Tag: north east

Dine with Dippy

By on 7th February 2019in What's On?
Dippy

Businesses can dine in the shadow of Britain’s most famous dinosaur when it travels to Tyneside this spring.

The Natural History Museum’s famous Diplodocus cast, Dippy, is coming to the Great North Museum: Hancock in May 2019 as part of a nationwide tour.

Dippy’s visit is part of an eight city UK wide tour. Dippy on Tour: A Natural History Adventure is being brought to the Great North Museum and visitors across the UK by the Natural History Museum, London in partnership with the Garfield Weston Foundation, and supported by Dell EMC and Williams & Hill.

And Sodexo, the Great North Museum’s catering and events partner, is giving corporate clients the chance to see it at very close quarters.

Dippy first went on show to the British public in 1905 having been shipped in 36 crates from the US, where he was cast from a genuine specimen found in America.

The model skeleton is a massive 21.3 metres long, 4.3 metres wide and 4.25 metres high and Sodexo has unveiled a variety of packages for those who want to drink and dine in its vast shadow.

The corporate packages will give businesses the chance to host colleagues or clients to drinks receptions or formal seated dinners next to the model, which will be on display at the Museum’s Special Exhibition Space from 18 May to 6 October 2019.

They can host a breakfast meeting or networking event with up to 100 guests, treat customers and colleagues to drinks and canapés or enjoy a rare opportunity to dine side by side with the famous dinosaur.

Dinner starters will include hickory-glazed pterodactyl – chicken – wings with creole-spiced coleslaw, smoked haddock with spring onion and lemon crème fraiche timbale and charred red pepper gazpacho and a vegetarian lettuce nest filled with tomato chutney and served with grilled halloumi skewers.

Main courses of slow-roasted feather blade of beef, chicken stuffed with wilted spinach and a mushroom duxelle and Portobello mushroom, spinach and butternut curry will be followed by desserts of either Italian-style lemon meringue pie or chocolate orange mousse sprinkled with praline.

Israh Bhatti, sales and events co-ordinator at Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events, said: “We are incredibly lucky Dippy is coming to Tyneside and our corporate packages offer businesses the chance to give their colleagues, guests or clients an experience they will never forget.

“However, demand will be high so we would urge businesses to get in touch to ensure they secure the date they want for their event.”

Newcastle is the fifth venue in Dippy’s eight leg tour and, after he leaves the Great North Museum: Hancock he will head to Cardiff and Rochdale, ending his journey at Norwich in July 2020.

Other key exhibits at Great North Museum: Hancock include an interactive model of Hadrian’s Wall, a significant display of plants and animals, objects from Ancient Greece, mummies from Ancient Egypt and a planetarium.

For further information call 0844 856 1074 or e-mail events@twmuseums.co.uk.

www.museumweddings.org.uk.

Roofing company plan to win over the 52% of the British public who don’t trust roofers

By on 28th January 2019in Local Biz, What's New?
Findley

According to a recent survey, roofers and builders wound up bottom of the pile when Britons were asked which group of traders they trusted the most. With electricians top of the list gaining 80% of people’s support, roofers only managed to pull in just over half of that figure, with a staggeringly poor 48%.

Above them sat the likes of carpenters, plumbers, and heating engineers, with an impressive 70-75% of public faith. It makes us ask the question: ‘why are people so sceptical of roofers and builders?’

One company in particular are striving to change this reputation single-handedly. Starting with the North East of England, Findley Roofing and Building will not stop until they have changed the ideologies of people nationwide. They have big plans that they have already begun putting into motion, hoping to further enhance the image of their reputable company.

They’ve recently scrapped one job role and replaced it with a much more effective one. There will be no more quantity surveyors, and instead three contracts managers who will not only take over the previous job description, but they’ll also manage the whole project throughout, ensuring better communication and management on every job.

Findley Roofing and Building believe this will better enable customers to follow the process of the work they’ve requested, and if they have any questions they can speak directly to those in charge. The contracts managers will be there before, during, and after the work is completed, and will be with the customer every step of the way.

The North East company are hoping that this new approach will have a positive rippling effect across the country. Grant Findley, the company’s Managing Director said: “It saddens us that roofers and builders have such a negative stigma, when we do everything in our power to create good work and happy customers. We’ve made it our mission to raise that devastatingly low statistic, and quickly.’

