Making a difference to women on probation

To mark International Women’s Day, our Integrated Offender Management unit worked jointly with the Probation Service to host a dedicated event today tailored for women on probation.

With support from the Integrated Offender Management (IOM) fund, the event took place between 10am to 4pm today at the Growth Company’s Activity Hub on Monkgate in York.

The aim of the event was to provide a welcoming space for women from diverse backgrounds, including those experiencing vulnerability, fleeing domestic violence, suffering homelessness, or navigating the criminal justice system, to come together.

Through the participation of various agencies, attendees had the opportunity to access essential services, pick up helpful items, and hopefully experience some positivity from the event.

Some of the other agencies that also got involved included:

• St Giles Trust, offering tailored women’s wellness services
• IDAS, the largest specialist charity in the North supporting individuals affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence
• The Activity Hub, addressing education, training, and employment needs
• Women’s Wellness Centre, providing sexual health services, emotional support, and assistance for sex workers
• York Sexual Health Clinic, offering specialised sexual health and contraception services

An individual who had previously been involved in the Criminal Justice system also delivered a motivational speech, sharing their personal journey in the hope of inspiring attendees to choose a positive direction in their lives.

York College were also present providing haircuts and beauty treatments and attendees were able to take home donated clothing along with sanitary products, deodorants, and homeless bags containing essential items.

We hope that the event has helped in some way to improve relations between these agencies and women in the criminal justice system, breaking down barriers, building trust, and providing  support in the hope of preventing reoffending.