News
Alana House, Women's Community Project Launched
Thursday 29th April 2010 saw the launch of Alana House in Reading.
04 May 2010
Official opening of Alana House, Women’s Community Project
A community project for women, funded by the Ministry of Justice, was officially launched at a special event.
The centre is run by family support charity Parents And Children Together and will offer a holistic support service for women in Reading.
The main aims of the centre are to reduce the numbers of women for whom their problems escalate to the point that they become involved with the criminal justice system and to strengthen families and community support in the Reading area. The centre provides a ‘safe space’ for women and children to access services, learn new skills and make changes.
The project aims to provide an effective community support service and engender positive change. The work is supported by partnerships that include Thames Valley Probation Trust, HMP Bronzefield, Thames Valley Police, Reading Borough Council, Reading Citizens Advice Bureau and several support services for victims of violence, those with substance misuse issues and women with health needs. The partnership has common aims of reducing crime and re-offending as well as tackling social exclusion.
Alana House, Women’s Community Project manager Hannah Powell said: “The environment within the centre will be one which empowers the women and the culture will be positive and enabling.
“The centre offers holistic support and aims to address women’s needs as a whole. A woman coming to the centre can have a unique support plan led by her and at her own pace.
“Crucially, the centre provides a crèche facility which will help women to access services which may be more difficult when attempting to care for small children.”
The speakers at the launch event will include Judge Zoe Smith, Sue Pearce from Thames Valley Probation and PACT Chief Executive Jan Fishwick.