Support Directory

Action for Blind People [external link]

Garland House,
144-146 Borough Road,
Middlesbrough,
TS1 2EP

Tel: 01642 233439
Email: middlesbrough@actionforblindpeople.org.uk

Action for Blind People is a national charity with local reach, providing practical help and support to blind and partially sighted people of all ages.

We speak louder for nearly 30,000 visually impaired people every year, always placing their needs at the heart of everything we do. We support these individuals in many aspects of their lives and help them to find the right services and products they need to live independently.

Action for Dystonia, Diagnosis, Education and Research [external link]

For further information contact Verona Butler - President of ADDER
E-mail: verona.butler@gmail.com
Tel: 01325 332723

ADDER (Action for Dystonia, Diagnosis, Education and Research) is a charity set up for all people with dystonia, which is a neurological disorder characterised by a group of related movement disorders, which are always involuntary and often painful, prolonged spasms of muscle contractions, frequently causing twisting and repetitive movements, or abnormal postures. It can affect a single part of the body, or the whole body, or any mid-way position between these two extremes. ADDER was formed in 1999 by a group of locally based people and has the largest epidemiological data base in the world with over 2,100 people with this disorder within the North East.

Advocacy Together [external link]

Suite 1, 37 Victoria Road,
Darlington,
DL1 5SF

Tel: 01325 465337

Age UK Darlington [external link]

Bradbury House,
Beaumont Street West,
Darlington,
DL1 5SX

Tel: 01325 362832

The largest charity working for older people. Offering information or advice on anything from health to housing (previously known as Age Concern).

• Age UK Bathing Service [external link]
• Age UK Befriending Scheme [external link]
• Age UK Day Service [external link]
• Age UK Stroke Club [external link]
• Age UK What's on Calendar [external link]

All About Equipment [external link]

Provides quick and easy links to everything you need to know about equipment for older and
disabled people.

Alzheimer's Society [external link]

Suite 40, Evans Business Centre,
Unit 1, Stephenson Court,
Skippers Lane Industrial Estate,
Middlesbrough,
TS6 6UT

Tel: 01642 442030

Email: darlingtonteesside@alzheimers.org.uk

Alzheimer's Society staff and volunteers provide both local information and over 2,000 services across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to people affected by dementia in their communities. Our local services include day care and home care for people with dementia, as well as support and befriending services to help partners and families cope with the demands of caring.

Apetito [external link]

Canal Road,
Trowbridge,
BA14 8RJ

Tel: 01225 753636

We are an award winning, global organisation with 50 years experience in providing frozen food and catering solutions to Care Homes, Local Authorities and Hospitals.  We also provide a frozen meal delivery service to the public through our franchise Wiltshire Farm Foods and a private hot meal delivery service through Local Authorities through Apetito Services.

Assistive Technology

Tel: 01325 388508

Telecare is a range of simple, light, easy to use pieces of equipment for use within the home, to support people to be as independent as possible.

Autistic Society [external link]

Area Office - Yorkshire and Humberside,
11 Concept Court,
Allendale Road,
Thirsk
YO7 3NY

Tel: 01845 574590

We provide support to children, young people and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Asperger Syndrome. Our support is bespoke to he needs of the individual. Support is can be contracted and funded though Direct payments, Individual Budgets and contracts based on care and needs assessments.

Avalon Group [external link]

Head Office,
3 Grove Park Court,
Harrogate,
HG1 4DP

Tel: 01423 530053

The Avalon Group is committed to supporting people through innovative services that provide excellent quality and value for money. Their work includes providing accommodation and support, short breaks and respite for adults who have a wide range of needs including learning disabilities, mental health difficulties, sensory loss and dementia through their Shared Lives Scheme and Supported Living Service. Operating across North & West Yorkshire, Darlington and Teesside, they also specialise in supported holidays, social enterprises. 

Bathing Service [external link]

The service provided by Age UK Darlington.

Befriending Services

• Age UK Darlington [external link]
• British Red Cross [external link]
• WRVS [external link]

Befriending support is available from these organisations

Blue Badges

Adult Social Care,
Central House,
Gladstone Street,
Darlington,
DL3 6JX

Tel: 01325 346200

The scheme provides a national arrangement of parking concessions for people with severe walking difficulties who travel either as drivers or passengers.

