County Durham Resilience

11/04/2026

An individual recently accessed the County Durham Resilience service during a period of poor mental health, low confidence, and social isolation. Everyday tasks felt overwhelming, and they were struggling to manage practical and financial issues alongside ongoing health challenges.

Support from the service helped them feel listened to and understood. Practical strategies were introduced to help manage anxiety, build confidence, and focus on small, achievable steps. With encouragement and hands‑on support, the individual was able to access services, complete essential paperwork, and attend appointments they had previously avoided.

The service also helped reduce financial pressure by supporting access to additional assistance with living and energy costs. Over time, the individual progressed from remote support to attending face‑to‑face appointments in settings where they felt safe, gradually increasing their independence.

As a result, the individual reported improved wellbeing, greater confidence, and a renewed sense of control. They felt less isolated, better able to manage their health and appointments, and more confident in communicating and asking for help. The support played a key role in helping them move forward more positively.

They said: "My Resilience Worker was honest and supportive, and she challenged
me when I needed it, pushing me out of my comfort zone and helping me see that I am capable of doing things for myself. This has really helped rebuild my confidence.

"It meant a lot to have someone to talk to about everyday things. Even simple conversations, including chats about hobbies helped me feel more connected and less alone. The support I received has been invaluable in helping me move forward."

Find out more about the County Durham Resilience service, and how to refer yourself here: www.pcp.uk.net/county-durham-resilience

10/04/2026

This week we covered shading, washes and water colour splotches. The group facilitator started the session with a short talk about different brushes and paper, then getting the group to complete an exercise on getting to know your colour palette. 🎨

This was a very relaxed and fun session. The confidence of the facilitator has really improved over the last few weeks and being able to share their knowledge and skills is having a big impact on their wellbeing and also for those that are attending, with some of the group going out to buy their own water colour materials so they can have a go at home.

Art supports mental wellbeing in several interconnected ways. Art offers a safe way to express and process difficult emotions, supporting self‑discovery and emotional release, while also helping people build resilience, confidence, connection, and a sense of agency, particularly during times of isolation or challenge.

02/04/2026

This week, the theme for our Watercolour for Wellbeing group in Crook was Easter and Spring. Our group enjoyed painting joyful bunnies, patterned eggs, blooming Spring flowers and peaceful seasonal landscapes. Such a lovely way to pause, breathe and create together as we step into the new season. 💜

Our group is held on the first Wednesday of each month at Crook Library. If you would like any further information, please contact Dawn at dawn.murphy@pcp.uk.net. Many thanks to Crook Library for kindly hosting this group County Durham Libraries

For more information, please get in touch with Resilience Worker, Dawn at dawn.murphy@pcp.uk.net

02/04/2026

County Durham Resilience Mind and Body is a programme focused on building resilience through mindful practices in everyday life. Its aim is to help individuals develop a personalised wellness toolkit using realistic and achievable mindfulness techniques that can be incorporated into daily routines.

The programme includes practices such as using the five senses, meditation, breathing exercises, and engaging in relaxing activities, alongside exploring emotions, thinking styles, and personal experiences that influence wellbeing.

Delivered over five sessions, the group provides a safe and supportive environment where participants can explore mindfulness in daily living. It is designed to feel nonclinical and user-friendly, encouraging individuals who may feel anxious about group settings to engage more comfortably.

The sessions are based around activities of daily living (ADLs), helping participants apply mindful skills in practical ways to support better decision-making and healthier routines.

Referrals to the service come from a range of sources, including SPLW, GP-aligned services, first contact mental health nurses, Harbour, and community networks. While there have been some challenges in maintaining referral levels- particularly due to changes in staffing- the service continues to build connections and promote its offer within the community.

The benefits of the programme are reflected in client feedback and outcomes. Many participants report feeling relaxed for the first time in a long period, developing more positive thinking styles, and improving their ability to cope with difficult situations.

Although the process can sometimes feel emotional or challenging, particularly when addressing personal issues, participants often find that continued practice leads to meaningful improvements in wellbeing.

Support is provided through a combination of phone and face-to-face contact, with sessions delivered across various venues that offer a safe and calming space. Working in small groups enhances the experience by improving learning outcomes, communication, and problem-solving skills, while also fostering peer support.

Participants consistently report positive experiences, highlighting the value of techniques such as meditation and breathing exercises. Facilitators including Pippa Guard, Lynda Dixon, and Julie Court play a key role in guiding individuals and supporting them to achieve their goals.

Between April 2025 and December 2025, five groups were delivered across different venues, with 24 clients attending or invited. While not all participants were able to complete all five sessions, the small group format allowed the service to reach more individuals effectively.

Overall, the programme demonstrates the value of group-based interventions in delivering practical coping skills, supporting mental wellbeing, and helping to bridge the gap for individuals waiting for longer-term therapeutic support.

01/04/2026

Stress is inevitable, it might come from work demands, personal situations, or simply juggling too many things at once. What’s important to remember is that stress can be managed and noticing the signs early can really help.

NHS Every Mind Matters explains that stress can appear in many ways, such as feeling overwhelmed, changes in mood, or finding it hard to focus. Recognising these signals allows us to take action sooner, supporting both our wellbeing and how we perform at work.

