It’s a time of change for a community initiative in Durham which makes a huge difference to the lives of many people.
Communities Together Durham (CTD) was established more than 10 years ago to support churches in developing relationships with their local communities.
Over the past decade, the charity has supported churches as they respond to and challenge poverty, with initiatives reaching out to families and individuals in need, to create opportunities for children and to welcome asylum seekers and refugees.
CTD’s vital work includes giving support and advice to set up parish nursing schemes, holiday clubs, warm hubs, and responding to food insecurity. It also works to challenge poverty by supporting the Living Wage campaign, as well as by supporting schemes which provide financial and debt advice to those who need it.
Now CTD is recognising the invaluable contribution of key figures who have been on the journey from the early years.
Val Barron, who has been with CTD since the beginning has a new job as a community organiser with Tyne and Wear Citizens. Her new role is to bring people together, including faith groups, to make changes which are important to communities.
The Rev Tim Ferguson has moved on to be the vicar at St Martin’s Byker and St Oswald’s Walkergate, while Anne Robertson is leaving to prepare for ordination this Petertide.
Project Manager for the Asylum Seeker and Refugee Project, the Revd Joanne Thorns said: “Val, Tim and Anne have worked tirelessly over a considerable period of time. We are hugely grateful for all they have done to support churches and community groups and we wish them well in their new adventures.”
Joanne said CTD is now in the process of appointing new community development workers and also a Chief Operating Officer.
CTD works with clergy and church volunteers. It also works to build partnership working and has links with with organisations such as Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), Durham Christian Partnership, Durham Community Advice, Parish Nursing, Justice First, Social Prescribers, Children North East and groups supporting refugees and asylum seekers.
It has supported refugees and asylum seekers from countries which have experienced the horrors of war, including Syria, Ukraine and Afghanistan.
Joanne explained: “We help churches to identify what is needed in their community, so if they want to develop a project or initiative, it will be right for the people who live there.
“Churches have responded really positively and many dedicated people, including volunteers, have been able to make such a difference to people’s lives and they continue to do so.”
CTD works closely with Durham Diocese and our churches. It receives funding from the Lord Crewe’s charity and other sources.
Joanne is well known in Durham Diocese, having served her curacy in Stockton and working as a parish priest at Newton Hall, as part of the Durham North Team of Churches. She also spent eight years as regional officer for North East Churches Acting Together.
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Val Barron (second from left) at a living wage launch event in Sunderland.