Service provided by Advance – East London
Advance Well-being Drop-in
We offer consistent face-to-face support in the community within our Women’s Centres, in local hubs, and through phone and email contact. This support sits within our wider commitment to women in contact with the criminal justice system, many of whom face intersecting challenges linked to housing, physical and mental wellbeing, finances, and caring responsibilities, often intensified by experiences of imprisonment.
Our aim is to divert women from the criminal justice system at the earliest opportunity and to advocate for them across their multiple, complex needs. By providing safe, woman-only spaces and specialist interventions, we work to reduce custodial sentences, prevent further harm, and promote long-term stability. We recognise that the criminal justice system was built by men and for men, and that women deserve gender-responsive, trauma-informed alternatives like Advance. We support women and girls aged 15 and over across London and the South of England, offering a range of services in our women’s centres, in community settings, and within custody suites.
At our Stratford Women’s Centre, wellbeing and community connection underpin everything we offer. The centre provides a safe, creative space where women can take part in regular groups designed to support emotional wellbeing, confidence building, skill development, and peer connection. These activities form part of our overarching wellbeing support, giving women opportunities to explore creativity, build routine, and connect with others in a supportive, woman-only environment.
Regular activities include:
Art Group
A weekly creative space supporting emotional expression, grounding, and confidence building.
Held weekly
Casual Coffee Chat
A relaxed drop-in space providing informal peer connection and a welcoming community atmosphere.
Held once a month.
Mindfulness Practice
A facilitated session promoting grounding, stress reduction, and emotional resilience.
Held monthly.
Budget Workshop
A practical skills session supporting healthy eating and money management through simple, affordable recipes.
Held monthly.
The Bloom Hub
A ‘one stop shop’ where girls and young women can attend practical workshops and supportive group activities to build a community in a safe environment.
Held weekly.
Together, these activities create a holistic wellbeing offer, supporting women to rebuild stability, confidence, and community in a safe and empowering environment.
Referral Information
Women can also self-refer by calling 020 3953 3111
Referrals Offered:
- This service does not offer Booking referrals
- This service offers Drop-in referrals
- This service does not offer Electronic referrals
- This service does not offer Other – See referral information referrals