Find out about changes to our services and Christmas opening times on our Festive information page. To find out when your bin will be collected over the festive period, visit Changes to County Durham bin collections at Christmas.

Due to maintenance, the following systems will be unavailable from 11.45am on Tuesday 24 December until 8.00am on Thursday 2 January: our online Council Tax, business rates and housing benefit services, and our welfare assistance form. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Social care support groups

Many people can feel isolated at times. A support group can give you the opportunity to meet new people in similar situations to you, giving you a chance to talk about everyday problems with others who understand.

A break from your usual routine can sometimes help, as can making new friends and taking part in leisure activities.

Support groups can be for lone parents, people with a physical disability and people with a learning disability. Often these groups are self-run, with help and advice from local voluntary organisations and staff from social care services.

Visit our care and support services website - Locate. Locate is a free online database which allows you to search county-wide, regional and national information for social care, health and community information, such as arts, leisure, sports and social groups and organisations.

If you need help finding suitable support you can also contact us.

Contact Social Care Direct

Email scd@durham.gov.uk
Telephone 03000 267 979