British Red Cross [external link]

Western Avenue,
Newcastle,
NE4 8SR

E-mail: vsteel@redcross.org.uk
Tel: 0191 273 7961 (office hours) or 0779 336 9271

The British Red Cross can provide:

• Time limited support at home, help with meals, shopping, accessing social events or other appointments
• Access to loan equipment such as wheelchairs and commodes
• Door to door transport
• Telephone support line
• Sitting with cared for person to allow carer to attend appointments.
• Supported hospital discharge scheme 
• Please note – no personal care offered

Carers Support Service [external link]

Enterprise House,
Valley Street North,
Darlington,
DL1 1GY

Tel 01325 357533

The Carers Support Service provides information and advice to anyone who provides support to a family member, friend or neighbour who has a long term illness or impairment.

Church Groups

The Church in Darlington [external link]

Various groups take place at local churches around Darlington. Contact your local church for further information or click on the link to the left.

The Cinnamon Trust [external link]

Tel: 01736 757900

The Cinnamon Trust is the national charity for elderly and terminally ill people with pets.

Their volunteers can provide practical help when any aspect of day to day care poses a problem - for example, walking the dog for a housebound owner. They also provide a national fostering service for pets whose owners face a spell in hospital and long term care for pets whose owners have died or moved to residential accommodation which will not accept pets.

Citizens Advice Bureau Darlington [external link]

Bennet House,
Horsemarket,
Darlington,
DL1 5PT

Tel: 01325 256999

The Bureau provides specialist services in respect of welfare benefits, employment and money advice to clients who are eligible for legal help.

Club for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Tel: 01325 362725

A club for visually impaired people in Darlington, offering opportunities to increase confidence and independence following sight loss through social and leisure activities.

Contact the Elderly [external link]

Tel: 0800 716543

Contact the Elderly is a national charity and organises monthly Sunday afternoon tea parties for people over 75 who live alone with little or no support from family and friends.

County Durham Community Foundation [external link]

Grants are available through the John T Shuttleworth Ropner Memorial Fund [external link] to sick or disabled individuals and their carers in need of respite or holiday.

Cruse Bereavement Care [external link]

Tel: 0870 1671677 (national helpline number)

Cruse Bereavement Care exists to promote the well being of anyone bereaved by death and to enable bereaved people to understand their grief and cope with their loss.

Darlington Association on Disability [external link]

20-22 Horsemarket,
Darlington,
DL1 5PT

Tel: 01325 489999

Darlington Association on Disability was established in 1986 as a voluntary and charitable organisation led by disabled people. It exists to promote independence and choice, and supports disabled people and carers through the provision of services, support and information and by tackling issues locally and nationally.

Independence and Choice For All [external link] is a directory of all support provided by Darlington Association on Disability

Darlington Memorial Hospital [external link]

Hollyhurst Road,
Darlington,
DL3 6HX

Tel: 01325 380100

The hospital provides major acute services to 130,000 people living in Darlington and South Durham.

Day Opportunities

Adult Mental Health

• Blue Cedars Day Centre - 01325 975075
• Carewatch [external link]
• Darlington Association on Disability [external link]
• Mental Health Matters [external link]
• MIND [external link]
• Pathways 4 Care [external link]

Learning Disabilities

• Creative Support [external link]
• Lakeside Lodge [external link]
• The Links [external link]
• United Response [external link]

Older People

• Age UK Darlington [external link]
• Darlington Mind [external link]

Physical Disabilities & Sensory Impairment

• Dimensions Disability Initiative [external link]

Day opportunities are open to people over 18 with a learning, physical, visual or hearing impairment

Deaf & Hearing Impairment Services

Adult Social Care,
Central House,
Gladstone Street,
Darlington,
DL3 6JX

Tel: 01325 346200
Fax: 01325 346474
Minicom: 01325 468504

Support is available for people who are deaf, hearing impaired and deaf blind people to maintain or improve their level or independence.

Dementia

Services and support for people with dementia and their families and friends

Age UK Darlington [external link
Tel: 01325 362832

Alzheimer’s Society [external link]
Tel: 01642 442030
E-mail: darlingtonteesside@alzheimers.org.uk

Darlington Mind [external link]
Tel: 01325 283169

Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust [external link]
Tel: 01325 552015

Dementia affects a huge range of people across the UK. Within Darlington there is a wide range of support and information for sufferers and their families and carers. Even if you don’t have a diagnosis you may find this information helpful.

If you are worried about your memory or the memory of someone you care for, please speak to your GP and ask for an assessment.

