Support Services

Support & Information Line

Our face to face drop-in services are temporarily closed due to Covid-19.

Please call our Support & Information line instead on 07842 311406

during the following hours:

Wednesdays 10am-12pm  

Thursdays 10am-12pm  (Please note, the phone line will be closed on Thursdays 23rd & 30th September)

This service is open to all women in need of emotional support, advice and information.

During these times our trained volunteers are on hand to offer support and information.  Many women call in need of a kind ear or a supportive voice, or information on specialist services.  Women can also be linked in with other BWC services, for example our food bank or therapeutic support via the support line.

Contact

For further information please contact support@womenscentre.org.uk

We offer a confidential and non-discriminatory environment.

Foodbank:
The foodbank is open on Wednesday afternoons and is accessible via prior appointment. Women can self-refer during phone line times, or can email support@womenscentre.org.uk.

If you would like to make a donate to our foodbank you can do so by following this link.

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

Online Chat

You can now talk to a member of staff via the Talk to Us bar on the bottom right of our website. This will be open for two hours on Thursdays:

Thursday 12pm-2pm

This service is open and free to all women in need of emotional support, advice and information.

During these hours, staff members will be on hand to offer support and provide information about specialist organisations, without the need of a face-to-face or phone conversation. Much like the helpline, we offer a confidential and non-discriminatory environment.

Contact

For further information please contact Martha Schlee-Bamford on 07523518297 or email at martha.schlee-bamford@womenscentre.org.uk 

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.

Contact details and working hours for Inspire Brighton:

mariontaylor-inspire@womenscentre.org.uk / 07718208945 – 9 to 5pm Monday to Friday and every alternate week Tuesday to Friday.

Contact details and working hours for Inspire East Sussex:

Haz.Makwiramiti@cgl.org.uk / 07463264108 – 8am to 5pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Contact details and working hours for West Sussex:
Inspire West Sussex to be directed to:
Ruhiya 07909234165
ruhiyayousuf-inspire@womenscentre.org.uk

ToyBox

Please see our website here

If you are interested in using our service, please contact us at:  toybox@womenscentre.org.uk

Covid-19 update

ToyBox are continuously monitoring C-19 guidelines issued by our local authority. We are in a position to reopen and look forward to inviting our families back.

For more information please contact:

Gemma Turner

ToyBox Manager

gemmaturner@womenscentre.org.uk

Covid Frequently Asked Questions

About

ToyBox is an Ofsted-registered early years setting, which received an ‘Outstanding’ grade in our last report. We offer high-quality early years education in a caring and exciting learning environment, specialising in trauma-informed practice. We welcome all families in Brighton and Hove and believe in offering families the wrap-around care they deserve.

We offer a free-flow learning environment which takes from the philosophies of Reggio Emilia, Hygge, The Curiosity Approach.

We offer child-centered activities including: loose parts, messy play, imaginative play, sensory play, discussion tables, yoga, music, puzzles and stories. We also visit our surrounding communities which include trips to local parks, museums, library and linking in with music groups.

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.

Please follow our instagram page or Facebook for more information.

Please see our  website here

Availability

Our sessions run on:  Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday f

9am to 2pm, term-time only.

Please email toybox@womenscentre.org.uk 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.

Funding

Early Years Free Entitlements (EYFE)

Free funding for up to 15 hours per week is available for children ages 2-5 years old. Staff can help you apply for EYFE.

Childcare Vouchers

Parents can access ‘tax- free’ childcare and could be entitled to help towards cost of childcare.

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 at:  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 at 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.

Further information and contact details

In addition to one-to-one support, our WASS Hubs in Hastings, Eastbourne and Worthing are continuing to offer casework support remotely by phone or email during Covid restrictions.

All enquires for the WASS should be directed to:

wasshousingline@womenscentre.org.uk

Tel:07541 641367

Email inbox and voicemail are checked twice weekly, so please leave a name and contact details and one of the team will make contact with you!

East Sussex

Women’s Zoom Hub 2.30-3.30pm every Wednesday

Email: wasshousingline@womenscentre.org.uk

East Sussex WASS are continuing to take casework referrals in Eastbourne and Hastings

Brighton

Brighton Housing Surgery from 2.00 – 4.00pm every Wednesday

Holistic therapy

This service is currently paused.

For more information please contact Charlotte on: Email: charlottealmond@womenscentre.org.uk
Mobile: 07463 248 530

Well-being projects

Release & Reset Weekly Session

A 30 minute practice to release and reset. We combine cathartic movement, breath work and meditation. By opening up our joints and shaking out tension we create space for increased energy flow, and then through mindful breathing, we slow down the mind and body to better reconnect with ourselves.

This is a guided, dropin group, every Friday, 12 – 12.30 pm.

For more information and joining details, contact Jane on 07762 893931 or email janemoore@womenscentre.org.uk

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

Peer to peer groups

BWC’s 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 or social sessions. The emphasis is on caring for and connecting with each other. Currently the peer groups are meeting online via Zoom.

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 Coordinator will organise, facilitate and provide support throughout. There will be group training from BWC for the peer facilitators.

Currently the groups are meeting online via Zoom but with some outdoor face-to-face meetups.

To find out more contact Jane on 07762893931 or janemoore@womenscentre.org.uk

50+ peer group

This group offers a safe, inclusive and non-judgemental space for women to share creative ideas, conversation and plan for future group activities. The aim is that the group is yours and will adapt to meet the needs and expectations of those who participate. The groups are meeting at the Cornerstone Community Centre.

To find out more contact the 50+ Group Facilitator, Tracey on 07463288007 or 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.

Therapy Service

Looking for someone to talk to you? We are here for you.

We are now taking referrals for our therapy service and welcome you to complete a referral form, after which you will be invited to attend an exploratory assessment to establish whether therapy is the right course of treatment for you at this time.

We offer short-term therapy to all self-identifying women and are able to offer a combination of talking therapy and movement psychotherapy.

All our therapists are self-identified women and are qualified or attending postgraduate counselling and psychotherapy courses.

We offer 12 weeks of support, with fees operating on a sliding scale depending on your household income.

Currently all counselling and movement psychotherapy is being delivered online via zoom or over the telephone.

For more information or a referral form, please contact Charlotte Almond on;

Email: therapy@womenscentre.org.uk

Phone: 07463 248 530