Do you have a burning question for your local police officers?

Need advice on an issue and don’t know who to turn to?

Want some help or assistance with a community initiative?

Police officers in Newton Aycliffe are joining forces with a number of partner agencies to provide drop-in advice and support sessions for local residents in the run up to Christmas.

From this Friday (November 30) until Friday, December 21, officers will be taking over an empty shop on Beveridge Way where residents can come and discuss any issues they may have.

They will be joined by different agencies on selected days, with Santa and his elves also making a special appearance.

Sergeant Andy Boyd, from Newton Aycliffe Neighbourhood Police Team, said “This is a fantastic opportunity to seek advice, help and assistance from a variety of agencies covering a wide range of issues. We are working closely with them to promote the amazing work that they are doing in the community, as well as providing a presence in the town centre in an effort to reduce shoplifting and Anti-Social Behaviour. So please, come down and see us, the kettle is on!”

The drop-in sessions will take place at 37 Beveridge Way (opposite Savers).

The agencies that are taking part are:

Street Triage Team – The Street Triage Team (STT) work in partnership with Durham Constabulary providing timely support, advice and guidance to the Police when they are dealing with people experiencing mental health issues and distress.

AARMS – Set up to help those who struggle to control their alcohol consumption to attain a safe pathway to recovery.

Changing Lives – Changing Lives helps more than 17,500 people change their lives for the better each year. We are a national charity dedicated to supporting people with the most complex needs to make meaningful and lasting improvements to their lives.

YourCountryYourMoney – Money saving and money management tips aimed at benefiting you and the county.

Hub of Wishes – At the Hub of Wishes, you can become part of a vital and rewarding community, where you are supported and given access to a range of facilities tailored to your ‘wishes’. Offering support/advice to people suffering from a number of issues.

Junction 7 – Junction 7 is supported by County Durham Tees Valley Rescue Mission. They offer an emergency food service, a school uniform project and one to one advice and sign posting.

Livin – Their mission is ‘providing great homes, sustaining strong communities and building a successful business.’ They recognise that to make communities vibrant places to live, they must do more than just letting and repairing homes.

Durham County Council’s private landlords department – DCC’s private sector housing team can offer a wide range of advice and guidance; in particular around helping residents access private rented accommodation, advice on: tenancy sustainment; disrepair and landlord/tenant disputes; as well as any issues around empty properties.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service – They will be providing home fire safety advice.