Our Help For Woman Programs

Empowering Survivors to Shape Their Futures

Our primary objective is to empower survivors, enabling them to independently make decisions about their lives and healing journeys. We strongly advocate for their autonomy, encouraging them to take control and rebuild their lives on their own terms—a crucial step toward fostering safer environments and timely interventions.

At STN, we are deeply committed to empowering and uplifting women from diverse backgrounds. We firmly believe in the transformative power of mutual support among women. By fostering a supportive and empowering environment, our goal is to establish a foundation where women can not only recover and heal but also thrive and transform their lives.

We offer a range of bespoke services and training programs, including counselling, advocacy, advice, support groups, awareness campaigns, mentorship programs, workshops, and skill-building initiatives. Our services are specifically tailored to meet the individual needs of BAME women facing complex challenges

We offer the following help and support in the form of:

General Advice and Advocacy

We offer bespoke, one-to-one advisory services. Our beneficiaries have access to a wide range of information, advice, and guidance to assist them with various non-academic challenges. These include housing, welfare advice, welfare benefit claims, debt management, immigration, HMRC-related issues, employment opportunities, and identifying further education prospects, among others.

Our focus extends to enhancing health and wellbeing through our comprehensive support network. This includes providing emotional support and facilitating access to essential resources and services, such as

mental health support. We also address sensitive issues with care and expertise, including forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), and honour-based violence (HBV).”

Crisis Helpline

We offer a dedicated 24/7 crisis helpline for women in need. Our compassionate advocates are always available to provide immediate support. They offer a listening ear and empathetic guidance to help you navigate through your challenges. Our team can advise on the best next steps to take in times of distress.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 999 and ask for the police. For non-emergency inquiries, reach out to us at advice@sntnetwork.org.uk or call our support line at 020 8887 0155.

Safe shelter

At STN, we are dedicated to assisting women in need by finding safe refuge and secure locations for those seeking shelter. Our services are confidential and secure, encompassing a range of support measures. These include assistance in identifying a safe haven, establishing a code word for emergency situations, and preparing an emergency bag with essential items for quick departures.

Additionally, we provide help with housing applications for those facing homelessness, and we offer support in appealing decisions related to eviction notices (such as Section 21) and other housing-related challenges.

Our team also offers guidance in finding temporary housing solutions and facilitates the planning of immediate next steps, ensuring that every woman in need receives the support and assistance required in these critical situations.

Safety Planning

We aim to ensure the safety of women is our foremost priority. We assist women in developing personalised safety plans that are tailored to the unique circumstances of each individual. These plans focus on both physical and emotional well-being, offering a comprehensive approach to safety.

Legal Aid Support

Understanding your legal rights and protections as a victim of domestic abuse is vital. We are here to empower you with knowledge and control over your legal situation. Should you need legal assistance, we can connect you with expert legal professionals, counsels, advocates who specialise in domestic violence and family cases. They are equipped to help you navigate the legal system, including obtaining injunction orders and exploring options for divorce or other protective legal actions. Our team will guide you through each step of court proceedings, mediations ensuring you have the support and expertise needed to protect yourself and your family.

Professional Counselling

Our goal is to offer comprehensive counselling and psychological support to victims and individuals at risk. We collaborate with professional and experienced counsellors who specialize in assisting those affected by domestic abuse. Our experts are adept at managing the emotional and psychological impacts of such experiences, ensuring a supportive and understanding environment for your journey

toward healing. We facilitate connections with skilled therapists and counsellors who have expertise in addressing the trauma associated with domestic violence.

Outreach

We are committed to ensuring our services are both easily accessible and widely known. Our outreach strategy is multi-dimensional and designed to cater to a diverse range of needs. This includes providing drop-in services, engaging through social media platforms, forums, and support groups, as well as fostering peer networks and other interactive platforms. These varied options ensure that those in need can find and utilize our support in the way that best suits them.

Collaboration and Partnership & Cross Referrals

Our service extends to offering cross referrals in a variety of specialist areas to help women who face problems like domestic violence, money troubles, and mental health issues. These include assistance with immigration, debt management, and others. We work in partnership with the police, VWAG (Violence Against Women and Girls) Organisations, lawyers, legal counsels and others.

Skills Training Workshops

We provide a suite of programs aimed at empowering women by equipping them with essential skills for personal and professional growth. Our offerings include English language courses, comprehensive computer training, and employment-related life skills. We also focus on job placement assistance, financial education, and confidence-building exercises. In addition, we host seminars and events, and conduct awareness-raising workshops and training sessions for professionals and practitioners. These sessions cover critical topics such as child marriage, domestic abuse, human trafficking, female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), and honour-based violence.

Our programs are meticulously designed to aid women in regaining their independence, rebuilding their self-esteem, and fostering a sense of self-reliance through both in-house training and external awareness sessions.

Keeping Safe

Steps to Keep Safe

For women facing domestic violence, it’s crucial to have a safety plan in place. Here are key steps to consider for staying safe:

Recognize the Warning Signs: Be aware of patterns or signs that typically lead to violent episodes. Recognizing these can help in anticipating and avoiding dangerous situations.
Create a Safety Plan: This plan should include safe places to go in an emergency, important phone numbers (friends, family, local shelters, hotlines), and a set of actions to take if violence escalates.
Secure Important Documents and Money: Keep important documents (like ID, passport, bank details, health records) and some emergency money in a place that is easily accessible in case you need to leave quickly.
Develop a Code with Friends or Family: Have a code word or signal that you can use to let them know you are in danger and need help without alerting the abuser.
Educate Yourself on Legal Rights: Know your legal rights and the protective laws in your area. This can include restraining orders or other legal protections.
Seek Support Networks: Engage with local domestic violence support groups, shelters, or counseling services. They can provide emotional support, legal advice, and practical assistance.
Practice How to Get Out Safely: Plan and practice how to get out of your house safely in different scenarios. Teach your children how to dial emergency services.
Take Care of Your Emotional Health: Domestic violence can have significant emotional impacts. Consider seeking professional counseling or therapy to help cope with the trauma.
Use Technology Cautiously: Be aware that your abuser might monitor your phone, computer, or social media. Use caution when seeking help online or communicating about your situation.
Trust Your Instincts: If you feel you are in danger, trust your instincts and seek help immediately. Your safety is the most important thing.

Remember, every situation is unique, so tailor these steps to fit your specific circumstances. It’s important to prioritize your safety and well-being above all.