January 2026
Why is this happening?
Our region’s NHS must continue to adapt to the changing needs of the people it serves. Alongside the opportunities this brings, there are challenges such as workforce pressures and rising costs. And as the organisation responsible for planning and buying the majority of healthcare services in the region, we have a responsibility to use our resources wisely.
As demands on the NHS grow and change, we must make tough choices now to ensure we can meet people’s needs in the future – sustainably and safely.
What does this mean for our community?
We are facing some tough financial challenges across the health and care system in our region. Without action, the deficit will grow by 3% every year.
We need to save over £1 billion by 2028 to remain financially sustainable – while still delivering safe, high-quality care. This is a national issue and NHS organisations across the country face the same challenges as we do.
We have identified through working with our local delivery teams a number of adult services that we are proposing are discontinued.
A contract with Age UK County Durham provides low level mental wellbeing interventions, physical activity, occupational therapy (including social/befriending contact) and telephone mental wellbeing and support for older people supporting people with social isolation and loneliness.
A contract with Homegroup which provides a series of elements. These include physical activity service to support small numbers of people with lifestyles changes. Supported volunteering opportunities as part of an individuals mental health recovery and a supported recovery service.
An employment support service provided through Mental Health Matters in Easington. This service works with individuals and employers to facilitate supportive environments enabling individuals to return (or remain in work) following mental health problems.
A mental health advocacy service that is delivered through ReThink. This is a service supporting individuals with an identified mental health need and their families make informed choices regarding their care.
A rapid response suicide prevention service delivered through Darlington Mind which provides urgent support for individuals who may be vulnerable to suicide.
A specialist day centre providing person-centred care, companionship, cognitive stimulation therapy, therapeutic activities, and respite to older adults, particularly those with dementia or long-term. This service is provided by Greatham Foundation from Minerva House in Hordern, East Durham.
Why have these services been chosen?
We have carried out a thorough internal review and identified areas of duplication between many of the services that we commission on behalf of our local population. We have found that there are existing services in the area that offer similar support, such as those provided by our local mental health and learning disability trust, Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys (TEWV) NHS Foundation Trust and public health services provided by our local council’s public health teams.
We looked carefully at the range of alternative services that are available, identifying areas where there is overlap or duplication so that we can minimize the impact any changes have for local people. As part of our review, we have completed an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) that has helped us to identify the potential impact any changes we are proposing will impact on different groups of people. This includes a clear focus on protected characteristics in line with the Equality Act, so that we can mitigate against any negative impact our proposals will have on our local communities.
What will be the impact?
- On patients: Some people may have to look for alternative services in their local area. We have included information below on alternatives that people may want to use.
- On the community: Local groups and charities may lose funding. Staff with lived experience of mental health problems may lose their jobs.
- On the health system: Other services, like GP surgeries will be able to provide some signposting to alternative options through their Social Prescribing teams.
What other services can people access?
Health and lifestyle Support
Well-being for Life
A range of personalised support services are available to help make positive changes to your lifestyle and routines. Support is available for a series of sessions as part of your own personal plan.
You can self-refer into our service by contacting them directly, or your GP, nurse, health care professional or any other health and social care worker can refer you to the service. Staff work from local community venues and workplaces across the County, so these dedicated teams are equipped with a wealth of local knowledge and keep up to date with what’s going on in your community
https://www.yourwellbeingservices.uk/services/wellbeing-for-life
https://www.yourwellbeingservices.uk/mental-wellbeing
Social prescribing
These staff, based in local GP practices can provide a range of 1-2-1 to help with a range of social, emotional and practical needs.
Helping people connect with non-clinical interventions through the staffs knowledge of local community organisations and activities.
https://www.durhamcommunityaction.org.uk/assets/media/Social-Prescribing-Link-Workers-Mar-23.pdf
Mental Health Support
Talking therapies
Talking Therapies is here to help by offering free and confidential talking therapies and counselling through a progressive model of care. You can self-refer into our service by contacting them directly, or your GP can refer you to the service.
Durham Mental Well-being Alliance
The Mental Health Alliance is a collaborative approach providing a range of support services including prevention, early identification and recovery support for people who are experiencing mental health issues.
This collaborative approach is known as an ‘Alliance’ where a number of providers pool together their skills, knowledge and resources for the benefit of people in County Durham and aim to provide an improved streamlined service.
Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys mental health community teams
With staff working across our local geography, there are a range of health and well-being support options available.
https://www.tewv.nhs.uk/services/mental-health-support
This includes varying local teams that can provide a range of support depending on an individual’s needs.
https://www.tewv.nhs.uk/services/?search=community&area=all&service_type=all&audience=all
Advocacy
Cloverleaf
A comprehensive advocacy service that exists to give people a voice when they find it difficult to express their views. It works with people (and their families) to make sure that decisions about them are not made without them.
Employment support services
Durham Enable
Dedicated support service for disabled people to gain or develop their skills and confidence to succeed in employment. The services specifically works with people over 18 who have a disability, autism, mental health need or long-term condition. Working alongside them to address any barriers that may affect them getting into or staying in work.
Employability Durham
Service that works with people who are over 25 and living in County Durham. They offer support to a broad range of people including those who may have an existing health condition around .
https://www.durham.gov.uk/employability
Durham Works
Specific service that supports people aged 16 – 24. Can help and support young people, with careers information, advice, and guidance. The service works in local communities across County Durham and can visit people and their families in their own home, if required.
WorkWell (delivered through Employability Durham locally)
Part of the regional approach to supporting people who may be experiencing health problems which make it hard to stay in work – or get back to work. If you’re finding it a struggle, an NHS WorkWell coach can help.
Further information – https://northeastnorthcumbria.nhs.uk/our-work/workwell-programme/
Individual Placement Support (TEWV)
Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an employment support approach that was originally developed for people experiencing mental health and addiction issues. The approach is now increasingly being implemented in a range of settings including supporting veterans, people with physical health issues and prison leavers.
Individual Placement and Support (IPS) offers intensive, individually tailored support to help people to choose and find the right job, with ongoing support for the employer and employee to help ensure the person keeps their job.
https://www.tewv.nhs.uk/services/individual-placement-support-adults
What happens next?
- We want to listen to the experiences of people connected to these services to help us understand their situations further.
- We will give three months’ notice before any service ends.
- We will work with partners to share information about other services people can use.
- We are still reviewing our finances and waiting for more guidance about future plans.
