Wellbeing for Life is encouraging County Durham businesses of all sizes to invest in their employees through a newly updated programme of free health and wellbeing courses, following the launch of its Lifelong Learning Prospectus. As workplace wellbeing continues to be a priority across all sectors, the initiative gives employers an accessible way to equip staff and managers with skills that contribute to healthier, happier and more productive organisations. Created to addres

After decades of smoking, Julie Wilson (63) and her daughter Tina Irving (43) decided to quit together, supporting each other every step of the way with the help of Nikki Williams, a Wellbeing for Life Community Connector. For Julie, the turning point came when her health began to suffer. A cleaner who is constantly on the move at work, she found herself struggling to walk up a hill on her way from the bus stop and was becoming increasingly breathless throughout the day. Coll

Claire Maoudis from the Cancer Awareness team tells the story of her breast cancer diagnosis, the importance of attending screening appointments and her journey to becoming a passionate Cancer Awareness worker. “My cancer was discovered through a routine mammogram. I attended my first mammogram at the age of 47 and then again at 50 at 53. Two weeks after my last appointment, I received a letter asking me to come back for further tests. Within two days, I was having biopsies,

A pioneering community and workplace initiative has had success in supporting people across County Durham have potentially life-saving conversations about cancer. Delivered by Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP), the Cancer Champions programme has trained local volunteers known as 'Cancer Champions'. Their role is to raise awareness of cancer symptoms, encourage participation in screening programmes and support earlier access to health services. Cancer Champion Officer Paula To

Claire Elliott, 49, was living with constant knee problems and did not feel good physically or mentally. After being referred to Wellbeing for Life (WBFL) and joining an Eatwise group, her self-esteem blossomed and she made key lifestyle changes helping her to lose weight. At a visit with her GP, Claire explained she was having issues with her knees. They were struggling under the weight of her body, and overall, she felt heavy and lethargic. Claire had also been contending w

From a chance meeting in a GP surgery, Tara* accessed the Stop Smoking programme with Wellbeing for Life (WBFL). A brief conversation led to 12 weeks of support, putting an end to decades of smoking. Tara has now completed a journey of being ‘so addicted that [she] didn’t think [she’d] ever be able to stop’ and started a new chapter of being smoke-free. Nikki Williams, Community Connector at WBFL, set up an information stall at a promotional day at a local GP surgery. Tara ca

After years of dedication and planning by the Joining the Dots team, the first Look Good Feel Better (LGFG) workshop in rural County Durham took place on Friday 3 July, kindly hosted by No. 17 Café in Dipton. The group included women at different stages of cancer treatment, as well as those who had completed treatment. Each participant came with different needs, from learning how to care for their nails and adjust to changes in their appearance, to applying make-up after chan

Chris’s story highlights the importance of combining weight loss medication, where chosen, with healthy eating, physical activity and behaviour change support to achieve long-term success and maintain results for the future.

Mick’s* weight was having an impact on his mental wellbeing. Concerned about how this was affecting him, he turned to support from Wellbeing for Life (WBFL) to make a change. His original lack of motivation turned into action, and through a one-to-one Eatwise programme, he gained numerous mental and physical health benefits without compromising his enjoyment of life. To find out what he could do to lose weight, Mick visited his GP who referred him to our service. He was livin

I am extremely grateful to Emma from Joining the Dots for her kindness, dedication, and genuine care. Her support has helped me feel less alone and has made a real difference to both my physical health and emotional wellbeing during a very difficult time in my life.

Lorraine, aged 61, shares how a simple visit to Healthworks in Easington became the starting point of a life-changing journey, one that helped her rediscover confidence, self-worth and a renewed sense of identity.

Tracy Cullen, 50, was unhappy with her size and weight. Feeling unfit and experiencing regular tiredness, she wanted to start her weight-loss journey. With weekly one-to-one support from Wellbeing for Life (WBFL) through the Eatwise programme, Tracy lost a substantial amount of weight, became fitter, and has improved her mental wellbeing. Having decided that she wanted to make a change, Tracy spoke with her nurse. She was not only feeling the physical effects, but her weight

The Health Squad team in County Durham have been crowned winners in the prestigious Health Service Journal (HSJ) Partnership Awards 2026, celebrating excellence, innovation, and collaborative working across healthcare. For nearly half a century, the HSJ has recognised NHS teams and partners who are driving improvements in patient safety, service transformation, and health outcomes. This year, Health Squad were awarded the Most Impactful Project Addressing Health Inequalities.

Laura* was stuck in a seemingly endless cycle of sudden weight gain, all while coping with physical and mental health issues. Unsure where to turn, she accessed Wellbeing for Life (WBFL) and entered a 12-week one-to-one Eatwise programme over the telephone. From here, Laura’s eating habits changed and her confidence was reinvigorated with the tools she gained. Before the Eatwise programme, Laura thought she was eating correctly. It was only as she started that the realisation

*Margaret* had been smoking for decades when, following a routine GP visit, a health scare gave her the push she needed to want to stop smoking. Margaret had previously tried to quit unsuccessfully and had never tried again despite pressure from her family. Asked what made her more determined this time, Margaret said: “I got quite a scare after visiting the GP and I’ve realised that smoking is bad for me, but also that second-hand smoke is a health risk to my family.” During

A young man overcame significant mental health challenges by addressing his mental and physical wellbeing simultaneously with the support of Wellbeing for Life (WBFL). Kieren Kemp had been through a difficult time in his life, leading him to a point of severe depression and suicidal thoughts. After a 12-week wellbeing programme and building a relationship with his practitioner where he could share the challenges he was experiencing, Kieren had secured a new job, and his frien

Debbie Peel, 48, had tried quitting smoking many times over the years. But, with her health becoming increasingly affected and her asthma getting worse, she sought support and accessed the Wellbeing for Life (WBFL) Stop Smoking programme. This programme led to Debbie successfully stopping smoking and she is now noticing great improvements in her health. At a routine appointment with her Diabetes Specialist Nurse, Debbie decided to ask if there was any help available for stopp

As part of the Wellbeing for Life (WBFL) Ten-year Anniversary celebrations, we caught up with a previous client to see how the service has positively impacted his life. Richard Judd first met WBFL through the community work he was doing in the Consett and Leadgate area. He set up a running club for people hadn’t really done much running before, and contacted the service to say he has a group which people could be signposted to. As time went on, Richard worked alongside Julie,

26-year-old Alex Graham lives with a rare genetic condition which severely affects his ability to use his feet. Whilst waiting for complex ankle surgery Alex had faced significant challenges: low muscle tone, poor strength, and being underweight - all factors that could impact his fitness for surgery and his subsequent recovery. Alex had spent several years mostly confined to bed with little motivation. His mum and full-time carer, Helen, shared her concerns: “Alex has been w

“I had blood in my poo and had been ignoring it but, after speaking with you, I made an appointment with my GP and completed the bowel screening kit.“