For the past 18 months we have run a one-stop-shop at the Eden Hill Rugby Club. Over 400 people have come through the doors to use the service. The support has been essential in helping to mitigate against problems people face.
Background
Eden Hill is the second most deprived ward within County Durham and within the top 10% most deprived nationally. The drop in Centre has by far been the main conduit for local residents to raise their concerns and issues which have included:
- financial difficulties
- health issues
- drug & alcohol dependencies
- unemployment
- poor housing
- low self-esteem
A multi-agency approach has been vital in providing advice and early interventions. We work with:
- Reaching Out Across Durham
- Citizens Advice Bureaux
- POLICE
- Area Action Partnership
- Peterlee Town Council
- Durham County Council
- Durham Works
- youth strategy group
- NEFIRST – Credit Union
As part of the promotion to get local people involved, we provide warm and cold food, with drinks. It’s an essential element in helping to tackle holiday hunger.
Some of the outcomes we have achieved so far:
- Local residents feel less isolated through being involved in new social networks
- Improved access, to a range of existing, and new community services, activities and events by local residents, leading to improved wellbeing.
- People on low incomes have experienced reduced stress and anxiety, as a result of financial advice leading to improved well-being and able to access facilities.
- Young people involved with organised and meaningful activities.
Eden Hill People Centre has made some positive changes to the area, and continues to support local people.