About Us

1989Company Established

In The Beginning

In 1989, following widespread disadvantage resulting from the demise of the coal mines in East Durham, “Peterlee Partnership”, a constituted voluntary organisation, was established. We were located within the then East Durham College and launched “Holidays at Home” to provide low cost activities for disadvantaged community residents. Relocating to Whitbread Brewery premises at Castle Eden, these activities expanded to include a range of training and support provision across East Durham. Known as the “CATS” project and then latterly East Durham Partnership, we were patronised by the then Bishop of Durham, David Jenkins.

1995Incorporation

East Durham Partnership

In 1995-the organisation was incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee known as East Durham Partnership Ltd (EDP)

1995 - 2002Regsitered Charity

Steady Progress

From 1995-2002 East Durham Partnership further evolved, supported by the RDC, NRF and local grant providers, culminating in 2002 with the organisation becoming registered with the Charity Commission, to provide support for residents affected by poverty, sickness and long term unemployment across East Durham.

Working with Easington District Council from its leased warehouse premises at Lister Road, EDP obtained CEED funding to establish a Reuse, Recycling and employment initiative collecting donated furniture and whitegoods and creating jobs and work placements using ESF and ERDF funds.

2006Factory, Funding & The Prime Minister

New Factory

In 2006 after being temporarily located at Shotton Hall School the Charity was able to purchase factory premises with donations from CRT and Easington District Council Liveability Fund. A variety of training and employability projects funded by National Lottery, CRT, Big Lottery, ESF, Henry Smith Charity ensued alongside community led projects working with SAFC youth coaches, EDC Helping Hands and a local police Community Safety initiative

We were visited by Tony Blair PM and invited twice to Downing Street

Contracts to supply other charities including BHF and St Oswalds hospice led to a collaboration with the prison and the probation service to provide work for serving prisoners (Kirk Levington) and ex-offenders.

2009 - 2011Future Jobs Fund

Future Jobs Fund

From 2009-11 EDP created 180 jobs via the Future Jobs Fund (environment, joinery, Police support, admin, warehouse operative roles)

2011Accent Homes & New College Durham

Apprenticeships

During 2011 we obtained a contract with Accent Homes to create jobs to support local housing and worked under contract with New College Durham to deliver 100 Apprenticeships and over 600 first step job outcomes using SFA training Funds and ESF Job incentives.

2014Household Goods

Greggs & DCC

In 2014, we were approached by Greggs Hardship Fund and DCC to establish separate SLAs to supply and deliver essential household goods to local beneficiaries

2016Local Authorities & Housing Associations

Community Support

In 2016 EDP concluded its relationship with Derwentside Homes and the Charity opted to reduce recycling work involving used appliances in favour of provision of new low cost household appliances to eligible recipients. Subsequently we were approached by Hartlepool Borough Council and other local authorities and housing associations to deliver essential household goods under contract.

In 2016 East Durham Partnership Joined the DCC/ CREE Mental Health network and we have since collaborated with many local housing associations, local authorities and charitable organisations (CAB, ANE, East Durham Trust, DCC, Social Services) to provide support for disadvantaged residents and clients with physical and emotional health issues.

We collaborated with the NE credit Union to pilot the establishment of an outlet in a central Peterlee shopping mall to support residents with debt issues and although the project itself was successful, renting premises in the shopping mall proved not to be financially viable.

2018Local Support

Haven Cafe

In 2018 we established the Haven Café and the Afternoon Out clubs for the lonely and isolated, funded via CDCF and SIR James Knott Trust with support from Hadrian Trust, Sherburn Charity and Hospital of God, Greatham grants.

2019 - 2021DCC approved Emergency Service

COVID Support

In 2019-2021 -the Covid PANDEMIC resulted in closure of EDP premises to the public but we continued to operate as a “DCC approved emergency service”. Under strict health & safety measures EDP furloughed staff continued provision thus ensuring disadvantaged residents could access essential emergency support. Funding was received from local govt, CDCF and the National Lottery.

2021 OnwardsExceeding Pre-Pandemic Levels

Still Going Strong...

From 2021 onwards-EDP has been involved in post pandemic recovery initiatives including the re-opening of the Haven Café Mental Health support project and direct access to our warehouse based projects. This has resulted in beneficiary numbers exceeding pre pandemic levels.

More recently the Charity has provided an effective response to the Cost of living crisis supported by CDCF (Poverty Hurts, HSF), Tyne and Wear Community Foundation (sustainability grant) National Lotteries Community Fund and (for five years to date) Sir James Knott Trust Funding.

We continue to operate from our premises at Seaview Industrial estate in Horden

About The East Durham Partnership