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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

Changing Lives have been working in partnership with Handcrafted for some time, and have seen the improvements that they have made to the service since they first began. We see Handcrafted as a valuable partner, providing effective support to our residents, most of whom are socially excluded and have been given up on by other services.

Handcrafted provides a safe environment for residents, so that they can explore new skills, gain confidence and improve self-esteem. This has been demonstrated on a number of occasions, when residents have been given the support specific to their needs, staff have shown patience and understanding in dealing with individuals who can be very challenging.

We work very closely with Handcrafted and have formed a unique working partnership together, we have seen a massive difference in the confidence that our residents have when they have engaged in this service, and that is due to the staff at Handcrafted going the extra mile, to make a difference to our residents, showing empathy and understanding and without judgement.

Long may this continue…

Margaret M, Service Lead, Changing Lives

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