Handcrafted Projects

Initially set up in 2011 as a renovation skills organisation, Handcrafted expanded its offering in 2014 to include supported housing, with the help of homelessness focused social enterprises Green Pastures and Homeless Link.

Handcrafted aims to empower those who have been disadvantaged or faced social exclusion due to crime, alcohol or substance abuse, poor mental or physical health, unemployment, or having experienced abuse or been in the care system.

Beneficiaries are supported through a number of services including (a) training opportunities and creative activities for individuals to build confidence, gain skills and work towards goals; (b) supported housing across the region; and (c) other holistic support that engages with individuals’ whole lives, helping them to build healthy coping strategies – such as women’s groups.

About our investment

Investment 1

Social and Sustainable Housing
January 2023

SASH funding will enable Handcrafted to purchase 23 properties around Durham, Gateshead and Chester-le-Street and expand their supported accommodation from predominantly private rented to owned properties.

What

Handcrafted provides individuals with complex needs with shared housing and support, alongside skills training, to enable them to transition to independent living.

Who

High needs individuals including those struggling with their mental health, homelessness, addictions, and social isolation. Handcrafted has developed strong experience and expertise in working with young people with complex needs and those coming out of prison or secure settings.

How Much

The SASH-funding will allow Handcrafted to own 23 properties as part of its supported accommodation provision, including acquiring a number of existing rented properties.

Contribution

The additional SASH-funded units have much-needed demand, with strong support from local commissioners. Handcrafted has a reputation for having better success particularly young people and those that local commissioners struggle to place with other providers.

Risk

The management team is experienced in delivering the provision to an excellent standard having outperformed against KPIs measuring contract performance. The high quality of its services has resulted in extra demand and more beneficiaries seeking support.

*We define risk as: risk that the impact defined above will not be achieved by the investment

Handcrafted was born out of a desire to support and connect with isolated people, and those who had lost confidence in themselves. We see this loan from SASC as transformative, as it will enable us to own properties and have more control over the quality of the accommodation and how long people can stay. Having stable accommodation is critical to helping people break chaotic and destructive cycles, build their confidence, and inspire their hope for a brighter future.

Dan Northover, Managing Director

Visit the Handcrafted Projects website

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