Sainsbury's Darlington

This is the incorporated successor Charity to the following: Charity number 234071 - Charity for Roman Catholic purposes in the diocese of Hexham and Newcastle and Charity number 235686 - Hexham and Newcastle Diocesan Trust (1947). promotion of the Roman Catholic faith by supporting clergy, providing pastoral work in parishes and in communities, providing life-long Christian education. Neighbourly food is distributed to individuals and families in need. One person collects food from the designated store then a group of volunteers do the distribution. There is no definite schedule of who gets what so that people do not become dependent on donations but receive what is offered when it is available as an extra support. We sometimes work through other organisations, especially schools, who collect food from us to distribute to families they know who are in need.

The coffee morning is a volunteer-led group dedicated to bringing residents of Middridge together and strengthening community connections within the village. Recognising that many people in Middridge, particularly older residents, experience loneliness and isolation due to limited mobility, living alone, or reduced opportunities to socialise, the Middridge Community Connect Association runs a free two-hour weekly coffee morning at Middridge Village Hall. This welcoming session provides a warm, friendly space where residents can meet others, enjoy conversation, and feel part of their community again. For many attendees, the coffee morning offers an important opportunity to leave the house, build friendships, and reconnect with neighbours, helping to reduce social isolation and improve overall wellbeing. The sessions are organised and delivered entirely by local volunteers who are passionate about supporting their community and creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome regardless of age or circumstance. By removing financial barriers and keeping the event free to attend, the association ensures that all residents can take part, particularly those on fixed or limited incomes. The relaxed and informal atmosphere encourages conversation, laughter, and companionship, which plays a vital role in improving mental health by reducing loneliness, boosting confidence, and giving people something positive to look forward to each week. In addition to the emotional benefits, the coffee morning also supports physical wellbeing by encouraging residents to remain active, maintain routines, and engage socially, all of which contribute to healthier and more independent living. The gathering has become an important hub within the village, strengthening community spirit and helping neighbours support one another beyond the sessions themselves. Middridge Community Connect Association aims to reconnect people, improve mental and physical health, and ensure that no resident feels isolated, demonstrating how a simple volunteer-led coffee morning can make a meaningful and lasting difference to the wellbeing of the Middridge community.

The Salvation Army Darlington is a church and community centre that wants to offer support to those in need whilst also sharing God's love with them. We currently run a Foodbank, community lunch, coffee morning and faith based activities aswell.