VULNERABLE women in Somerset at risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system will now have access to support in a new specialist Women's Centre in Bridgwater.

The Nelson Trust has successfully fundraised to purchase 14 Kings Square, Bridgwater, which will offer access to holistic, trauma-informed support.

John Trolan, CEO of The Nelson Trust said: “We are so grateful to the community in Bridgwater and Somerset for supporting this project and getting behind us to help fulfill this ambition.

"Through our campaign #womenhelpingwomen we received tremendous support, thanks to some key supporters including Annie Maw, Sarah Mead, Lucy Nelson, Venetia Dearden and Catherine Butler.

"These individuals and other key funders such as the Ministry of Justice have been instrumental to getting this new Women’s Centre operational.”

The Centre will provide a safe, women-only space that delivers a one-stop-shop service to women with multiple and complex needs including accommodation, employment, behaviour, mental and physical health, and status with the criminal justice system.

Niki Gould, head of women’s services at The Nelson Trust said, “Of the more than 80,000 individuals in prison only 4,000 are women.

"The prison system proves ineffective in rehabilitating women. Many women are low-risk prisoners who pose no threat to the public.

"Our community sentences are an effective alternative to short prison sentences, and allow women to maintain custody of their children and remain in accommodation.

"Most of the women we work with have experienced abuse, trauma, and sexual exploitation prior to entering adulthood. As adults, these women continue to face significant disadvantage."

Community sentences also allow women to undergo a reflective period where they can assess with the help of a keyworker, how their past life experiences have effected their decision making.

Outreach services will also operate to maximise engagement with the service.

Support will include specialist referrals, signposting and access to interventions delivered through one-to-ones, group-work and specialist drop-in services for housing support, debt advice, mental health services, education and employment, family support, domestic abuse and substance misuse support.