AMAT’s new Women’s Project will establish a bespoke, specialist service for women experiencing – or at risk of – homelessness in Medway. Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, the three-year project will directly support 250 women, helping them find safety, connection, community and opportunities to rebuild their lives.
Why is it needed?
Homelessness does not look the same for everyone. Many women experience homelessness in ways that aren’t always visible to the public by sofa-surfing, staying in unsafe relationships or living in places that put them at risk.
Women experiencing homelessness may also face trauma, abuse, poor physical and mental health, addiction, and barriers to accessing the services they need. The risks they face – ranging from exploitation and rough sleeping to overdose and suicide – are profound and life-threatening.
Women need services that prioritise safety, recognise their experiences and are designed around their realities. With women now representing 20% of AMAT’s residents, our Women’s Project will respond to this growing need by delivering a service designed specifically with women, for women.
What will the project do?
The Women’s Project provides support designed with women, for women. Through safe, inclusive spaces, meaningful activities and consistent support, we aim to strengthen women’s health, wellbeing, and sense of community connection.
The project brings together:
- Women-only spaces where women feel safe, welcome and able to access support
- A dedicated team, who will offer trauma-informed, gender-informed support
- Vocational, therapeutic and wellbeing activities that build confidence, skills and connections
- Partnerships with specialist services to help women access the support they need
Most importantly, women with lived and living experience of homelessness will continue to shape the project every step of the way. Their voices will be at the centre of everything we do.
What change are we working towards?
We will work towards four key outcomes:
Safety – Women will feel safe, respected and able to trust others in stable accommodation
Health – Women will improve their physical and mental health through accessible and empathetic healthcare
Connection – Women will come together, build meaningful connections and peer support networks
Confidence – Women will increase confidence, self-respect and control over their lives
Ultimately, we want women experiencing homelessness to move beyond simply surviving. Instead, we will support them to rebuild their lives, improve their health, escape violence, reconnect with their families, and find their place in the community.
How will AMAT support change?
AMAT will embed trauma-informed and gender-informed practice across the organisation, ensuring that staff understand the specific needs and risks faced by women experiencing homelessness. We will also instil co-production as a core practice, giving women opportunities to develop leadership skills, confidence, and ownership of the project. We’ll listen, learn and adapt as the project develops – continuously improving based on evidence and experience.
How will the wider community support this project?
To support system-wide change, we will work collaboratively with partner services and networks to improve access to housing, healthcare, education, and employment for women facing multiple disadvantage. Throughout the project, we’ll capture what we learn and develop a model of best practice that can be shared with others.
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