Peer group drop-in

This service is open to all women in need of emotional support, advice and information. It’s open and free to access and provides a safe, women-only environment.

During drop-in times volunteers are on hand to offer support and are able to provide information about specialist organisations. Many women come in need of a kind ear or a supportive voice, company, advice on other services or to use our IT facilities. Women can also be linked in with our food bank or holistic therapies by attending a drop-in session.

Contact

For further information please contact 07472 085374 or dropinservices@womenscentre.org.uk

We offer a confidential and non-discriminatory environment. Our Wednesday and Friday drop-ins are fully accessible; however, the Thursday evening group is on the first floor and access can be restrictive for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility.

Times & Locations:

Wednesdays 2pm – 4pm

St Anne’s Day Centre, 61 St James’s St, Brighton BN2 1PR (Next door to St Mary’s Church)

Thursdays 5pm – 7pm

Brighton Women’s Centre, 22 Richmond Place, Brighton BN2 9NA

Fridays 10am – 12pm

St Richards Church & Community Centre, Egmont Rd, Hove BN3 7FP

N.B. Please note that this service is dependent on volunteer availability. Whilst we endeavor to run our services each week as stated above, occasionally we will have to close at limited notice; for example, in the event of volunteer shortages.

“Drop-in makes me very happy, I have made new friends and it is a lovely caring social environment. I feel I have new family each time I visit.”

Helen, Peer group Drop-in

Inspire

Trauma Informed services for women in the Criminal Justice System across Sussex

We know that women who have most often experienced a lifetime of trauma and abuse can get caught up in the Criminal Justice System. Many of these women have had difficult experiences growing up, when those caring for them have themselves struggled as carers. This sometimes results in women feeling let down by the services and systems in their adult lives which are there to keep them safe.

Many of the women we support have complex needs stemming from poor or no housing, living in poverty, poor mental health, domestic abuse, being substance-affected and without access to services.

Because we understand that so many of the women we support are suffering from trauma because of their experiences, we prioritise listening to them and believing them; this enables us to give them the support they need to regain control over their lives.

Staff and clients work together to support each woman to find the freedom, strength and power to change her life.

We know that the Criminal Justice System is in the main set up by and for men, although women with complex needs often get involved in it. We use our extensive experience in getting to the root causes of complex needs to support women going through the criminal justice system to access the support they need when they need it. We understand that every woman has strengths and abilities and we help her to build on those strengths and to increase her feelings of self-worth and build up her resilience so she can start to change her future.

Inspire’s women-centred work reduces the frequency of offending (Justice Data Lab, 2017)

The relationship between each woman and her skilled and experienced women’s support worker is at the heart of our approach. This allows each women to build a relationship based on trust, which helps her feel safe.

Because we know that each woman is the expert in her own life, we decide everything together. This gives her the power to recognise her strengths, realise that she has choices, and choose to accept the practical and emotional support she needs. Experience shows that, to last and help her move away from a damaging past, change has to come from a collaboration between the woman and her case worker.

We work in partnership to develop safe, supportive women-only spaces enhancing the number of women who can access support

We know that feeling safe, physically and psychologically, is essential for women who are vulnerable, and that the Criminal Justice System’s standard provision can be very hard for women to deal with. Fighting for social justice and advocating for gender equality, we identify what needs to change. Being able to go to a safe women-only environment where you will be supported is essential for women to start the process of change. Inspire’s work in developing women-only hubs across Sussex ensures women can access many different services.

We know that systems can be complex and fragmented and we walk alongside women helping them to face the things they are going through

90% of service users stated the support they received was ‘hugely significant’ in enabling them to build a positive future.

What’s the difference that makes the difference?

Service users repeatedly tell us that it is the relationship with their worker that has been instrumental in them being able to bring about change in their lives

Further Information

For further information please contact Sophie Gibson, Partnerships and Development Manager on 01273 698036 (extension 2) or sophiegibson@womenscentre.org.uk

ToyBox Pre-school

ToyBox is an Ofsted-registered pre-school, which received an ‘Outstanding’ grade in our last report. We offer high-quality early years education in a caring and exciting learning environment. We welcome all families in Brighton and Hove.

We offer a free-flow learning environment which includes messy play, painting, drawing, block play, dressing up and home corner, sand and water activities, music, puzzles and stories. We also visit the nearby Level playground in all weathers.

Achievements

STARS Award (Sustainable Travel and Road Safety)

ToyBox is thrilled to have been given a Bronze award for the STARS program which is a Department for Transport initiative to encourage safe and healthy travel options.

