Sunflower Women's Centre

The Pitch

Problem statement

Plymouth is known for its high levels of deprivation. With a population of 263,070; females accounting for 50.2%, Plymouth has 29K residents in the most 10% deprived areas in England. Our region has experienced a rise in domestic abuse during the pandemic; sexual violence has increased; recorded rapes have doubled. Women’s homelessness, street work and ‘survival sex’ have escalated. As a service, we have experienced a rise in demand for support for domestic abuse and sexual trauma; extreme poverty and housing needs; mental ill health including extreme isolation, PTSD, attempted suicides and substance misuse

Solution

The focus of this application is Trevi’s Sunflower Women’s Centre, a women-only community hub based in the centre of Plymouth. Sunflower offers a wrap-around therapeutic service supporting any woman affected by trauma including childhood trauma, substance misuse, domestic abuse, sexual violence, mental ill health and criminogenic behaviours. At Sunflower, the compassionate and aspirational team of Sunflower Practitioners ensures a trauma-responsive personalised package of support which includes accredited training, group work, counselling, creative therapies, drop-in women’s space, fitness classes, parenting support, peer mentoring and much more.

Why are we best placed to deliver?

Trevi is a nationally award-winning women’s charity based in South West England. We provide safe and nurturing spaces for women and their families to heal, grow and thrive. Our vision is for a society where all women in recovery can access good quality, psychologically informed, gender-based interventions without apology. In the 30 years we have been operating, we have helped transform the lives of thousands of women and their children. From rehab and health to housing and employment, we help any woman in recovery move from ‘surviving’ to ‘thriving’. Every year we support more than 1000 women and children. In 2022, our rehab saved the public purse £7.74m by keeping families together.

Focus Areas

Delivery plan

Budget breakdown

Beneficiaries

108 people

Expected impact

Over the past year, 96% of women say Sunflower has been a lifeline, with 85% able to move forward in life and 92% stating they feel more optimistic about their future. For every woman who is diverted away from the criminal justice system, £60K is saved in the first year (includes arrest and female prison bed). This represents a ROI of 36:1 (excluding childcare). For every child that remains in their mother’s care, £250K is saved in the first 5 years. The outcomes that we will continue look to achieve are: -Increased safety and security – including support to flee domestic abuse and helping women find safe, valuing and nurturing accommodation. -Increased trust and resilience -Increased social capital -Improved physical and mental wellbeing -Keeping families together -Reduced admissions to NHS services -Recovery maintained -Improved confidence and self-esteem -Women empowered to make positive and informed choices -Women move towards employment and financial independence.

Track record

'Trevi is truly unique, working with highly stigmatised and traumatised women in a way that supports their dignity. Its approach is incredibly innovative, human and compassionate while delivering highly effective results – improving lives while saving public money in the longer term. By allowing women with difficult backgrounds of substance abuse to live with their children throughout the recovery process, Trevi improves outcomes for both mothers and children.' (Katie Pinnock - Director of UK and Ireland Charitable Partnerships at GSK). 'I have managed to stay clean because I attended Sunflower on a regular basis which gives me focus and purpose to my day. I have also gained more tools and skills to help me move forward in life. The staff and women at Sunflower are a great support to me, and we empower each other. I am so grateful!' (Service User)

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