A POLICE and Crimes Commissioner gave his seal of approval to a women’s support group when he visited a community centre in County Durham this week.

Ron Hogg, PCC for County Durham, went to the Women's Cree Project at Trimdon Station Community Centre on Thursday (October 7) to find out about the work done in the group which runs every Wednesday between 10am and noon.

The group, organised by Youth and Development worker, Jo Taylor, provides a professional counselling service as well as the companionship of 55 women who regularly attend sessions.

Mr Hogg commented that since local authority cuts in services, groups which provide essential support like this are increasingly important.

He said: “More and more, people are becoming dependant on groups like this as basic services are taken away. Volunteers and community services such as this are needed to help people get through their day.”

The group began on November 11, 2012 following the popularity of the men’s Cree which started a year earlier.

Cree Champion, Derek Bradley, who co-ordinates a number of groups at the centre, said: “The group has been a great success. We have an open door policy – anyone who needs help can come along. They don’t have to come from the village.”