Background and Purpose
Working closely with 8 other voluntary sector partners, our Eve’s Space service is part of Greater Manchester Women’s Support Alliance (GMWSA) which receives and distributes funding from Probation Service, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). This funding enables us to provide highly specialised support for women offenders and those at risk of offending. The project provides a safe, relaxing ‘women only’ space within our centre, plus outreach support provided by specialist female support workers.
The support we provide includes assistance with accommodation, finance and debts, health, skills and employment. We provide guidance and support with alcohol and drug issues, and difficulties experienced with children, families, confidence, attitudes and behaviour. Together with each service user, we produce an action plan to help them meet their goals and aspirations. Our service receives referrals from probation, the police, prisons, the courts and other sup-port agencies.
Impact and Outcomes
A recent analysis of the wider GM project of which Eve’s Space is a part, found that 37% had their needs met or made positive progress as a result of the support received. 43% experienced an increase in confidence/self-esteem, 20% were able to substantially reduce substance misuse and 58% were supported into stable accommodation.
Last year, 112 referrals were received by Eve’s Space. This was up from 80 in the previous year. As this is a voluntary service, some of these ultimately chose not to participate. This is reflective of the complexity of need present in many of their lives. However, over the course of the year, 83 did engage in a meaningful way.
92 Eve’s Space cases were closed in the year. An analysis of what had been achieved with our sup-port found that 92% made positive progress in their mental health. 18% of the women we supported were able to resolve finance or debt issues. 44% were able to address substance alcohol issues. 26% were able to address drug issues. 48% had their accommodation needs met.
In feedback we collected from each service user over the past year, 100% said they were satisfied (or better) with the service we provided. Comments made in feedback included: “Thank you for putting up with me and being such a great sup-port.” and “Thank you for all the help and support! You’ve helped me get through so much.”
