Inspiring recovery, happiness and health through women-only spaces
This International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on the strength and resilience of women in recovery. Women overcoming addiction, domestic abuse and loss often feel deep shame and judgement, but we have seen first-hand that healing and joy are possible. We sat down with Zoe Houston, Service Manager (Housing) at Emerging Futures, to discuss the vital role of women-only spaces in recovery.
Can you tell us about FRESH (Female Recovery Enhanced Supported Housing)?
FRESH is an all-women project and team. We create a safe place for women to recover from drug and alcohol dependence, domestic violence, homelessness and physical or mental health issues. Our Thrive programme helps women rebuild relationships and set healthy boundaries. Talking therapies don’t work for everyone, so we also partner with a local provider to offer sound therapy, reiki, drumming circles and pottery.
What other services do you offer?
We offer one-to-one mentoring and help with supervised child access and social care – vital for mums who’ve had children removed. We also work with Active Partnerships to provide fitness classes, because physical activity is so empowering.
Why is the work Emerging Futures does with women so important?
Many of the women who come to us feel very broken, battling addiction, fleeing abusive relationships or even reeling from the pain of losing custody of their children. We think of their recovery as a kind of ‘kintsugi’, the Japanese art of taking broken pottery and mending it with lacquer and gold. It’s such a powerful symbol for healing, showing that even if broken, something can be made more lovely by being repaired. To see these women return to joy – like dancing for the first time in years at a therapy session – is so moving and inspirational.
Why are women-only spaces so essential?
Most of the women we meet are domestic violence survivors and many experience trauma responses to men. Women-only spaces create a sense of comfort and safety. Women also experience severe judgement from society, particularly when they’ve lost custody of their children. Feelings of shame and guilt can result in even more drug and alcohol use, creating a vicious cycle. We offer a safe haven while helping women learn new life skills.
How do you reach women trapped in that cycle of feeling shame and addiction?
Many come to us when they’ve reached rock bottom – lost their kids, been homeless or become involved with the criminal justice system. Many come from coercive relationships or have been weighed down by childcare, which leads to isolation. We help people rebuild a sense of self-worth, and offer a community of care to show healing is possible. We want women to know they’re worthy of health and happiness.
What is the accommodation like for women in the programme?
Our housing is designed in two stages: primary housing provides a controlled environment for between three and six months, where women take part in our core programmes such as Thrive and Freedom, which supports survivors of domestic abuse. Our second stage, move-on housing, provides up to 18 months of supported accommodation, where women work on stability. If the women are unable to move into our housing, we make sure they can still access Thrive in the community. Overall, women can stay in our care for up to two years.
What does recovery look like to the women you support?
Everyone has a different story to tell, but I’d love to tell you about a woman I’m fortunate enough to work with. Jo (not her real name) was addicted for 25 years, lost her children and suffered unbelievable abuse. After being helped by Emerging Futures, she’s been in recovery for four years. Jo is now employed at FRESH, where she uses her own experience to help others. Helping women restore their lives and reunite with their families is one of the most rewarding aspects of her life. Her story is so encouraging to our women – I couldn’t be prouder of her.
What does International Women’s Day mean to Emerging Futures?
It’s a day to celebrate resilience and empowerment – of the women we work with and the staff who support them. International Women’s Day is a time to focus on the ongoing struggles women endure, but it’s also a time to embrace hope and joy.
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If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, don’t wait. Recovery is possible and you are not alone. Reach out to Emerging Futures for support and begin your journey towards a better future. info@emergingfutures.org.uk. Tel: 03330 124 714.
