New accommodation to support homeless women in York, charity says
"We see a lot that women can be adversely affected by various issues from women's health, child removal, sexual exploitation, stigma," she said."Particularly in York, we see women leaving the criminal justice system and finding safe accommodation to move on to and not returning to old lifestyles can be problematic."She added that there was a "huge demand nationally" for gender specific accommodation.
The properties are closely linked with the charity's existing women's wellness centre in York, enabling residents to access a GP running a women's clinic, therapeutic groups, recovery services and advice on benefits and tenancies."In mainstream services where there's mixed genders, women are often expected to attend to get the support they need, but within that, they end up bumping into old acquaintances and often the perpetrators of abuse," she said.The service has been designed in collaboration with women who have used similar facilities.Ms Sunter said it aimed to work with women to help them "find ways forward" and was not about making them "repeat their story" or judging them on it."It's about empowering the women as well, so not necessarily making decisions for people, but empowering them to make the best decision for them."Referrals to the accommodation can be made through City of York Council, the probation service, or individual women aged 18 or over who find themselves homeless or at risk of homelessness.
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