Winter warmer events in your community

Winter can feel difficult, but there are ways to stay warm, connected, and supported in our communities.

We are proud to fund local groups and activities that offer welcoming spaces, social opportunities, and practical help, so you don’t have to face the season alone.

Here are just some of the fantastic things happening near you:

Durham

  • Sherburn Community Centre – providing low cost, hot meals to eat in or takeaway as well as activities for social interaction. Tuesdays 9am to 11.30am, Fridays 11am to 2pm, Saturdays 8.30am to 3.30pm, and Sundays 11am to 3.30pm.
  • Laurel United Toddler Group – A welcoming drop-in group for parents and carers of children aged four and under with free activities including arts and crafts, messy play and dress up. Snack provided. Family Christmas Party including breakfast with Santa – Thursday, 11 December 9am to 11am. Spaces are limited, so if you’re local, book your free place by emailing claire@laurelavenuecommunityassociation.co.uk
  • Laurel Avenue Community Centre – Thursdays, 9am to 10.30am, a welcoming drop-in group for parents and carers of children aged four and under with free activities including arts and crafts, messy play and dress up. Snack provided.
  • Laughy Café at Laurel Avenue Community Centre – Free breakfast and activities for over 50s in the local community – every Tuesday, 9.30am to 12noon.
  • The Country Junction, delivered by The Sugar Bowl North East CIC – Sherburn Community Centre – Country and line dancing classes for all ages and abilities. Sundays, 1pm to 4pm, until mid-March. £5 per person, free for under 10s.

West

  • Howden-le-Wear Village Friends drop-in sessions – Every Tuesday at Howden-le-Wear Village Hall, 2pm to 4pm.
  • Bishop Auckland Baptist Church and Community Hub – A warm, welcoming space open for all at Westfield Road, Bishop Auckland, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10am to 2pm.
  • The Well community cafe at 46 East Green, West Auckland – Coffee shop and community pantry open Tuesday to Friday, 9am to 3pm. Its food bank is open Wednesday to Friday, 10am to 2pm.

East

  • Inspire creative minds – Free arts and craft sessions open to anyone in Seaham at Heart on the Terrace, to support their mental health and wellbeing.  Mondays, 9.30am to 12pm, and Thursdays, 1pm to 3pm.
  • Families Together – Wingate and Station Town Family Centre – Family sessions for children and their carers with free refreshments and activities. Wednesdays, 9.15am to 11.15am.
  • Men’s Group Sewing and Craft Sessions – Trimdon Grange Community Centre – socialising and crafting groups for men over the age of 18. Sewing classes every Tuesday afternoon 1pm to 3pm, Men’s club Wednesday evening 7pm to 9pm, Craft session Friday morning 10am to 12pm.
  • Project 7 – Boxing training for different age groups and general fitness using boxing techniques for those who prefer non-contact. Seaham 2nd Scout Centre, Farn Scouting Centre.
  • Music tuition for anyone aged two years up at Seaview Primary School, The Avenue, Deneside, Seaham, every Saturday, 9am to 12pm.
  • Wellness Wednesdays at Spare 10 for Ben – A holistic health initiative providing accessible wellbeing services to local people. Seaton Holme, Wednesdays, 1pm.

For more information on what’s happening in your community, visit our what’s on page.