Women’s Financial Resilience in Hardship

Safe and Sound Dorset works with women who are isolated or at risk in the community who are often experiencing multiple disadvantages some of which might be homelessness, mental health issues, family breakdown, long term illness, drug and alcohol misuse and these issues may be complicated through other things such as age, disability, race or sexuality.

Our overall strategy is always underpinned by our beliefs and values. These values include an understanding of how much a support system around each person can make a huge difference. Belonging to a community addresses social issues of positive inclusion enabling women to build their confidence. Barriers of disadvantage and low income affect the lives of many women struggling in isolation and can be alleviated through small means such as food vouchers, community meals, laundry and shower facilities as well as a chance to connect up in small ways throughout each week, do courses together, get good professional advice, eat together and do creative and physical activities together. Women also go on to volunteer in our sessions and cafe, gain employment and bring ideas so we can collaboratively create our yearly programme.

We run 10 sessions a week mainly based in our cafe at BH1 4BT, an area where  people are most likely to be deprived due to lack of education, employment, are disabled and have overcrowded or poor housing.

These are the roads where we do our late night street outreach to women on the streets at their most vulnerable, sometimes homeless, often rough sleeping, sofa surfing in temporary or supported housing. 

We run specialist sessions for women throughout the year, courses on personal development, digital upskilling, scams’ awareness, top tips for Tax, self assessment, partnership returns. All support financial resilience empowering women to become more tech savvy, navigate potential on-line fraud and identity theft, understand the dangers of  cyber bullying, or ‘Catfishing’ (the process of luring someone into a relationship by means of a fictional online persona often to defraud them of money.)

Many people feel terrified at the prospect of filling in a form on line. 😣 Many surf the net not realising the dangers lurking.
We want to help demystify technology and digital skills with practical help,  whilst understanding ways to stay safe on-line.

Every week  at The Well coffee lounge (BH1 4BT) we run a 2 hour housing group which hosts Shelter and the Citizens Advice Bureau.  This is a place where women can touch base with a professional service, asking for help with specific issues such as eviction notices, domestic violence, debt management and household support. It is fast becoming an important hub for women’s issues. 

We also include exercise in our creative sessions, the miracle cure we've always had, but for too long we've neglected to take our recommended dose!  Our chair-based exercise sessions are integrated into all our women’s sessions to encourage physical well being, to combat  chronic stress and improve mental health and physical well-being.

We believe that with support women can be empowered to recognise and develop their strengths, confidence and self-esteem, able to manage their lives positively.
Feedback

I want to genuinely thank Safe and Sound Dorset for all the help and constant support I have received, in ways I didn’t expect. I have been helped, emotionally, mentally, in my self esteem, practically ( given an air fryer, heated airer and electric blanket) and more. All the encouragement and opportunities I have been given also helps my children and our family as I am a better, more capable and present mum.

I have never experienced such a supportive group, so always available and compassionate. It’s very emotional for me to have been sustained in such a way, especially after such a crisis in my life. I have no end of gratitude to the team that makes this happen