DCA has been working with Mutual Aid groups during the COVID-19 pandemic from March 2020. These groups have developed from communities coming together to organise support for their more vulnerable residents during the periods of lockdown and local restrictions.

There are currently over one hundred Covid-19 Mutual Aid groups across County Durham. These range from village, town and countywide groups to organisations and community centre groups and include those set up to serve a community of interest.

Download our latest annual review to find out about how we support volunteering, work with communities, promote health and wellbeing, support local enterprise and ensure that the views and interests of the Voluntary and Community Sector were heard and represented by local and national policymakers. 

Food Durham and Durham County Councillor Lucy Hovvels have pledged their support for a campaign led by Sustain, the Alliance for Better Food and Farming, urging the government to do more to protect children’s health in the upcoming Comprehensive Spending Review.

 In Durham, the money raised from the levy on sugary drinks has had a really positive impact, benefitting children by funding projects to make their school environments healthier.  These include helping schools to create spaces to grow food, as well as providing sports equipment such as trim trails.  But the national picture is not so positive.  In 2019/20 alone, the sugar tax raised £336 million, but half of it remains unaccounted for.   We are asking the government to ensure that this money is properly accounted for and invested in Children’s Health. 

(Photograph credit: OASES North East)

The annual North East Community-Led Housing conference has moved online due to COVID-10 - and has become a week long festival!  The week, which takes place from 30th November - 4th December, aims to include something for everyone – whether you are just interested in finding out more about community-led housing or you are already deeply involved and want to gain some inspiration from successful projects or get some key questions answered.