More information can be found in the Dementia Information Sheet [PDF document]

DISC (Mental Health Accommodation Worker) [external link]

1st Floor,
1 Birch House,
Eastmount Road,
Darlington,
DL1 1LA

Tel: 01325 487687 or 486798

DISC is one of the largest and most successful home-grown charities operating in the North of England. Our services are designed to help people make the changes that will enable them to live independent and fulfilling lives.

With over 26 years of experience, we place our service users at the heart of what we do – we are committed to service user consultation throughout the organisation at every level.

Dimensions [external link]

Unit 1H,
Enterprise House,
Valley Street,
Darlington,
DL1 1GY

Tel: 0845 160 1831
Mobile: 07788 413 429

We support people with learning disabilities and people with autism. A not-for-profit organisation, we are a leader in our sector, supporting around 2,500 people and their families in England and Wales.

Our aim is to enable people to be part of the community and make their own choices and decisions about their life.

Dimensions Disability Initiative [external link]

West Lodge,
West Crescent,
Darlington,
DL3 7PS

Tel: 01325 254840

Direct Payments Support Service [external link]

Enterprise House,
Valley Street North,
Darlington,
DL1 1GY

Tel: 01325 360524

Darlington Association on Disability have an established Support Service for people wishing to use Direct Payments. They provide a flexible service and can provide you with as much, or as little help as you require.

Dolphin Centre

Horsemarket,
Darlington,
DL1 5RP

Tel: 01325 388406

Choose from activities to suit all tastes such as swimming in a 25m pool, training and diving pools, a climbing wall, badminton, squash, table tennis, football, martial arts, racquet sports, fitness suites, fitness classes and specialised activities for the under 5's and over 50's.

Domiciliary Care

• Abacus Care [external link]
• Allied Health Care [external link]
• Care UK Ltd [external link]
• Courtade - 01388 601500
• Dimensions [external link] 
• Direct Care Co-operative - 01325 244622
• Heritage [external link]
• Mears Group PLC [external link]
• Mencap [external link]
• Moorlands [external link]
• Positive Life Choices - 0191 4272799
• Premier Community Care Ltd [external link]
• Unique [external link]

Domiciliary Care Services provide care and support for people within their own home. They usually provide things such as:

• Assisting with getting washed, dressed and undressed;
• Assisting with getting up and going to bed;
• Assisting with preparing drinks and meals;
• Helping somebody eat;
• Helping somebody use the toilet;
• Supporting carers;
• Helping with basic living skills and hygiene;
• Helping with befriending and encouraging self-reliance.

Dyslexia Action [external link]

Darlington Centre,
69 Woodland Road,
Darlington,
DL3 7BQ

Tel: 01325 283580
E-mail: darlington@dyslexiaaction.org.uk

Dyslexia Action is a national charity and provider of services and support for people with dyslexia and literacy difficulties.

The Darlington Centre offers a variety of services including:

• Free advice
• Screening and assessments
• Specialist literacy and numeracy tuition
• Edexcel registered ALAN (Adult Literacy & Numeracy) courses and exams, Entry Levels 1-3 and Levels 1-2
• Workplace consultancy

Please note that services are chargeable.

Enablement Service

Town Hall,
Darlington,
DL1 5QT

Tel: 01325 388614

12 week free support service to help people aged 55 years and over back to independence.

Extra Care Housing

• Dalkeith House
• Mayflower Court
• Oban Court
• Rosemary Court

Extra Care Housing is provided for people who do not need or want to move in to long term care, with suitable housing and support from a trained care team. The service is provided by the Council's own Home Care service

Finchale College [external link]

Tel: 0191 3862634

A national specialist college, Finchale provides customised programmes of vocational rehabilitation to unemployed, disabled adults to help them gain and retain employment.

First Stop Darlington

Tubwell Row,
Darlington,
DL1 1PD

Tel: 01325 371792

First Stop Darlington is an open access "drop in" centre and a first port of call for a range of people looking for information on housing, as well as many other issues which may include benefits, money or debt and coping with drug or alcohol problems.

Gardening

Support is available for people who wish to remain in their own home but need some help with gardening.

Gateway Club

Salters Lane North,
Darlington,
DL1 3DT

Tel: Sharon Keelan on 01325 240452

Gay Advice Darlington [external link]

Tel: Mike Milner on 252522

Gay Advice Darlington/Durham is a volunteer service, run and staffed by trained volunteers and professional staff.

