We work with a wide range of women with a wide range of needs.

All of them have experienced trauma, with a very high number having experienced domestic violence either as a child or adult.

Women rarely come to BWC with just one need. The complexity of their circumstances can make it difficult for them to get the support they need. Through our holistic, women-centered approach BWC can help women with complex needs in a way that most other services can't.

This is Kerry's story

Kerry* was made a ward of the court at an early age, but she was regularly given back to her father who abused her. In her twenties the revelation that Kerry’s father was abusing her niece brought back the trauma of her childhood and Kerry started drinking to get through the day. As her drinking escalated, Kerry’s mental health deteriorated, and she found herself in a violent relationship. She attempted to take her own life more than once, was in and out of police custody and appeared in court repeatedly. She struggled with her mental health so much that she refused to leave the safety of the cells.

“As a child I was locked in a room and only allowed out to go to school, yet as an adult I felt safer in custody, behind a locked door, than I did out in the world.”

At sentencing, the judge realised how desperately Kerry needed help and ordered her to attend support sessions at Brighton Women’s Centre. Kerry thought that meant saying sorry and telling people what they wanted to hear. But by her third session something changed because Kerry had found a safe place where she could talk about the trauma she had experienced.

By working with the BWC caseworker Kerry learned about setting boundaries to keep herself safe; she found her voice and most importantly learned how to forgive herself and others. She was no longer ashamed.

“BWC not only helped rebuild me mentally; they helped rehouse me and saved my life because without their tools and knowledge I would not be here today. To give someone hope, that is something precious and unbelievable and BWC certainly is the hope that many women need.”

*Kerry’s story reflects a real woman’s experience, but her name and photo were changed to protect her identity.

Donate today and #Givethegiftofhope to a woman this Christmas

What your Christmas donation could provide:

*Referral to our low-cost counselling service

*One-to-one casework for women in the Criminal Justice System

*Support for women who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes

*Access to our women-only foodbank without barriers or means testing

*Low-cost childcare to support women accessing our services, employment, or training

*Weekly drop-in hubs and social groups for information and mutual support

Whilst we’re still needed, we’ll still be here. Donate today.