About Us
We are not a housing association. We don’t own property or place unnecessary focus on the acquisition and management of housing stock. This allows us to relentlessly focus on the needs of our young people, placing their development at the front and centre of our business model.
Our support team is made up of specialist youth workers, supported by a professional housing team. This blend of people allows us to put the development of life-skills first, with specialist input from housing professionals to help young people sustain their tenancies
Our History
1980s
Moving On Durham was first established as a project called Durham Night Stop in the late 1980’s. The project was a partnership between Durham Churches Group and Durham City Youth Project who were concerned about the poor provision of homeless support and supported lodgings in the City. It operated as a project of the Durham City Youth Project, before becoming formally constituted as Moving on Durham in 1996.
1996
Established
The purpose the service at this point was homelessness prevention through the provision of information, advice and guidance to young people – a service that we still offer today.
Over the next few years Moving On developed a number of different services:
– Floating Support
– Advocacy and Peer Support
– Independence Training
– Pre-tenancy training
– Counselling
The charity remained based in Durham City and offered a number of ‘drop in’ and informal training resources for homeless young people out of 2 rented houses on Sherburn Road estate. Funding at this time was often scarce and the service fluctuated in size and capability from year to year.
2004
2006
2014
Housing Service
Established
In 2014 with support from the Northern Rock Foundation the Moving On Housing was set up to provide transitional housing for homeless young people for the first time. This project quickly enabled the charity to start to grow its reach and its impact across the county
2015
2020
What We Do
Homelessness Prevention
Housing Support
Move On
Property Services
Our People
As a Charity, Moving On Durham is managed by a board of trustees. Our trustees are local people who care about local people and volunteer their time to help reduce the impact of homelessness in County Durham. Our Trustees come from a range of professional backgrounds and use their expertise to help direct the charity and support the staff team.
Nigel Van Zwanenberg – Chair
Our current Chairperson is Nigel Van Zwanenberg, Nigel joined the board in 2011. Nigel has previously lectured at a local University, specialising in management and behaviour in organisations. Nigel also has experience as District Councillor.
Why do you volunteer for Moving On Durham?
Initially, when I first became a trustee of Moving On Durham, the idea of helping to reduce the homelessness amongst young people in the locality seemed like a good idea. At the time I’ll be honest, I didn’t know that much about the problems, or how Moving On Durham helped young people. But over the years I have learnt a lot more and in various ways, along with the other trustees, have helped to direct what Moving On Durham does.
Moving On Durham is clearly focused on making a difference to young people’s lives by helping to bridge the gap between them and the landlords whose property can provide them with a home. With support from Moving On Durham, more young people can avoid homelessness and benefit from living independently.
The staff team, led by Chief Executive Peter Richards is made up of dedicated, experienced and qualified individuals who care passionately about young people and ensure they have a safe home and a fresh start.
Peter Richards – Chief Executive
Peter has over 25 years’ experience in the voluntary sector, with 11 years as a Chief Executive / Executive Director. Peter has significant long term experience managing external funding, project development and delivery across diverse operations from landscape and built architecture, to youth work and employability programmes. From multi million pound investments from the National Lottery and Coalfields Regeneration Trust, to managing small community level donations and investments. Peter is a very experienced funding and project manager, successfully managing delivery, risks and returns on complex multi stakeholder projects whilst delivering diverse outcomes.
Why do you work for Moving On Durham?
It is an absolute privilege to work with the team at Moving On Durham, who work tirelessly to support one of the most vulnerable groups in society; homeless young people. Often presented with young people in crisis are despair, when we offer them a new home and a fresh start, what they can achieve with us is like magic. Our young people go on a journey with us, building their confidence, resilience and ability to live sustainably in the community; starting to achieve their potential. It is a real inspiration to see.
The Development Team is made up of specialists who ensure the smooth running of the charity. This includes administration, preparation of food parcels, fundraising and other functions necessary for the charity to be successful. Charlotte Lee is one of our development workers and most experienced members of the team.
Charlotte Lee – Development Manager
Charlotte has over 7 years experience of working and volunteering in the voluntary sector, of which 4 years have been in a leadership role. Charlotte has front line experience of supporting people in the County Durham and Cleveland area, with support needs including homelessness, mental health, unemployment, substance misuse and dual diagnosis. Charlotte has managerial experience including overseeing of substantial contracts, HR and financial support.
Why do you work for Moving On Durham?
I have a passion to help young people achieve the best outcomes for them personally to help reach their aspirations. Seeing the transformation from when someone first starts their journey with us to end the result (often in a years time) is amazing and truly inspirational.
The Housing and Support teams ensure that properties are maintained to the highest standard and that young people have comfortable and safe homes. They schedule visits and support calls to help young people develop independent living skills. Rachael Logan is our Senior Support worker, who supports the team to provide the highest quality support.
Rachael Logan –Support Work Team Leader
Rachael started out her professional career working in the travel industry. Her abilities were quickly recognised and she had numerous promotions, eventually becoming TV advertising manager. She left to have a family and in that period studied for a degree in health and social care and completing numerous placements. She was super keen to support people, so her next role was in housing support, where she was put in charge of a portfolio of around 120 properties, but never quite feeling like she was making a positive difference to people’s lives. She joined Moving on Durham in 2015, initially as a part-time support worker, before moving into the team leader role in 2019.
Why do you work for Moving on Durham?
I love helping young people who have had a difficult start in life. I represent Moving On Durham at the housing panel, so I get to meet people at the very start and follow their journeys through our support programme. I’m very reliable, and some would say straight to the point, so young people tend to respect what I say and take an interest in their own personal development. Seeing the progress made is just amazing and knowing you have played a part in changing someone’s life for the better is such a lovely feeling. I have a fantastic dedicated team of support workers who work so hard. I’m so proud of my team and all that they do to ensure young people are healthy and happy.
safeguarding
At Moving on Durham, we take Safeguarding seriously. Our safeguarding policy is available for public review here. Please contact us for further information, comments or suggestions.