Durham Key Options

A deadline is fast approaching for community groups to bid for up to £10,000 from a programme that has already distributed more than £150,000 to good causes across County Durham during the coronavirus pandemic.

believe housing’s successful community programme was expanded last month with a new grant opportunity for bigger projects.  The Large Community Grants fund is designed for schemes looking for between £5,000 and £10,000 and can be used with match funding.

The deadline for applications to the first round of the Large Community Grants fund is Wednesday, 28 July.

It has been created to tackle health and wellbeing issues, improve access to employability or training, increase household income, encourage a greener and fairer future, and tackle inequalities as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.  Projects that could benefit include youth engagement activities, initiatives to promote better physical and mental wellbeing through arts and crafts, or family food and activity groups to tackle holiday hunger.  Proposals must meet at least one of the criteria.

The funding is available for revenue costs and covers all areas where believe housing provides homes. It is expected that at least 30% of the end beneficiaries of the funding will be believe housing customers. All projects must also be deliverable within current government coronavirus guidance.

Damian Pearson, Community Investment Performance Team Leader at believe housing, said: “We’ve had some really strong proposals so far, but we want to give all eligible groups the best chance to apply for funding.

“The £5,000 to £10,000 range should make this funding particularly useful for bigger projects looking to match fund their work. But I think it’s also going to be of great benefit to schemes that might be limited by requirements for capital elements in funding elsewhere.

“The deadline might be looming, but there’s still plenty of time to submit a project.  Whether it’s reducing food waste or training people in practical skills that could help them find a job, we’re keen to talk about the opportunities.”

An initial £30,000 has been allocated for the Large Community Grants fund. A further call for applications is planned later this year.  Full terms and conditions, together with application forms, are available on the believe housing website.

More information on all of believe housing’s grant funding opportunities is also available from the Community Investment Team on 0300 1311 999 or CommunityGrant@believehousing.co.uk

Councils to now give priority to finding accommodation for victims who are homeless due to domestic abuse.

From 5th July 2021 victims who are homeless due to domestic abuse will be prioritised for accommodation from their council.

Under the government’s landmark Domestic Abuse Act councils will have to find accommodation for people made homeless through domestic abuse, helping to ensure victims do not remain with their abuser for fear of not having a roof over their head.

Previously, victims had to be assessed as being ‘vulnerable’ as a result of domestic abuse to be identified as having a priority need.

Under the new legislation, domestic abuse will be a standalone reason to qualify as needing this support. Please click here to view the full article.

JULY

Thursday 1st July, Peterlee Community Hospital, 3pm – 7pm

First & second doses of Pfizer and AZ (same second doses must be at least 8 weeks from first dose)

Friday 2nd July, Peterlee Vaccination Bus, Castle Dene Shopping Centre, Broad Close Car Park (Behind Argos) 12pm – 6pm

First & second doses of Pfizer and AZ (same second doses must be at least 8 weeks from first dose)

Friday 2nd July, Maiden Castle, The Graham Sports Centre, Stockton Rd, Durham, 10:30m – 3:30pm

First & second doses of Pfizer and AZ will be available (same second doses must be at least 8 weeks from first dose)

Wednesday 7th July, Peterlee Community Hospital, 11am – 6pm

First & second doses of Pfizer and AZ (same second doses must be at least 8 weeks from first dose)

Friday 9th July, Peterlee Community Hospital, 8am to 3pm

First & second doses of Pfizer and AZ (same second doses must be at least 8 weeks from first dose)

Friday 9 July, Shotley Bridge Hospital, Consett, 1pm-4pm

First & second doses of Pfizer and AZ (same second doses must be at least 8 weeks from first dose)

Friday 30th July, Kelloe Working Men's Club, 2pm – 6pm

First & second doses of Pfizer and AZ (same second doses must be at least 8 weeks from first dose)

AUGUST

Wednesday 4th August, Aldi Car Park, Horden, Peterlee, 2pm - 6pm

First & second doses of Pfizer and AZ (same second doses must be at least 8 weeks from first dose)

Tuesday 10th August, Ferryhill Market Place, DL17 8JW, on June 15, from 12pm - 6pm

First & second doses of Pfizer and AZ (same second doses must be at least 8 weeks from first dose)

Monday 16th August, Asda Car Park, Byron Place, South Terrace, Seaham, SR7 7HN, 12pm – 7pm

First & second doses of Pfizer and AZ (same second doses must be at least 8 weeks from first dose)

*More clinics will be added as the vaccination programme continues.

Livin are very proud of the work they are doing to provide new modern bungalows for rent in local communities for older and disabled residents. 

With over 90 brand new bungalows in the pipeline to be built in the next two years across five communities they are also adding to their portfolio by remodelling and redeveloping properties which are no longer popular or needed but which are in great community locations.

In communities such as the Jubilee Fields Estate in Shildon it has been over 40 years since new homes have become available for rent and they are committed to investing in these areas, particularly where some properties have remained empty for years as they know this is not good for the community.  Local resident and County Councillor, Brian Stephens said “I have been committed to the regeneration of this estate for many years and I have worked with Livin, local partners and the local community centre to deliver many valued community activities.  This is a great community for older people to live in and I am delighted to see new investment in the area.”