Our ‘he thrives’ campaign returns from Sunday 1 to Monday 30 November, celebrating the positive difference physical and social activities can make to men’s health and wellbeing.
Find out about the free activities on offer here:
durham.gov.uk/article/37576/…
Find out about the free activities on offer here:
durham.gov.uk/article/37576/…
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Woman forced to pay more than £700 after waste found dumped on farm track 🚯 Find out more: durham.gov.uk/article/37590/…
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Having a clear out this weekend?
Don't forget to check our website before you travel for opening times of your local Household Waste Recycling Centre, emergency closures and more info: durham.gov.uk/hwrc
Don't forget to check our website before you travel for opening times of your local Household Waste Recycling Centre, emergency closures and more info: durham.gov.uk/hwrc
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💙 FREE Drop-In Sessions for Families with Neurodiverse Children 💙
If you have a neurodiverse child in your family, Durham SENDIASS is here to help. No diagnosis is needed, just come along for friendly support, advice, and a chat with others who understand.
You’ll be able to:
harities & local families
✨ Get advice around education, health & care
✨ Find support in a relaxed, welcoming space
📍November sessions:
Monday 2 November 2026, 9.30am-11.30am, Seaham, Seaham Town Hall, SR7 0HP
Monday 16 November 2026, 12.30pm-2.30pm, Newton Aycliffe, Newton Aycliffe Youth and Community Centre, DL5 4HT
Monday 23 November 2026, 9.30am-11.30am, Sedgefield, Sedgefield Parish Hall, TS21 3AT
Find out more and see where your nearest session is:
durhamsendiass.info/dropinsessions
If you have a neurodiverse child in your family, Durham SENDIASS is here to help. No diagnosis is needed, just come along for friendly support, advice, and a chat with others who understand.
You’ll be able to:
harities & local families
✨ Get advice around education, health & care
✨ Find support in a relaxed, welcoming space
📍November sessions:
Monday 2 November 2026, 9.30am-11.30am, Seaham, Seaham Town Hall, SR7 0HP
Monday 16 November 2026, 12.30pm-2.30pm, Newton Aycliffe, Newton Aycliffe Youth and Community Centre, DL5 4HT
Monday 23 November 2026, 9.30am-11.30am, Sedgefield, Sedgefield Parish Hall, TS21 3AT
Find out more and see where your nearest session is:
durhamsendiass.info/dropinsessions
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Disposing of your pumpkin? 🎃
You can place it on top of your black food waste caddy and our crews will take it away. All food waste collected will be converted into renewable energy using a process called anaerobic digestion. The bio fertilizer produced can be used in farming produced can be used to power homes and local communities.
Usually, we ask that all food waste is placed inside your caddy but, as pumpkin carcasses can be large, you can place them on top. Don't forget you can pop your pumpkin pulp inside as well with your egg shells, tea bags and other food waste.
Find out more about collections in County Durham: durham.gov.uk/FoodWasteResid…
You can place it on top of your black food waste caddy and our crews will take it away. All food waste collected will be converted into renewable energy using a process called anaerobic digestion. The bio fertilizer produced can be used in farming produced can be used to power homes and local communities.
Usually, we ask that all food waste is placed inside your caddy but, as pumpkin carcasses can be large, you can place them on top. Don't forget you can pop your pumpkin pulp inside as well with your egg shells, tea bags and other food waste.
Find out more about collections in County Durham: durham.gov.uk/FoodWasteResid…
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A County Durham woman landed herself with a bill of more than £700, after we found household waste dumped on a farm track 🚯Find out more: durham.gov.uk/article/37590/…
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💡£100 Household Energy Payment Update 💡
The Government has announced a £100 Household Energy Payment for households in England in Council Tax bands A to D.
We are currently waiting for formal guidance from the government and cannot yet confirm how or when payments will be ion available, payments may begin from January.
We currently expect that:
• Customers who pay Council Tax by Direct Debit should receive payments automatically.
• Customers who do not pay by Direct Debit may need to submit an application.
These arrangements have not yet been confirmed and may change.
We will update this page as soon as more information is available. In the meantime, customers who do not currently pay by Direct Debit may wish to consider switching, as this is likely to be the quickest way to receive any payment: durham.gov.uk/article/3448/S…
The Government has announced a £100 Household Energy Payment for households in England in Council Tax bands A to D.
We are currently waiting for formal guidance from the government and cannot yet confirm how or when payments will be ion available, payments may begin from January.
We currently expect that:
• Customers who pay Council Tax by Direct Debit should receive payments automatically.
• Customers who do not pay by Direct Debit may need to submit an application.
These arrangements have not yet been confirmed and may change.
