Community Peer Mentors Provide Support To Anyone Whatever Their Circumstances.
We aim to empower change, reduce vulnerability and provide a voice for the unheard for anyone across County Durham and Darlington. Our mentors offer unique support to each client, with the aim of leaving individuals feeling safer and inspiring confidence.
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About Us
The Community Peer Mentors were the initiative of the previous Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner, the late Ron Hogg CBE, in 2015; however, funding continues under Joy Allen’s leadership as the Durham Police and Crime Commissioner and the scheme has grown exponentially. Joy said: “It is great to hear the positive impact the Community Peer Mentors have within the local community and how it has led to a demand reduction on frontline services.’’
"Mentors are motivated and enthusiastic volunteers from the local community who support vulnerable, isolated people affected by significant life-changing events, whether victims, survivors, perpetrators, or those forgotten by society, who through unfulfilled needs become reliant on services. Joy said: “I thank all those volunteers who continue to keep the scheme running for the people of County Durham and Darlington. The mentors offer unique support to each client, with the aim of leaving individuals feeling safer and inspiring confidence.”
We offer a non-time specific support which is unique and bespoke for every clients; as we believe every persons experience, story, fears and feelings are different, and therefore one size does not fit all. All we ask is that a person has the will, want and capacity to change, they must set goals; however small, they must ‘bring something to the party’; we are not there to just do everything for them.
This approach is unique in the UK for tackling these issues.
We Aim To
Support vulnerable and isolated people affected by significant life changing events, whether victims, survivors, perpetrators, or those forgotten and left by society, who through unfulfilled needs become reliant on the emergency services.
To Reduce the Severity and Frequency of their calls thereby reduce vulnerability and empower change.
Reduce the demand on Frontline Policing and other frontline emergency and statutory services
Make A Referral To Us
We aim to empower change, reduce vulnerability and provide a voice for the unheard, this fantastic support is given to anyone, whatever their background or circumstances, whether victim, survivor, perpetrator, prison leaver or someone forgotten or neglected by society.
Make A ReferralVolunteer With Us
These fantastic volunteers provide a voice in the formulation of support for the clients acting as advocates; their knowledge helps to educate, challenge, and change professionals preconceived thoughts and approaches.
These dedicated volunteers provide a light to those in despair, comfort, hope and inspiration to those in a dark place. They ensure support is unique and bespoke to each client and that their voice will be heard and considered as one size does not fit all, because they have been there.
Volunteer With Us
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Our Team
We have eight members of staff and 100+ volunteers, 71% having lived experience including survivors of domestic or sexual abuse, homelessness, prison leavers and perpetrators, plus those in recovery from substance misuse, gambling, mental health; with 20+ having been previous clients.
We now have 13 members of staff and 80+ volunteers: 71% having lived experience including survivors of domestic or sexual abuse, homelessness, prison leavers and perpetrators, plus those in recovery from substance misuse, gambling, mental health and professions; with 20+ having been previous clients.
They have received nearly 6000 referrals since 2016 to residence across County Durham and Darlington. The numbers of days of support we have provided to the residence of County Durham and Darlington are shown at the top of this page.
Please click the button below to learn more.
Meet The TeamVictim Of Crime?
If you are the victim of crime, waiting to attend court or would like information on Restorative Justice please visit the Victim Care and Advice Service (VCAS) website
Please click the button below to be directed to the Victim Care and Advice Service website.
Visit VCAS Website