Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA)

The purpose of this initiative is to build on the successful ‘surge response’ work that was funded by the VRU in the last financial year. This addressed the increase in the range and complexity of the issues faced by homeless and vulnerable women and children living in housing-related support services in Rotherham, Doncaster, and Sheffield.

This initiative will build on the valuable work undertaken during that period, address the re-emergence of sexual exploitation amongst the cohort, and develop life skills so that women can deal with the cost of living crisis without resorting to criminality, or being exposed to sexual or financial exploitation. This funding will address the social, emotional, and educational resilience of young women, young mothers, and girls aged 16–25 who are experiencing the negative impacts of poor mental health, domestic abuse, sexual exploitation, poor educational attainment, and poverty.

The purpose of this project is to build ongoing resilience by raising awareness, changing attitudes, and improving educational prospects. This will be achieved through the continued delivery of a range of specialist programmes, training activities, and therapeutic interventions which have been proven to improve mental health, reduce the risk of harm from abuse, and create an appetite for learning and personal development.