Women’s Service

There are numerous reported barriers that discourage women from entering treatment. These include stigmatisation from society and the lack of specialist services and facilities to address the specific issues faced by women.

Many women have complex problems that need to be explored by specialists in a safe and supportive environment, separate from men.  Most have a history of domestic violence, working in the sex industry or childhood sexual abuse.  Some have experience of all these traumas.

We have found that a significant number of women could not enter our treatment programme because they were unable or unwilling to place their children with social services or family members. Many are just too anxious that their children will be taken into care permanently if they were to leave them to attend a 3 – 6 month treatment episode, or the time apart would be too traumatic for them or their children.

Children’s Visiting Accommodation

A key feature of the programme is the children’s visiting facility, whereby women can have residential access visits with their children whilst in treatment.  75% of women attending are mothers and the potential loss of their children has discouraged women from seeking help in the past. This has been in constant demand and has become one of the primary reasons and motivators for women choosing our service. It has proved highly beneficial in assisting the recovery process, re-building maternal confidence and helping to prepare women to take on a fuller role with their children in the future. The new unit will also double the capacity of this unique facility.

Women attending the specialist programme are virtually unanimous in their acknowledgement of the difference it makes to their ability to feel safe and engage with treatment.

Click here to download our Women's Service leaflet