Are you an unpaid carer looking for support, connection and a friendly space to talk? Join in our Carers Support Group held every other month in #EshWinning - next meeting is this Wednesday.

A session next week in #ChesterLeStreet is being delivered designed to support people who are looking to move towards employment. Key details below! 📍 Location: Bullion Hall, DH2 2DW 📅 Date: Wednesday 1st July 🕐 Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Whilst in hot weather, its tempting to cool off in the water - please do so safely. Here's some great advice from Royal Life Saving Society UK, particularly for teenagers and young people, about some of the dangers.

It's feeling hot, hot, hot! 🎶 Please remember to take extra care today with the amber #HeatHealthAlert now active. Look out for others too including the elderly and those with medical conditions. We have some tips and advice to view on our website. www.healthwatchcountydurham.co.uk/advice-and-i...

An Amber #HeatHealthAlert has been issued for #NorthEastEngland The weather will remain hot today with plenty of sunshine and only light winds, tonight a very hot and humid night is expected with prolonged sunny weather into Wednesday and Thursday. Temperatures could reach at 32 degrees.

Have you read our latest e-bulletin? Take a read now including how to get involved with our annual satisfaction survey plus details on sharing your views if you've used patient transport and a special visitor to a Consett care home! Get up to date➡️ www.healthwatchcountydurham.co.uk/news/2026-06...

Are you 18+ and currently accessing mental health and wellbeing services in #ChesterLeStreet? The lived experience team are hosting a drop in to hear real stories of any issues, problems or struggles faced when accessing support. All the details on the poster.

Have questions about prostate cancer or looking for support for yourself or a loved one? The guys at Team Sloan and Durham Prostate Cancer Support Group are running a free information and support session in #Spennymoor next Wednesday. No one should face cancer alone💜 #MensHealthWeek

Our colleagues at @healthwatchmcr.bsky.social are running and hour-long awareness session focusing on #Andropause, which is commonly referred to as the #MaleMenopause. The session will cover the Myths and Misconceptions of andropause and is intended for information-sharing purposes.

It's Men’s Health Week and we're highlighting the importance of mental wellbeing. We've mapped a range of wellbeing groups, community spaces, sports clubs & activities where you can connect with others, stay active and access support. Scroll below and check out the social pages of those featured💙

We recently shared a survey on NHS patient transport services in #NorthEast. To help deaf and hearing loss communities take part, we colleagues at Action Deafness are hosting a coffee morning with #BSL interpreters available to support people in completing the survey. All details below.

As we come to the end of #CarersWeek - we want those with caring responsibilities to know that support is available. If you're a carer, why not attend our next Carers Support Group in #EshWinning? Find a friendly and supportive space in collaboration with @dccarers - next meeting July 1st 💙

Proposals within the Health Reform Bill would see the abolition of Healthwatch County Durham removing an independent champion for communities We are urging people to protect this independent voice within health and social care. All the details ➡️ www.healthwatchcountydurham.co.uk/news/2026-06...

Our team will be at the University Hospital of North Durham in the next couple of days, speaking to those who use NHS patients transport about the possible changes to the service. Do speak to us if you see us and check out our website for more info➡️ www.healthwatchcountydurham.co.uk/news/2026-05...

As we mark Carers Week we're highlighting support that is available whenever carers need it. That's why we're proud to share Durham County Carers' new Virtual Carers Centre – an online hub offering information, advice and resources on carers' rights, wellbeing, finances and local support.

How do people’s experiences shape health and care services? Our latest report highlights how the Healthwatch network across #NorthEast and #NorthCumbria have been working together to bring local voices to decision-makers. Read the report now ➡️ www.healthwatchcountydurham.co.uk/report/2026-...

Have your say on #CountyDurham's new Financially Resilient Strategy, which aims to help people and families improve their financial wellbeing over the next five years. Your feedback can help shape support for communities for years to come ➡️ letstalkcountydurham.co.uk/en-GB/folder...

