The Open Service

The Open Service offers emotional and practical support for women leaving HMP Eastwood Park Prison or on Probation across Dorset, Devon & Cornwall.

Women are referred for support by their Probation officer.

We offer support in the following areas:

Emotional Wellbeing
Accommodation
Dependency & Recovery
Family & Significant Others
Lifestyle & Associates
Education, Training & Employment
Finance, Benefits & Debts

The Open Service is:

Women led

By listening to what a woman tells us she needs, we offer her a safe space to explore any issues she feels are relevant in her journey towards a life free from offending.

Community based

Our outreach service meets women one-to-one in places that are convenient for them in the community. We can also offer support remotely if needed over the phone or Zoom.

Prison based

We have a Prison Link Worker based in HMP Eastwood Park Prison who offers support and encouragement to women leaving prison. We explore both the practical and emotional needs with the woman and identify strategies to help her move forward. This could include housing, benefits and other practical support such as clothing, phones and transport.

If a woman is returning to Dorset, Devon or Cornwall from any other prison, our Prison Link Worker can support them remotely through phone or online and connect them with a community worker to help create a positive transition into the community.

Empowering

We support women to make choices for themselves and support them to recognise their power, positive strengths and qualities by asking them what has happened and how they got here. We explore ideas and opportunities with women and encourage their self-worth without judgement.

Trauma Responsive

The Open Service has developed a deep understanding of trauma including sexual and domestic abuse and its impact on women’s lives.

If you would like to know more about the service or discuss referrals, please contact
sue.gilbert@womenscentrecornwall.org.uk or call call 07510 079832 / 01208 76466.

Read more about issues facing women in the criminal justice system.

Mentoring

The Mentoring Service offers additional peer support to women involved in the criminal justice system who are accessing support with one of our other services.
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In February 2023, Devon & Cornwall Police presented TWCC’s Mentoring Project with a Certificate of Appreciation “as an expression of our sincere appreciation for the partnership working which has offered invaluable support to the females referred who are linked to the Pathfinder Scheme”.
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Some of the ways Volunteer Mentors support women:

Accompanying women to appointments such as job centres or housing
Helping women access activities such as exercise classes, community events
Accompanying women to court hearings
Supporting the delivery of peer support groups
Providing lifts for women to appointments or returning from prison
Attend court hearings with women

The mentoring relationship between the two women is built on trust and empowerment.

We know that you are the expert in your life and your voice will be at the centre of our work together.

“I was in a dark place when I met my Mentor, working on autopilot and masking life. I now feel that I am waking up out of a deep sleep. It’s like a light has gone on and I’m peeling back the layers to discover who I am.”

Contact penni.charteress@womenscentrecornwall.org.uk for more information or to make a referral.

Find out more about training to become a Volunteer Mentor.

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Open Service & Mentoring