Kate's Place, a service set to help countless vulnerable women in Bedford
The service is run by women for women to support vulnerable individuals in a safe environment
Last updated 6th Sep 2024
A new service aimed at supporting vulnerable women, including those facing homelessness and complex life challenges, has been launched in Bedford.
Developed by the homeless charity Smart and the NHS Path to Recovery service, the initiative seeks to provide a safe, women-only space where individuals can access a range of services, including housing advice, health support, and self-care activities.
The project was born out of a recognised gap in local services, particularly for women dealing with multiple, overlapping issues.
Anna Woodford, Physical Health Lead at Path to Recovery, said: "We realised there weren’t many services in Bedford that could meet all the needs of vulnerable women in one place.
"We were reaching out to different services that weren’t set up to handle the complexities these women face.
"This service is tailored to be there when they need it most."
A safe, confidential space, the service is designed to offer a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
Megan Harris, team leader at Smart, said: "In Bedford, there isn’t anything specifically for women that’s also run by women.
"We wanted to create something that could meet these needs in-house, especially offering support outside the usual nine-to-five hours."
The idea behind the project was to fill the gap in support across Bedford so women facing a range of complex needs could get support in one place, while offering them an escape from their life with a range of activities available to them.
Sabrina Lewis, Dual Diagnosis Rough Sleeper worker at Path to Recovery, said: "We provide housing advice, drug and alcohol support, needle exchange, and even health screenings on-site.
"There’s also access to showers, laundry, and basic essentials like food and clothing. It’s a safe space where women can just take a break from their complex lives."
The project is currently being run as a trial while the team seeks funding to make it a permanent service.
With a significant number of women already reaching out to the service, the team is hoping to secure longer term funding, while supporting an increasing number of women in need.
Shirley Scotcher, CEO of Smart, said: "We’ve seen such a huge need for it, and the impact it’s having on the women who use it is remarkable.
"They come in, they relax, and you can really see the change in them."
The team also conducts outreach during the night to find women who may not otherwise come forward for help.
The location and time of the service are kept confidential to ensure the safety of the women who use it.
“We want to make sure that these women have somewhere safe they can come without fear,” explained Anna Woodford.
"It’s important that the details remain private so that no one can find them if they don’t want to be found."
In addition to offering practical support, the service also provides opportunities for self-care, with activities like nail treatments and holistic therapies.
Sabrina Lewis said: "We’ve found that doing something as simple as gel nails can make a huge difference.
"It’s something they wouldn’t necessarily have the money for, but here, they can just relax and feel like they’re being taken care of."
The service welcomes all vulnerable women, not just those facing homelessness.
Women or agencies working with them are encouraged to contact the service via email for more information at katesplace@smartcjs.org.uk