10 Feb 2026

Newton Aycliffe benefits from Lifeline’s Pathways into Work and Wellbeing programme

We're proud to be partnering with Lifeline Community Action and Primary Care Partners to help deliver the Pathways into Work and Wellbeing programme.

A committed group of nine participants have taken part in a fortnightly, one‑day‑a‑week course. Learning digital, employability, money and wellbeing skills; building the confidence they need to return to the modern world of work.

Thanks to funding from the UK Government, North East Combined Authority, and PointNorth, everyone who completes the course will gain a free laptop to keep, making it easier to learn and stay confident at home.

Our tenant, Stephanie Shaw, attended the first support session in December and has recently completed an induction at Husqvarna, and following an induction, has now started work. Achieving employment upon programme completion highlights how learning and skill development can empower people to enter the workforce.

Corrinn Chambers, Lifeline Chief Strategic Officer, said, “By giving them digital know-how, job skills, and the right support, we’re helping folks feel confident and ready to take on the world of work. Watching people go from learning to volunteering and then landing a job is amazing”

Stephanie Shaw, Pathways attendee and tenant, said, “At Lifeline, I got given a free laptop which has helped me to complete my online courses. It taught me new skills and gave me an understanding of my skills and qualities to offer an employer.”

If you are interested in attending the course and live in Newton Aycliffe, please contact Cath on 07936 431262, office@lifelinecommunityaction.co.uk.

Pictured: Lisa Newham, Community Regeneration Adviser, Stephanie Shaw, Livin tenant, Donna Hunter, participant, Corrinn Chambers, Chief Operating Officer.

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How do I apply for a Livin home or bungalow?

We advertise all of our available homes on our Find A Home page, simply visit this page for more information.

Before you can place a bid on one of our homes, you must first have an active account with the relevant Choice Based Lettings Scheme. Almost all our homes are located in County Durham and therefore are allocated through the Durham Key Options scheme. Durham Key Options (DKO) is a partnership between Durham County Council and landlords across County Durham.

We have a small number of homes which are located outside Durham, these are all advertised through Tees Valley HomeFinder, Hartlepool HomeSearch and Darlington HomeSearch; They are similar to Durham Key Options but we do not process applications registered for these schemes. If you wish to register an application for homes advertised in this area, please apply directly.

Once your application is approved, you will then be able to bid on homes that meet your needs. You can access the application form directly by visiting the relevant Choice Based Lettings system.

How long will it take for my application to be processed?

We aim to start processing your application within 10 working days. If we require any further information after this point, we will contact you to ask for this. Once we have received all the required information we will notify you of our decision within 20 days, and if accepted we will activate your account. You can also check your application status online by logging into the DKO portal.

How can I get involved with Livin and help to shape services?

To find out more about the different ways you can get involved, please visit our getting involved section.

Can I apply to buy my home under Right to Buy?

Tenants who have been with Livin since before the transfer from Sedgefield Council in 2009 may have the “Preserved Right to Buy” their property. Full details of the scheme are available on the Government Right to Buy website. If you are thinking of applying, please contact us.

Can I apply to buy my home under Right to Acquire?

If you have been a tenant for 3 or more years you may have the right to buy your property under the Right to Acquire scheme. Full details of the scheme are available on the Government Right to Acquire website. If you are thinking of applying, please contact us.