We will update this page as soon as more information is available. In the meantime, customers who do not currently pay by Direct Debit may wish to consider switching, as this is likely to be the quickest way to receive any payment: durham.gov.uk/article/3448/S…
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Say “Boo to Flu!” this Halloween!
Help to keep flu from haunting your family.
If you have a school-aged child, make sure you've completed and returned their flu vaccination consent form so they can get their free flu vaccine at school. It’s quick, safe, and needle-free!
Find : nhs.uk/nhs-services/v…
#BeWiseImmunise #BooToFlu
Help to keep flu from haunting your family.
If you have a school-aged child, make sure you've completed and returned their flu vaccination consent form so they can get their free flu vaccine at school. It’s quick, safe, and needle-free!
Find : nhs.uk/nhs-services/v…
#BeWiseImmunise #BooToFlu
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If you or someone you know were affected by the sudden closure of Clayton Glass last month, please remember you are not alone. Here, our Deputy Leader, Cllr Darren Grimes, talks about the wide range of support our Employability Durham team can provide to former employees at this difficult time.
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Did you know if you are a carer, you may be entitled to a council tax discount?
You may be eligible for a reduction in your council tax if you:
•live in the property of the person you provide care for.
•provide care for at least 24 hours per week.
•receive no more than £44 this care.
Find out more 👇
durham.gov.uk/carersctd
You may be eligible for a reduction in your council tax if you:
•live in the property of the person you provide care for.
•provide care for at least 24 hours per week.
•receive no more than £44 this care.
Find out more 👇
durham.gov.uk/carersctd
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We are pleased with this result 💪
Rebecca Wilson landed herself with a bill of more than £700, after we found household waste dumped on a farm track.
We investigated the waste and found evidence among the items to pointed to Wilson, aged 34 of Park Road, South Moor in Stanley.
e hand-delivered a letter to her asking her to contact us.
We received no response, so served a formal section 108 notice in February, hand delivered to Wilson’s address asking her to attend an interview.
She failed to attend and, again, made no attempt to contact us about the waste.
Wilson pleaded guilty, and during mitigation, she revealed she had instructed someone else to deal with her waste.
She was fined £120, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £48 and costs of £621, totalling £789.
Rebecca Wilson landed herself with a bill of more than £700, after we found household waste dumped on a farm track.
We investigated the waste and found evidence among the items to pointed to Wilson, aged 34 of Park Road, South Moor in Stanley.
e hand-delivered a letter to her asking her to contact us.
We received no response, so served a formal section 108 notice in February, hand delivered to Wilson’s address asking her to attend an interview.
She failed to attend and, again, made no attempt to contact us about the waste.
Wilson pleaded guilty, and during mitigation, she revealed she had instructed someone else to deal with her waste.
She was fined £120, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £48 and costs of £621, totalling £789.
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Our ‘he thrives’ campaign returns from Sunday 1 to Monday 30 November, and we’ve teamed up with local clubs to offer free activities throughout the month – from rowing, table tennis and squash to indoor bowls, hockey and dragon boat racing.
Find out more:
durham.gov.uk/article/37576/…
Find out more:
durham.gov.uk/article/37576/…
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🎨If your looking for something to do this half term, The Light Durham 's first exhibition, Victory Over the Sun: Encounters with Light, is FREE entry for kids!
From sculptural installations to immersive environments there is lots for all ages to discover!
Children's entry is with a paying adult until 17 January.
Tickets for Victory Over the Sun are £10 for adults and can be booked 👇
📍The Light, Durham, Aykley Heads, Durham DH1 5TU
📆22 August 2026 – 17 January 2027
Open Wednesday – Sunday each week
🎟 shop.thelightdurham.org.uk/products/daily…
Entry to The Light, Durham's latest cultural destination, and the We Are The Durhams: The Durham Light Infantry Exhibition is FREE for all.
From sculptural installations to immersive environments there is lots for all ages to discover!
Children's entry is with a paying adult until 17 January.
Tickets for Victory Over the Sun are £10 for adults and can be booked 👇
📍The Light, Durham, Aykley Heads, Durham DH1 5TU
📆22 August 2026 – 17 January 2027
Open Wednesday – Sunday each week
🎟 shop.thelightdurham.org.uk/products/daily…
Entry to The Light, Durham's latest cultural destination, and the We Are The Durhams: The Durham Light Infantry Exhibition is FREE for all.
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📢 Free support still available for Clayton Glass employees.
