Deputy Director of Operations: Young People

Harry Jennings

After graduating from Durham University, Harry joined our Handcrafted team as Business Development Officer in 2019. He went onto manage our Covid-19 emergency response in 2020 and became our Durham Project Manager later that year. Throughout his time at Handcrafted, he has worked closely with Care Leavers and has built up strong relations with Social Services, coordinating multiagency support.

Harry estranged himself from his biological family when he left home to come to the North East, and had to navigate his early twenties independently, with the support of the local community. Harry learnt the value in having stable and predictable friendships himself, and wanted to help foster such a relationship for care leavers who gain independence for the first time.

Since 2020 we have supported increasing numbers of young people with complex needs, especially young Care Leavers. Since then, Harry has developed strong relationships with local authorities and other agencies, we have been able to house and support these young people as they transition into independent adulthood.

In 2022 we entered a new phase of our work with young people, housing Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Young People. Harry works with commissioners, Children’s Services and Young People’s Services to identify those who are the most isolated. Harry co-ordinates provision of training and wraparound support to overcome adversity and integrate into society, including organising events and hosting group activities.