Durham City and surrounding areas

21/08/2026

Have your say on the Council Plan

We are urging residents to share their views on our priorities and objectives that will form the Council Plan 2027-2031.

We’ve launched a consultation with residents, businesses, partners and staff to check that our proposed objectives and priorities continue to serve them effectively.

You can engage with the consultation in multiple ways. This includes joining one of our online sessions to hear a presentation about the proposed Council Plan followed by an opportunity to share your views.

We have online events taking place on:
🔹Wednesday 19 August 6pm
🔹Monday 24 August 2pm
🔹Tuesday 1 September 11am
🔹Wednesday 10 September 6pm

You can sign up for the online events, as well as complete our online consultation at:
letstalkcountydurham.co.uk/en-GB/projects/council-plan-2027-2031

The deadline for feedback is Wednesday 23 September 2026

20/08/2026

Just a reminder that community groups and other not for profit organisations can apply for a grant from our Local Network Fund. You can apply for between £5000 and £1000 for projects that meet one or more of the following themes,

▪️ Community safety
▪️ Employment, jobs and skills
▪️ Health and wellbeing
▪️ Environment and natural spaces
▪️ Education and training
▪️ Housing and physical infrastructure
▪️ Culture, heritage and events

You have until the Wednesday 30 September 2026 to apply.

Find out more at https://www.durham.gov.uk/communityfunding or email us at [email protected]

18/08/2026

12/08/2026

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a heat-health alert for the North East. The alert is currently in place from today (Tuesday 11 August) until Friday 14 August.

It is a good time to think about what you can do to protect yourself, family and friends from heat and potentially higher UV levels.

For some people, especially babies, older people and those with underlying health conditions, the summer heat can bring real health risks. Please keep an eye on people who may be at risk during hot weather.

Visit https://www.durham.gov.uk/stayingcool for advice on how to keep cool during hot weather.

10/08/2026

Funding for community organisations and projects is now available through the Local Network. There is a link in the post below or you can contact Durham City and Surrounding Areas Local Network directly at [email protected]

Community groups can now access £1.2m in funding as part of our Local Network scheme.

We run 12 Local Networks across County Durham that drive community participation and support community-led projects.

The grant comes from the Local Network Fund, and aims to help groups make a bigger impact with community projects.

Applicants can apply for between £5,000 and £10,000, which can be used to support local groups and community projects.

The Local Networks are looking for applications that deliver projects that meet one or more of the following themes:

▪️ Community safety
▪️ Employment, jobs and skills
▪️ Health and wellbeing
▪️ Environment and natural spaces
▪️ Education and training
▪️ Housing and physical infrastructure
▪️ Culture, heritage and events

Our Local Networks will be open to applications until Wednesday 30 September, giving schools and organisations time to prepare and submit bids after the summer holidays.

Find out more https://www.durham.gov.uk/communityfunding

05/08/2026

The Big Autumn Clean will run for the entire month of September

Every year, the Big Spring Clean reminds us just how much our communities care. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers across County Durham, earlier this year we saw 450 community-led events and more than 4,000 hours of volunteer time. We want to build on this success and continue our efforts throughout September.

Why it matters
Litter-picking is simple, enjoyable, and incredibly rewarding. It’s a great way to get outdoors, improve physical and mental wellbeing, and make a visible difference to the spaces we all share. When residents, families, groups and neighbours come together, it strengthens community spirit and pride in place.

How you can help
Your support is vital in spreading the word. You can help by:
• Litter Picking in your local area
• Promoting the Big Autumn Clean on your social media and through local networks
• Encouraging fellow residents to take up volunteer litter picking
• Supporting the organisation of new events in your area

Want to get involved?
The Civic Pride Team can help you or your community by providing:
• Litter-picking equipment
• Rubbish collection
• Health & safety guidance
• Support and advice to plan a successful community event

Get in touch at [email protected] to chat about how we can work together.

Stay connected
Help us share the message even further by following and engaging with us on social media:
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/countydurhamcivicpride
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/civicpridedurham
• Website: www.durham.gov.uk/civicpride

23/07/2026

Throughout July, August, and September 2026, we're holding events across the North East about our Bus Franchising Consultation. Come and say hello to our team and have your say on the future of our buses.

22/07/2026

🚨 Don't forget Thrive Active Durham Leisure are offering FREE Swimming for Under 18s for World Drowning Prevention Day 🏊

World Drowning Prevention Day is almost here! On Saturday 25 July 2026, County Durham residents aged 18 and under can enjoy FREE swimming at participating leisure centres.

✅ Included sessions:
- General Swim
- Fun Sessions (rafts, floats & inflatables)
- Splashability Sessions

📍 Available at: Chester-le-Street, Consett, Freeman’s Quay, The Louisa Centre, Newton Aycliffe, Peterlee, Teesdale, Wolsingham and Woodhouse Close Leisure Centres.

Don't forget: All under 18s must have a thrive card to access free swimming. If you haven't got one yet, apply online at: https://thriveleisure.co.uk/index.php/memberships/ and collect your card before your visit to save time on the day.

20/07/2026

As the hot weather continues across County Durham and Darlington, please remember: cold water shock can kill in seconds.

Even on the warmest days, rivers, lakes and reservoirs remain dangerously cold. Strong swimmers are not immune.

Before heading to open water:
✅ Never jump or dive in
✅ Never swim alone
✅ Avoid alcohol
✅ Tell someone where you're going