If you or someone you know was affected by the closure of Clayton Glass last month, you are not alone. Our Employability Durham and Business Durham teams are offering free support. Find out more at: durham.gov.uk/article/37575/…
If you or someone you know was affected by the closure of Clayton Glass last month, you are not alone. Our Employability Durham and Business Durham teams are offering free support. Find out more at: durham.gov.uk/article/37575/…
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International light art and girl power will become one at Pop Goes the Prism – a late-night event at The Light, featuring original Spice Girls outfits, 90s music and more.
Book your tickets now: durham.gov.uk/article/37568/…
Book your tickets now: durham.gov.uk/article/37568/…
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📢 Council tax phishing scam ⚠️
We have been made aware of a new council tax scam.
Individuals are receiving emails from no-reply@plantabird.com claiming that they are due a council tax refund. The email prompts recipients to click a link or button and then provide their bank eive the alleged ‘refund’.
DO NOT click the link or enter bank details.
To find out more about how to spot a scam and report it, visit durham.gov.uk/scams
We have been made aware of a new council tax scam.
Individuals are receiving emails from no-reply@plantabird.com claiming that they are due a council tax refund. The email prompts recipients to click a link or button and then provide their bank eive the alleged ‘refund’.
DO NOT click the link or enter bank details.
To find out more about how to spot a scam and report it, visit durham.gov.uk/scams
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Did you know we have just over 2,190 miles of public rights of way in County Durham? 😲
🚶Over 1,800 miles are public footpaths which are just for people to walk on and 340 miles are bridleways which are open to horse riders and cyclists as well as walkers. In the 18th and 19th d taking ownership of land through enclosure, this affected the routes people could use. The Definitive Map was created in 1949 and is the legal record of public rights of way in England and Wales.
We receive about 25 reports each week of problems on public rights of way. The hot weather we’ve had this summer has had a huge impact on the growth of ground vegetation such as nettles, brambles and grass which has led to more issues with overgrown paths.
It is illegal to block or prevent the general public from using a public right of way. Landowners are responsible for making sure hedges and trees don’t grow over rights of way on their land and for structures such as stiles and gates. Town and parish councils help us to maintain vegetation growing through the surface of paths.
To report an issue with a public right of way: doitonline.durham.gov.uk/service/Public…
More info on public rights of way in County Durham: durham.gov.uk/prow
🚶Over 1,800 miles are public footpaths which are just for people to walk on and 340 miles are bridleways which are open to horse riders and cyclists as well as walkers. In the 18th and 19th d taking ownership of land through enclosure, this affected the routes people could use. The Definitive Map was created in 1949 and is the legal record of public rights of way in England and Wales.
We receive about 25 reports each week of problems on public rights of way. The hot weather we’ve had this summer has had a huge impact on the growth of ground vegetation such as nettles, brambles and grass which has led to more issues with overgrown paths.
It is illegal to block or prevent the general public from using a public right of way. Landowners are responsible for making sure hedges and trees don’t grow over rights of way on their land and for structures such as stiles and gates. Town and parish councils help us to maintain vegetation growing through the surface of paths.
To report an issue with a public right of way: doitonline.durham.gov.uk/service/Public…
More info on public rights of way in County Durham: durham.gov.uk/prow
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"Life’s too short. I’d rather spend my money enjoying myself than spending it on cigarettes.”
After 50 years of smoking, 69-years-old Lestryne knew it was time for a change.
Tired of constantly thinking about her next cigarette, she reached out to @SF_CDurham for support to ys quitting is one of the best things she’s ever done. Soon after quitting, she noticed her breathing improved and she wasn’t getting ill as often. She’s now enjoying life without constantly thinking about her next cigarette.
Her story shows it’s never too late to quit smoking and enjoy the benefits.
Find support to start your smokefree journey here ➡️freshquit.co.uk
@FreshSmokeFree
After 50 years of smoking, 69-years-old Lestryne knew it was time for a change.
Tired of constantly thinking about her next cigarette, she reached out to @SF_CDurham for support to ys quitting is one of the best things she’s ever done. Soon after quitting, she noticed her breathing improved and she wasn’t getting ill as often. She’s now enjoying life without constantly thinking about her next cigarette.
Her story shows it’s never too late to quit smoking and enjoy the benefits.
Find support to start your smokefree journey here ➡️freshquit.co.uk
@FreshSmokeFree
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Meet Sean Bell, one of the faces of ‘he thrives’ 2026 ⛹️🏋️🚣♂️
Our annual campaign celebrates the positive difference physical activities can make to men’s health and wellbeing. It returns from Sunday 1 to Monday 30 November.
We’ve teamed up with local clubs and organisations to throughout the month. From rowing, golf, table tennis, walking cricket and squash to indoor bowls, hockey and dragon boat racing – there are plenty of ways to get involved, whatever your age or fitness level.