You can download a copy of our latest Ofsted report here.

Availability

Space is available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am to 2pm, term-time only. Please call 01273 698036 (extension 4) to arrange a taster session.

Cost

£5.50 per hour to be paid on the day of each session. The shortest session available is 2 hours.

We also offer alternative funding at £4.50 an hour. Please speak to Gemma (ToyBox Manager) for more information (these fees came into effect from 1 April 2016).

Early Years Free Entitlements (EYFE): Funding for up to 15 hours per week is available for children ages 2-5 years old. Staff can help you apply for EYFE.

The Family Information Service list ToyBox in their online directory. They can also help you apply for funding.

‘He feels enormously at ease with the staff, who are very attentive to his individual needs. The centre provides a safe and caring atmosphere and he often comes home with stories or songs.’

‘She really enjoys her time at ToyBox; her social skills have improved and she now enjoys playing with other children. Her confidence has vastly improved and she is a very happy little girl.’

Contact

For further information please contact the ToyBox Manager on 01273 698036 (extension 4) or toybox@womenscentre.org.uk

Accommodation Support

Coupling up: The danger of being a woman on the streets

At BWC (Brighton Women’s Centre), we have been supporting women facing all kinds of social injustice and trauma for over 40 years. Many of the women we work with are or have been homeless, so we are pleased to be hosting a workshop at Homeless Link’s national conference ‘Supporting Women Experiencing Homelessness’.

Whilst we are not exclusively a homeless service, it would be near impossible for us to have ignored the growing issue of homelessness in Sussex and across the country and how this is having an impact on women in our communities. Our work has made us more aware of women who are sleeping rough, their specific support needs and their known connections with men also living on the street.

Homeless couples living on our streets, although not a new phenomenon, has increased as the numbers of women sleeping rough has grown in number. However, with very little guidance available on how to help homeless couples, we were certain this was something that would benefit from greater research and attention.

With funding and support from Commonweal Housing, we commissioned Homeless Link to research the topic in greater depth, to shed light on the nature and origins of those relationships. The result is our report ‘Couples First? Understanding the Needs of Rough Sleeping Couples’.

Input from homeless services across the county stated that most of these relationships contain elements of abuse, violence, crime, drugs, sex work and/or exploitation. As a result, most couples on the street are seen as too volatile to be supported by traditional homelessness services, leading to them being rejected entry for a night’s stay at a shelter for example.

However, many of these relationships are not consenting in the traditional sense. Many of the women in these relationships will have entered into the relationship for protection.

Denying women access to shelter can be detrimental to their overall safety, not least because it means they must spend another night on the streets – frighteningly, life expectancy for a women living on the streets (43 years) is even lower than that of a man (47 years). In the case of females in rough sleeping couples, the situation is more complicated. By offering no support, women are forced to remain in unsafe and abusive relationships and given no safe pathway out of the situation.

Instead, our research suggests that rather than immediately denying couples access to support, taking a ‘Couples First’ approach can return better outcomes for both people in the relationship. By this, we mean treating the couple as a couple, supporting them together and individually, to ensure positive and safe outcomes.

We know that most women who are homeless suffer from trauma and abuse, poor mental and physical health, substance misuse, poverty, isolation and unemployment.

For further information please contact Lisa Dando, Director on 01273 698036 (extension 201) or lisadando@womenscentre.org.uk

Women’s Accommodation Support Service (WASS)

The case work approach

Women who are vulnerable in so many ways can find life very challenging. The Women’s Accommodation Support Service (WASS) aim to transform women’s lives, supporting them to move into positive futures where they can each lead a full and rewarding life.

We have been doing so using an intensive case work approach since 2009. We are highly effective in supporting women to bring about lasting change. Our approach is underpinned the following principles:

We are women-centred

Homeless services are in the main set up by and for men, but we know that women with complex needs often become homeless. We have extensive experience of getting to the root causes of homeless women’s needs so we can help them to access the right support at the right time.

We establish safe women-only spaces

We know that feeling safe, physically and psychologically, is essential for women who are vulnerable, and many women struggle to engage with the standard provision for the homeless. Being able to access support in a safe women-only environment is a crucial first step for women to bring about change. WASS are committed to working in partnership to develop women-only hubs across Sussex. This ensures women can access many different services and helps other providers to be more flexible in their responses to women with complex needs.

We are adaptive, responsive and flexible

The relationship between the worker and woman is at the heart of our approach. Women engage in one-to-one support with a skilled and experienced women’s support worker. Developing a safe, trusting relationship empowers each woman to re-connect with her strengths, recognise her choices, engage with practical and emotional support and ultimately move away from damaging lifestyles.

