Handcrafted Projects

Who we are

Handcrafted Projects is a Christian charity working to support the most disadvantaged people across communities in the North-East of England. We work in Durham, Chester-le-Street and Gateshead, while looking to expand to other hubs across the region. Our trainees often struggle with isolation, addiction, mental health issues, offending (including prolific offending) and homelessness. We offer holistic support that is tailored to each individual. This enables us to engage people with highly complex needs and empower them to see the value they have to society regardless of their previous life decisions. Through this, we believe each person has the potential to integrate into their communities and turn their lives around.

Our support is centred around practical activities, which offers a constructively scheduled timetable for those whose lives are chaotic. We have two Maker’s Spaces in Durham and Gateshead; and in Chester-le-Street we run a Training Kitchen as well as a Women’s Craft and Support group. Each of these activities allow trainees to see their potential in different areas, as they come to believe what they are capable of. Our projects mean trainees can take something tangible home with them at the end of each day which they can take pride in.

We also offer supported housing for those who are homeless, vulnerably housed, or leaving the prison or care system. As we engage with those who have unstable housing situations, we continue to offer them practical support to ensure they can maintain their tenancies.