To find out more about Findley Roofing & Building, visit their website findleyroofing.co.uk or call their office on 0191 417 3422.

Ultra-fit North East lawyer wins a place in London Landmarks half-marathon to help raise funds for equality and access to justice

By on 23rd January 2019in In & Around, Lifestyle, What's New?

A leading North East lawyer has won a much sought after place in the new London Landmarks Half Marathon….in his continued quest to help raise awareness and much needed funds for the voluntary ‘pro bono’ work within the legal profession.

Hugh Welch took up running as a hobby 10 years ago and is senior partner at Newcastle based law firm Muckle LLP.

Already clocking up an impressive list of marathons and ultra-marathons on his journey so far, he has now been awarded one of ten exclusive national places made available by Advocate, which is the national charity finding free legal help from barristers.

He has now earned the right to compete alongside13,000 other runners in the world famous half-marathon, which takes place on 24th March 2019 and also takes in renowned landmark places through both the City of London and City of Westminster.

The race starts on Pall Mall and finishes by Downing Street and has fabulous views of London’s most iconic buildings including Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, Nelson’s Column, the Gherkin, the Shard, the Tower of London and the London Eye and of course the Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand.

Speaking about his news, Hugh said: “This is such a privilege for me to be accepted and be given the opportunity to run in the London Landmarks Half Marathon. I took up running 10 years ago and run for fun, so this is a great opportunity for me to combine my love of running with fundraising for a cause that I really care about.

“I am passionate about equality and justice.  For me, access to justice is every bit as important within our society as access to education and healthcare.  It’s fundamentally wrong that people who can’t afford it are denied access to legal advice and to the court system.

“Also, like many other legal practices, our lawyers at Muckle are very active in doing pro bono work and we see this as a key part of our commitment to this region.

“I have been challenged to raise a minimum of £400 pounds in sponsorship money as part of my place in the half-marathon and this will be the first time I have asked friends, colleagues and clients to sponsor and help support my running,” he added.

Advocate encourages and facilitates voluntary work by lawyers and others working in the legal sector in their local communities.

Mary Dobson, Head of Fundraising and Communications, at Advocate said: “We are delighted to have chosen Hugh as one of our 10 participants to represent Advocate in this, the first year we’ve partnered with the London Landmarks Half Marathon.

“Last year Simon Gledhill of 3 Temple Gardens achieved a Guinness World Record for the fastest half marathon whilst wearing barrister robes. He’ll be running again in 2019, this time alongside Hugh to raise funds for our work.

“We are hoping our ten participants will raise thousands of pounds and much needed awareness for our work getting free legal help for really vulnerable people facing court alone in England and Wales.”

Advocate was founded as the Bar Pro Bono Unit by Lord Goldsmith QC in 1996. They are the only pro bono charity to provide legal assistance in every area of law in all courts and tribunals across England and Wales. They work with 4,000 volunteer barristers who donate their time and expertise to help people who cannot afford to pay for legal assistance and who are not eligible for legal aid. The Unit rebranded to become Advocate in October 2018, modernising their brand and service to become more accessible to as many people as possible and to help increase access to justice for all. Read more on their website https://weareadvocate.org.uk

Muckle LLP has a well-established charity and fund raising programme and actively encourages staff to become involved. Over 40% of its staff regularly volunteer for charities and the firm donates 1% of its annual profits to its charitable fund each year. To date, many communities and worthy causes across the North East have benefitted from over £500,000 in grants from the fund.

Hugh Welch has led the business in developing its award winning corporate social responsibility programme. Muckle is a five-time winner of the North East Business Heart of the Community Award (Tyneside and Northumberland) and won national recognition when it scooped ‘Best Contribution by a Firm with a Regional Head Office’ at the 2017 Law Works Pro Bono Awards.

To find out more about Hugh Welch’s half marathon fundraising drive, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/HughWelch

North East Businesses Hop On Board to Drive Digital Double Decker Crowdfunding Success

By on 28th November 2018in Business, charity
double decker bus

Newcastle-based volunteer group Success4All is converting a double decker bus into a multi-functional digital learning hub thanks to local businesses who hopped on board to help.

Work is underway to transform the London bus into a state-of-the-art learning facility, complete with built-in WiFi, STEM equipment and a café.

