Darlington Xtra: Recent Episodes
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A place to find out why Darlington is a great place to live, work and learn. Darlington Xtra is a Collaborative Partnership Initiative.
Amy & Kayleigh give an update on the Reducing Parental Conflict programme in Darlington.
Zarach is on a mission is to end child bed poverty, helping children get a good night’s sleep and the chance to thrive at school. Zarach provides bed bundles to children living in bed poverty.
To get involved or to find out further information visit Zarach
Follow Zarach on Instagram
Therapy Centre Services is an established counselling provider and an Organisational Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). We offer a wide range of professional counselling services for individuals, employers, charities, and third-party referrers.
Therapy Centre Services | Counselling
Darlington Borough Council employees can find out further information via the intranet.
Follow Christopher on Socials:
- Instagram: Christopherx_ab
- LinkedIn: Christopher Jones
- Website: Flippin’ & Vibin’
- Spotify and Buzzsprout: The Rehumanisation Station
- YouTube: Flippin' & Vibin'
Research:
NEWEST!! Jones, C., & Mullard, J. (2026). The Seeds Are Sown: Towards Interracial Inclusivity at a UK Predominantly White Institution. Social Sciences, 15(1), 36. https://doi.org/10.3390/socsci15010036
Jones, C., & Boliver, V. (2025). Students’ Perceptions of Racial Diversity and Inclusion in UK Universities. Social Sciences, 14(2), 84.
Jones, C. and Kutlaca, M., (2024). Pro-NE Focus Group Report – March2024 by Christopher Jones and Maja Kutlaca
Boliver V, and Jones (2023) England: Tracing Good and Emerging Practices on the Right to Higher Education
Jones C (2022) Flippin’ the Script: Student Perceptions of Race, Racism, and Racial Inclusion in Higher Education
Arday J, and Jones C (2022) Same storm, different boats: the impact of COVID-19 on Black students and academic staff in UK and US higher education
Jones, C. (2024). Absence & presence: The six racism-in-education-processes
Connect with - Ola on LinkedIn
Visit Together for Children Sunderland - Together for Children
Connect with - Monique Carayol on LinkedIn
Find out more - Your New Avenue
Recommended Reading
- Equality Vs Equity by Jenny Garrett OBE
- Mind the Inclusion Gap by Suzy Levy MBE (includes link to downloadable reading guide)
Bravery in the Boardroom (BITB): Turning the Dial Now on Inclusive Leadership and Diverse Talent Development
- BITB Website
- BITB Youtube
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BITBPodcast All Episodes
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BITB Ep.19 with Andy Callow
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BITB Ep.23 with Suzy Levy MBE
People can join the North East Anti-Racism Coalition and the Become the Bridge campaign by going to www.northeastantiracism.org.uk
- Follow NEARC on Facebook
- Follow NEARC on X
Sophie discusses how to implement the 'Virtual Memory Box' into practise and it's benefits. The virtual memory box safely stores memories for Children in Our Care.
For log in details for the platform or for further advice please contact sophie.goff@darlington.gov.uk
Forever Eight is a Darlington based charity with the aim to provide fun and enjoyment to poorly children by distracting them from their treatment, in the hope of improving their mental health.
Thank you for taking time to listen to the podcast, we are a passionate group of trustees working hard to keep up to our motto which is inflate creativity, create a smile, one child at a time.
Forever Eight Website
Forever Eight Facebook
Contact: heather.hill@forevereight.org.uk
Catherine & Danielle share information around Oral Health for School Governors in Darlington.
In this episode Sarah discusses the ASYE programme in Darlington for newly qualified Social Workers.
In this episode we meet Anne, Debbie, Dionne & Claire and learn all about the work they do for children, young people and families.
Catherine & Danielle discuss oral health promotion in Darlington and why it's so important. Tooth decay/oral health is the biggest reason why children in Darlington are admitted into hospital, with the most common childhood surgery being tooth extraction- this is totally preventable. They also discuss the work they're doing to improve oral care for the elderly in care homes.
Further information can be found via Darlington Xtra
During this episode we meet Michael from The Harvey McWilliams Foundation - a registered charity based in Darlington that was set up in memory of Harvey who sadly passed away in December 2021 by taking his own life.
The Harvey McWilliams Foundation gathers and distributes football equipment, boots, gloves, shin pads etc. The “boot library” is designed to support families or players who are struggling to replace or buy equipment to take part in sport.
To learn more about the charity visit their Facebook page
To get in touch email info@theharveymcwilliamsfoundation.org.uk
In this episode we speak to Kayleigh & Stacey about the Reducing Parental Conflict Programme and how parental conflict affects children and young people. They discuss helpful resources to help parents find ways to get on better, resolve conflict and improve their relationships, whether together or separated.
