Worcestershire

Peer support and mentoring services help women by creating connections with others who have similar experiences with the criminal justice system. These services provide empowering opportunities, including access to both volunteer and paid work, supporting women in their journey towards personal and professional growth.

Volunteering provides women and girls with opportunities to engage in meaningful, community-focused unpaid work. It enables them to develop new skills, gain valuable experience, expand their networks, meet new people, and access training and personal development opportunities. Additionally, it can serve as a pathway to fulfilling paid employment.

Specialised support services for accommodation cater to women dealing with temporary or insecure living conditions, including those experiencing homelessness or sofa surfing. Some services are also geared towards helping women secure safe, approved housing or affordable accommodation.

Stress and anxiety related to finances, benefits, and debt affect many women. Specialist support services offer comprehensive assistance, including expert financial advice, strategies for debt relief and management, information on benefit entitlements, and connections to professional services aimed at mitigating financial hardship and providing support.

Behavioural support services aim to inspire and boost confidence in women, offering tools, guidance, and encouragement to tackle challenges related to social anxiety and relationship building. These services also assist women and girls in developing emotional coping strategies and positive social behaviours.

For women going through bereavement, grief, and loss, accessing tailored emotional support and counselling is crucial for healing. Services including grief counselling, therapeutic talks, and group sessions offer the necessary comfort and guidance during this challenging time.

Domestic violence and abuse support services assist women and girls in addressing the physical, emotional, financial, and logistical impacts of abuse. These services are designed to help individuals seek safety, escape abusive relationships, and rebuild their lives with a framework for recovery.

Women and girls seeking to access education, training, or employment after leaving prison can benefit from services designed to support their transition. These services help manage unemployment, assist with declaring criminal convictions, and provide guidance on securing both paid and voluntary work or continuing their education.

Effective management of physical health and wellbeing is essential for women to achieve healing, growth, and prosperity. The women’s centres and specialist services provide vital support in helping women and girls build and sustain healthy lifestyles. Services focus on enhancing fitness, incorporating exercise, practising mindfulness and self-care, maintaining good eating and sleeping habits, and finding satisfaction in hobbies and activities, while reinforcing self-appreciation.

Women and girls facing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or mental health crises need targeted support. Specialist services provide access to mental health professionals, counselling, and talking therapies. They also offer advocacy, develop care plans, facilitate crisis interventions, and help women connect with the right services to address and improve their mental health.