Unfortunately due to weather conditions and activities unable to take place the FUN4All event has had to be cancelled. CELLED fun4al

Today’s Mayor at Home event was a very special one, celebrating 50 years since the official opening of Shildon Civic Hall back in 1973 by the Right Honourable J. Harold Wilson O.B.E.

Town Mayor & Councillor Shirley Quinn was joined by Deputy Lieutenant Jenny Flynn MBE to cut the ribbon, in today’s rededication ceremony, conducted by Rev. Carol Harris.

John and Brenda Vickers also joined the celebrations as they were the first couple to celebrate their wedding at the Civic Hall back in July 1973.

Mayors from the region joined the celebration and were entertained by pupils from Timothy Hackworth Primary School.

Thank you to everyone who attended, all funds raised today will be donated to the Mayors Appeal which will benefit local causes.

Participation in consultation for the Sexual Health Strategy 2023 – 2028

The newly created sexual health strategy describes a vision for the continuing work to improve the overall sexual health of people in County Durham, improve access to sexual health services, promote healthy sexual behaviour, reduce rates of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), unintended pregnancies and reduce health disparities. It sets out why sexual health is important and outlines County Durham’s vision and priority areas over the next five years. It has been developed in partnership with organisations that deliver services and supported by community and voluntary sector organisations and County Durham people.

The Sexual Health Strategy is now available for a six week public consultation. The strategy is aimed at the many professionals that support the day-to-day work of the needs as described in the priority areas in the strategy. We are currently consulting with the wider public as well as people directly affected by this strategy, support workers and relevant organisations, as well as the views of the  wider work force and residents of County Durham.

To read the strategy and to participate in the consultation use this link:

Sexual Health Strategy for County Durham 2023-2028 consultation – Durham County Council

The consultation period will close on the 6^th August 2023.

Join the council’s  housing conversation and help shape County Durham’s new housing strategy for 2024

The new strategy will update and replace the strategy agreed in 2019 and will outline what the council and its partners need to do to make sure County Durham will be a place of good quality affordable homes that meet the needs of both existing and future residents including our older and younger generations.

The strategy also aims to deliver quality housing that supports economic growth and contributes to improved health, and which creates and maintains sustainable, mixed, and balanced communities where people live long and independent lives.

A Principles and Priorities paper, which outlines draft proposals for the strategy, was agreed for consultation by the council’s Cabinet in June.

There are various ways people can join the conversation:

• As an organisation, there is the opportunity for you to take part in a partners, voluntary & community organisations and industry professionals survey.
• There are also surveys for residents and young people as well as the opportunity to take part in an online Q&A session

The Principles and Priorities paper and more about the consultation and how to take part is on our website at www.durham.gov.uk/thehousingconversation

The consultation runs until 5pm on Friday 18 August 2023.