During this episode we meet the Inclusion team. We speak to Dianne, Angela & Angie and learn all about their different roles and what they do day to day.
During this episode we speak with Alison from Darlington Carers Support. A recap on what is happening locally and updates within the service that supports unpaid carers over the age of 18.
During this episode we meet the SEND team. Sam, Suzanne, Alex, Heather, Nicky & Jacqui share what the team do on a day to day basis, the roles within the SEND team and who they work with.
Learning & Skills is a further education and training provider based in Darlington. They offer a number of different courses to help people gain in confidence, upskill and find employment.
For further information visit Learning and Skills
During this episode we speak to Melanie from the Schools Admissions Team. The team coordinate and allocate school places to children in the primary (4-11 years) and secondary (11-16 years) sector.
For further information visits Darlington School Admissions
In this episode we speak to Family Action - Young Carers Darlington. Young Carers Darlington supports young carers, young adult carers and their families living in Darlington. The service ensures that children and young people are protected from inappropriate caring and have the support they need to learn, develop and enjoy positive childhoods.
Further information can be found at Young Carers Darlington
In this episode we are joined by Anne and Debbie who tell us all about wraparound, childcare which supports schools and settings before and after school.
In this episode we speak to Mike and Colin from The Box, who are part of the Building Stronger Families team, based at McNay Street Children's Centre. The conversation reflected upon the service they offer and the evolution of The Box.
The Box's online resources can be found via The Darlington Xtra Toolkit
In this episode of Darlington Xtra, we speak to Andy from the North-East Regional Organised Crime Unit and part of the National Fraud Protect Network.
Officers from this network operate across the North-East and work with organisations to increase understanding and awareness of Fraud and scams; empowering individuals and organisations to Build Resilience Against Fraud. They provide support to anyone in the North-East and will help you to recognise Fraud, protect yourself from Fraud and know how to report Fraud.
For further queries please contact RECCC@Durham.Police.UK
In this episode we speak with Adam from the Apprenticeship Team at Bishop Auckland College.
Bishop Auckland College offer a range of apprenticeships. Their dedicated team can help guide you through your next steps. Whether you have questions or need advice, they’re just a call or email away.
employment.services@bacoll.ac.uk | 01388 743164
For further information on apprenticeships visit Bishop Auckland College
Tony, Jo & Jo discuss the SEND inspection, strategy and action plan, as well as the plan for future engagement sessions.
Further information can be found on the Darlington Borough Council website
In January, the DFE issued new guidance for School Governors on their duties with regards to special educational needs and equality in schools.
Anne and Claire discuss the guidance and the implementation in Darlington.
During this episode we meet with Rebecca from Darlington College to discuss their supported internship programme, and speak with Andrew & Meadow who are current interns working for Amazon.
For further information on Supported Internships contact Rebecca - RLister@darlington.ac.uk
Darlington College
Healthwatch Darlington is your local independent health and social care champion. If you use GPs and hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, care homes or other support services, Healthwatch Darlington want to hear about your experiences. As an independent organisation delivering statutory duties, they have the power to make sure NHS leaders and other decision makers listen to your feedback and improve standards of care.
For further information visit the website: Healthwatch Darlington
As part of Children's Practice Week 2025 which is focusing on Domestic Abuse- Sharon, Deborah and Margaret discuss The Moving Forwards Project ran by Helen Miley.
The programme uses workbooks to help workers understand and to offer meaningful support to victims. The training consists of 2 non consecutive days followed by a post course impact analysis & virtual check in. There are also additional sessions: The Children's Journey and Challenging Behaviour.
Domestic Abuse - Darlington Borough Council
Domestic Abuse - Darlington Xtra
The Moving Forward Project
Kay and Charlotte discuss their job roles, and the responsibilities the Housing Contact Team have. The team are the first point of contact for customers, responding to around 5500 phone calls a month all of which have various queries the team respond to.
Visit the Darlington Borough Council Housing Facebook page-
https://www.facebook.com/DBCHousing
The Peer Mentoring Project supports children & young people in and around Darlington. Each of our peer mentors have their own care experiences and stories enabling them to support others, give advice and guidance and act as role models.
Charlotte & Martin discuss 'Virtual Memory Box' - a new project launched in Darlington to support life story work.
In this episode we meet Karen, Marie & Louise, who discuss the roles and responsibilities of the Provider and Day Services in Darlington that they manage.
You can learn more about the different settings discussed in the podcast here - Darlington BC - Our Services
Louise discusses her research area- 'ADHD in Adults' and how she became involved in the Experts in Practice Project.
