Groups and Services

Groups provided will vary according to need, but here you can find information on what kind of groups we are currently running, what we have done in the past, and what we may be able to offer in the future.

Stronger In Song

Stronger In Song is moving venues.  Please watch this space to find out our plans - or you can email us to be kept updated info@strongertogethergroups.co.uk

This is a musical group where you will be free to join in for a relaxed singing session, enjoy a dance if you'd like to, or if you'd prefer just to listen to the music you are very welcome to do that too.  It is a Stronger Together group, so there will of course be refreshments and chat on offer too!  Music will be whatever is requested, and will range from the 1950s to more modern classics.  Led by our Rowena, this is a fun, relaxed and friendly group, and it's one not to miss!

Unlike our small activity groups, referrals are not necessary for this group, neither is invitation or pre-booking, just turn up on the day and you will be welcomed in by one of our volunteers.  There will be a short form to fill in on your first visit and that's it!

Activity Groups

Our regular activity groups are held on weekly, for 8 weeks.  The venue is decided by the people we have who would like to come and spend some time with us and we will always try to find people to join wherever we know someone is interested.   There are are limited places for these groups and it is essential to have registered with us to enable us to invite you, so if you would like to attend please contact us for further information.  Delves Lane has been a regular venue for us, with a new group of 5 or 6 people being invited every 8 weeks.  Below are just some of the activities we have done in this group!  Please note there may be a wait for a place in this group.

Activity Cards

Small activity groups

This is our main activity.  Groups of around 6 participants, welcomed each week with a cup of tea and chat, before taking part in an activity tailored to the interests and abilities of the group.   Activities may be art and craft, music and singing, gardening, food based, reminiscence, or anything else we fancy!  Participants will sometimes be selected according to situation - a group for those living with dementia and their carers for example, or any other small group of people who will benefit from spending time together.  We can set up a group anywhere we have people to attend and a suitable venue can be found.  Our active area is in and around County Durham.

Please let us know here what you would like to see, and where you would like to see it.

Larger coffee mornings

An opportunity to enjoy a cuppa and chat with a slightly larger group.  Our team will be there to support you, and we will have an idea beforehand of what we can do to help you enjoy the morning.  There will be no pressure to stay or to speak to people, but the opportunity will be there if you wish.

Seated Exercise

We are very lucky to have in our team a qualified seated exercise instructor.  A low impact seated session set to music, followed of course by a cup of tea (or coffee!).

Life Story

Sessions to chat and make a scrap book of your life story.  No pressure to acheive a beautiful book but a wonderful opportunity to interact and learn about each other.

Food and Nutrition

Learn with support to make simple nutritious food - think soup, apple crumble, scones... Perfect for those who find themselves taking on the role of cook at home, or wanting to learn more about good eating habits.

Social events

Smallish events such as a tea dance or film showing, to allow us to get together for a short time, but with the confidence that our team is on hand to help with any anxieties, and make sure everyone feels welcome.

Together by Post   ***Closed for now***

Thank you to everyone who wrote a card for our Together by post service, we had some truly lovely words written and every card was distributed to those who signed up for the scheme.

If you or your loved one received a card, please do get in touch and let us know what you thought.

Receive a Christmas or greetings card in the post from one of our volunteers or a member of the public with warm wishes and connect with the community in a small secure way.  With no commitment necessary from you, this is a free service to spread a little community love during the colder months and bring a little bit of friendship into your home by post.  Be assured your details will not be shared, the cards will come to us for distribution.  

Activity Packs  **NOW CLOSED**

We have now delivered our Activity Pack service.  This was open to anyone living in Darlington or the surrounding area, and was free of charge.  

If you would like to read more about the boxes, what they contained and why, please find out here.

If you or your loved one received a box and you would like to give us some feedback please get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!