Once the conversion is complete, workers at the charity plan to take their range of fun, hands-on activities, such as STEM and computer coding clubs, direct to communities that it otherwise wouldn’t be able to reach.

Following a donation of £30,000 from North East engineering charity Reece Foundation, the group launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise the remaining cash to fund the project.

Long-term supporter of Success4All, Newcastle-based law firm Muckle LLP, was one of several kind-hearted businesses to donate and also reached out to its network of business contacts to help raise awareness of the remaining funds required. Hays Travel and HTL also supported the project and, as the crowdfunding deadline dawned, The Watson Family Charitable Trust generously donated £7,000 to take the charity beyond its target.

Success4All provides safe and relaxed learning spaces, called Learning Hubs, for children and young people living in areas marked by low academic achievement.

Its eight hubs with six STEM and CODE clubs deliver a total of 24 weekly sessions from Monday to Saturday in eight different areas in Newcastle and North Shields for 420 children and young people, with the support of 179 volunteers.

Caroline Afolabi-Deleu, founder and CEO at Success4All, said: “We’re so grateful to all the businesses and individuals that have supported us in our drive to convert the bus.

“Our strategy was focused on acquiring the bus and converting it into a digital learning hub for the benefit of communities which are in need of extra educational support.

“We also want to dispel the myth that academic support is boring. Success4All is a fun experience and this new mobile learning bus will help us to reach and help more children in more communities where suitable facilities may not be otherwise available.”

Anne Reece, chair of the Reece Foundation, which was established to support education relating to science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), said: “We are pleased to be supporting this innovative project that aims to provide young people with opportunities that are otherwise not found in their area or are too costly.

“The North East needs more engineers and we hope that with its in-built STEM facilities, this very special bus will give more young people the chance to get hands-on and discover the wide-range of exciting career opportunities studying STEM can bring.”

Ian Watson, Chief Executive of Hadrian Healthcare and founder of the Watson Family Charitable Trust, said: “We have supported Success4All initiatives in the past and when we heard the charity was £7,000 short of its target and in danger of losing all its crowdfunding donations, we decided to step in and help. It’s a wonderful, local charity which is helping children for the benefit of us all and is just the kind of cause the Watson Family Charitable Trust strives to help.”

Hugh Welch, Senior Partner at Muckle LLP, added: “Our firm has been a long term supporter and contributor of the valuable work of Success4All, so we were happy to help and encourage our business network to do the same.

“Unfortunately, there are still many areas of deprivation throughout the North East and we are delighted Success4All are now able to expand their invaluable academic support programmes to other areas in need across the region.”

Success4All works to fill the gap between home and school in areas of Newcastle marked by low academic achievement through independent, collaborative or paired learning.

The charity lends academic support in: Primary School subjects at Key Stage 2 and 3; GCSE and A-level subjects; GCSE and A-level preparation in minority foreign languages; basic numeracy and literacy; academic writing; and study and careers advice for parents to support their children.

Most of Success4All’s Learning hubs and clubs are run by local volunteers, including young people, parents and retired people.

To find out more, please visit www.s4a.org.uk

Sapere Develops Teesside University Startup Sessions

By on 7th November 2018in Business
Software Partnership

Stockton-headquartered software development company, Sapere, is building on its partnership with Teesside University to offer free, informative seminars designed to make software more accessible to businesses in the North East and beyond.

With the company having started through the university’s business incubator at Teesside Launchpad, Sapere is developing its relationship with the scheme by rolling out its ‘Sapere Sessions’, advisory seminars focusing on taking an idea for an app and turning it into a piece of software that can underpin a business.

Lizzie Dixon, enterprise coordinator at Teesside Launchpad, said: “We are always keen to support growing businesses in the Tees Valley, so working with Sapere in this way enables us to help each other, with Sapere sharing knowledge and expertise and Launchpad hosting the workshops.”

Taking place at Teesside University’s Victoria Building on Friday November 23rd, Sapere is teaming up with Endeavour Partnership, covering topics such as monetising an app, marketing considerations and development timescales.

Endeavour Partnership will provide free legal advice on intellectual property and terms and conditions.

Martin McKinnell, senior associate and technology associate at Endeavour Partnership, said: “We’re excited to work on this project again with Sapere following the first successful session back in July. There are many creative minds in the North East that we want to offer a helping hand to; it would be great to see some of their ideas come to life.”

