On 20 November, past and present members of Mental Health Matters’ Easington Employment Service organised a community wellbeing marketplace at Peterlee Leisure Centre. The event brought local people together to learn more about the mental health, wellbeing and employment support available across East Durham.

Among those involved in planning were members of the Women's Confidence Group, a programme within the Easington Employment Service that supports women to build confidence, develop skills and take positive steps toward wellbeing and employment.

Delivered in partnership with Peterlee Leisure Centre, who supported both hosting and promotion, the event created an opportunity to explore services, ask questions and connect with organisations offering practical and emotional support.

A wide range of providers participated, including the Alzheimer's Society, Durham Works, Employability Durham, Home Group, Waythrough, Durham Mental Wellbeing Alliance, Coalfields Trust, and the Social Prescribing Link Workers. Their involvement helped highlight the breadth of resources available to people across the area.

Thanks to the relationships developed within the Women's Confidence Group, the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Choir performed on the day, accompanying a variety of arts and crafts stalls that aimed to promote positive mental health through creativity and connection.

Jenna Kenworthy, volunteer at Easington Employment's Women's Confidence Programme, said, "We wanted to bring together local wellbeing services and uplift the community, showing what’s out there and to let them know they're not alone."