YWCA

What we do

what we do

Natasha

I’ve been to prison 27 times for shoplifting and I was referred to YWCA's Together Women Programme (TWP).

I was battling alcohol and drug addictions. Because of this my two sons were placed under a voluntary residential order with my sister.

When I went to YWCA I was homeless, depressed and stressed. At the programme I got support, counselling and legal and housing advice. Slowly, I began to change my life.

It’s been two years since I gave up alcohol and heroin. I have a beautiful baby daughter who I’m so proud of, and I’ve regained contact with my sons which I’m thrilled about.

I feel so much more confident now, like I’m growing every day. I’m now doing a level two customer service course and I’m going to train to be a support worker.

I’ve gone to different meetings and spoken to a few Home Office ministers on behalf of other women from the TWP programme. I’m proud of my achievements and I want to help other women to be proud of theirs too.

I won the Woman of the year award and can’t begin to describe how it feels to have achieved this. I felt tearful when I accepted it, thinking how far I’ve come and of all the people who’ve helped me.

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quote

"YWCA's workers, without exception, forge meaningful relationships of trust with some very damaged young women and are extremely committed in what they do."
Probation officer, Doncaster Probation Services

we think

...young women who are at risk of offending need early intervention to help break the cycle of offending behaviour before things get worse

fact

Women in custody are more than five times more likely to have mental health problems than women in the general population