Featured Listings

Community Peer Mentors

Who we are...   The Community Peer Mentors are part of the Durham Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC) Office; for County Durham and Darlington. We have been running for 6 years and our great success has been largely due to our amazing volunteers, as we have actively recruited over 300 people with lived experiences, coordinated by 6 paid members of staff. The Community Peer Mentors helps support the PCC plan; to inspire confidence in the police and criminal justice system, support victims and the vulnerable. We Aim to: Support vulnerable and isolated people affected by significant life changing events, being victims of crime, anti-social behaviour, neighbour disputes - Perceived or Real, who through unfulfilled needs become high impact users on frontline statutory and non-statutory frontline services. Over the pandemic we added support for those suffering from anxiety or social isolation To Reduce the Severity and Frequency of their calls thereby reduce vulnerability and empower change. Reduce the demand on Frontline Policing and other frontline emergency and statutory services.   We offer a non-time specific support which is unique and bespoke for every clients; as we believe every persons experience, story, fears and feelings are different, and therefore one size does not fit all. All we ask is that a person has the will, want and capacity to change, they must set goals; however small, they must ‘bring something to the party’; we are not there to just do everything for them.   This approach is unique in the UK for tackling these issues.To provide a brief overview please see this case study the ‘College of Policing’ prepared about us for their website; ‘Laura case study’ video on YouTube- https://youtu.be/-KMqSnp6uZ8   What we do... We will support someone for as long as they need us; all they have to do is have the will and want to change, we will catch them when they fall, be non-judgemental and we will always be there for them. We aim to leave people with hope and confidence to lead a happier and more fulfilling life; by helping you to feel safer and improve the circumstances you have found themselves in. Our core values aim to ensure everyone is EMPOWERED to make life changing choices: E = Encouragement M = Mutual Respect P = Positive Approach O = Openness W = Wellbeing E = Empathy R = Realistic and Honest E = Equality and Inclusion D = Dignity   When supporting people we will:   • Be a listening ear • Help you learn about themselves • Help by establishing trust • Provide new skills and confidence to resolve matters amicably • Signpost to other services if appropriate • Support forming new friendships, interests or hobbies • Robustly challenge inappropriate behaviour • Act as an advocate

Gladstone Street, Darlington, UK

Employability Durham DCC

Employability Durham Durham County Council

Employability Durham has a number of programmes supporting County Durham residents into or closer to work and away from financial hardship. We have three area teams of Advisers that meet you either face to face in your community or virtually (using digital platforms or telephone).If you're aged 25 and over (18 for the L!NKCD programme), unemployed and live in County Durham, we could offer you help and support to get back into work or start your own business. Looking for work can be difficult, especially if you have been out of work for a while. We provide information, advice and support to help you at every stage of your journey.If you're not yet ready to find a job, we can help you so that when the time comes, you're ready, prepared and confident. If you're newly unemployed and don't know where to start, would like a change of direction or want to secure a new job as soon as possible, we can help. As well as the practical employability skills (CV, interview techniques, job search etc) we are also qualified Advice and Guidance practitioners so we’ll help you to explore your options fully to support you to reach your potential. We have a discretionary fund which can help you to access training or things you might need when starting work.Our Durham Savers project also supports Financial Ability which is a series of virtual training sessions for Businesses, schools, voluntary and community organisations to support their staff, clients and family financial wellbeing. The sessions are fully funded by Durham County Council, and are available in a variety of ways, YouTube live, Teams, Skype etc. We offer practical guidance and tips on reducing household budgets, by showing how to reduce the amount you pay on household bills and expenses. We then support informed financial choices, then boost your financial confidence in our next virtual sessions, so that you always get the best price for you and your family. Our employability programmes can help:<ul><li>Durham Advance - personalised job support to our residents aged 25 to 50 with a health condition or disability or those who are aged 50+</li><li>Employability Mentoring - aged 25+ living in Spennymoor, Bishop Auckland and Shildon, Chester le Street or Stanley</li><li>L!NKCD - aged 18+ and need tailored support to overcome multiple and complex barriers (such as housing issues, offending or debt)</li><li>FLEX - for anyone who may not meet other criteria or may be in self-employment, under employed or their job is at risk and/or affected by COVID-19 and need additional support to sustain or progress further.</li></ul>

Spectrum 8, Spectrum Business Park, Seaham, SR7 7TT

Armed Forces Outreach Service

Armed Forces Outreach Service assists Veterans and those leaving the Armed Forces transition back into civilian life. The service can assist veterans who are Homeless or at risk of Homelessness access both Social and Private Sector Housing in the Durham Area and work closely with all major housing providers in Durham. The service works in partnership with other Armed Service Charities such as ‘The Royal British Legion’ and ‘SSAFA’ to provide comprehensive advice around Housing, Employment, Veterans Mental Health and Benefits. The service is open to anyone that has served in the armed forces no matter for how long, or, how long ago, and their dependants.All  Armed Forces Outreach Workers are Veterans themselves and understand the issues facing those both leaving the military and their longer term effects on veterans in civilian life.

Customer Access Point, St Johns Square, Sophia Street, Seaham, County Durham, SR7 7JE

Durham Christian Partnership

Durham Christian Partnership is a local charity that delivers a variety of projects with the aim of making a positive difference to the lives of people living, working and visiting County Durham. Formed in 1995 as a Christian community focussed on enhancing the care of those in need, DCP has grown to incorporate a variety of projects, all responding to different identified needs Two of the projects for which referrals are invited are: PAD B Working in connection with Durham Christian Partnership, Pad-B is a life-changing programme to help people who are looking for any form of support. We offer a compassionate personal approach to recovery from mental health issues and addiction.  Chester le Street area. Grandparents support group We are a support group who aim to improve the lives of children by working with grandparents and families. “Imagine if you never see your grandchild, or are not allowed to have contact with them and you are concerned for their welfare.  It is like a living bereavement and tears you apart”  We aim to improve the lives of children and families, especially those who:  Have lost or are losing contact with their grandchildren. Are the sole carers for their grandchildren Have childcare responsibilities. Are interested in the education of their grandchildren, and/or concerned for their welfare.   We provide: Individual emotional support. Mutual support from other grandparents who are experiencing similar situations. A confidential and comfortable environment in which to meet. A friendly and non-judgemental atmosphere. Information and support from the Grandparents’ Association   We meet on the second Monday of the month from 11am to 1pm at St Nicholas Church in Durham

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