Agenda item

The Council noted a report from Councillor A Hopgood, Leader of the Council. In her report, Councillor Hopgood referred to the arrival of Autumn and spoke of the challenges that Autumn and Winter could bring for many people. The Council had teamed up with Point North to deliver the Welcome Spaces scheme for the third year. The project aimed to create a network of places across the county where people could feel safe, warm and included.  Last year, 83 organisations joined the network and the feedback showed that there were other benefits as well as keeping people warm.

Welcome Spaces provided a place for people to socialise, along with support on matters ranging from finance, housing and mental health to drugs and alcohol.  Councillor Hopgood hoped that even more community organisations would become Welcome Spaces this winter and the Council were offering grants of up to £3,000 with training to support them to do so. She asked that this was shared within communities.

Councillor Hopgood also commented that there was advice on how to stay warm and well in the current issue of Durham County News. The magazine was available to read online and residents could also subscribe to receive email alerts each time an edition was published. The publication was a great way to stay up to date with the latest council news and events.