£1.5 million fund helps communities thrive

Community groups across County Durham are benefiting from a £1.5 million funding programme designed to “deliver tailored support where it is needed most”.

Durham County Council’s Thriving Together programme will distribute £500,000 annually over three years, supporting projects that provide vital services and strengthen community connections.

Delivered in partnership with Point North, the initiative has awarded funding to 33 projects following a competitive selection process.

Supported activities range from wellbeing hubs, youth services and warm spaces to community cafés, lunch clubs, exercise sessions and digital inclusion programmes.

Projects will also offer advice on debt, benefits, housing and employment, with targeted support for older people, young people and carers.

Among the beneficiaries is Spennymoor Youth and Community Association, which has received £41,150 to develop its community centre into a wellbeing hub.

Its activities include Breakfast Buddies, which provides men with opportunities for social interaction and peer support.

Other recipients include Building Self Belief in Consett, Quaking Houses Village Hall and Communities Together Durham, which operates the Heart on the Terrace community hub in Murton.

Rural communities in Teesdale and Weardale will also benefit from outreach support, while smaller grants will fund bereavement services, family activities and befriending programmes.

Councillor Howard Brown, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for adult and health services, said: “Our Thriving Together programme aims to utilise the power of community-led action to address health inequalities, reduce isolation and help residents thrive across the county.

“Through a preventative, community-based approach, the programme will help improve residents' health and wellbeing while strengthening community resilience and local capacity.

“By investing in trusted local organisations that understand the needs of their communities, we can deliver tailored support where it is needed most.”

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