Community Activities
DEEP Academies
In autumn 2007 Durham County Council consulted on the proposed development of three Academies in Stanley, Consett and Durham City. Following a rigorous assessment by the County Council and the national government's Department of Children, Schools and Families, DEEP (Durham Excellence in Education Partnership) led by Durham University has been selected as the sponsor of two of the proposed Academies: one in Consett and one in Durham City. Find out more about the Academies.
Phoenix Community Outreach and Engagement Programme
Phoenix is a major initiative led by the University in partnership with others to expand and develop the contribution it makes to the region. There are four main strands:
- Phoenix Volunteers - developing the opportunities for staff volunteering work in the region.
- Phoenix Challenge - working on joint development and research projects with key organizations and groups, many of them in the voluntary and community sector.
- Phoenix Places - establishing community engagement opportunities within specific areas within County Durham and the Tees Valley.
- Phoenix Sport - building on the work of Durham's sport in the community programme.
With 3,500 staff, Durham University is the third largest employer (after the NHS and local authorities) in County Durham. It is a major player in the economic, social and cultural life of the region. Phoenix aims to capitalise on what staff are already doing to enhance the quality of life in the region, and offer new opportunities for engagement. It is open to all: support and ancillary staff as well as academics, and spans both campuses. Phoenix is co-funded by ONE NorthEast, the regional development agency, in recognition of the important role the University has to play in the regeneration of the region, and to enable it to do more.
If you have any questions about Durham Phoenix, or would like more information about it, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
- Dr Andrew Russell, Director, 0191 334 3312
- Dr Andy Cattermole, Project Manager, 0191 334 4657
The Newcastle-Durham Beacon
The Beacon for Public Engagement is a UK-wide scheme to pilot public participation in university research. A partnership between Newcastle and Durham universities, together with the Centre for Life, our Beacon has one simple goal: achieving a more joined up and strategic approach to getting people involved in research.
The Beacon will enable more effective two-way knowledge exchange between researchers and wider society. It also aims to transform the culture within the universities such that participatory practices become central to their strategy.
Fundraising
DUCK (Durham University's Charity Kommittee) is Durham University's equivalent of Rag week. DUCK raises money for local, national and international charities in fun ways throughout the year, culminating in a week-long intensive effort. Activities range from sponsored hitch-hikes to street collections, Back 2 School parties to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. In 2006/07 DUCK raised £320,000, helping the work of more than 250 charities.
Student Community Action
Student Community Action at the University is one of the biggest SCA groups in the country. Around 800 student volunteers are involved in over 40 projects within the local community including music, drama and cookery clubs, after-school tutoring, sports coaching, hospital visiting, litter picking and help with gardening and decorating for the elderly.
The good work the students do is invaluable in strengthening relations with local residents. At the same time it enhances their personal development and gives them experience and new skills for their CV.
Team Durham Community Outreach
The work of the award-winning Team Durham Community Programme forms an integral part of so many people's lives, putting on more programmes, courses and events than ever before. Year on year the department thrive to improve the quality of life for many disengaged groups in the North-East Region.
Clients from disadvantaged backgrounds are being given essential support through regular opportunities to play sport, and struggling school children are made to feel valued in their activities, giving them that extra boost of confidence. Young people, gifted in sport, are provided with the platform to professionally develop their skills, and University students are given the opportunity to gain challenging voluntary experience and complete coaching courses crucial for their careers. Fitness programmes are also available to improve the physical health and well being of the regional population.
