If the dark nights and winter weather are getting you down, see if one of the groups we fund can help you boost your wellbeing and start 2025 on the right foot.
Grant funding from believe housing supports a host of not-for-profit organisations across County Durham to provide services and activities which could help you shake off the winter blues.
Here’s a few of the projects we’ve awarded community grants to, and think could give you the pick-me-up you need, for this month and beyond:
In the Durham area:
- Bowburn Community Centre will host a new country line dancing class for adults, on Mondays, 7pm to 8pm, from 27 January until 31 March.
- Esh Winning Residents Association invites all residents to volunteer and help look after its Fir Terrace Allotment.
- The Laughy Café at Laurel Avenue Community Association, in Gilesgate, offers a free breakfast, crafts and activities for the over 50s on Tuesdays, 10am to noon.
- At Sherburn Hill, land between The Croft and Jubilee Crescent is being developed as a community woodland walk, with accessible paths, benches and sensory boards, for all to enjoy.
- Ludworth Community Centre serves hot meals and encourages people to pop along for a chat, on Sundays and Wednesdays, noon to 1pm.
East of the county:
- In Peterlee, Peter Lee Memorial Methodist Church’s community café provides a free warm space from Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm, and Fridays, 9am to 4.30pm. People can also access a variety of support and services including a foodbank and debt, benefit, and budgeting advice.
- Wheatley Hill Community Association, on Stephens Terrace, hosts Young at Heart providing food and activities for older members of the community, on Tuesdays, 11.30am to 2pm.
- Easington Colliery Primary School is the venue for free Park Play sessions for children and their families to enjoy outdoor games and activities, Saturdays, 10am to noon.
- St Paul’s Church, Ryhope, has a free community choir which practices on Thursdays, 6pm to 7pm, and creates opportunities to perform.
- East Durham Veterans holds an art group for veterans to boost their mental wellbeing at Dawdon Youth and Community Centre, Queen Alexandra Road, Seaham, on Tuesdays, 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
West County Durham:
- Bishop Auckland Baptist Church offers a warm space and hot drink throughout winter on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10am to 2pm.
- Howden-le-Wear Village Friends meets at Howden-le-Wear Village Hall for a cuppa and cake, conversation and activities such as a quiz on Tuesdays, 2pm to 4pm. The group also hold a Men’s Supper Club offering a two-course meal for older men with social activities on the second Wednesday of the month, 6.30pm. It also has a Connect Group for bereaved women.
- Parkside Academy, Willington, hosts Satori BJJ which offers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for over 16s of all levels on Tuesdays, 7.30pm to 9pm. £5 per session, believe housing customers get a discount. Search Satori BJJ on Facebook to book a free trial or for information.
- West Auckland Memorial Hall has a welcome space on Thursdays, 12.30pm to 2pm, along with other events.
Damian Pearson, Community Investment Performance Team Leader for believe housing said: “Our community funding supports initiatives that make a real difference to people’s overall wellbeing and we hope that some of these groups and activities will help put a spring in your step and beat the winter blues!”
Please check with your local group before attending, as dates and times might vary and some activities may have a fee.
