The History of Handcrafted
Handcrafted's journey began when a few people from a local church started getting to know homeless individuals in Durham. They were struck by the skills, ambitions, and potential of these individuals, who were often written off due to their circumstances. Recognising that many had valuable skills, such as professional chefs who were now dependent on receiving free food, they decided to offer positive engagement opportunities through workshops in woodwork, landscaping, and decorating. These sessions aimed to build community and routine, welcoming anyone who wished to participate.
As people were given opportunities, they began to build more stability in their lives. This positive impact was noticed by referrers such as probation services and homeless hostels, leading to an increase in referrals. In 2013, Handcrafted undertook its first house renovation project, transforming a house into a home for some of its trainees. This initiative met a real need in an empowering way and became a key part of Handcrafted’s approach.
Timeline of Developments
• January 2012: Handcrafted begins its first workshops in Durham, offering sessions in woodwork, landscaping, and decorating.
• 2013: Handcrafted undertakes its first house renovation project, creating a home for some of its trainees, establishing this initiative as a key part of our approach.
• 2018: We engaged with 212 individuals from Jan 2018-Feb 2019 across all our
• bases. There were 5125 contacts in that time, including activity sessions, calls and home visits.
• 2019: Training Kitchen opens in Chester-Le-Street
• 2020: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Handcrafted quickly adapted its existing infrastructure to support vulnerable individuals during lockdown restrictions. Over 12,500 meals were delivered to 330 individuals over the four months of the first national lockdown. Throughout the pandemic, we provided daily hot meals and other forms of support to at-risk groups who were disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
• 2021: Handcrafted receives 210 new referrals for support. Women’s groups were launched in all three hubs.
• 2022: Handcrafted works with 623 individuals and experiences a 53% increase in new referrals, totalling 322 for the year. Handcrafted moves into the new activity hub at the Shakespeare in Deckham.
• 2023: Under Multiply funding in County Durham, Handcrafted delivers embedded functional maths teaching to 34 learners.
• 2023/24: Plans to invest in growing activity hubs, expanding the housing portfolio, and opening a community hub and café.
• 2023/24: Development of specialised support for young care leavers and women with experience of domestic abuse.
• 2026: Expansion from three to eight regional hubs, with the capacity to house over 160 people annually, provide training to over 1,400 people, and carry out over 6,300 support visits.