Free to attend, there will be two sessions to choose from; 10am to 12pm, and 5pm to 7pm.

Sapere continued its partnership with Teesside University with a tenancy at the university-managed Fusion Hive on Stockton’s North Shore, which offers a state-of-the-art workspace, as well as access to the university’s significant business networks, expertise and training provision, and help in sourcing potential funding.

Paul Drake, operations director at Sapere, said: “We are honoured to be hosting the sessions at the Launchpad, and to be able to give back to businesses that are beginning their journey.

“These sessions are a gateway for the creative minds that the university is cultivating, and businesses in the area. It’s not the sort of advice found in a textbook – we’re pooling over 30 years of bespoke software development experience within our business to pass on to others.”

 

To book a free place on this Sapere Session, see the following links:

 

Morning session: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sapere-software-startup-sessions-in-partnership-with-endeavour-morning-tickets-52217719605

 

Evening session: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sapere-software-startup-sessions-in-partnership-with-endeavour-evening-tickets-52220378558

For more information on Sapere see www.sapere.co.uk

North East Company Backs Local Causes

By on 18th October 2018in charity, Local Biz

North East document destruction and confidential waste expert, The Shred Centre, is building on its support of the local community with sponsorship and a charity initiative.

The family-run company has sponsored Heighington AFC under 14s’ new 2018/2019 home kit as well as a fundraising campaign to support local charity, Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust.

Company Director, Natalie Stephens said: “We have a personal connection with Heighington AFC and when the club approached us for support, we were glad to get involved.

“It’s great to keep the younger generation in sport and we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to help make a contribution to our local community.”

The company has also launched a campaign where individuals can drop off their personal confidential waste free for secure disposal in return for a donation to its chosen charity, the Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust.

The charity and its work supporting cancer sufferers and their families in the local area is something that is personally important to the company’s owners.

Patrick Stephens, company director said, “Not only is the charity is based in the Spennymoor area, we’ve heard a lot about Mark Solan and the work he has done to help families with cancer – it’s fantastic.

“Natalie and I have a personal connection to the issues the charity addresses and we are aware that more support is needed to help people get through those tough times. Raising money for a cause we believe in so strongly seemed like a natural thing to do.”

The shredding service does not need to be booked in advance and will be available to individuals who visit the destruction centre throughout the month of November at Merrington Lane Industrial Estate, Spennymoor, between 10am and 2pm, Monday to Friday.

To find out more about The Shred Centre, visit https://www.theshredcentre.com/ or call 01388 328019.

What’s On

By on 15th May 2018in What's New?, What's On?

Jason Donovan and his Amazing Midlife Crisis, Gala Theatre, Durham

Jason Donovan has done a lot in his decades-long time in the spotlight – like starring in Neighbours with Kylie Minogue, topping the UK chart alongside the same Kylie, befriending David Gest on I’m a Celebrity, and playing the eponymous role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. On Friday 11th May, less than a month before his 50th birthday, he will be regaling a Durham audience with autobiographical tales as colourful as a certain dreamcoat…

Birdsong, Gala Theatre, Durham

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, the horror of which led the world to hope “never again”… ultimately in vain. Adapted from Sebastian Faulks’ novel of the same name, this theatre production of Birdsong follows young Englishman Stephen Wraysford as the war disrupts his previously idyllic life. Performances will run from Monday 21st May to Saturday 26th May with 2:30pm matinees on Thursday and Saturday.

Georgian Fair, Beamish Museum

All year round, Beamish Museum lets you step straight into the 1820s at its Pockerley area, which includes Pockerley Old Hall and Pockerley Gardens. However, at the museum’s Georgian Fair this year, from 31st May until 3rd June, you will be able to enjoy many other Georgian treats – including wearing traditional Georgian attire and enjoying live music and clog dancing typical of the era. You will even be able to watch a fire eater!

Robots – then and now, Life Science Centre, Newcastle

Judging from Siri’s inability to even understand accents sometimes, we probably don’t need to fear technology posing any Terminator-style threat to humanity any time soon. Incidentally, a T800 Terminator from the 2009 film Terminator Salvation features among various robots from popular culture in this exhibition – which, from 26th May until 2nd December, will show centuries of robot history in a family-friendly fashion. This exhibition has been put together by the London-based Science Museum.

