Help

Within the Resource Directory you can find information on hundreds of topics relating to children. Each 'directory entry' contains details about local organisations, including their name, contact details and a summary of the type of services they can provide.

There are 2 methods of locating information and it's also possible to submit your own details for inclusion. Brief instructions are provided below:

• Using the Categories
• Using the Search
• Submitting Information

If you continue to experience problems using the Resource Directory please contact us, we'll be happy to help wherever possible!

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Using the Categories

The topics covered by the Resource Directory have been divided into the following categories, which you can click on to gain further information:

• Careers
• Child & Adult Protection
• Counselling
• Crime & Community Safety
• Education
• Family Support
• Finance
• Health
• Housing
• Legal Services
• Leisure
• Staff Development

These 'main categories' contain 'sub-categories', which in turn hold a list of relevant topics or 'directory entries'. Clicking on the name of an organisation in the list of entries will allow you to see further details.

Note that, when clicking on external links, you will no longer be viewing the Resource Directory, so be aware that you'll need to use your browser 'Back' button to return to this site.

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Using the Search

It is possible to search the Resource Directory by using either the Simple or Advanced Search options. A simple search his is done by entering a keyword (or words, separated by spaces) into the search box and clicking the 'search' button. An advanced search allows you to choose a geograhical area to search in, as well as choosing from a category.

Behind the scenes, the 'search engine' will look at each of the 'directory entires' to see if your 'keyword'/selections match any of the words in the organisation's 'title', 'information', 'subject group' or 'local district'. If the keyword/selection you entered appears in any of these areas, the organisation will be included in the 'results list'. Note that the search does not look at an organisation's contact details.

Improving Search Results

The search only finds exact matches for the word(s) you include in the search box. Be aware that searching for 'garden' will not find the word 'gardening' and spelling errors within your keywords will not find similar results.

To improve yor search results:

• Try an alternative word, phrase or spelling
• Use fewer keywords to be less specific (usually finds more matches)
• Use more keywords to be more specific (usually finds less matches)

If you have entered a keyword which features heavily in the information section of a large number of directory entires you may find a lot of matches that don't appear to the directly relevant to your search. For example, you may have used the name of a district in your search (e.g. 'Sedgefield' or 'Easington'), which can be found in many directory entries. Try to making your search more specific to pinpoint a relevant topic.

Note that, when clicking on external links, you will no longer be viewing the Resource Directory, so be aware that you'll need to use your browser 'Back' button to return to this site.

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Submitting Information

Our 'online form' allows you to submit information about your organisation without the need to email or telephone us.

Simply fill in the boxes by placing your curser into each one in turn and typing the relevant information (note those marked with * must be completed). Then click the 'Submit' button. Once your form has been submitted successfully, (if you have supplied an email address) you should receive an email confirming that we have received your details.

Don't worry if you have made a mistake; you can use the 'Clear' button to remove all of your details and start again. If you have missed out any required information the system will display an error message and prompt you to fill in your details correctly.