Celebrating a decade of community impact – Wellbeing for Life turns ten

This year marks the ten-year anniversary of Wellbeing for Life (WBFL), a service dedicated to helping residents across County Durham live healthier, happier lives.

Commissioned by Durham County Council and delivered in partnership by County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust and health and wellbeing charity, Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP), WBFL has empowered thousands of individuals and communities since its launch in 2015.

Over the past decade, the service has delivered real, lasting impact:

• 24,874 one-to-one clients supported

• 16,212 people took part in wellbeing group activities

• 20,418 people learned new skills with health and wellbeing training

• 1,459 volunteers gave time to support their wellbeing and that of others

• 4,221 people were supported during the Covid-19 pandemic

From one-to-one sessions to group activities, WBFL focuses on helping people make small, sustainable lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake, healthy weight management and mental wellbeing support. Support is personalised, practical, and rooted in the heart of local communities.

One such example is Leanne and Luke, a young couple from County Durham who transformed their health with help from the Eatwise programme. Leanne, living with Type 2 diabetes and Fibromyalgia, had struggled with chronic pain and disordered eating - until WBFL gave her the tools to make a change. She lost over two stone, regained her energy, and now enjoys walking and Tai Chi as part of her routine. Luke, supporting her every step, adopted the same healthy habits and lost a stone himself.

“WBFL offered the support I needed to take back control,” said Leanne. “It completely shifted the way I eat and feel.”

The success of WBFL is grounded in its strong partnership model and its commitment to accessible, community-based support.

Wellbeing for Life is a part of Adult Wellbeing Services, delivered in partnership by Pioneering Care Partnership and County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.