Tim Vine: Sunset Milk Idiot, Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle

To call Tim Vine fond of puns would be rather understating the case – but, for once, he hasn’t bothered coming up with one for the simply silly title of his current tour. You can expect more silliness than the semi-skimmed stuff if you come along to the Tyne Theatre for 8pm on Tuesday 22nd or Wednesday 23rd May. As Tim says insightfully: “Sunsets are in the sky, milk’s nice, and I’m an idiot.”

Siren, Syfy UK

The folklore of mermaids has long fascinated humanity; a particularly early depiction of a mermaid even features in the Norman Chapel of Durham Castle. However, the enduring popularity of Disney’s The Little Mermaid has given many of us the romantic perception of mermaids as princesses.

We see a darker take on the mermaid myth in the new American TV drama series Siren – which, in this country, will debut on Syfy UK come 9pm on Thursday 3rd May. The series is set in Bristol Cove, a fictional town in a coastal location and known to legend as once a home for mermaids.

A mysterious girl, Ryn (played by British actress Eline Powell) arrives in the town where she soon causes havoc, leading two marine biologists to investigate the mystery of this far-from-stereotypical sea person. Zimbabwean actress Sibongile Mlambo also stars.

Much To Look Forward To In 2017

By on 27th January 2017in Local Biz

Leader of Durham County Council, Cllr Simon Henig, has used his first address to council of 2017 to highlight that there is much to look forward to in what promises to be an exciting year ahead.

Set against the backdrop of Brexit uncertainty and continuing austerity, Cllr Henig insists that the council continues to be “fiercely ambitious” despite having already faced budget cuts of £200 million.

He said: “We will focus on our key priorities: encouraging continued growth of our economy, redoubling our efforts to make Durham a safe, clean and green place to live and promoting a thriving visitor economy and cultural sphere..”

Cllr Henig also highlighted what can be achieved when partners and businesses from across the county work together. He said: “I was privileged to be present as the first Hitachi train, assembled on the production line at the Newton Aycliffe plant, was unveiled recently.

“Many companies from the county supply components for the trains and this historic moment served as a great example of how working together can bring huge benefits to the county, justifying the many years of hard work that brought Hitachi to County Durham, beating off competition from more than 40 other sites across the UK.”

Hitachi is just one of several success stories the county has to celebrate, including the creation of 1,200 jobs by ResQ in Seaham following support from Business Durham, the council’s business arm. Cllr Henig continued: “We are already looking forward to more good economic news in 2017 – this will include the start of the next phase of expansion at NETPark in Sedgefield and a new facility to expand GlaxoSmithKline in Barnard Castle.

“Redevelopments are now underway on this side of the riverbanks in Durham City which will enhance retail and cinema offers; all of these developments mean more job opportunities for local people and are key to our plans for a brighter future for County Durham.

“These plans include updated masterplans for Durham City and our major towns throughout the county – masterplans which will go before our Area Action Partnerships locally following consideration by Cabinet. Each is unique; each details the work undertaken so far, and what is still to come. We also look forward to ‘Operation Spruce Up’ within each of our 14 AAP’s as we continue our programme of spring cleans across County Durham so that this county is seen in its best possible light.”

In addition to the work of the council, Cllr Henig also highlighted some of the UK’s most popular and ground breaking events that the council works to support: “We are delighted that Kynren will return for a second season this summer – described as the country’s largest outdoor performance since the London Olympics – and attracting 100,000 visitors at a series of stunning night-time performances last year.

“Beamish, already the UK’s most popular living museum, will commence its expansion to encompass a reconstructed 1950’s town this year. The project to improve Seaham marina will continue as well as a new activity centre set to offer water and land sports. Our popular annual festivals – including Bishop Auckland Food Festival, Brass and the Durham Book Festival – will again entertain locals and bring in many thousands of visitors.

“Finally we also welcome back Lumiere for a fifth time in November – now the UK’s largest light festival – and this year accompanied by a major international lighting conference which we have attracted to Durham that last year took place in Seoul in South Korea.”

Increased Efforts To Tackle Cyber Crime

By on 26th January 2017in In & Around

Computer criminals that target people in County Durham are being snared using a wide range of measures, councillors have been told.

