Support for the community to improve the environment

The dedication and enthusiasm of local communities is our most important tool for creating a cleaner and greener County Durham. We do all we can to support schools, groups and individuals who strive to make a difference to where they live, work or visit. So whether you have an idea for a project but don't know where to start, or you are a thriving volunteer group in need of some advice, we are happy to help. 

Loan of equipment

We have a range of tools, equipment and safety gear in stock, and may be able to loan you it for your environmental project. Our equipment helps groups from across the whole of County Durham, so please give as much notice as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you're borrowing equipment for a project that we will not be attending, make sure all participants are covered by insurance appropriate for the task. We are unable to loan equipment to groups or individuals who do not have insurance.

• litter pickers (adult and child)
• bago hoops
• bin bags
• health and safety equipment
• high visibility vests

Contact Civic Pride to check availability and find out more.

Health and safety equipment, advice and support

The health and safety of community volunteers is of the up most importance. We offer different levels of support based upon the needs of your group. We can loan equipment:

• to self-led and experienced groups who have their own insurance in place.
• and offer health and safety advice to new groups who wish to run their own project but need extra support to get started.
• attend the event covering all aspects of health and safety including site and risk assessments, health and safety talks and supervision throughout. This is ideal for groups who do not have their own insurance or do not feel confident leading the health and safety elements of a project.

Environmental volunteering

Volunteers are at the heart of our service and we work with proactive groups across County Durham. If you are an individual new to volunteering, or you are simply looking for a new challenge, we may be able to help you find a local group to join, particularly one which is part of our environmental campaigns.

Litter picking volunteers

One of the most common activities we support is that of litter picking.

For further information on how to book the loan of equipment and the guidelines on how to lead your own litter pick safely, please Contact LitterFree Durham.

Please note: we aim to cater for the needs of all volunteers, as far as possible, but on occasion we may assess a project that does not meet our safety requirements. In this instance, we will not be able to loan equipment until we have helped you to find an alternative location or activity.