Donate Shop
Handcrafted woodworking

Vacancies

Director for Young People

Our housing and support for children in care, care leavers and separated migrant young people has grown rapidly over recent years. We have built a strong reputation across the North East, for meeting a real need but there is still so much more to do. We are expanding provision in Durham, Gateshead and Sunderland, with plans to extend further into Tees Valley and Northumberland.

We are looking for a Director for Young People to lead and develop our Young People’s provision across the North-East. You will be part of a community of staff who want to be part of growing something meaningful, with clear mission and values, rooted in our Christian ethos. We believe in the inherent value of each individual and we want to give more young people the chance to turn their lives around.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (flexible and part-time working patterns available)
Location: Based from one of hubs in Gateshead or Durham with travel to other hubs and properties
Salary: £51,100 pro rata

Application Closing Date: 24 March 2026. Vetting interviews must be completed by 31 March 2026 prior to shortlisting.  Shortlist interview dates TBC.

Download the full Recruitment Pack here to find more information and you can submit an application through Charisma Charity Recruiting here. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role further then please contact: Sandra Smith, Associate Director of Charisma Charity Recruitment on 01962 813300 or email info@charismarecruitment.co.uk

Trustee/Chair of Trustees

Trustees play a vital role in guiding and shaping the future of our organisation, ensuring that we continue to fulfil our purpose and make a positive impact in the North-East of England. 

We’re looking for people who are committed to our cause, who possess diverse skills and experience, and who are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of governance and ethical conduct. Whether you have previous Trustee experience or are considering this role for the first time, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our vision and values.

We are looking for 3 trustees to join our board. We are particularly looking for someone who might be willing and able to take on the role of Chair.

To apply, please email a CV and covering letter to dan@handcrafted.org.uk noting which position you are applying for, i.e. trustee or Vice Chair/Chair.

Download the full Recruitment Pack here to find more information. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role further then please contact: dan@handcrafted.org.uk

Please check back here for future opportunities or follow us on our social channels to stay updated.

Each year, we also welcome new Graduate Trainees to our team - a great opportunity for recent university leavers looking to kick-start their careers. Applications typically open in May, so keep an eye out for your chance to join us!

Image depicting someone helping another person up a mountain

Testimonials

There are countless challenges and barriers between our Fairchance service users and a healthy, productive and satisfying life.

We often use the term ‘chaotic lifestyle’ to describe the multitude of issues they face, and we contrast this lifestyle with an ideal that is secure, positive, stable and fulfilling. Often people looking in on the lifestyles of our service users find them intimidating, disorientating and full of risk – it should be no surprise that the same is true the other way around. For our service users who are looking into employment, education and stable accommodation, what they often see is a very unfamiliar culture and environment that they are unable to navigate.

Handcrafted helps to bridge this gap. It’s a middle ground between work and leisure where our service users are building confidence, self-esteem, working relationships, responsibilities, a sense of achievement. As a natural consequence of this and armed with the skills necessary to make this transition our service users are developing goals and ambitions and making plans for the futures that they are beginning to see as a reality for themselves.

Joe, Fair Chance Project, Oasis Aquila Housing