Recommendation 98

Rebecca Robson, for instance, told us about Women’s Community Matters in Cumbria and the wide range of services the organisation offers: “We run an eight-week group course called Women’s First, which each week responds to a different pathway to reoffending, or a different vulnerability or issue … We have confidence-building courses … which are available to all women, including women who are accessing the service on this contract. We have a range of one-to-one support from lots of different skilled practitioners, including independent domestic violence advisers and mental health workers. We have courses that are specific to domestic abuse and the effects on the woman and her family; different peer support groups; social activities that help with reintegration back into the community and with making meaningful and purposeful friendships that perhaps help them to make better life choices; activities that support mental health improvement; different coping strategies such as mindfulness and grounding; and a range of practical support like a clothes bank, access to free toiletries, baby supplies and a crisis fund. We have warm hub spaces, particular drop-in and craft sessions, employment and education and training support, volunteer opportunities, a range of training, access to specialist support, survivor network groups, social enterprise opportunities, lots of one-off events and activities, and access to specialists to support and unpaid work placements.” 187