THE Nelson Trust is offering a lifeline for women in Bridgwater with multiple and complex needs or at risk of involvement with the Criminal Justice System.

The Nelson Trust Women’s Centre, in King Square, officially opened last month. The centre offers holistic, trauma informed support in a safe, women-only environment.

“We’re already working with more than 150 women in Somerset through our outreach services,” said Niki Gould, head of women’s community services at The Nelson Trust .

“The women we have opened this centre for, have often experienced previous trauma, such as childhood neglect or abuse, many have been in abusive relationships; the women may have substance misuse problems or mental health issues, living in inadequate or unsafe housing, or may be homeless.

"Many women may have children and need support with their care to break the cycle of adverse childhood experiences and for many women, they are facing multiple challenges at the same time.

Niki explained: “The women we work with are often experiencing multiple vulnerabilities, where mental health issues, poverty, abusive relationships and lack of support may lead women into criminal behaviour. We offer holistic support and value the relationships we build with women to work alongside women encouraging empowerment.

“For example women may shoplift several times to feed their children, and end up in prison for a short time, which means their children are taken into care, they lose their home, and when they come out of prison they might not get suitable housing for the family.

"This creates a vicious cycle for women who are really no risk to society, and you can see how it leads to intergenerational trauma, and more offending.”

The centre also supports women in the criminal justice system through community sentences as an alternative to short prison sentences, allowing women to maintain child custody and remain in accommodation.