Alana House has won national recognition for its work of empowering women with multiple or complex needs who are looking for support to help make positive life changes.
Parents and Children Together (PACT), which runs Alana House, won the highly commended award in the Voluntary and Community Impact Award at the 2025 Inspire Justice Awards, hosted by Skills for Justice.
As the only women’s community centre in Berkshire, Alana House provides a safe, supportive space where women can address trauma, develop new skills and take steps towards positive change.
The service is delivered by a skilled team of keyworkers and volunteers with backgrounds in probation, safeguarding, domestic abuse and housing, as well as lived experience of the challenges women face. Their trauma and gender-informed approach enables them to engage with women who are often hardest to reach, while also supporting compliance with court orders and reducing the risk of reoffending.
The impact has been significant. In 2024/25 alone, Alana House received 415 referrals and supported 242 women through more than 1,600 Key Worker sessions, 143 counselling appointments and nearly 300 groups and courses. Outcomes show measurable progress across key areas linked to reducing reoffending:
- 94% reported improved mental health
- 96% saw progress in education, training and employment
- 90% improved in drug and alcohol recovery and financial stability
- 89% made positive changes in relation to domestic abuse
- 88% improved family and relationship outcomes.
This latest recognition at the Inspire Justice Awards adds to a growing list of accolades, including the Robin Corbett Award for Prisoner Reintegration (2024) and four Howard League for Penal Reform awards, most recently in 2023.
Accepting the award at a ceremony in Westminster, Alana House Manager Sabina Cannell, said:
“We’re proud that Alana House has become a place where women feel heard, supported and empowered to change their lives. This award recognises the women whose courage and determination inspire us every day. By working together, we can break cycles of trauma and offending and create stronger, safer communities.”
Supported by Police Oracle, HM Courts and Tribunals Service, HM Prisons and Probation Service, Community and SFJ Awards, Skills for Justice’s Inspire Justice Awards recognises and honours the hard work carried out daily by thousands of justice sector staff across the UK.
To find out more visit: https://skillsforjustice.org.uk/inspire-justice-awards
