Welcome to the 2D page for work with Children, Young People and Families

The Team...

Robert Fothergill is the Participation Worker for Children, Young People & Families within the Durham Dales.

Lianne Lowes is the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Participation & Engagement Officer to support VCS groups across the Durham Dales area.

Michael Dixon is the Play Co-ordinator, working in local schools and community venues with children aged 5-13.  He runs after-school clubs, holiday activities and custom-made courses to help build confidence.

Chris Marsden is the Play Support Worker alongside Michael.

Contacts:

2D Office - 01388 762220

Robert Fothergill mobile - 07725 707560 or e-mail r.fothergill@2d.org.uk

Michael Dixon: mobile - 07775 408293 or e-mail m.dixon@2d.org.uk.

Lianne Lowes: mobile - 07765 676367 or e-mail  l.lowes@2d.org.uk

Chris Marsden: c.marsden@2d.org.uk

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Young people who turned their backs on anti-social behaviour to become champions of their community were among those recognised recently at an awards ceremony in Crook.

The Three Towns Youth Forum Awards Ceremony took place at Crook Golf Club on Friday and was aimed at rewarding young people who have achieved great things in their local community.

Among those receiving awards were young people who had previously been outcasts of their own communities as a result of their anti-social activities; a 15-year-old boy facing custody has transformed  since studying a Land Management course at Houghall College.

He is now helping neighbours with their gardens and speaking about his positive experience to inspire other young offenders.

Award Winners:

• Young Carer's Award- James Gill
• Arts Achievement Award- Jessica Rowland
• Hero Award- Stuart Arkless
• Teamwork Award- Billy Row Action Team
• Helping Other People Award- Annalisa Trow
• Wildcard Award- Jason Hanley
• Help in the Community Award- Jessica Stothard
• Young Person's Choice Award- Robert Fothergill
• Green Champion Award- Paige, Grace and Ebony
• Special Achievement- 3 Towns Youth Forum

 The event was organised by the Three Towns AAP in partnership with its Youth Forum, and 2D, Voluntary and Community Support.

 

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Make Your Voice Count! @The Durham Dales Youth Forum

"Hello, I'm Robert Fothergill, the Participation Worker for children, young people and families in the Durham Dales area of County Durham.
It is part of my job to support children and young people to have a say on what is important to them in their area, together with similar support for parents and carers.
This support will allow you to get involved and make a difference where you live, including working together with local Area Action Partnerships, One Point integrated service centres for families, the Local Children's Board, schools, community groups and other agencies.

You can be a part of this work at whatever level you prefer simply by contacting me at 2D and asking for more information.
The more people who get involved, the greater the impact of the changes you can bring.

We hope to hear from you soon".

Robert

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Children & Young People's Views on Health Matters...

Working with Hospitals...

First we...
Asked 250 people aged 5 to 19 from the Durham Dales what the good and the bad things were about hospitals, doctors & ambulances and ways to make these better.  We then sent our findings to lots of important people who we thought would listen and make changes.

Then we arranged visits to...
• The main Ambulance Service Station to talk to them about making ambulances look less scary.
• The 999 people who answer the telephones to see how they speak with children who make an emergency call. 
•  The hospitals to hear their thoughts about our ideas and what they can do. 

The things we changed...
• Darlington Hospital has a new Teenage room and their A&E has a specific children's area
• Durham A&E has employed children's nurses
• Improved hospital gowns for everyone
• Staff have been trained how to use easy words when talking to us
• They all use new cleaning fluids so it doesn't smell like a hospital
• Shuttle buses between hospitals help patients with no cars
• Play therapists to help distract children from any pain

Get involved! YOU can make your voice count too!

Click here to see the Health Matters report

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To get involved...

There are many opportunities to keep in contact: e-mail, phone, text, letter, to take part in local discussion groups or to work with Robert on specific themes and topics.

If you would like to get involved or find out more about please write a letter and send it freepost to:
FREEPOST RLSJ-XXRE-UHBE,
2D (Support for the Voluntary and
Community Sector of
Teesdale and Wear Valley)
Unit 4  -  Crook Business Centre, New Road, CROOK, DL15   8QE 

Or telephone: 01388 762220
e-mail r.fothergill@2d.org.uk

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2D is recognised for Investing in Children

2D has received the Investing in Children membership for the second year running.  The young people said that "we are listened to an awful lot at 2D", they are "helped to have a voice" and feel that they are "respected like adults".  

The award this year has been presented for the full work of 2D rather than just the children and young people's team...so, on behalf of all the children and young people in the Dales we would like to thank you for listening and supporting.

Robert Fothergill.