Waddington Street Centre works to deliver effective support and meaningful opportunities to people living in the community with established mental health needs.  Through the provision of a wide range of services, we aim to support personal development and recovery, reduce isolation and combat social exclusion. We seek to provide a welcoming, relaxed, sociable and caring atmosphere where everyone is respected and valued as an individual.

Over the years we have developed strong partnerships with many other organisations notably New College Durham, which provides a wide range of learning opportunities at the Centre, Durham County Council who provide the Centre's core funding and the former Durham and Districts Supporting People Partnership who provide funding for the Centre's housing services. Details of the Centre's close partners can be found listed later in this brochure.

The Centre has held 'Investors in People' status since July 2003 and is actively involved in efforts to improve mental health services, particularly by supporting the empowerment of service users. IIP was re-awarded in May 2009 for a further 3 years with the following conclusion: 

"Since last review WSC has significantly strengthened its operating practices to meet the increasingly stringent requirements of its funders and the outside bodies that control the activities they are involved in. This has been achieved through full staff involvement and well considered delegation, which has both spread the workload, but also impacted positively on the team spirit. Care and consideration is a natural element in the way that Waddington Street operates both for its service users and its staff, and as a result people feel inspired to want to do more. This enthusiasm is well channelled into staff development activities which will impact positively on the individual, and ultimately on the quality of service that Waddington Street Centre provides. Investing in people is a way of life in this small charity and is carried out both in thought and deed - a thoroughly deserved continuing recognition."

Additionally the Centre is registered as a Mindful Employer and holds the Disability Symbol.