GOLD

Town Hall,
Darlington,
DL1 5QT

Tel: 01325 388845

GOLD stands for Growing Older Living in Darlington. We want to work towards a bright, active and positive future for people over fifty, whether working or retired.

We want to support not only people over fifty, but younger friends and families, play a strong role in our community and make sure we are seen as useful and respected citizens.

Home Equipment Loans Service [external link]

Tel: 01388 812812

The Home Equipment Loans Service is a county-wide service which loans equipment to children and adults of all ages with illness and/or disabilities to help with their nursing, social and rehabilitation care. The equipment helps people to maintain their independence and remain in their own homes.

Innovations enable people with learning disabilities to achieve a more independent and worthwhile quality of life, empowering them to accept their right to social inclusion.

Intermediate Care and Reablement Single Point of Access

Hundens Rehabilitation Unit,
Building B,
Hundens Lane,
Darlington,
DL1 1JE

Tel: 01325 745600
Fax: 01325 489030

Intermediate Care and Reablement have a single point of access, where all referrals will be received and processed to the joint Intermediate Care/Reablement  Team.

The general office opening times for all referrals will be between 8:00am and 8:00pm every day. However, if you require assistance out of office hours, please telephone 111.

Just the Job [external link]

Unit 30, Racecourse Road,
Gallowfields Trading Estate,
Richmond,
DL10 4TG

Tel: 01748 822815

Just the Job Environmental Enterprises is a not-for-private-profit Social Enterprise, operating in Richmondshire & Hambleton (North Yorkshire), which aims to provide employment, education, work based training and social opportunities for vulnerable and/or disadvantaged people. The company's objectives are to provide long term employment chances for people with 'Special Work Needs' by providing an environmental, sustainable and ethical service to its customers and, by working closely with local businesses to enable the progression of its Work Team Members

Key Point of Access

First Stop Darlington,
Tubwell Row,
Darlington,
DL1 1PD

Tel: 01325 371792

Housing Options Team
Customer Services Centre,
Town Hall,
Darlington,
DL1 5QT

Tel: 01325 388529 or 388522

The Key Point of Access helps people in Darlington by giving advice and guidance on housing problems. It aims to prevent people from becoming homeless. Where homelessness cannot be prevented, a
full assessment of individual support and accommodation needs will be made.

For more information see the Key Point of Access page

Lifeline Service

Town Hall,
Darlington,
DL1 5QT

Tel: 01325 388508

The Lifeline Service gives you the freedom to live independently in your own home, knowing that you can always call for help 24 hours a day, whenever you need it. The Lifeline gives you peace of mind at the touch of a button.

Lip Reading Classes

Tel: 01325 346880

A qualified teacher runs a class for hearing impaired people on how to develop lip reading skills. The classes are held at the CVS Buildings, Church Row, Darlington.

Living Made Easy [external link]

Provides clear, practical advice on daily living equipment for older and disabled people.

Lowther Support Brokers [external link]

Tel: 01388 813993 or 07906 441240
Email: info@lowthersupportbrokers.co.uk

Lowther Support Brokers (Accredited) are an independent support broker service. We are a small, friendly, caring business, who can help you create your support plan, cost your plan and search for services which suit you and enable you to be in control of your support. We cost your plan, detailing how you will spend your money, help to get your plan agreed and to make it happen. Please contact us for more details or have a look at our website.

Mencap [external link]

Unit 1D,
Enterprise House,
Valley Street,
Darlington,
DL1 1GY

Tel: 01325 741480
Fax: 01325 486451

We provide support to people of all ages living alone or with parents/carers. Our support is tailored to your needs and wishes, we offer support in all areas of life.

All our staff are trained to a high degree and have extensive experience of working with people with learning disability and other physical/mental health support requirements.

We offer a first class service at a competitive price coupled with the backing of being a long established national charity.

We are available to offer support across 7 days.

Mental Health Matters [external link]

Avalon House
St Catherine's Court
Sunderland Enterprise Park
Sunderland
SR5 3XJ

Tel: 0191 5163500

Mental Health Matters works with partner organisations to deliver a comprehensive range of services centred on individual service user needs.

The services they provide cover every aspect of service users' lives, from employment and housing to community support and psychological services.

MIND [external link]

St Hilda's House
11 Borough Road
Darlington
DL1 1SQ

Tel: 01325 283169

Their aim is to promote and preserve good mental health and to assist those experiencing mental distress to regain their full potential in life and work.