Open visiting is now in place across #CountyDurham and #Darlington NHS hospitals. Patients can welcome visitors daily from 10:30am to 7pm, allowing greater flexibility for those wishing to visit family or friends. Please follow ward guidance, supervise children, and avoid visiting if unwell.

This #ChildSafetyWeek, we're helping share the NHS Small Steps for Safety campaign. Each year, thousands of children are admitted to hospital following accidents, many of which are preventable. The campaign provides practical tips to help keep little ones safe as they grow.

We’ve listened to people and the message is clear. People don’t want lots of services, they want one that works and someone who stays. A new joint report across #CountyDurham & #TeesValley brings together real experiences of #mentalhealth support➡️ www.healthwatchcountydurham.co.uk/report/2026-...

Did you know that we have a legal right to visit places that provide publicly funded health or adult social care services? These statuary powers – know as Enter and View – allow us to find out about people's experiences when accessing care.

Pinfold Medical Practice, in #Butterknowle, are running a walk-in clinic for farmers tomorrow (Thurs 4th June), from 9.00 - 12.30. If you are a patient, and a farmer, you can receive a health check, a blood pressure check, or ask about general health issues without needing to book an appointment.

Have you used NHS patient transport services? The local NHS ICB are looking at making the rules for patient transport clearer and more consistent in #NorthEastEngland. This includes reviewing who qualifies for free support. Take the survey by 3 July 2026 ➡️ ex.civicamysay.co.uk/BD9WjeSmCx

Today marks the beginning of Volunteers Week! And we think it’s an excellent opportunity to say a huge ‘thank you’ to our team of volunteers. We’ve produced a celebratory report looking at the impact they’ve made across the last year – check it out➡️ www.healthwatchcountydurham.co.uk/report/2026-...

Have you read our latest e-bulletin? Take a read now including a report on GP Access, a spotlight on Veterans for Veterans in Care and details on two newly published Enter and View reports. Get up to date ➡️ www.healthwatchcountydurham.co.uk/news/2026-05... And don’t forget to sign up now!

People living with #dementia, their families and carers are being invited to help shape future support and services in #CountyDurham. The first discussion is now underway and focuses on reducing the risk of dementia and staying well. Have your say ➡️ letstalkcountydurham.co.uk/en-GB/projec...

A 'Yellow' heat health alert is in place for #CountyDurham and the wider #NorthEastEngland area. Temperatures could reach 27 degrees and this can indicate higher health risks for vulnerable people and increased healthcare use. Enjoy the weather but always stay safe if you're out and about ☀️

Great News! Our volunteer team at Healthwatch County Durham has been nominated for Volunteer Group of the Year in the North East’s My Local Awards 2026! It’s a real testament to the work they carry out💙 Voting is now open➡️ mylocalawards.co.uk/business/hea... We’d love your support ⭐

The North East Mayoral Authority is running a survey on the safety of women and girls travelling around the North East. Your feedback will help shape future safety improvements and transport plans across the region. Every response really makes a difference. Visit ➡️ www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/DDWYJI/

If you have been in touch with Healthwatch County Durham over the last 12 months we want to hear from you! Complete our short survey and let us know how you found our service ➡️ www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/Satisfacti...

We have heard from patients that medication changes are not always clearly explained. Feedback including feeling unsure about why prescriptions have been altered, confused by brand or generic substitutions, and affected by communication gaps between GPs, pharmacies, and hospitals

Durham County Council wants to hear from people using adult social care services and anyone who supports or cares for someone accessing care. Join the User Forum to share experiences, give feedback and help shape future plans. Head to letstalkcountydurham.co.uk/en-GB/folder... to get involved.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK. Today we’re looking at some of the key facts, including symptoms and risk factors. Always seek medical advice if you have any concerns. #BreastCancerPreventionWeek #BreastCancer #BeatCancer #BreastScreening

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term used to describe conditions that cause severe stomach pain + diarrhoea. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the main types of IBD. Both are long-term conditions but treatments are available to help. Find more information➡️ www.nhs.uk/conditions/i...

