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Victim of domestic abuse looking out of a window

Experience of
Domestic Abuse

We are passionate about working with people who have been affected by domestic abuse. Meeting people where they are at, and coming alongside them to help empower them, ensures that they can build their self-confidence and enter the future with hope.

As part of our aim to encourage and empower women, Handcrafted offers the Own My Life course specifically targeted at women who have experienced domestic abuse. This is an innovative, creative and educational 12-week course that seeks to support women in regaining ownership of their lives whilst explaining key concepts in easy to understand terms.

We also aim to support women by offering a safe and friendly environment to explore their creative skills with a variety of craft activities available at the women’s groups that run across the 4 hubs in Gateshead, Chester le Street, Durham and Sunderland. Many of the women enjoy woodwork sessions, making various projects ranging from garden benches to bird boxes!

In addition to learning new skills, each session provides the opportunity to socialise and chat along with refreshments and a chance to make new friends.

Image depicting someone helping another person up a mountain

Testimonials

I work as a prolific offender coordinator within police and my role is to reduce re-offending, I work with offenders who have been within court and prison system for numerous years.

Handcrafted has been instrumental in providing training, skills and support to help these most chaotic offenders in the local community. To a lot of people going to work each day would be a normal part of life. The majority of the prolific offenders within the offender management unit have very little or in some cases no work experience.

Handcrafted have provided the opportunity to build their confidence, self-belief, working with others and learning a trade. They get a huge sense of achievement working on various projects within Handcrafted. The staff are always very supportive and Handcrafted has become a valuable partner agency.

Simon H, Durham Constabulary