Welcome Pack

A welcome pack containing information about life in East Durham is helping newcomers settle into the area.

The pack, which includes details of local services and useful contact numbers, aims to provide a general introduction to life in District of Easington.

Devised by the district council, it is available to anyone who is new to the area, whether they have moved from elsewhere in the country or have travelled from overseas.

Coun Alice Naylor, Executive Member for Neighbourhood Engagement and Communications, said: “From talking to people who were new to the area it became very clear that while the prospect of starting a new life in a new place was exciting it was also extremely daunting as well.

“The Resident’s Pack has been put together not only to welcome people to our district but also to help them settle into their new surroundings.

“We hope it enables new arrivals to become active members of their local community.”

The folder, which is available from the council offices, includes information on the services provided by the authority, including waste collections, council tax rates and council housing as well as details of how to get in touch with the correct department.

Other topics include health and wellbeing, transport, fire safety, schools and education, leisure services, housing and work, plus there is special additional information for people who have relocated from the EEC.

The pack was developed with the help of the district’s Migrant Residents’ Group, a multi-agency organisation which has previously worked with residents who have moved to the area from across Europe as well as members of the black and ethnic communities.

Partner organisations including County Durham Primary Care Trust, East Durham Homes, Durham County Council, Acumen, Stonham Housing, Durham Police, East Durham Trust and Easington Community Safety Partnership have also been involved in the project.

Packs are available from Building 9, Council Offices, Seaside Lane, Easington Colliery, or by contacting the Social Inclusion Unit on (0191) 527 0501.