Strategy quoted as good practice

Two years ago, work started on a social inclusion strategy for Darlington called All Together Now.

The strategy aimed to improve chances for people who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, discrimination and disadvantage.

It looked at issues such as unemployment, poor educational achievement, older people and ill health to see how different groups can be helped to be more involved in society.

The strategy was ratified by the council in January and was adopted by the Darlington Partnership in March.

Now it has been praised by the Government's social exclusion unit and the improvement and development agency for local government as a good example of how to reach socially-excluded groups and include them.

The strategy can be viewed at www.darlington.gov.uk/democracy