At Healthwatch County Durham we are here to help you. Your feedback matters to us and is passed on to delivery partners, meanwhile our signposting service is free and available to all residents in the county. Don’t hesitate to contact us, if you need us.

Citizens Advice County Durham are out and about! On Tuesday 19th May, advisors will be at Pioneering Care Centre, #NewtonAycliffe, between 1.30pm & 3.30pm. People are welcome to come along to get help and advice on topics such as Debt, Income Maximisation, Energy & Managing your Universal Credit!

Self-care is the practice of taking extra steps to support our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. As we come to the end of #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, we want to share these important tips from the Mental Health Foundation that you can use to look after yourself.

Globally, 1 in 7 young people aged 10–19 experiences a mental health condition. This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek remember you are not alone. Help is always available when you need it. Life can feel overwhelming at times so here’s some tips aimed at improving overall wellbeing.

Thinking about speaking to a GP about your mental health? Reaching out is a positive first step. You don’t need to wait until things feel overwhelming. Support is there when you need it. This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek make the first step towards getting help.

Feeling understood can make a real difference. Finding an inclusive Peer Support Group that offer a safe space to share experiences, connect with others, and realise you’re not alone. Support, listen, share, and grow together this #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

‘Managing our emotions is a skill, just like riding a bike’ is such a powerful phrase. As we continue to look at #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek it’s never too late to learn a new skill. Below, The Mental Health Foundation explore 9 ways you could use to help control your emotions.

We’re continuing to mark #MentalHealthAwareness all this week. When things feel tough or start getting on top of you, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The Mental Health Foundation asked men on Instagram ‘what do you do to look after your mental health when things get tough?'

This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek we want to share practical advice, helpful tips that you or someone else could use. Today, we’re looking at anxiety, which is something we can all experience from time-to time. The Mental Health Foundation have shared things that can help.

What’s being hailed by local NHS leaders as a new chapter in maternity care has been launched in #CountyDurham and #Darlington. The new units are said to offer women and families greater choice, personalised care and access to enhanced settings. Read more ➡️ www.cddft.nhs.uk/about-us/new...

#DeafAwarenessWeek is a reminder that communication goes beyond sound; it’s about connection, respect, and understanding. For many deaf and hard-of-hearing people, small changes can make a huge difference. Here's some practical tips from @rnib.bsky.social that you can start using #InclusionMatters

A reminder that we've teamed up with Durham County Carers Support to launch a new #CarersSupport group held every other month at Hamsteels Community Centre in #EshWinning Join us TOMORROW from 10.30am, Wed 6th May. Have a cuppa and make new friends - we look forward to seeing you there! #Durham

Patients in #CountyDurham needing urgent care overnight can once again access services at Shotley Bridge Community Hospital. Read more ➡️ www.cddft.nhs.uk/about-us/new... #ShotleyBridge #NHSCountyDurham

HPV is very common and can lead to certain cancers. The vaccine helps protect against the most harmful types of the virus. If you want more info or if your child has SEND or feels anxious, — or simply want to talk through your options — head to ➡️ www.intrahealth.co.uk/clinical-ser...

We're new over here so we thought we introduce ourselves... #Healthcare #SocialCare #CountyDurham #CountyDurhamCare #NorthEastEngland #NHS #CountyDurhamNHS #BarnardCastle #BishopAuckland #ChesterLeStreet #Crook #Consett #Durham #NewtonAycliffe #Peterlee #Seaham #Sedgefield #Spennymoor #Stanley

Durham County Council are developing a Local Area Reform Plan for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities to improve how education, health and care services work together for children and young people with SEND. Your views will help shape the shared vision and how support is delivered.