Fresh Start Project CIC
Stockton-on-Tees, UK
FRESH START PROJECT CIC – Providing Hope, Safety and Fresh Starts
Fresh Start Project CIC provides safe, secure accommodation and person-centred support for homeless men in Stockton-on-Tees, helping them rebuild their lives, regain stability and work towards a more independent future.
We currently provide 15 supported accommodation spaces across our Portrack and Westbourne Projects.
The men who come to us have many different stories. Some have been released from prison with nowhere suitable to live. Others have experienced relationship breakdowns, mental health challenges, drug or alcohol misuse, financial difficulties, or have found themselves sleeping on the streets.
Our referrals come from prisons across the North East, Probation Services and local authority homelessness teams.
More Than Somewhere to Sleep
At Fresh Start Project CIC, we believe providing a roof is only the beginning.
We work with each resident as an individual, helping them access healthcare, register with a GP and dentist, manage Universal Credit and benefits, access food banks and essential items, engage with mental health or drug and alcohol services, develop budgeting and independent-living skills, and build confidence, routine and stability.
Our aim is to help each man take positive steps towards greater independence and a more secure future.
People, Not Labels
Homelessness can happen for many reasons. A relationship can break down. Someone can leave prison with nowhere to go. Mental health can deteriorate. Drug or alcohol misuse can take hold. Financial circumstances can change.
Fresh Start Project CIC doesn't judge someone by where they've been. We work with them on where they want to go next.
The men we support are not statistics. They are fathers, sons, brothers and members of our community who deserve dignity, support and another opportunity.
What Support Do We Need?
Many of our residents arrive at Fresh Start Project CIC with very little and live on extremely low incomes. Some rely on food banks and donations, particularly while waiting for Universal Credit or trying to make a monthly payment stretch.
We are incredibly grateful for support with surplus food, toiletries, men's clothing, bedding, household essentials and other practical donations that can directly benefit our residents.
We also welcome opportunities to work with local businesses, organisations and volunteers who share our commitment to helping people rebuild their lives.
Something as simple as a meal, clean bedding or essential toiletries can make a genuine difference to someone starting again. These things don't just meet a practical need – they provide dignity, stability and show someone that their community cares.
Our Mission
Providing Opportunities, Hope and Fresh Starts to Those in Need.
Behind each of our 15 spaces is a person and a story.
Someone who deserves a safe place.
Someone who deserves support.
Someone who deserves another opportunity.
What we've received
Meals197,025
Non-food (tonnes)4.84
Money£400
Bridge House
Stockton-on-Tees, UK
Most residents have multiple complex needs which may include issues around, debt management, substance misuse (both legal and illegal), mental health issues, general health, life skills, domestic violence, offending (including prolific offenders and sex offenders), self harm, sex working and education & training. The service takes in residents through a robust referral system and requires input from outside agencies. Potential residents are risk assessed and their initial support needs identified before being offered accommodation. The service is happy to manage risk, not avoid it, so there are very few individuals who are refused a bed. All residents are offered supported accommodation for up to two years during which they will be supported to address their different issues and achieve independent living. Support is delivered by members of staff 24 hours a day, through a programme of 4 projects;
1. Accommodation Project
Provides a bed, breakfast and an evening meal. All residents are given a Transition Coach to work alongside them and have a personalised asset-based support plan. Working in partnership with other agencies the service provides emotional, offending, behaviour management, mental health, addiction and self-harming support. Bridge House Signposts to local or national organisations when appropriate, helps with filling in forms and claiming benefits and provides help and advice with managing money and paying bills.
2. Legal & Clerical Project
Our Legal and Clerical Project is administered by Emma. This project aims to reduce offending and increase rehabilitation when offenders are released from prison. This project provides; character statements for court, court applications, emotions during court cases, attends court with residents, liaison with other legal services, monitoring of prolific offenders and sex offenders, visits and correspondence while in custody and partnership working with Probation Service, Public Protection Unit and Cleveland Police. Emma is also responsible for support delivered to the female residents.
3. Health Fitness and Leisure Project
Our Health Fitness and Leisure Project is administered by Kevin. This project aims to increase the wellbeing of residents, increasing confidence and outlook by; developing a timetable of health, fitness and leisure activities, encourage residents to be physically active, boost moral by participating in sporting competitions, inspiring residents outlook by accompanying them on out of area activities such as camping and hiking, identifying , encourage and arrange participation in community activities.
4. Advocacy and Prevention Project. This project aims to keep the residents safe and provide education to the wider community around preventative work. We hold Naloxone and a defibrillator onsite and collect and dispose of approx. 500 used syringes each month.
What we've received
Meals50,186
Non-food (tonnes)1.00
Money£212
Welcome Foundation
Middlesbrough, UK
We are committed to alleviating poverty among all disadvantaged people living in the North East by providing essential food hampers, counselling, Art & cooking classes. The Welcome Foundation ensure that the individual has access to basic financial resources, whether through government assistance, work opportunities, or training programs.
To relieve poverty among the homeless, refugees, asylum seekers, migrant workers and their dependants living in the northeast by providing hot meals, interpreting, translating, advocacy and advice. To preserve and protect the physical and mental health of those granted refugee status and their dependents, and to advance the education of the public in general about the issues relating to refugees and those seeking asylum.
We know that true healing begins from within. That’s why we encourage activities such as walking, cycling, running, and meditation—powerful yet accessible ways to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
But we don’t stop there. We also fight nutritional deficiencies by providing access to healthy food and essential hampers, helping individuals rebuild both body and mind.
Our mission: To empower those struggling with mental or physical illness to take charge of their recovery and rediscover their strength, resilience, and purpose.
We believe women are powerful catalysts for change. Our Women Unleashed Empowerment programs give women the tools to unlock their potential, overcome fear, and step boldly into their purpose.
From fitness classes and meal-prep workshops to self-confidence seminars, business training, and financial education, we equip women to thrive in every area of life.
Whether it’s starting a business, pursuing education, or creating healthier daily habits, we stand beside women as they transform their dreams into reality.
Thank you for supporting the Welcome Foundation. We organise a monthly Family Fun Day to bring the community together. Everyone is welcome to enjoy a warm meal and live music.
We help disadvantaged people through charitable activities such as weekly home visits and Zoom meetings to promote the value of education and mental health wellbeing. We also support asylum seekers with court proceedings.
What we've received
Meals4,901
Non-food (tonnes)0.01
Volunteering (hrs)Volunteering (hours)8
Money£10,255