For 80 years, St Cuthbert's Care has adapted to meet the changing needs of people across the North East. In June 2026, the charity opened Fresh Start, a supported accommodation service for women experiencing homelessness and multiple, complex challenges.
The service was developed after St Cuthbert’s Care repeatedly saw women leaving prison, temporary accommodation and crisis situations without the time and help needed to make lasting changes in their lives.
Many of the women referred to Fresh Start have experienced trauma, domestic abuse, poor mental health, substance misuse, family breakdown, social isolation or involvement with the criminal justice system. These challenges rarely happen in isolation and can make it difficult to access the opportunities and services needed to move forward.
Fresh Start was created to offer something different. The six-bed service provides more than accommodation; it offers a safe, recoveryfocused environment where women can regain confidence, improve wellbeing and begin creating the life they want for themselves.
Many women arrive at Fresh Start with very few belongings and little or no family or friendship network around them. The small size of the service allows staff to build trusted relationships and tailor assistance to each woman’s strengths, needs and aspirations. This may include helping women access healthcare, reconnect with family, manage finances, engage with recovery services, develop life skills, pursue volunteering or education opportunities and prepare for independent living.
At Fresh Start, we recognise that recovery is rarely a straight path. Our role is not to define success for women, but to walk alongside them, offering encouragement, practical help and the opportunity to move forward at their own pace.
An important part of Fresh Start is creating a genuine sense of home and belonging. Women are encouraged to personalise their rooms, take part in shared activities, engage with volunteering opportunities and reconnect with their communities. These experiences help reduce isolation, strengthen relationships and create a greater sense of belonging.
Although the service is still in its early months, it is already making a difference. Women are engaging with recovery services, reconnecting with family members, accessing healthcare, establishing routines and taking positive steps towards independence.
One woman arrived at Fresh Start after experiencing rough sleeping and a period in prison. Carrying only a small bag of possessions, she found it difficult to trust that things could be different. Through patience, encouragement and personalised guidance, she has begun establishing routines, growing in confidence and looking ahead with renewed hope.
“For the first time, I feel like somebody cares.”
For the team at Fresh Start, this simple comment from one resident captures the importance of providing more than just accommodation. It highlights the value of trusted relationships, consistency and a place where women feel safe, valued and understood.
As communities across the region continue to face increasing pressures linked to housing, poverty and mental wellbeing, services such as Fresh Start play an important role in ensuring vulnerable women do not fall through the gaps. By combining safe accommodation with compassionate, trauma-informed care, Fresh Start is helping women move beyond crisis and towards healthier, more independent lives.
As a charity-funded service, Fresh Start relies on the generosity of supporters to meet its annual running costs. Local businesses, community groups and individuals can help by donating wellbeing items and practical essentials, volunteering their time or making a financial contribution towards the service.
Together, we can help more women move beyond crisis, regain their independence and look ahead with hope.
For more information, please contact Nicola Milne, Marketing, Communications and Engagement Manager, at nicolaj.milne@stcuthbertscare.org.uk