Providing the right support at the right time
For many people struggling with addiction, asking for help is the hardest step. Without the right support, it’s easy to feel trapped, unable to break free from cycles of dependency, financial hardship, and isolation.
In County Durham, addiction remains a significant challenge. In 2022-2023 alone, over 6,000 adults in the region were in contact with drug and alcohol services, highlighting the scale of the issue. Substance misuse ripples through families, friendships, and entire communities, often leading to homelessness, unemployment, and deep financial struggles.
That’s why accessible, community-based support is essential. Through Point North’s partnership with local charities, the Household Support Fund has helped people at key turning points in their lives, offering them not just immediate relief, but also a way forward.
The Household Support Fund, provided by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), is a discretionary fund designed to help vulnerable households with essential costs.
It’s administered by local authorities, in our case Durham County Council and its aim is to provide immediate relief for people who are struggling to afford energy and water bills, food, and other necessities.
J’s story: from crisis to stability
J was first referred to a local charity when social services identified that he needed urgent support with food and fuel costs. At first, he accessed the charity’s community meals, where he could eat a hot meal in a welcoming space. Over time, he started using the centre’s computers and drop-in services, gradually building trust and connections.
As J spent more time at the centre, staff got to know him. Because the charity had the funding and flexibility to offer ongoing support, J kept returning. And that’s when something changed.
It became clear that J was facing much bigger challenges. He was battling a serious drug problem, which was affecting his ability to stabilise his life and reconnect with his family.
Had this charity not been consistently present in his life, it’s unlikely J would have ever reached the point where he felt safe enough to talk about his addiction. Because the relationship had already been built, he was able to open up and seek help.
J was referred to a specialist drug and alcohol support team, who helped him take the first steps on his recovery journey.
Today, J is managing his addiction, living in stable housing, and rebuilding his relationship with his son, who had previously been placed in care.
Reflecting on his journey, he describes the support as: “An escape route I never thought I’d find.”
Making a lasting difference
For people like J, practical support is often the first step toward lasting change. Ensuring that no one is left struggling for basic needs creates opportunities for stability, recovery, and a fresh start.
But J’s story also highlights something just as important, why funding local charities matters.
Charities are trusted by their communities, allowing them to work beyond one-off interventions. Without the expertise of this charity, embedded within their local community, his addiction might have remained hidden, unspoken, and untreated. Because the charity had the resources and flexibility to keep showing up, J was able to reach a point where he could seek real change.
Everyone deserves the chance to move forward, no matter what challenges they’ve faced. Thanks to the Household Support Fund, people like J have been given the opportunity to break free from hardship and rebuild their future.
A fresh start can change everything.