CREE Project

East Durham Trust have helped to set up a range of groups aimed at reducing social isolation among men.

The Trust are leading on the CREE project which is funded through County Durham and Darlington PCT and supports drop in groups based on an Australian idea known as ‘Men’s Sheds’.

The project is a response to the closure of traditional industries and the loss of social facilities which greatly reduce contact between men, which in some cases can lead to the development of Mental Health problems.

The Trust has helped to set up a number of groups in communities and has trained volunteers in the process. Often the men get involved in various activities but the real focus is general discussion in an informal atmosphere. Intially 5 groups were established in East Durham.

Following their success ten further male CREE groups were developed across County Durham and four womens CREE groups, which in themselves are quite unique!

For anyone wishing to join a group further information is available by contacting Vikkie Wilkinson at East Durham Trust on 0191 5693511 or alternatively contacting the individual group.
Individual group details can be found below:

East Durham CREE’s

Blackhall Community Centre,
Activities include darts & dominos, fitness, local history
Contact Alison Patterson on 0191 586 7396 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Trimdon Community Centre.
Activities include darts & dominos, informal chats, cookery sessions, ICT sessions
Contact Derek Bradley on 01429 882200 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Shotton Community Partnership.
Activities include ICT classes, sporting activities
Contact Rona Hardy/Denise Brooks on 0191 5264213 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Wingate Family Centre.
Activities include accredited classes, ICT sessions, arts & crafts
Contact Alison Nutter on 01429 835241 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

East Lea Community Centre, Seaham.
Activities inlcude ICT sessions, outings, cooking on a budget
Contact Irene Waller/Monica Christie on 0191 5812399 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it OR This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Women’s CREE ’s groups also exist at:

Blackhall Community Centre, Trimdon, Wingate, Shotton (Contact details for these groups is as above)

County Durham CREE groups

DASH, Durham City, Dragonville Industrial Park
Waddington Street, Durham City
SHAID, Stanley (The Hut), Derwentside
SHAID, Sacriston (St. Peters)
Activities include arts, woodcraft, health & wellbeing, fitness
Main contact for all above - Francesca Magog (Moving On) Collaborate Durham on 0191 383 1559 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Crook Community Partnership
Activities include gardening, fitness, pottery, photography
Contact Alison Hirst on 01388 765927 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Chester West & Central Community Association, Chester le Street
Activities include darts, fitness, musical instruments
Contact Karen Smith on 0191 3890293 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Greenfield Arts & Community Centre, Newton Aycliffe
Activities include arts, blacksmithing, gardening
Contact Katy Milne on 01325 307147 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Dene Valley Community Partnership, Bishop Auckland
Activities include car maintenance, darts & dominos, arts and crafts
Contact Pat Wilson on 01388 777714 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Nouveau Fitness , Spennymoor
Activities include fitness challenges, health & wellbeing
Contact Bethany Ainslie on 0191 5878154 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

UTASS , Teesdale
Activities include socialising, advice & support
Contact Diane Spark on 01833 641010 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it