How we've helped

Everyone faces challenges, but sometimes the right tools can make all the difference. On this page, you’ll find a collection of real-life experiences shared by individuals who have found comfort, strength, and hope through our services.

A graphic of a woman on a laptop with spanners, a rubber ring and speech bubbles around her.

After decades of smoking, Julie Wilson (63) and her daughter Tina Irving (43) decided to quit together, supporting each other every step of the way with the...

Wellbeing for life
Julie, Nikki and Tina after completing the 12-week Stop Smoking programme.

Lynne Carr recently shared a heartfelt and deeply personal account of her cancer journey and the support she received from Macmillan Joining the Dots (JTD). Through regular...

Joining the Dots
a photograph of lynne wearing a bright flowered dress. She is superimposed against a blue background. to the right of Lynne's photograph is a green background with the words 'Hear Lynne's journey of support with Macmillan Joining the Dots'.

Debbie Peel, 48, had tried quitting smoking many times over the years. But, with her health becoming increasingly affected and her asthma getting worse, she sought support...

Wellbeing for life
Jules_and_DP_stop_smoking

Claire Elliott, 49, was living with constant knee problems and did not feel good physically or mentally. After being referred to Wellbeing for Life (WBFL) and joining...

Wellbeing for life
Claire dining at an event.

From a chance meeting in a GP surgery, Tara* accessed the Stop Smoking programme with Wellbeing for Life (WBFL). A brief conversation led to 12 weeks of...

Wellbeing for life
A woman breaking a cigarette in half.

When Chris decided to begin his weight loss journey, he knew lasting results would require more than medication alone. Struggling with day-to-day activities and feeling the impact...

Wellbeing for life
Chris and Sharon chatting and reviewing one of the Wellbeing for Life Eatwise session booklets.

Mick’s* weight was having an impact on his mental wellbeing. Concerned about how this was affecting him, he turned to support from Wellbeing for Life (WBFL) to...

Wellbeing for life
A man sat eating a plate of healthy food.

Macmillan Joining the Dots works across County Durham to support people living with and beyond cancer by connecting them to the right services at the right time....

Joining the Dots
A lady wearing a headscarf and glasses is looking directly at the camera. She is wearing bright clothing.

Lorraine, aged 61, shares how a simple visit to Healthworks in Easington became the starting point of a life-changing journey, one that helped her rediscover confidence, self-worth...

Wellbeing for life
A male practitioner from Wellbeing for Life is chatting with a female client. They are looking at a service leaflet entitled, Your Wellbeing, Your Way. There are wellbeing workbooks and a roller banner on the table in front of them.

Feedback

  • "I’m going to chase total independence when the surgeries are complete.  The confidence and mentality I’ve gained will be a massive help. "

  • "I’m going to be more conscious about my own decisions surrounding my health. "

  • "It’s made me realise -everything in moderation, and try to introduce a healthy lifestyle. "

  • "From now on I’ll speak to a doctor with any new symptoms as soon as possible, rather than sitting on them. "

  • "The facilitator was very knowledgeable and gave time for reflective discussion –would recommend this to anyone, very beneficial. "