£60,000 funding secured to support women in County Durham and Darlington
Four organisations awarded support for women facing complex challenges
Community organisations in County Durham and Darlington are set to receive a £60,000 funding boost to assist women facing challenges such as mental health struggles, addiction, and exploitation.
The funding, provided by Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen, will support four specialist providers in delivering community-based and trauma-informed services from 1st January 2026. Women aged 18 and over will be able to access support aimed at building resilience, improving wellbeing, and creating safer, more fulfilling lives.
The Community Based Services Supporting Women Projects will endeavour to offer support in accessible and welcoming spaces, particularly catering to women who have found it difficult to access help in the past.
The initiative will target women who have been affected by crime or exploitation, those who are in contact with the criminal justice system, and individuals experiencing housing insecurity, mental ill-health, or addiction, including problems related to substance misuse and gambling.
H2 Funding Recipients
Following a competitive application process, the funding has been distributed for a 24-month period starting in 2026.
The recipients include:
Just for Women (£10,000): Weekly workshops and peer support in West Durham
The Cornforth Partnership (£15,000): Mentoring and resilience programmes across South Durham
Coloured Hearts (£10,000): Creative and safe spaces for women across East Durham
Handcrafted Projects (£25,000): Trauma-informed creative and outreach support across North Durham and Darlington
The funding aligns with Commissioner Joy Allen's commitment to tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), a key focus in her Police, Crime and Justice Plan under the theme Safer People, Safer Places.
PCC Joy Allen said: “This funding is about reaching women who too often fall through the gaps and ensuring they receive the right support, at the right time. By investing in trusted community organisations, we can reduce harm, improve safety and support long-term recovery.”
The Commissioner has expressed interest in achieving full county-wide coverage in future and encourages suitable providers to come forward.