As families increasingly become victims of cyber-crime the Safe Durham Partnership is employing a number of ways to stop fraudsters and thieves.

Members of Durham County Council’s Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee heard of those efforts to keep people safe from digital threats.

Durham Constabulary’s assistant chief constable, Dave Orford, the chair of the Safe Durham Partnership, said: “Cyber-crime is a fast-growing area of crime with more and more criminals exploiting the speed, convenience and anonymity of the internet to commit a diverse range of criminal activities which know no borders, either physical or virtual, cause serious harm and pose very real threats to victims.

“Locally in County Durham we are working in partnership across our communities and our businesses to raise awareness of the risks.

“And we will continue to share information with the public in a bid to ensure they do not become the next victims of online crime.”

The Safe Durham Partnership identified cyber-crime as an emerging threat and set up a multi-agency group to co-ordinate activities including raising awareness, education and how to tackle the problem.

Durham Constabulary has also set up a “Digital Intelligence and Investigation Team” to look into digital crimes and work to stay up to date with the latest threats, viruses and scams.

Councillor David Boyes, the chair of the Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee, said: “We are supportive of the work of the Safe Durham Partnership in keeping those who may be vulnerable to becoming a victim of online crime safe.

“Cyber-crime is very much a 21st century challenge and we need to adapt to this changing world to deal with the criminals who look to take advantage.

“It’s important that we help to get the message out to our communities about the risks of becoming a victim of online crime.

“Cyber-crime may be prevented by taking simple steps. These include creating a complex password, updating antivirus software and not clicking on unexpected emails from unknown sources.

“Through our 14 Area Action Partnerships we will continue to support the Safe Durham Partnership in getting these crime prevention messages out to our communities.”

The Committee heard examples of the work that has been undertaken, including the work with Get Safe Online who offer advice and tips on issues such as online shopping, finance, social media, keeping children safe, running businesses and protecting digital devices.

The committee also heard about the Stay Safe Online at Christmas project, which saw an online advent calendar of advice created to spread online safety messages.

And they were told of the work taking place in schools, with class discussions on online hate speech and bullying on social media.  Further events will take place in schools for Safer Internet Day on 7th February 2017.

Cllr Joy Allen, the council’s cabinet member for safer communities, said: “Partnership working is crucial in tackling cyber-crime.

“It is important that our communities understand how to protect themselves against being a victim and I support the work of the Safe Durham Partnership in addressing this type of crime.”

You should report cyber-crime by ringing Durham Constabulary on 101 or through the website, visit www.durham.police.uk

For more advice about how to stay safe online, including practical advice on how to protect yourself, your computers and mobile devices, and your business, against fraud, identity theft, viruses and many other problems, visit www.getsafeonline.org/durham

 

Putting Young People At The Heart Of Decision-Making

By on 19th January 2017in In & Around

A range of schemes that enable children and young people to get involved in decision-making in County Durham were outlined to councillors onWednesday, 18 January.

Members of Durham County Council’s Cabinet heard how the authority, its 14 Area Action Partnerships (AAP) and other organisations working together as the County Durham Partnership are using a range of methods to engage with younger residents.

This year, for the first time, young people aged 11 years and older living or attending school in County Durham were able to take part in voting for AAP priorities in their area. More than 3,000 young people took part.

Teesdale and Three Towns AAPs, meanwhile, encourage young people to fill in applications for Small Grants Funding themselves, with other young people asked to appraise and approve submissions.

In the Mid Durham area, members of the Youth Area Committee, which includes young people from six local villages, have been working with the AAP for a number of years. The AAP also regularly works with primary and secondary schools.

Mid Durham and Stanley AAPs have a young person’s representative on their board, with 17-year-old Liam Bell, the Stanley rep, receiving a Chairman’s Medal for his voluntary work.

The report to Cabinet also outlined how County Durham Economic Partnership and the county’s Children and Families Partnership, the Health and Wellbeing Board, Safe Durham Partnership Board and the Environment Partnerships are also working to involve children and young people in their work.

Initiatives include the Erasmus+ project, which saw five council apprentices spending two works working with their counterparts in Gothenburg; the launch of the inaugural Student Voice Survey, which more than 8,000 secondary school pupils took part in; and involving children in designing the logo and branding for the 0 to 19 health visiting and school nursing service.

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