Sean, 56, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in December 2022.
After hearing about the ‘he thrives’ indoor rowing sessions delivered by Lambton Rowing Club last year, he decided to give them a go and now attends twice a week. Being part of a club, working towards his own goals and encouraging others has helped Sean to push himself further than he might have done exercising alone.
“During a session I feel energised and motivated,” he said. “There is something about the rhythm and repetition of rowing that demands concentration and commitment.”
Alongside the free taster sessions, other activities and offers taking place in council leisure centres in November include:
•Free seven-day passes, giving people the chance to try out leisure centre facilities before committing to membership.
•Dads and Kids sessions offering fathers and their children the chance to have fun and be active together.
•Men’s Health MOTs delivered in partnership with the NHS Adult Wellbeing Service
•Suicide Awareness Training delivered by If U Care Share.
Find out more 👇
durham.gov.uk/article/37576/…
Our annual campaign celebrates the positive difference physical activities can make to men’s health and wellbeing. It returns from Sunday 1 to Monday 30 November.
We’ve teamed up with local clubs and organisations to throughout the month. From rowing, golf, table tennis, walking cricket and squash to indoor bowls, hockey and dragon boat racing – there are plenty of ways to get involved, whatever your age or fitness level.
Sean, 56, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in December 2022.
After hearing about the ‘he thrives’ indoor rowing sessions delivered by Lambton Rowing Club last year, he decided to give them a go and now attends twice a week. Being part of a club, working towards his own goals and encouraging others has helped Sean to push himself further than he might have done exercising alone.
“During a session I feel energised and motivated,” he said. “There is something about the rhythm and repetition of rowing that demands concentration and commitment.”
Alongside the free taster sessions, other activities and offers taking place in council leisure centres in November include:
•Free seven-day passes, giving people the chance to try out leisure centre facilities before committing to membership.
•Dads and Kids sessions offering fathers and their children the chance to have fun and be active together.
•Men’s Health MOTs delivered in partnership with the NHS Adult Wellbeing Service
•Suicide Awareness Training delivered by If U Care Share.
Find out more 👇
durham.gov.uk/article/37576/…
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Were you or someone you know affected by the closure of Clayton Glass?
Please remember that there is free support on offer to help you through this difficult time.
Our Employability Durham team has been supporting former employees of the Annfield Plain-based manufacturer since closure last month.
From help to create and update CVs and conduct job searches, to submitting applications, preparing for interviews and accessing training and skills opportunities – the team can provide advice and practical support to help people seeking work build confidence and plan for the future.
Cllr Darren Grimes, the council’s Deputy Leader, said: “Many Clayton Glass employees had been with the firm their whole working life, be that ten, 20 or 30 years, and the jobs market has changed a great deal in that time.
“We want to remind anyone impacted by the Clayton Glass closure that they are not alone. We’re still here to help, and I would encourage anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or uncertain of what to do next, to contact our Employability Durham team on 03000 262009.”
Alongside Employability Durham, our business support service, @_BusinessDurham, can help people interested in becoming self-employed.
There is also a wide range of specialist support for companies in the Clayton Glass supply chain that have been impacted.
To contact Employability Durham, call 03000 262009 or email employability@durham.gov.uk. For more information about the support on offer, visit durham.gov.uk/employability.
To contact Business Durham, call 03000 261261 or email enquiries@businessdurham.co.uk. Find out about the support available at businessdurham.co.uk.
Please remember that there is free support on offer to help you through this difficult time.
Our Employability Durham team has been supporting former employees of the Annfield Plain-based manufacturer since closure last month.
From help to create and update CVs and conduct job searches, to submitting applications, preparing for interviews and accessing training and skills opportunities – the team can provide advice and practical support to help people seeking work build confidence and plan for the future.
Cllr Darren Grimes, the council’s Deputy Leader, said: “Many Clayton Glass employees had been with the firm their whole working life, be that ten, 20 or 30 years, and the jobs market has changed a great deal in that time.
“We want to remind anyone impacted by the Clayton Glass closure that they are not alone. We’re still here to help, and I would encourage anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or uncertain of what to do next, to contact our Employability Durham team on 03000 262009.”
Alongside Employability Durham, our business support service, @_BusinessDurham, can help people interested in becoming self-employed.
There is also a wide range of specialist support for companies in the Clayton Glass supply chain that have been impacted.
To contact Employability Durham, call 03000 262009 or email employability@durham.gov.uk. For more information about the support on offer, visit durham.gov.uk/employability.
To contact Business Durham, call 03000 261261 or email enquiries@businessdurham.co.uk. Find out about the support available at businessdurham.co.uk.
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