A PROJECT aimed at helping residents with everything from self-confidence to computer skills has received a major cash boost.

The Our Confident Community project, based at Willington Open Door Methodist Church, has been awarded £4,650 by County Durham Housing Group to boost opportunities in the town.

Working alongside Willington Food Bank, the project helps people with issues ranging from from health and self-confidence,to computer skills, budgeting and employability. It has the backing of other North-East organisations including Reaching Out Across Durham (Road), Wellbeing For Life and Go Ahead Training, and has computers to enable people to access job searches, benefit support and information.

Volunteers behind the project have also established links with six local businesses, which will help to provide mentoring, identify skills and training needs and work experience opportunities.

And pupils from Parkside Academy in the town have developed the name, logo and marketing materials for the project.

County Durham Housing Group community investment officer Debbie Howe said: “This project has been designed to offer high quality practical support and guidance for local people in a welcoming environment. I’m confident that the extensive support and opportunities on offer will help dozens of Willington families become healthier and happier.”

Sue Hine, from Willington Open Door Methodist Church, said: “We believe local people have really good ideas on how they want to improve themselves and their community. This project aims to listen to others ideas and help all to achieve their best”

Free taster sessions are taking place at the church on Wednesday afternoon from 2pm to 4pm this month. Activities include circuit training, building robots and computer skills.

Willington Open Door Methodist Church has rapidly become a focal point for the community since it opened in 2016. It benefits from a well-equipped kitchen, conference facilities and high-speed internet access.

County Durham Housing Group is one of the biggest providers of affordable homes in the region

It provides 18,500 affordable homes stretching from rural Weardale to the Durham coast and has identified Willington as a priority area for investment. Other priority areas include Horden Crossroads, Deneside in Seaham, West Auckland, Gilesgate and Woodhouse Close in Bishop Auckland.