We are trauma informed

We recognise that most of the women we support have experienced abuse and trauma as children and or as adults. By taking women’s experiences of trauma into account we prioritise listening to our clients, believing them and supporting them to regain control of their life.

We produce support together

We see each woman as the expert in her own life. Experience shows us that for change to be sustainable it must be a collaboration between the woman and her case worker.

We are strengths-based

We recognise that each woman has assets and resources. We support her to enhance her resilience and self-worth and identify her key strengths that will support her to build a positive future.

Outcomes and impact

87.5% of women were securely accommodated as a result of their engagement with WASS in West Sussex.

“I have started college, found a home and got to keep my dog with me…. I am expanding my hobby into a self-employed small business.”

WASS is being delivered in Worthing, Hastings and Brighton with developments in Eastbourne under way.

For further information please contact Ruth Britsch, Senior Practitioner on 07809 339704 or ruthbritsch@womenscentre.org.uk

Holistic therapy

We offer high quality, low cost holistic therapies to all women in the form of one on one therapies, as well as therapeutic groups. All of our volunteer therapists are fully qualified.

Rebozo Massage with Nyssa

What is Rebozo Massage?

A gentle, nourishing massage, common around the globe but largely forgotten in the West, which utilises lengths of fabric rather than being hands-on and is performed fully clothed. This modality means the body is cradled and supported, allowing the muscles and connective tissue to release more fully when manipulated by the fabric – evoking the memory and benefits of being swaddled as a baby.

What can Rebozo Massage be used for?

This style of massage benefits absolutely anyone, relaxing and revitalising the body. However, it holds particular advantages for those with chronic pain conditions who may find other massage too intense, as well as those who have experienced trauma or abuse who may find other massage too invasive.

What are the benefits of Rebozo Massage?

This is an ancient means of muscle manipulation and relaxation; providing a supportive cradle in which to hold the body, while simultaneously using this same cradle to shift, swing, pulse, and massage the muscles, connective tissue, lymph, and joints back into alignment and full functionality. It facilitates the body’s reaching a deep, meditative state of relaxation, which has significant benefits for bodies affected by stress, anxiety, trauma or sleep problems. Rebozo wrapping is deeply evocative of our time in the womb, and naturally draws the body back to a time when we experienced a loose, relaxed body as a natural state; and subsequently allows us to physically regain this in our day-to-day lives.

How to book

These sessions take place on Mondays by prior appointment only.

For further information please contact Maddie Hartwright, Volunteer Services Co-ordinator on 01273 698036 (extension 3) or dropinservices@womenscentre.org.uk

You will be asked to pay a donation for each session based on your income.  This money goes back into BWC and helps us to cover basic running costs. For more information on pricing for individual therapies please click here.

Womb and Sacral Massage with Nyssa

What is Womb and Sacral Massage?

This is a hands-on massage treatment that promotes health of the reproductive system. It combines a blend of techniques to gently manipulate the organs, muscles and ligaments of the abdominal and sacral areas. The aim is to restore optimal position of the womb and surrounding organs, resolving any internal pressure that could disrupt nerve connections and obstruct blood and energy flow, resulting in congestion and reproductive health complaints.

What can this massage be used for?

This massage is of benefit to all bodies, but is especially useful in the therapeutic treatment of menstrual problems (e.g. dysmenorrhoea, endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids, PMT, et cetera), post-natal recovery problems, emotional trauma, digestive disorders, hormonal imbalances, menopause, and other disorders related to the reproductive or digestive systems.

What are the benefits of this treatment?

The reproductive and digestive organs are toned and cleansed, flushing toxins and restoring blood flow and nutrients. Scar tissue and adhesions are broken down, restoring balance to the function of these organs. Hormonal balance is also restored, and the organs themselves are encouraged to resume a healthy position within the body. Muscles and ligaments are strengthened, as is the immune system. This serves to regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce pain and stress, release trapped emotions, encourages connection with the womb, and increases sexual satisfaction.

How to book

These sessions take place on Mondays by prior appointment only.

For further information please contact Maddie Hartwright, Volunteer Services Co-ordinator on 01273 698036 (extension 3) or dropinservices@womenscentre.org.uk

You will be asked to pay a donation for each session based on your income.  This money goes back into BWC and helps us to cover basic running costs. For more information on pricing for individual therapies please click here.

