Woman standing at a crossroads

The Corston report (2007) outlined a number of recommendations which have influenced policy on the provision of services to address the multiple and complex needs of women. These needs include:

  • health
  • housing
  • drugs
  • victim support
  • childcare
  • training
  • skills and employment
  • criminal justice interventions.

Recognising that women offenders have very different needs from male offenders has led to a number of different approaches to the services and interventions available to women.

Projects

The London-based Bridging the Gap: Women at Work project provides a unique women-only space where women can feel safe to talk about any or all of the barriers, physical and emotional, which prevent them from getting back into the community and into work. The project focuses on supporting their emotional wellbeing as well as developing their employability. The project is innovative, adding the opportunity for using drama in the provision to encourage women to explore their feelings.

REACH (Regional Employ-Ability CHallenge) in the East Midlands refers women offenders and ex-offenders to The Chrysalis Programme, delivered by Platform 51, a leading charity with experience of working with disadvantaged women.

The Chrysalis Programme is a holistic development and rehabilitation programme which aims to reduce the likelihood of re-offending through the introduction of personal effectiveness, self-awareness and a renewed work ethic, providing participants with the opportunity to enter employment and contribute to society in a positive way. The programme provides skills, knowledge, understanding, confidence and an awareness of the need to change, thereby helping participants to become role models in their local communities. All participants are provided with a range of learning opportunities to prepare them for reintegration into both society and the work environment.

National Offender Management Service (NOMS): Corston Report

The Griffin Society – researches and promotes effective practice in working with women who are in prison or subject to criminal justice interventions in the community.

Women in Prison – supports and campaigns for women offenders and ex-offenders, assisting with advice on housing, education, mental health, legal rights, work, benefits, debt, domestic violence, and more.