Youthwatch Darlington

24/06/2026

📢 3 days to go!

Get ready to go Around the World in 80 Days at this year's Darlington Community Carnival! 🌍

📅 This Saturday, 27 June 2026
📍 Hopetown Darlington
🎟️ FREE ENTRY

With activities and performances throughout the day, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Bring your family, friends, and community spirit for a fantastic celebration of culture, creativity, and togetherness. Pre-book your free tickets via the Hopetown Darlington website or simply turn up on the day!

Check out the poster for full information...

24/06/2026

Some handy tips for staying well in hot weather ☀️

Feeling the heat?

High temperatures can affect your health. Read our tips on staying safe and helping protect your loved ones during the hot weather.

https://bit.ly/4w569gV

24/06/2026

Did you know...

The County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Safeguarding Team will be visiting Trust sites this summer to raise awareness and share support available for patients and families, and this year they will focus on Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag.

But what is the Reasonable Adjust Digital Flag? Take a look at this for more information - https://ow.ly/5jfR50Zg8b9 - and pop along to one of these summer events for expert advice!

23/06/2026

A yellow heat health alert is in effect across the North East until 11pm on Friday.

This means significant impacts are possible across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including:

- a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. There may also be impacts on younger age groups
- a likely increase in demand for health services
- internal temperatures in care settings (hospitals and care homes) may exceed the recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment
- the heat affecting the ability of the workforce to deliver services
- indoor environments overheating increasing the risk to vulnerable people living independently in community and care settings
- water-related incidents may increase, including risks from cold-water shock and drowning

Read the full guidance on staying safe during the hot weather: https://www.healthwatchdarlington.co.uk/news/2026-06-23/heat-health-alert-updated-north-east-effective-immediately

19/06/2026

Have you signed up to our weekly E-newsletter? What are you waiting for!?

Out every Wednesday, it's packed with community and health news and advice, as well as funding opportunities for organisations and individuals. Better still, you can get involved and take part in surveys, sharing your views across a range of health and social care issues important to you and your loved ones.

Sign up today: https://ow.ly/9QgI50ZcFtv

19/06/2026

Are you a charity or community group supporting care leavers or young people preparing to leave the care system?

A wonderful funding opportunity is available to organisations making a difference across County Durham and Tees Valley.

Grants up to £15,000 are available to help you provide the best possible support for care-experienced young people. Please note you must apply for funding by 28 June.

See more:

The Care Leavers Fund (Groups) supports charities and community groups supporting care leavers aged 18 to 25.

18/06/2026

Do you use NHS patient transport services in Darlington?

The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) is working with the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) and partners to review NHS patient transport services in the North East.

Patient transport helps people get to and from hospital if they cannot travel safely on their own because of their health or mobility needs.

Feedback indicates the service does not always work well, with people saying:

· waits can be long
· the rules are not always clear
· services can be different depending on where you live

We are looking at making the rules for patient transport clearer and more consistent in the North East. This includes reviewing who qualifies for free transport support.

Healthwatch Darlington is helping to make sure users of the service can have their say. If you do use the Patient Transport Service now or have done in the last three years, you can:

· Complete the ICB’s survey online here https://ex.civicamysay.co.uk/BD9WjeSmCx - you can take part until 3 July 2026.

Please contact us if you want to discuss your use of the service and how changes might work for you in Darlington - call us on 01325 380145 or email: [email protected]

18/06/2026

Looking to try something new? Check out volunteer opportunities on the Darlington Volunteers website - darlingtonvolunteers.com

Volunteering can help you build new skills, boost wellbeing, meet people, and discover new opportunities.

You can also join Volunteer Information & Support Drop-In Sessions taking place from 1pm - 3pm on the third Wednesday of every month and find out what’s available and how you can get involved.

📍 The Wellbeing Hub at The Woodlands (Adjacent to St Teresa’s Hospice) - 91 Woodlands Road, Darlington, DL3 7UA

For more information or to book a 1-to-1 support session:

📞 01325 254321
📧 [email protected]
🌐 darlingtonvolunteers.com

17/06/2026

Darlington Borough Council has a short survey looking at how men experience stress and pressure in everyday life and are keen for as much uptake as possible so these issues can really be heard and understood.

The survey is completely anonymous and takes around 3–5 minutes to complete. The insights will help shape future support and campaigns to better meet the needs of men locally.

Please see below the link to access the survey or you can scan the QR code attached:

https://eu.surveymonkey.com/r/SEL26KT06

12/06/2026

With the warmer weather set to return this weekend, why not get out and into nature at some of Darlington's beautiful green spaces, and even volunteer to keep them looking wonderful?

Green spaces provide havens for wildlife and peaceful retreats for residents, and better still, most of Darlington’s green spaces sit right within residential areas, offering easy access to fresh air and natural beauty and in turn.

Have a look at these posters to find out where your nearest green space may be, so you can volunteer to keep your town looking beautiful.

Get involved: https://ow.ly/eJkG50YYTc5