Women’s centres in Cumbria have been awarded £270,000 and three years of support from the county’s crime commissioner.
In the last 12 months, the women’s centres have supported 1,573 women and provided help to 102 females as part of a new outreach programme in Kendal and the Penrith area.
During the year, 700 women and young girls have completed courses that look at building healthy relationships, self-confidence and changing attitudes and behaviours. And 1,401 women have attended regular social activities as a way of building new friendships, receiving peer support and improving health and wellbeing.
The women’s centres provide critical help to women across the county, with specifically adapted and tailored services around the needs of local women and support groups. They provide extensive support on a drop-in basis regardless of their circumstances, where they live, age, sexual orientation and background.
Help is provided to those experiencing domestic abuse, a risk of homelessness and those who are struggling with their mental health for example. They also give vital support to vulnerable women at risk of offending, who may if unsupported, be on the verge of entering the criminal justice system. Each of the centres have a range of additional courses, support groups and activities, and help women to access other services and specialist services when needed.
Peter McCall, Cumbria’s crime commissioner, said: “It essential that we shine a spotlight on the tremendous work being done across the county at our women’s centres and their outreach groups. The figures show the impact that the MOJ Uplift funding has provided over the last 12 months.
“We have developed a thriving network of centres where women can have a single point of access to support services when they really need it. This is why I have committed to financially supporting the centres for a further three years.
“The centres have dedicated teams of staff and volunteers, who all work tirelessly to make sure that vulnerable women know they are not alone.
“They are a vital countywide service, providing tailored support to women and families, and can help with everything from counselling through to rehoming and financial support. The message is clear, please don’t suffer in silence, help is out there.”
Cumbria Constabulary lead for Domestic Abuse, Detective Chief Inspector James Yallop said: “The continued funding for the centres is a welcomed investment which will allow more women to benefit from the resources and support that is available.
“The centres help to build women’s confidence and to create positive opportunities going forward – they are a tremendous asset to our county.
“We appreciate that contacting the police is not always an option for victims of domestic abuse. I hope, that by getting support through the Women’s Centres it will empower victims to contact the police when the time is right for them.
“If you are considering reporting domestic abuse or other offences to us, please know that, whenever you are ready to speak to us, our officers are here to listen, to offer support and to investigate any crimes committed against you. No matter how many times you have spoken to us before, we understand how difficult it is to report this type of offence. We are ready to take that call when you make it.”
Sam Woolgrove, operations manager at Women Community Matters, added: “We are pleased to be able to continue to deliver this much needed service and are delighted to continue our working relationship with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. Peter McCall has always shown commitment to the services Women’s Centres provide and we greatly value his support for women and young people throughout Cumbria.”
