Funding boost for women's diversion services
The Ministry of Justice have announced a £15 million government funding boost to ensure thousands more vulnerable women caught up in crime will benefit from drug, housing and employment support to get their lives back on track.
The investment has been awarded to 40 women’s centres and charities, and four Police and Crime Commissioners to provide or access specialist help to those who commit lower-level offences.
In response APCC Deputy Criminal Justice Lead and Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, said: "We welcome this funding boost to support women who come into contact with the justice system. It is critical that we recognise the specific needs of women, addressing the underlying reasons for offending and doing more to divert them away from prison.
"While this investment is welcome it was disappointing that the initial funding was reduced. However, we are committed to working with Government and our policing colleagues to ensure we can learn from the innovative work that this funding will support, and to ensure that this area continues to receive investment."
Successful organisations include:
- Brighton Women’s Centre, awarded £761,280 to continue their support for vulnerable women through childcare provision, counselling and psychotherapy.
- The Nelson Trust in the south west of England and Wales, awarded £1,164,915 to continue their work including residential abstinence-based addiction treatment programmes to help women achieve long-lasting recovery.
- The Together Women Project in Yorkshire and the Humber, awarded £621,309 to continue their work offering one-to-one, trauma-informed support to women serving community sentences.