Olivia, Joanne, Andrea & Amanda discuss the importance of the 'Eyes on the Baby' training project to raise awareness on SUDI Prevention.
Training -
- Darlington Safeguarding Board - Eyes on the Baby Training - Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI) Prevention
Further Details -
- RCM and Lullaby Trust join forces to support reduction in sudden infant deaths - Royal College of Midwives
- What is sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)? - The Lullaby Trust
- Making Every Contact Count (MECC)
Contact -
- public.health@darlington.gov.uk
Lindsey discusses why she wanted to become an Expert in Practice, and why she chose 'Autism in Older Adults' as her area to research.
In this episode Andrew & Natalie explain why they wanted to become an Expert in Practice, and discuss their research area Autism.
Anna discusses her research area for the Experts in Practice Project - Preparation for Adulthood.
In this episode we meet Clair, Jill & Sara who tell us what the team do and discuss their responsibilities.
Jax discusses her research area Self Medication & Substance Misuse and why she wanted to be an 'Expert in Practice'.
During this episode we meet Linda & Danielle who discuss their research area 'Anti-racist Practice' as part of the Experts in Practice programme.
In this episode we meet members of the OT & Sensory Team who discuss their roles and responsibilities.
Jo, Sam and Anne discuss SEND support, practice & provision in Darlington.
Further information can be found via the Local Offer - Darlington BC - SEND Local Offer
Tony & Martin discuss Special Educational Needs and Disabilites (SEND) in Darlington, including the SEND strategy and future plans for the town.
Further information can be found via Darlington Borough Council - Darlington BC - Darlington special educational needs service
SEND Local Offer – Darlington
Adelle & Julie answer questions about rough sleepers in Darlington and where to seek support.
In this episode, Scott & Julie raise awareness on why people beg in Darlington, and the public's perception of begging.
At the Darlington Xtra Conference, the Creative Life Story Work Podcast interviewed Professor Richard Rose who spoke about what being a critical friend can mean and how a critical friend can help an organisation shape their life story work strategy.
For further information visit Blue Cabin.
The Creative Life Story Work Podcast can be found here.
Join us for part 3 at the Darlington Xtra Conference, where The Creative Life Story Work Podcast speaks with Martin from the Workforce Development team, exploring why creativity is critical to the approach of Life Story Work.
For further information visit Blue Cabin.
The Creative Life Story Work Podcast can be found here.
Join us for Part 2 of the Darlington Xtra Conference, where The Creative Life Story Work Podcast spoke to Chris & Alisha about Darlington Borough Council's relational approach to building services around the needs of children & young people.
For further information visit Blue Cabin.
The Creative Life Story Work Podcast can be found here.
We were very lucky to have The Creative Life Story Work Podcast join the Darlington Xtra Staff Conference to record an episode with us. During this episode they spoke to Charlotte, Phil & Joseph about making time for creative life story work in Darlington.
For further information visit Blue Cabin.
The Creative Life Story Work Podcast can be found here.
In this episode Georgia & Suzanne from the Housing Options & Allocations team discuss what happens when you receive notice from your Landlord.
Graham and Jamellia from Learning & Skills talk about the different types of apprenticeships, and what it's like to be an Apprentice.
Further information can be found here-
Darlington BC - Apprenticeships
In this episode of the Darlington Xtra podcast, Councillor Roche & the Housing team discuss the role of the Cabinet Member and the important role of the Tenants' Panel.
In this episode Amy discusses her research area self-neglect, as part of the Experts in Practice Project in partnership with Newcastle Uni.
In this episode Karen and Mark from the Housing Options & Allocations team explain their roles and responsibilities, and dispel the myths and preconceptions around homelessness.
In this episode Charlotte discusses her research area 'Creative Life Story Work' as part of the Experts in Practice Project, in partnership with Newcastle Uni.
In this episode we speak to members of the tenant panel, about what it's like to represent their communities in Darlington, with the housing team.
In this episode Anna & Kelly from the Housing Options & Allocations team discuss domestic abuse and where to get support.
Deb discusses the research she has been doing around isolation and loneliness for the experts in practice project, in partnership with Newcastle University.
In this episode we meet Faith, Lois and Nici who discuss the day to day work of the Family Group Conference team, and how they became part of the service.
In this episode we were joined by the Children with Disabilities team to discuss their roles and responsibilities, and how they got into this line of work.
Natalie from the Housing team explains repairs and maintenance roles and responsibilities from a DBC Landlord perspective, and a tenant point of view.