Mops and Mows [external link]

Newton Lane,
Darlington,
DL3 9HA

Tel: 01325 244266 or 07874 177423

We are a Darlington based, family run company offering friendly and affordable domestic services, tailored to your needs. We aim to help you run your home as you want it. Whether its cleaning or gardening, DIY or help with the shopping and ironing, we are happy to help. We can combine walking the dog with changing a lightbulb and washing the pots, its up to you! All domestic chores undertaken. We discount our simple hourly and half hourly rate by 15% for over 60's and people with disabilities

North Regional Association for Sensory Support (NRASS)

Pinetree Centre,
Durham Road,
Birtley,
DH3 2TD

Tel: 0191 4922035
Fax: 0191 4922143
E-mail: office@northregions.org.uk

Provides an independent advocacy service free of charge to anyone who is Deaf, deafened or DeafBlind. They support people with issues to do with health, housing, work, education, Social Care, benefit claims and discrimination.

North East Veterans Network [external link]

Their website provides a directory of services that is updated every month with details of services available for veterans and their families.

Nursing Care

Older People's Nursing Homes

• Eastbourne [external link]
• Hundens Park [external link]
• Lakeside House - 01325 286000
• Middleton Hall Retirement Village [external link]  
• Oak Lodge - 01325 381135
• Rydal Road [external link]
• St George's Hall & Lodge [external link]
• Ventress Hall [external link]
• Willow Green [external link]
• Wilton House - 01325 353701

Care homes can provide two major kinds of care:

• A residential care home provides personal care, meals and accommodation for people who can no longer manage to live independently, with help and support in their own home. Any nursing needs can be provided by a visiting district nurse.
• A nursing home provides personal care, meals and around the clock qualified nursing care.

Some care homes offer both kinds of care.

One Life Scheme

Tel: 01325 388904

The scheme offers a range of referral options aimed at giving clients the skills and knowledge to make healthier lifestyle choices.

Openart Studio

Darlington Arts Centre,
Vane Terrace,
Darlington,
DL3 7AX

Tel: 01325 486555

Artistic and creative activity. Develop new skills. If you are a charity or public health professional and would like to refer your service users please visit Darlington Arts Centre to find out more.

Pathways 4 Care [external link]

460 North Road,
Darlington
DL1 3AF

Tel: 01325 975075

Pathways4Care provide a home support service to enable people to live independently within their own homes.

Pathways to Independence [external link]

Grange Road Baptist Church,
Grange Road,
Darlington
DL1 5NH

Tel: 01429 235551
Mobile: 07896 054361
E-mail: pathwaytoindependence@yahoo.co.uk

Pathways to Independence provide support for adults with a range of disabilities including autism, behavioural distress and mental health issues.

Personal and Housing Related Support

• Allied Healthcare [external link]
• Carewatch [external link]
• Creative Support [external link]
• Dimensions [external link]
• Mencap [external link]
• Oaklea Trust [external link]
• Potens - 01325 382095
• St. Anne's [external link]
• UBU [external link]
• United Response [external link]
• Voyage Care [external link]

Personal and Housing related support covers for organisations which are able to support disabled and disadvantaged people towards independence, through choice and inclusion.

Pioneering Care Centre [external link]

Carers Way,
Newton Aycliffe,
DL5 4SF

Tel: 01325 321234

The Pioneering Care Centre is a fully accessible healthy living centre offering various services and activities to help people of all ages and abilities from County Durham, Darlington and beyond to improve health and well-being. Services include:

• Complimentary therapies (such as Acupuncture, Reflexology, Reiki, Indian Head Massage) and therapy treatment service (physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropody & hydrotherapy pool which relieves pain and improves mobility). Fully accessible/trained staff to support with hoisting requirements (concessionary rates for people in receipt of benefits, state pension & carers)
• Exercise classes and adult learning courses
• Flexible support including full day service to hourly provision to support individuals to access social, educational and leisure activities at Pioneering Care Centre and in local community settings. Day & hourly rates available.

Potens

Springfield Resource Centre,
98 Salters Lane South,
Darlington,
DL1 2AN

Tel: 01325 382095
Fax: 01325 749046
E-mail: springfield@potensial.co.uk

Day Opportunities are available for people who need support to enable them to live as independent and fulfilling a life as possible, in their communities. They are offered to people with disabilities particularly learning disabilities and high support needs.

