£60,000 funding boost to support women across County Durham and Darlington

Community organisations across County Durham and Darlington are set to share £60,000 in new funding to support women facing complex challenges, following investment from Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen.

Four specialist providers have been awarded funding to deliver community-based, trauma-informed support for women aged 18 and over, helping them to build resilience, improve well being and lead safer, more fulfilling lives.

Launching in the New Year, the Community Based Services Supporting Women Projects will provide accessible support in welcoming community settings, particularly for women who have previously faced barriers to accessing help and whose needs often go unmet.

This includes women affected by crime or exploitation, those in contact with the criminal justice system, women experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, and women living with mental ill-health or addiction, including substance misuse and gambling-related harm.

Following a competitive process, funding has been awarded for a 24-month period from 1 January 2026 to:

• Just for Women (£10,000) – delivering weekly workshops and peer support in West Durham
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• The Cornforth Partnership (£15,000) – providing mentoring and resilience programmes across South Durham
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• Coloured Hearts (£10,000) – offering creative, safe spaces for women across East Durham
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• Handcrafted Projects (£25,000) – delivering trauma-informed creative and outreach support across North Durham and Darlington

Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is a key priority in the PCC’s Police, Crime and Justice Plan under the theme Safer People, Safer Places. The funding forms part of a wider commitment to improve outcomes for women, reduce repeat victimisation and ensure equality of access to support services.

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 PCC is working towards full county-wide coverage and welcomes interest from suitable providers.

For more information, contact: stefanie.hurren@durham-pcc.gov.uk.

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