For over a decade, a Merseyside charity has been helping women rebuild their lives and make their voices heard.
One in four women in England and Wales will experience abuse in their lifetime. In addition, according to the Mental Health Foundation, rates of self-harm amongst women have tripled in the UK since 1993 and young women are more likely to experience anxiety related conditions than any other group.
This has prompted the questions – are vulnerable women overlooked in our society and where can they go for help?
Tomorrow’s Women is a charity in Birkenhead which offers free support to women over the age of 18 with a rage of issues including domestic abuse, mental health, substance misuse, finances, confidence and self esteem, and social isolation.
The organisation provides an in-person safe space service for women to speak openly and freely about their difficulties with an Empowerment Advisor.
The charity then offers a number of services including solicitor advice, recovery support groups, and peer mentoring. They also hold exercise, creative, and gardening groups to empower women and help them make positive lifestyle changes.
The charity has been running since 2011 and also offers a Tomorrow’s Young Women project every Monday which provides activities and support for girls aged 14-17. They also provide confidential and non-judgmental support to sex workers through their ASH (Action on Street Health) project.
Kate Chadwick has been the marketing and communication lead at Tomorrow’s Women for two years now and she spoke to MerseyNewsLive about the impact the charity has on the women in the community.
She said: “Tomorrow’s Women can make a huge impact on women in the community by providing them with the tools and support to make improvements in areas of their lives.”
Other available services and support includes legal advice, qualifications, substance misuse support, debt support and money advice, CV and employment support
Kate added: “These services being accessible under one roof allow women to receive wrap around support in a safe and judgment-free space.”
Many of the women who seek their support come from low-income backgrounds often feel underrepresented in society. Although the charity does not campaign for policy changes, they are huge advocates of making women have their voices heard through support and empowerment.
Kate said: “We address these issues by providing women with access to support services all under one roof which can help them to overcome these challenges.”
The charity relies on funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, as well as bids and donations. They also receive statutory funding and have a contract with the Ministry of Justice.
With seeking support from organisations like Tomorrow’s Women, the hardest step is often the first by reaching out.
“It can be a little daunting at first to reach out and ask for support but it is important to know that we are a confidential, judgement-free safe space, and we are here to support women,” Kate said.
Click here to find out more and how to seek support.
Follow us on X:
https://x.com/merseynewslive/status/1856340873409081580
Featured image (c) Kate Chadwick
