Healthwatch Darlington

12/06/2026

With the warmer weather set to return this weekend, why not get out and into nature at some of Darlington's beautiful green spaces, and even volunteer to keep them looking wonderful?

Green spaces provide havens for wildlife and peaceful retreats for residents, and better still, most of Darlington’s green spaces sit right within residential areas, offering easy access to fresh air and natural beauty and in turn.

Have a look at these posters to find out where your nearest green space may be, so you can volunteer to keep your town looking beautiful.

Get involved: https://ow.ly/eJkG50YYTc5

12/06/2026

We have been notified that unfortunately GOLD are not able to hold their cuppa and catch up due to take place this coming Monday. This is due to a recent incident in the Citizens Advice offices and therefore the first floor is not open for meetings.

GOLD wish to remind everyone the Tea Dance will still be taking place on Wednesday 15th July from 11.00am in the Market Square and they look forward to seeing everyone there for a boogie and a great time!

11/06/2026

In case you missed it....

There's some wonderful news for those visiting loved ones in local hospitals! Visiting hours have been changed to make it easier to spend time with loved ones who are in hospital. Darlington Memorial is one of the hospitals that will now allow visitors daily between 10:30 and 19:30. Previously times varied from ward to ward.

Children are also welcome where appropriate. Previously younger visitors were limited. There is a maximum of two visitors, who would have to follow infection prevention measures such as not sitting on patient beds or using patient toilets.

Visitors may occasionally be asked to "step out briefly to enable patient care, privacy or rest".

11/06/2026

Get ready to go Around the World in 80 Days at this year's Darlington Community Carnival!

📅 Saturday 27 June 2026
📍 Hopetown Darlington
🎟️ FREE ENTRY

We'll be there along with a host of community organisations joining in with what's sure to be a fun filled day!

With activities and performances throughout the day, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Bring your family, friends, and community spirit for a fantastic celebration of culture, creativity, and togetherness. Pre-book your free tickets via the Hopetown Darlington website or simply turn up on the day!

Check out the poster for full information...

10/06/2026

Pop on over this afternoon from 1.30pm to the chatty cafe in The Bistro at the Wellbeing Hub for a friendly chat and even meet new people!

Chatty cafes will continue on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month going forward.

We are working in partnership with Primary Healthcare Darlington to start a 'Chatter and Natter' table in our Wellbeing Hub, so people of all ages have a space to chat with others. 💚

The table will be in our Bistro every second and fourth Wednesday of the month between 1:30pm and 3pm - the first will take place today, Wednesday 10th June.

Come through the Wellbeing Hub entrance, which can be found within the grounds of St Teresa's Hospice - follow our drive round to the end and look for the Wellbeing Hub sign.

10/06/2026

It's Carers Week 2026!

Established by Carers UK, Carers Week is an annual awareness campaign to celebrate and recognise the vital contribution made by the UK's 5.8 million carers.

The theme for Carers Week 2026 is Building Carer Friendly Communities. This highlights the impact carer friendly communities can have in making a real and lasting difference to the lives of carers everywhere.

Find out more, including resources to show your support for Carers across the UK: https://www.healthwatchdarlington.co.uk/news/2026-06-10/its-carers-week-2026

09/06/2026

Do you use NHS patient transport services in Darlington?

The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) is working with the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) and partners to review NHS patient transport services in the North East.

Patient transport helps people get to and from hospital if they cannot travel safely on their own because of their health or mobility needs.

Feedback indicates the service does not always work well, with people saying:

· waits can be long
· the rules are not always clear
· services can be different depending on where you live

We are looking at making the rules for patient transport clearer and more consistent in the North East. This includes reviewing who qualifies for free transport support.

Healthwatch Darlington is helping to make sure users of the service can have their say. If you do use the Patient Transport Service now or have done in the last three years, you can:

· Complete the ICB’s survey online here https://ex.civicamysay.co.uk/BD9WjeSmCx - you can take part until 3 July 2026.

Please contact us if you want to discuss your use of the service and how changes might work for you in Darlington - call us on 01325 380145 or email: [email protected]

29/05/2026

Have you seen this?

A new ANPR parking system went live last week at Darlington Memorial Hospital. Find out what this means for you: https://www.cddft.nhs.uk/about-us/news/new-anpr-parking-system-go-live-darlington-memorial-hospital-thursday-21-may-2026

28/05/2026

Durham University are looking for adult sufferers of Traumatic Brain Injury who were injured/and or treated in the North East and North Cumbria to complete an online questionnaire which can be completed in around 20 minutes. Family members/friends can aid with entering answers.

They are looking at the information that survivors receive after their Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and we would greatly appreciate you offering your opinions based on your lived experience.

Take the survey and share your views: https://ow.ly/vKlA50Z4Cu3 or scan the QR code on screen

If you require any further information you can contact:

- Richard McMann ([email protected])
- Alison Lane ([email protected]) or;
- Leanne Trick ([email protected])

28/05/2026

NHS leaders in County Durham are looking at the services that are available for people when they have an urgent or emergency health need. They're asking for your help to directly inform any future decisions, by reflecting on the real‑world experiences you have had.

More information, and share your views >>> https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/t/CDurgentcare/