Emmaus North East has launched a new three-year project to support women who are both experiencing rough sleeping and have been victims of crime.
The project provides a dedicated navigator who will help women access housing, health services and specialist support, while working with them to rebuild their confidence and move towards a safer future.
The service is available across the Northumbria Police force area. Women can refer themselves, and professionals can also make referrals through a dedicated 24-hour helpline.
By working in partnership through the Women’s Homelessness Alliance, contributing to the Women’s Rough Sleeping Census and delivering specialist support for women who have experienced crime, Emmaus North East is helping to create safer pathways out of homelessness across the North East.
The latest census found that far more women are experiencing rough sleeping than official figures show. It also highlighted that many women experiencing homelessness have also experienced domestic abuse, violence, poor mental health or other difficult life experiences.
The research also found that:
- More than a quarter had stayed with strangers to avoid sleeping outside.
- Many women had recently been in temporary or homelessness accommodation before returning to rough sleeping.
- More than a third were not receiving support from housing or homelessness services.
Emmaus North East believes every woman deserves to feel safe, supported and heard. By working with partners across the region, they’re helping more women access the support they need and creating better opportunities to rebuild their lives.
Ending homelessness needs services that recognise the different experiences of women and respond with compassion, understanding and practical support.
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