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Handcrafted Durham workshop

History

A trainee proudly showing his completed woodwork project

Since 2012 Handcrafted has been providing housing, support, training and opportunities to empower the most vulnerable people in society to do the hard day-to-day work of turning their lives around.

A newly refurbished apartment

We have developed a sustainable hub model that allows us to offer person-centred, holistic support in the communities where it is needed most. First established in Durham, this model has now grown across the North East, with hubs in Chester-le-Street, Gateshead, Sunderland and, most recently, Darlington.

Each hub is based in an area of high deprivation and provides a welcoming place where people can find community, practical support, training and opportunities to rebuild their confidence. While our model is consistent, each hub is shaped by its local area. We work closely with local authorities, community groups and partner organisations so that our support responds to the specific needs, strengths and rhythms of each community.

A climbing wall with two Handcrafted residents on it. Stood on the floor below is a Handcrafted housing support worker, who look

Our work focuses on people facing multiple and complex barriers, including homelessness, unemployment, care experience, offending histories, asylum or refugee experience, addiction, poor mental health, disability and domestic abuse. Because these needs are often interconnected, our support is holistic, practical and relational. We help people build stability, confidence, skills and a stronger sense of belonging.

In 2023, we developed Engage, our specialist provision for 16–25-year-olds. Working across the region, Engage supports young asylum seekers, refugees and care leavers to build stability, independence and community. Alongside housing and practical support, the team creates opportunities for young people to experience ordinary parts of young adulthood they may have missed, including friendships, shared meals, sport and learning new skills.

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

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