Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Service (UTASS)


UTASS is an organisation that has developed as a product of a lengthy and careful community development process. Currently an Unincorporated Association and registered charity (awaiting incorporation), it is managed by local people for local people.

UTASS is the largest registered charity in the Dales and provides a wide range of services and support in Teesdale and surrounding areas. The overall aim of UTASS is to work with the community to try and help prevent problems from getting to the desperate stage.

Services provided by UTASS include:

  • Preparation and dissemination of relevant, informative briefings, de-jargonised DEFRA & EU documentation
  • Advice and support with completion of complex forms, appeals, photocopying, faxing and emailing.
  • General telephone and drop-in advice and support.
  • Organisation and delivery of a range of locally identified training courses.
  • Presentations and awareness raising events.
  • Pre-counselling - business and emotional.
  • Computerisation of farm records and assistance in setting up sustainable methods of dealing with on farm paper work.
  • Lamb bank, sales and wants and labour/ skills list development.
  • IT on Farms - equipment loan scheme.
  • Advocacy, liaison work with other agencies and land lords.
  • Acting as a focal point for gauging/ gathering local views and accordingly responding to Government and EU consultations.
  • Providing outreach opportunities for other organisations to work out of UTASS e.g. Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), Pensions Agency, Age Concern, North East Council for Addictions (NECA) & Social Services.
  • Provision of Community Computers.
  • Young peoples Drop in, internet cafe facilities, Chlamydia screening and C-Card Scheme (condom distribution)
  • Structured sessional work with Young People by qualified Youth Work Staff (4 nights per week plus offsite activities). 

Assistance and support is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year

UTASS Contact Details:

1&2 Horsemarket, Middleton-in-Teesdale, Co.Durham, DL12 0SH

Tel: 01833 641010 or 01833 640836

Fax: 01833 640872

Email: info@utass.org