A community project fighting poverty in Teesdale has been handed a £10,000 grant by an appeal backed by The Northern Echo’s ‘Put in a Pound’ campaign.

TCR Hub in Barnard Castle has been given the money by the County Durham Community Foundation (CDCF) raised through its Poverty Hurts Appeal.

The Appeal, now in its second year, has gathered huge support across County Durham and beyond, and is being backed by our Put in a Pound campaign.

Read more: Campaign backed by Echo's Put in a Pound appeal smashes £500k milestone

Launched in December, generous Northern Echo readers have now donated more than £3,200 to Put in a Pound campaign. And for each pound donated, CDCF’s existing supporters will match it with an additional 50p.

The TCR Hub, which is already well known for serving its local community, is doubling down on support to help people through the cost-of-living crisis.

The Northern Echo: The County Durham Community Foundation's Poverty Hurts Appeal is being backed by the Northern Echo's Put In A Pound campaign. Pictured: CDCF Chief Executive Michelle Cooper MBE.The County Durham Community Foundation's Poverty Hurts Appeal is being backed by the Northern Echo's Put In A Pound campaign. Pictured: CDCF Chief Executive Michelle Cooper MBE. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

TCR Hub Chief Executive Rachel Tweddle said: “In addition to becoming a designated warm space, we’re planning more family support sessions, more older people’s workshops, more skills sessions and more specialist drop-ins to serve our community.

“Some of the skills sessions we offer can also be used to help people apply for new jobs, develop their careers, or start new businesses. 

“We also know that situations for local people can change rapidly, and our staff and volunteers all have up to date training to ensure they have the latest advice and information to support them whatever their needs.

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“We offer as many services as we can, and we know how much these are needed as they are so well used, but we know we can do more.

“For example, we deliver a weekly family social club that can cater for up to 30 people per week, but we’re hoping to add an additional weekly session as we have a waiting list and get regular enquiries from individuals and professionals working in Teesdale.”

TCR could benefit from further donations to the Echo’s Put in a Pound appeal, backing the County Durham Community Foundation.

You can donate just £1*, or more if you can afford it, through The Northern Echo’s 'Poverty Hurts' fundraising page by CLICKING HERE or scanning the QR code.

*A small amount from each donation is taken as a processing fee by County Durham Community Foundation's trusted giving platform 'enthuse'.

For example, if you donate £20 plus £5 Gift Aid, 83p will be taken as a processing fee. Due to the Foundation matching donations, your final donation would be £34.17.

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