Potens aim to provide life skills training support for people in their own communities where they can continue or develop new friendships close to home and benefit from other local resources. Service users benefit from a skilled and experienced staff team, a flexible approach to learning new skills and building their social networks with other Service users.

Red Pressures [external link]

Tel: 01325 778241
Mobile: 07794 524772

Red Pressures provides accredited training by General Social Care Council Registered professionals; Life and Business Coaching to support you to take control of your life and support you to reach your true destiny.

We also provide professional mediation services to assist you to maintain good relationships with your family members along with dealing with complex and difficult issues.

Residential Care

Older Person's Residential Care Homes

• Darlington Manor - 01325 361166
• Eastbourne [external link]
• Eden Cottage - 01325 281061
• Elderwood [external link]
• Grosvenor Park [external link]
• Hundens Park [external link]
• Lakeside House - 01325 286000
• Middleton Hall Retirement Village [external link]
• Moorlands [external link]
• North Park [external link]
• Oak Lodge - 01325 381135
• Riverside View [external link]
• Rydal Road [external link]
• St George's Hall & Lodge [external link]
• St William's [external link]
• Springfield [external link]
• The Gardens - 01325 487777
• The Grange [external link]
• The Lawns [external link]
• Ventress Hall [external link]
• Willow Green [external link]
• Wilton House - 01325 353701

Learning Disability Care Homes

• Bewick House [external link]
• Cornerstone [external link]
• Fir Tree House [external link]
• Holicote - 01325 469707
• Middleton Lodge [external link]
• The Avenue - 01325 240452

Physical Disability Care Home

• Lindisfarne Court [external link]

Early on-set dementia/Mental Health Care Home

• Ashleigh House - 01325 382847

Care homes can provide two major kinds of care:

• A residential care home provides personal care, meals and accommodation for people who can no longer manage to live independently, with help and support in their own home. Any nursing needs can be provided by a visiting district nurse.
• A nursing home provides personal care, meals and around the clock qualified nursing care.

Some care homes offer both kinds of care.

Ricability [external link]

Ricability is an independent consumer research charity providing free, practical and unbiased reports for older and disabled people.

Ruby Slippers [external link]

Tel: 01325 263066

Ruby Slippers Home Care and Support Service provides help and relief for you or your family if you are unwell, or you or a relative is recovering from an operation, would benefit from a little extra help in the home, or would simply like help and support to regain independence.

Sheltered Housing

Sheltered housing is a group of unfurnished apartments or bungalows, specially designed and built for people who are able to live an independent life, but would benefit from additional security and support. The individual property may also have special features to aid independent living such as level access showers.

Skills for People [external link]

Key House,
Tankerville Place,
Newcastle Upon Tyne,
NE2 3AT

Tel: 0191 281 8737
E-mail: imca@skillsforpeople.org.uk

Skills for People is a user-led, voluntary organisation working in the North East, inspiring people from across the UK and elsewhere. Since 1983 we have been working to make sure disabled people can be in control of their own lives, strong confident and included in the communities of their choice.

Stroke Association [external link]

The Stroke Association is the only UK wide charity solely concerned with combating stroke in people of all ages. Our Life After Stroke model has been developed in response to the ever-changing needs and expectations of stroke survivors, their families and carers, and Stroke Awareness Raising sessions are delivered in both public and professional settings.

St Teresa's Hospice [external link]

The Woodlands,
Woodland Road,
Darlington,
DL3 7UA

Tel: 01325 254321

The Hospice works on enhancing people's quality of life and helping them to live with their illness, as comfortably as possible.

• Support & Information for Carers (PDF document)
• Time Out for Carers (PDF document)

Sunshine Solutions [external link]

Tel: 07917 842554

E-mail: carolmitchie@googlemail.com

We are a small business set up with the idea of making things easier within your own home. We can assist with all kinds of domestic and personal tasks, for example, shopping, laundry, housework, collection of dosset boxes and medication. We can also accompany you if that’s what you require. We also offer a bathing service, sitting service and a gardening service.

Supporting People Team

Town Hall,
Darlington,
DL3 6JX

Tel: 01325 388278

The Supporting People programme is government funding of housing related support services for vulnerable people aged 16 and above.

The aim of the Supporting People programme is to give vulnerable people the opportunity to improve their quality of life, by providing high quality housing related support services, to allow them to live independently.

