There's something for everyone in Darlington
A chat, getting fresh air, joining a local group or accessing specialist support can make a big difference.
Whether you're struggling yourself or worried about someone you know, support is available across Darlington.
We know that men's mental health is a priority in Darlington. Local men have told us that support feels more accessible when it's informal, friendly and confidential, so we've included a range of support options and activities that can help you take the first step, build connections or get specialist help when you need it. You'll find dedicated opportunities and groups for men highlighted throughout the sections below.
Whatever you're going through, you don't have to face it alone. This page contains local advice, services and support to help you look after your mental health, support someone you care about, manage stress, and get practical help with money worries, housing concerns and other challenges that may be affecting your wellbeing.
Sometimes it's not about having all the answers. Checking in, talking to someone you trust, trying something new or reaching out for support can make a real difference.
Find what support is available
If you or someone you know is experiencing crisis including when someone's life is at risk – for example, they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose or you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe. Call 999.
For information about mental health emergencies, visit the NHS website.
Supporting someone you know
Everyone has good and bad days, but if you're worried about someone, look out for changes that last for several weeks or start to affect their daily life. Signs may include:
- Withdrawing from friends, family or activities they usually enjoy
- Appearing more stressed, worried or overwhelmed than usual
- Changes in sleep patterns, appetite or energy levels
- Struggling to concentrate or make decisions
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs to cope
- Becoming unusually irritable, emotional or withdrawn
- Talking negatively about themselves or expressing feelings of hopelessness
Remember, mental health difficulties are not always obvious. Sometimes simply noticing that "something doesn't seem right" is enough reason to check in.
Starting a conversation may feel uncomfortable, but it can make a real difference. Choose a time and place where you can talk without distractions and approach the conversation with kindness and patience.
Try:
- Asking how they're doing and genuinely listening to the response
- Speaking in a calm, non-judgemental way
- Giving them time to talk at their own pace
- Respecting if they don't want to talk straight away
- Checking in again if they're not ready to open up
A simple "I've noticed you don't seem yourself lately. How are things?" can be a good place to start
You don't need to have all the answers. Often the most helpful thing is listening and showing that you care.
Helpful things to say:
- "I'm here for you."
- "You don't have to go through this alone."
- "Thank you for telling me."
- "How can I support you?"
- "Would it help to look at support options together?"
Try to avoid:
- Telling them to "cheer up" or "just stay positive"
- Comparing their experience to someone else's
- Rushing to offer solutions before listening
- Dismissing their feelings or concerns
If they tell you they're struggling, reassure them that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If someone needs additional support, there are a range of local and national services available.
- Darlington Mind for mental health support, wellbeing services and peer support.
- Darlington Connect for support with mental health, housing, finances, domestic abuse and other issues affecting wellbeing.
- NHS Talking Therapies (County Durham and Darlington) for anxiety, stress, depression and other common mental health difficulties. Self-referral is available.
- Durham Tees Valley Listening Service provides emotional support and a listening ear 24 hours a day on 0800 046 1313.
NHS support
- Contact a GP if mental health concerns are affecting day-to-day life or have persisted for several weeks.
- Access NHS Talking Therapies without needing a GP referral.
Urgent help
If someone is experiencing a mental health crisis:
- Call NHS 111 and select the mental health option
- Call 999 if there is an immediate risk to life
- Go to the nearest A&E department in an emergency
Connect, Get Active and Feel Better
Walk in South Park
One of Darlington's most popular green spaces, perfect for a gentle walk, jog or meeting a friend for a coffee.
📍 South Park, Parkside, Darlington, DL1 5TG
🏃 Darlington South Park parkrun (FREE)
A friendly, free 5km event every Saturday morning. Walk, jog, run or volunteer. Suitable for all fitness levels.
📍 South Park, Parkside, Darlington, DL1 5TG
📅 Saturdays, 9am
🔗 https://www.parkrun.org.uk/darlingtonsouthpark/
🚲 Cycling Around Darlington
Explore local cycle routes, parks and traffic-free paths. Cycling is a low-cost way to keep active and improve fitness.
🔗 https://www.darlington.gov.uk/transport-roads-and-parking/getting-around-darlington/active-travel/
Blackwell Grange Golf Club
Community Gardening & Allotments
Community gardening projects and allotments provide gentle exercise, fresh air and an opportunity to meet others.
Find opportunities through: 🔗 https://darlingtonvolunteers.com
Free Men's Groups in Darlington
Andy's Man Club
A free, confidential peer support group for men aged 18+. No referrals, booking or diagnosis needed. Just turn up for a brew and a chat with other men in a safe, supportive environment. Sessions are held every Monday evening at Firthmoor Community Centre.
Darlington Men's Shed
A great way to stay active while learning practical skills, working on projects and meeting other men.
📍 164 North Road, Darlington, DL1 2EL
Other ways to meet people
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Darlington Volunteers Hub
A central hub for finding health, community and charity volunteering opportunities across Darlington.
🔗 https://darlingtonvolunteers.com/
First Stop Darlington
Support people experiencing financial hardship, isolation, housing issues and wellbeing challenges.
📍 32 Houndgate, Darlington, DL1 5RH
📞 01325 254463
🔗 https://firststopdarlington.org.uk/volunteer/
Darlington Association on Disability (DAD)
Help support disabled children, young people and adults across Darlington.
🔗 https://www.darlingtondisability.org/support-adults/volunteer-project
St Teresa's Hospice
Support patients and families through a variety of volunteering opportunities.
📍 The Woodlands, Woodland Road, Darlington, DL3 7UA
🔗 https://darlingtonvolunteers.com/volunteers/about
Talk to someone
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Life Challenges
Struggling with your tenancy, rent, finances, or housing situation?
Or are you sleeping rough, sofa surfing or not have a permanent place to stay?
All of these situations can be incredibly stressful and can have a real impact on your mental health. You're not alone.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, or worried about keeping your home, speak to the Housing Team as soon as possible.
They are here to listen, support and help you find solutions before problems become bigger.
Further information & advice can be found at Darlington BC - Housing
You can get help free help in Darlington whether you want advice, to cut down or to stop using drugs or alcohol altogether. Their is a team available to work with you to understand your goals and support you in a way that feels right for you.
There are now online referral options, to make it easier to get support.
If you think we've missed an important support mechanism in Darlington, let us know,
*The aim of this page is to signpost free/cheap/accessible support to all in Darlington.