House will help homeless women 'heal'

A house where homeless women can stay and be supported for up to two years has opened.

Durham County Council said Teesdale House, in Bishop Auckland, would give women "more stability" and supports to help them live independently and reduce repeat homelessness.

The site will house up to five people and be fully staffed at all times.

Councillor Alan Shield said the service would help women "heal" and go on to live "independent and fulfilling lives".

Provision for up to 56 days is already available.

The new site comes after the council extended its contract with North East charity Changing Lives to deliver supported homeless accommodation until June 2026.

Shield said the opening of Teesdale House on Monday marked a "significant milestone" for the community.

"This new facility will offer women across County Durham a place where they can heal, find support and gain the tools they need to live independent and fulfilling lives," he said.

Graham Ord, operational lead at Changing Lives, said the service would help women with the "unique challenges" they faced, such as gender-based violence or economic inequalities that could affect the stability of someone's tenancy.

"Our goal is to help women feel valued and supported as they rebuild their lives and futures," Mr Ord said.

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].