Supporting People Service Directory (PDF document)

Talking Newspaper

Tel: 01325 465101

We are an essential information service for the visually impaired. Our Talking Newspaper provides various items of news published in the Northern Echo and Darlington & Stockton Times, together with magazine items such as recipes, poetry, stories, sport and “What’s On” in Darlington.

The recordings can be provided to you in several ways, either on a CD, through the website, on an MP3 player, or maybe some other form as required.

Techworx

7 Forge Way,
Cleveland Trading Estate,
Darlington,
DL1 2PJ

Tel: 01325 354608

Techworx allows people who have a learning disability to gain valuable work experience and training.

Telecare

Tel: 01325 388508

Telecare is a range of simple, light, easy to use pieces of equipment for use within the home, to support people to be as independent as possible.

Thornbeck College [external link]

North East Autism Society,
Angel House,
Borough Road,
Sunderland,
SR1 1HW

Tel: 0191 515 4640

Thornbeck College is an independent specialist college which provides residential and day placements for learners who are following an educational programme. Educational placements are funded by the Learning & Skills Council whilst Adult Social Care also contribute towards residential placements.

24-7 Community Support [external link]

2 Paramo House,
Denmark Street,
Darlington,
DL3 0LP

Tel: 01325 489187

E-mail: info@247communitysupport.co.uk

Provides a support service to meet your individual needs, whether you need a few hours a week or full 24 hour/live in support. The service can support you in maintaining your lifestyle whilst delivering the highest quality of support and care to you in your own home.

Tynetec [external link]

Cowley Road
Blyth Riverside Business Park
Blyth
Northumberland
NE24 5TF

Tel: 01670 352371

Tynetec is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of Warden Call Systems, Dispersed Alarms, Telecare & Telehealth Equipment, Wireless Nurse Call Systems and Access Control Systems. All design and manufacturing is carried out by a dedicated team based in Blyth, Northumberland. The new Reach Alarm Unit and Touch Pendant demonstrate just how customer feedback and service user insight can be used to develop innovative product solutions that enable people to live independently for longer in their own homes.

United Response [external link]

Milburn House,
17 Woodland Road,
Darlington,
DL3 7BJ

Tel: 01325 486296

United Response is a national charity that supports people with learning disabilities, mental health needs and physical disabilities to take control of their lives.

We do this in many different ways – from supporting people to live as independently as possible in their own homes to helping them access their community, get training and seek work opportunities. We also campaign with, and on behalf of, the people we support on the issues that affect their lives.

We believe that people with disabilities are equal participants in society and should have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

Vane House Resource Centre

Arts Centre Grounds,
Vane Terrace,
Darlington,
DL3 7AX

Tel: 01325 346200

Provides a wide range of services to blind and partially sighted people enabling them to gain knowledge, confidence and the skills necessary to enhance their quality of life.

Voyage Options [external link]

Tel: 0800 3286091

Voyage Options offers flexible individual support across the UK to enable you to live the life you choose. We can support you to do whatever you want, including taking part in sports, going to the cinema or bowling, meeting up with friends or going to college. We can also support you to find somewhere to live, look after your home, find out what benefits you are entitled to and manage your money.

We have experience of supporting people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries and other complex needs, both at home and in the community. We can provide support for nursing and personal care needs. All our staff are CRB checked and given appropriate training. We charge a competitive hourly rate with no premiums for weekends or bank holidays. We have a track record of providing support at short notice when needed.

Walking

Darlington Doorstep Walks

Tel: 01325 254370

Walk your way to health and discover areas of Darlington you may not have seen before. Improve your fitness, make new friends and reconnect with nature.

Wiltshire Farm Foods [external link]

Unit 9D,
Prospect Road,
Crook,
DL15 8JL

Tel: 01388 765500

Wiltshire Farm Foods provides a choice of over 230 meals and desserts - all at great value prices, delivered to your door for free by our caring, CRB police checked drivers. We also cater for a wide range of special dietary needs, including lower fat, gluten free, diabetic diets and a range of texture modified meals.

WRVS [external link]

Unit 1Q,
Enterprise House,
Valley Street North,
Darlington,
DL1 1GY

Tel: 01325 366682

WRVS provide a range of services to older and housebound Darlington residents including good neighbours, community transport, home from hospital and home library services. Volunteers visit lonely/isolated people for a chat, take someone shopping, provide lifts to GP appointments and hospital, call in on someone who has recently left hospital or deliver books to housebound people.