The NHS highlights a number of practical ways to help manage stress, including:

- Breaking bigger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps
- Staying connected with people who can offer support
- Making time to rest and do things you enjoy
- Moving your body regularly
- Reaching out for help if stress starts to feel unmanageable

Find out more about managing stress here:

Find out about the symptoms of stress, possible causes and ways to manage stress. Plus get your self-care plan with tips and advice.

31/03/2026

Project Lead Donna, had a fantastic day representing the Pioneering Care Partnership Peer Support team at the County Durham Peer Support Network event, held at Bullion Hall along with Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust 🤝

She took part as a proud Peer Support member and joined a vibrant room full of partners, ideas and shared experiences. Peer Support is about helping people to feel confident in managing their own health and care. It happens when people with similar long-term conditions, or health experiences, come together to support each other – either on a one-to-one or group basis.

Donna also delivered an engaging overview of the Resilience service, giving Network members a clear and inspiring look at the support available and how it’s making a difference across County Durham.

To learn more about the Peer Support service and County Durham Resilience please visit: www.pcp.uk.net/projects-and-services

27/03/2026

During our latest art wellbeing session we covered the basics of watercolour from shading and applying different pressure to the brushes to letting our imagination run free to design flowers. 💜

This session allowed our client to start building on confidence in how to deliver a watercolour workshop and to use their skills. Another great workshop that is designed to build on confidence and achievement.

The participants gave some encouraging feedback saying: “This has really helped with my focus and concentration, I found just doing the shading really relaxing”.

With this encouragement our client left the session feeling very happy and reassured that they will be able to start looking at more techniques to teach the group. The rest of the group also left with a feeling of achievement.

Art supports mental wellbeing in several interconnected ways. Art offers a safe way to express and process difficult emotions, supporting self‑discovery and emotional release, while also helping people build resilience, confidence, connection, and a sense of agency, particularly during times of isolation or challenge.

26/03/2026

Coordinator, Donna and Resilience Worker, Esther are at Seaham Leisure Centre from now until 3pm for the Social Prescriber Day. 💜

Discover the support, services and opportunities available in your community. There is 20+ information stands offering advice and guidance on:
• Housing
• Finances
• Employment
• Isolation
• Physical and mental health and wellbeing

25/03/2026

Project Lead, Donna joined the Peer Support team from Blackhall Community Centre 0191 5867396 and Northern Learning Trust on a wellbeing walk, spending time together outdoors and talking about the benefits these walks can bring. They discussed how taking time outside, even briefly, can positively support mental and physical wellbeing. 💜

Benefits of wellbeing walks include:
- Improved mood and reduced stress through light activity and fresh air
- Increased energy levels and a break from routine
- Opportunities for conversation, connection, and peer support
- Better physical health through regular, low‑impact movement
- Greater mental clarity and space for problem‑solving
- Support in building positive, sustainable wellbeing habits

Getting outside, when possible, is important because:
- Being in nature can help people feel calmer and more grounded
- Sunlight helps regulate sleep patterns and supports overall wellbeing
- A change of environment can reduce stress and encourage clearer thinking
- Movement outdoors encourages mindfulness and time to focus on the present moment

We aim to build resilience within communities in County Durham. This includes; where people feel lonely and isolated, and have experienced mental health difficulties, which includes those impacted by COVID - find out more here: www.pcp.uk.net/county-durham-resilience

Peer Support helps people to feel confident in managing their own health and care. It happens when people with similar long-term conditions, or health experiences, come together to support each other , either on a one-to-one or group basis. It is enabled through relationships that build mutual acceptance and understanding, you can find out more here: www.pcp.uk.net/peer-support

24/03/2026

Take a look at some of the upcoming events we will be attending - if there's anything you think is beneficial to you, pop along and say hello. 💜

26 March from midday to 3pm - Social Prescribing Day at Seaham Leisure Centre.

1 April from 9am to midday - The Job Centre Health and Wellbeing event at Seaham Job Centre.

13 April from 11am to 3pm - Durham Haven Pain Café open day at Brandon Community Centre.

For any enquiries please contact: resilience@pcp.uk.net

24/03/2026

Donna, Coordinator for County Durham Resilience is at the Social Prescribing Day at Peterlee Memorial Methodist Church ready to answer and support you with anything resilience! 💜

We aim to build resilience within communities in County Durham. This includes; where people feel lonely and isolated, and have experienced mental health difficulties, which includes those impacted by COVID - find out more here: www.pcp.uk.net/county-durham-resilience

20/03/2026

Earlier this week Nicky, Resilience Coordinator and Lisa, Senior Peer Worker were at a Health and Wellbeing event at Spennymoor Job Centre - our staff love being out and about in the community. 💜

We aim to build resilience within communities in County Durham. This includes; where people feel lonely and isolated, and have experienced mental health difficulties, which includes those impacted by COVID - find out more here: www.pcp.uk.net/county-durham-resilience

Peer Support helps people to feel confident in managing their own health and care. It happens when people with similar long-term conditions, or health experiences, come together to support each other – either on a one-to-one or group basis. It is enabled through relationships that build mutual acceptance and understanding, you can find out more here: www.pcp.uk.net/peer-support