Homeless women face different challenges from men, often stemming from sexual abuse, domestic violence, and the resulting trauma of these experiences. Such trauma often leads to self-harm, mental health issues and self-medication through drugs and alcohol which is often habit-forming. When left unaddressed, women are markedly more vulnerable to ongoing cycles of homelessness. We need a dedicated PWT to support this demographic while providing much needed research and information on this subject.

We will run a one-year pilot programme researching and addressing gender-specific mental health barriers that prevent women and girls facing homelessness from living safely and independently. Comprising 1:1 counselling, complementary therapies, peer support and wellbeing workshops focused on overcoming trauma, sexual/emotional health in relationships and managing self-harm. It will be managed by a new PWT (Psychological Wellbeing Therapist) and co-produced with women already using our services.