Women Only Yoga

These fun and friendly monthly yoga classes are suitable for anyone needing to make space and time to breathe deeply, move more freely and quieten their minds. Classes will combine simple breathing techniques, yoga postures and relaxation. Emma and Sarah will take it in turns to teach a different themed class each month which will be gentle and nourishing – complete beginners are welcome and mats are provided.

Unless otherwise stated classes will be held on the first Friday of each month at 22 Richmond Place, BN2 9NA.  Themes for the Autumn term will be as follows:

11th October: Transition into Autumn 

Autumn can be a time of transition. For many of us, this time of year can signify transformation. Moving from warmer to colder temperatures can create a constriction and drawing in as we acclimatise to change. Working with slow yoga postures we will explore how movement and awareness can be used to help us let go and release what’s no longer serving you and allow a smooth transition from summer to winter.

1st November: Quieting the mind

As the festive season gets nearer, we may feel overwhelmed, stressed and burnt out. Yoga helps us slow down, quiet our mind and find space to direct our attention inward and attune intently to the rhythm of our bodies, breath, heart and mind. This class will combine gentle yoga postures and help bring a sense of calm during this busy time of year.

6th December: Winter Mood and Motivation

The cold months can have us curling in and looking for warmth and comfort. Now the holidays are upon us, give yourself some time and space to rest. Be kind to yourself and join this relaxing yoga class which will work on creating heat through muscles, joints and tissues as a little winter warmer! We will also explore ways of gaining strength and emotional resilience to help protect us during the festive season.

About the Facilitators

Emma teaches Scaravelli-inspired yoga which is a gentle form of Hatha yoga. Her classes are both supportive and nurturing and focus on releasing tension in the body by working with the breath and gravity to find freedom of movement.

Before teaching yoga, Sarah was a support worker for asylum seekers and refugees.  After qualifying in 2015, she decided to take a leap and become a full time yoga teacher.  Since then, Sarah has had the privilege of teaching yoga to many different people from all walks of life.

You will be asked to pay a donation for each session based on your income.  This money goes back into BWC and helps us to cover basic running costs. For more information on pricing for our Holistic Groups please click here.

This is a “drop-in” group so advance booking is not necessary, however spaces are limited to 6 women per session.  Latecomers may not be admitted.

For further information please contact Maddie Hartwright, Volunteer Service Coordinator on 01273 698036 (extension 3) or dropinservices@womenscentre.org.uk

Well-being projects

New group for 50+ women

This new group offers a safe, inclusive and non-judgemental space for women to share creative ideas, conversation and plan for future group activities over a cup of tea or coffee and plenty of biscuits! The aim is that the group is yours and will develop over time to meet the needs and expectations of those who meet there.

The group runs from 2pm to 4 pm on the 1st & 3rd Monday of each month at St Anne’s Hall (next to St Mary’s Church), 61 St James’ Street.

If you would like more information please contact the 50+ Group Facilitator, Tracey Waters on 0746288007 or email on traceywaters@womenscentre.org.uk

This group is part of Brighton & Hove’s citywide Ageing Well initiative.  To find out more please click on the logo below.

BOOST your self-esteem course

This is a free of charge 8-week course for women who feel they have low self-esteem. The course is run in small groups and is aimed at improving relationships and increasing confidence to access college, work and social activities. The course provides a nurturing environment with guidance through some of the complex issues which affect self-esteem, development of self-help techniques and strategies and the opportunity to share feelings, or just listen to those of others.

For further information please contact Tracey Waters, Administration Co-ordinator on 01273 698036 (extension 1) or admin@womenscentre.org.uk

Life Coaching with Charlotte Johnson

Sessions use a combination of structured conversation and thought-provoking exercises to:

• Improve clarity and focus.
• Improve sense of purpose.
• Explore and re-frame how you think and see things.
• Notice habits that hold you back and replace them with habits that move you forward.
• Put you into a positive, resourceful and solution-focused state of mind.

Charlotte says:

I believe that the best person to know the right solution for you is YOU (whether you know it or not yet)! I rarely give advice or offer a specific “angle”. Instead I act as a sort of mirror to you, I ask coaching questions, listen to you, reflect back observations and help you to explore your options, what’s truly important to you, and to uncover answers that move you forward.

Sessions are one-to-one and take place in a women-only environment on either a monthly or fortnightly basis.  You will be asked to pay a small donation for each session based on your income. This money goes back into BWC and helps us to cover basic running costs. For more information please come to one of our weekly drop-ins or contact Volunteer Service Co-ordinator Maddie Hartwright on 01273 698036 (extension 2) or maddiehartwright@womenscentre.org.uk

Women only table tennis

One of our most exciting recent projects offers free, women-only table tennis at the Brighton Table Tennis Club. BWC is working in partnership with the tennis club and the national charity, Families, Friends and Travellers to provide free sessions to vulnerable women.

