While the Christmas period is a time of joy for most, for a lot of women supported by The Nelson Trust’s Somerset Women’s Centre, it can be a very triggering and challenging time of year.
The Nelson Trust wants to ensure that vulnerable women across Somerset feel supported and find some joy in getting festive, this year. The women’s centre will be hosting a series of Christmas activities throughout December, such as Christmas crafts, quizzes and festive cooking, as well as hosting a hot Christmas meal which all clients are welcome to attend.
In addition, the centre is currently collecting items such fluffy socks, hot chocolate, skin care, candles and other self-care items to create and gift ‘pamper hampers’ to vulnerable women across Somerset. The majority of clients supported by the women’s centre do not have disposable incomes, so these gifts will mean so much to women who are not in a position to treat themselves to luxury items.
The centre was opened in July 2019 and provides a women-only space for vulnerable women with multiple complex needs, where they can access a wide range of support services in a safe environment. The centre offers both practical and emotional support across the nine pathways of need including housing, finances, physical, emotional and mental health, drugs and alcohol, trauma and abuse, sexual exploitation and sex-working, attitudes, thinking and behaviour, education and training and families and relationships.
Prior to the opening of the women’s centre, The Nelson Trust were working with approximately 150 women across Somerset through outreach services. In the year 2019/20, the centre has worked with 650 women across Somerset, demonstrating not only the positive work being delivered by the centre, but also the need for holistic support services for vulnerable women in Somerset.
Anyone who is able to donate items for pamper hampers this Christmas, or would like to support those in the community that may be struggling this festive season, then contact Sophie from Somerset Women’s Centre at sophie.duggan@nelsontrust.com.
Other ways to help include:
Use the below links when you shop online this Christmas and a donation is made to The Nelson Trust!
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