In this episode Darlington Carers Support discuss what their service offers. The project is part of Durham County Carers Support.
Darlington Carers Support – Darlington
In the final episode of The Trauma Series , Donna, Leigh-Anne and Ian discuss trauma informed practice, and reflect back on earlier episodes.
In this episode Maxine discusses social prescribing that focuses on social issues presented at GP Practices across Darlington.
Working in a trauma-informed, strengths based / relational way with Jill, Donna and Ian.
In this episode we learn about the role of the Appropriate Adult, and how they can support the interests, rights, entitlement and welfare of children and vulnerable people suspected of a criminal offence.
This episode outlines some of the key elements of Adult's Safeguarding Practice, including signs and indicators of abuse, and where to find support. It is a perfect introduction to the training available through the Darlington Safeguarding Partnership.
This episode outlines some of the key elements of Children's Safeguarding Practice, including signs and indicators of abuse, and where to find support. It is a perfect introduction to the training available through the Darlington Safeguarding Partnership.
Darlington Safeguarding Board - Home (darlington-safeguarding-partnership.co.uk)
We were joined in this episode of the Darlington Xtra podcast by members of the Adult Learning Disability Team to tell us all about what they do.
Learn all about Sustrans and the Darlington Active Travel Hub.
You can learn more about Sustrans by visiting their website-
Home - Sustrans.org.uk
In this episode we chat to Sheryl & Charlotte who are now qualified Social Workers after completing the Social Work Apprenticeship, in partnership with Darlington Borough Council and Sunderland University.
In this episode we were joined by Donna- Director of the Darlington Parent Carer Forum (DPCF).
DPCF is a parent led Forum for parents and carers of children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and disabled children and young people.
The Forum provides opportunities for parents and carers to come together and discuss issues that effect the lives of their children and young people and work in partnership with the Council, health services and other service providers to ensure that information, services and support meet the needs of those using them.
Together for Better - Darlington Parent Carer Forum | Facebook
We were joined in this episode of the Darlington Xtra podcast by members of the RIACT & Reablement Team to tell us all about what they do.
We were joined in this episode of the Darlington Xtra podcast by members of the OAIT Team to tell us all about what they do.
We were joined in this episode of the Darlington Xtra podcast by members of the ACT Team to tell us all about what they do.
We were joined in this episode of the Darlington Xtra podcast by members of the Access Team to tell us all about what they do.
Contact the Access team
- call: 01325 406571
- email: Accessteam@darlington.gov.uk
We were joined in this episode of the Darlington Xtra podcast by members of the Adult Mental Health team to tell us all about what they do.
Black History Month aims to promote and celebrate the contributions of those with African and Caribbean heritage to British society and to foster an understanding of Black History in general. In this episode of the Darlington Xtra podcast, we interview members of Darlington's Black Community, Shaun from the Arthur Wharton Foundation and Elijah a student at Manchester University
To launch our Children and Adults Services Staff Health Check Questionnaire, we speak to Dr Stefanos Nachmias- Principal Lecturer HRM at Nottingham Trent University, about staff care and the importance of engaging the workforce.
Great Making Every Contact Count (MECC) interview with professional MMA Fighter, Coach and Darlington resident Lanchana Green - discussing why physical and mental health is important to her and the children and adults she works with.
Conversations about a Relational Approach to good quality Social Work Practice in Darlington, with Steph Hunter, Principal Social Work/Head of Quality and Practice and Charlotte Swainston Children's Services Social Worker.
Making Every Contact Count (MECC) is an approach to behaviour change, that uses the millions of day-to-day interactions that organisations and people have with other people, to support them in making positive changes to both their physical and mental health and their wellbeing.
Haughton Academy students answering questions around LGBTQIA+ asked by local colleagues.
The Sanctuary Scheme aims to support victims/survivors of domestic abuse and their children to remain in their own homes where it is safe to do so by installing safety equipment into the home.
Further information can be found here - Darlington Borough Council - Sanctuary Scheme
Ian speaks to Darlington Carers who offer a variety of different services to local carers.
Further information can be found on their website - Darlington - Our Services (dccarers.org)
Chris & Martin discuss -
What is meant by the term Professional Challenge?
Potential areas of disagreement
Darlington Safeguarding procedures & guidance
Further information can be found at Darlington Safeguarding Board - Home (darlington-safeguarding-partnership.co.uk)
Collette Devlin Smith – Director of Edge North East, speaks at Darlington's Harm Away From Home Conference.
Edge North East provides mentoring to young people involved with serious youth violence and child criminal exploitation. Edge North East Ltd
Local colleagues and young people talk about Hate Crime as they approach Hate Crime Awareness Week.