral online by visiting https://dccarers.org/make-a-referral/  self registration is https://dccarers.org/carer-support/ or call 0300 005 1213

During Healthy Eating Week from 10th - 14th June, the British Nutrition Foundation is encouraging everyone – including workplaces and community groups – to ‘Give it a Go’.

Whether that means having one extra portion of fruit or vegetables a day, being a bit more active, experimenting with a new recipe or using up leftovers - Healthy Eating Week 2024 is all about giving it a go!

To receive the latest updates and information to help you plan, or get involved in, Healthy Eating Week 2024, register here

Visit the British Nutrition Foundation’s website for information on sustainable and healthy diets, nutrients and food labelling.

This year, Men’s Health Week is running from 10th to 16th June. 

The event is observed annually during the week leading up to Father’s Day – the perfect opportunity to engage fathers, brothers, sons, and male friends in discussions about health whilst emphasising the significance of men’s well-being within the context of family and community.

Men’s Health Week shines a spotlight on the unique health concerns impacting men and boys and serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing and managing health issues proactively. It encourages males to make informed decisions about their lifestyle choices; heightens awareness of preventable health problems and encourages early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

Saturday 29^th June is Armed Forces Day - a celebration and opportunity to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community. Events marking the day will be taking place across the country.

Armed Forces Day in the United Kingdom is an annual event celebrated in late June which was first observed in 2006.

Celebrations begin on the Monday prior to this, when the Armed Forces Day flag will be raised on buildings and famous landmarks around the country. The date of the last Saturday in June was originally chosen as it coincides with the date when the first Victoria Cross was awarded in London in 1857. 

You can find more information and details of events taking place in your local area here

In County Durham, the Armed Forces Outreach Service can provide help and support to all Forces personnel, reservists, Veterans and their families, including around health and wellbeing. Find out more here

The Healthwatch 2024 Annual Event is taking place on Wednesday 3rd July at Bishop Auckland Football Club.

The day will include plans for the year ahead, a word from a volunteer, integrated care, the role of lived experience within TEWV, a quiz and lunch,

Bright Woods Forest School provides unique outdoor experiences based on the belief that being in nature has a profound and lasting benefit on mental wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem. They are a Community Interest Company based in beautiful Teesdale woodland near Barnard Castle and also work in the surrounding areas.

Bright Woods provide regular sessions for children and adults as well as family events and holiday clubs. They work with all ages, from families to individuals as well as schools and corporate groups, providing a relaxed and supportive environment. Accessible, beneficial and engaging one-off activities and long-term programmes are available.

In partnership with their local Social Prescribing Link Workers, Bright Woods have recently been delivering a series of Nature Craft Wellbeing Sessions at Randolph Community Centre in Evenwood. These sessions have included print making, embroidery and woodworking.

Contact Gemma and Louise on 07399 575253 or email info@brightwoodsforestschool.co.uk

Durhams Haven has been running for nearly seven years.  They are a pain cafe to help and support anyone who lives with autoimmune conditions and chronic pain. 

They are based at Croxdale Community Centre and are open every Thursday from 11.00am - 2.00pm..

The group has a lot to offer including Pain Management, chair exercise, crafting and games days.

They also have regular visits from Social Prescribers and Wellbeing For Life who can also help in many different ways.  

They try, where they can, to help anyone who visits them, but if they can't, they can signpost you to other services. 

Everyone is welcome. They are very informal and try to keep things as positive as they can.  The kettle is aways on, go along and join them for a cuppa.

For more information please email fybrohaven@gmail.com 

Buddy_Cups is a Breast Cancer Support Group based in Durham.  Their next meeting is on Friday 7th June in Wharton Park, Durham at 1.00pm near the Café area for  coffee and chat. Susan Garrett, DCA's Health and Wellbeing Coordinator will be giving an update on her work.

Each month they do an activity or have a speaker and in summer they try to get outdoors to The Botanic Gardens or Wharton Park.  Their other meetings are all held at Hotel Indigo in The Neighbourhood Café Snug.

Buddy_Cups is open to all those whose lives have been affected by Breast Cancer, together with their supporters.  The need for friendship between those whose lives have been touched in the same way is important to them and they want to provide connection opportunities to Uplift, Inspire and just Be.  They would welcome new people coming along.

For further information on our future activities please email us at BuddyCups@gmail.com. or visit their Facebook page