There are female coaches to help players improve their game, but the main aim is to have fun! There is always time for a cup of tea and a chat around the club’s kitchen table, where many problems have been shared and halved and friendships made.

Brighton Table Tennis Club itself is a uniquely special organisation, helping many marginalised groups, including refugees and asylum seekers, and has been awarded ‘Club of Sanctuary’ status for its inclusive work.

12pm to 2pm & 6 – 8pm every Tuesday

Brighton Table Tennis Club, Fitzherbert Centre, 36 Upper Bedford Street, Brighton BN2 1JP.

The Project aims to:

• Reduce gender stereotypes that have a negative impact on women;
• Increase social inclusion of women;
• Increase opportunities to access education, employment and training;
• Improve women’s leadership skills;
• Tackle violence against women, enabling women to live free from harm, and with access to crucial support.

For further information please contact Tracey Waters, Administration Co-ordinator on 01273 698036 (extension 1) or admin@womenscentre.org.uk

Couch to 5K

Go from Walking, to Jogging to Running in a supportive, women-only group with Couch to 5K at BWC.

If you’ve never run before or just want to get more active; Couch to 5k is a free, fun, friendly way to get fitter and build your confidence.  All women are welcome in this safe, non-competitive group where all abilities will be celebrated and encouraged.

This course is led by Louise, a BWC Volunteer and qualified Couch to 5K Group Leader.  It is free to join and is suitable for absolute beginners.

The next course is due to begin on Thursday 1st August.  The group will be open to new members for the first two weeks, then will become a closed group as members work their way through the course.  It meets each Thursday at BWC, 22 Richmond Place at 5.30pm for a 5.45pm departure.  If you would like to find out more please contact maddiehartwright@womenscentre.org.uk or meet Louise outside BWC each Thursday 5.30 – 5.45pm for a chat.

No prior referral is needed however you will be asked to fill out a short registration form on your first attendance.

Write for Life!

Ever been curious about keeping a personal journal or diary? Would you like to know more about writing as a way of making sense of things, developing your intuition or expressing your feelings?

I liked learning about different styles and being inspired to write.

Write for Life at Brighton Women’s Centre is a creative writing project centred on the art of creative journaling. Our groups and workshops provide a fun, safe space to explore how writing and journal keeping supports self-care, wellbeing and creativity. There are lots of ideas on getting started as well as tips and techniques to keep things interesting and stay motivated!

The group has a cosy, creative, friendly atmosphere.

If you’re worried about your reading or writing skills – please don’t be. These groups are for all levels. No experience is needed and there will be no pressure to share your work.

Group Times & Dates:

Details of upcoming groups will be posted here soon. Or you can email sarahughes@womenscentre.org.uk to be added to our mailing list for updates.

I most liked the interaction with other women, sharing insights and experiences.

I wish I had found out about this group sooner, so please run it again!

Women's peer to peer support

BWC’s new women’s peer to peer support service is about group activities in a safe environment. You decide the types of activities you want. These can be wellbeing and recovery discussions, creative workshops or social outings. The emphasis is on caring for and connecting with each other.

This is for women who have engaged with BWC’s or other community services across Brighton and Hove who are seeking further participation and support.

Being involved either as a peer participator or a peer facilitator, you will have the chance for:

• Engagement and connection with other women
• Shared experiences and a greater sense of belonging
• Input into the types of activities and support you want
• Developing new skills and relationships
• Increased engagement in the B&H community
• A chance to give back and support other women

The Women’s Peer to Peer Support Co-ordinator will organise, facilitate and provide support throughout. There will be group training from BWC for the peer facilitators.

To find out more contact Jane on:

janemoore@womenscentre.org.uk
07762893931

Therapy Service

We are pleased to announce that we are getting ready to re-launch our therapy service after successfully securing funding.

This service will become live early in the New Year where we will be open to receiving referrals.

For more information or to sign up to our waiting list please contact Charlotte Almond, Therapeutic Services Manager, on therapy@womenscentre.org.uk.

About the Therapy

BWC is committed to ensuring gender specific psychological therapies are made available as part of our holistic and integrated service provision.

Brighton Women’s Centre will offer time limited counselling to all self-identifying women, where clients can receive up to 12 sessions of counselling. We aim to provide an affordable service by operating a sliding scale fee, to ensure that therapy can be accessed for the duration of treatment.

In addition, we are aiming to be able to offer art psychotherapy and dance movement psychotherapy.