Dani Brown, an outreach worker with the Bridgwater Women’s Centre, spends hours driving and walking around the streets of Bridgwater, Somerset, looking for homeless women who may need help. She and her colleague load up a van with supplies, including food, clothing, and sanitary products, and offer practical help and advice to the women they meet.
One of the women they have helped is Sarah, who has been clean for 18 months after five years of using heroin and sleeping rough. Sarah credits the Bridgwater Women’s Centre team with helping her turn her life around, and is now in temporary accommodation and hoping to go to college.
Dani and her colleague see around 10 women on their outreach nights, many of whom have complex needs, including mental health issues, substance misuse, and family breakdowns. They provide advice, support, and referrals to other services, including a monthly visit from sexual health nurses.
The night-time is considered the most risky time for homeless women, who are vulnerable to violence and are often scared. Dani finds it difficult to leave the women she meets, knowing that they will be sleeping rough and facing risks to their safety.
Despite the challenges, Dani and her colleague continue to provide vital support to homeless women in Bridgwater, helping them to access medical care, emergency accommodation, and other services. Their work has made a huge difference to women like Sarah, who are now able to rebuild their lives and look to the future with hope.
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