York and District Mind worked with York CVS Funding Advice Service to successfully raise £10,000 from Awards for All for their women’s group.

The group, one of several specialist groups run by the organisation, offers women with complex mental health needs a safe, supported space outside of the mental health system, where they can form relationships and learn life skills. Mind’s Advocacy Service first recognised the need for a women’s group because of the high level of referrals from GPs and mental health professionals for clients who they were unable to support adequately. The women the organisation works with have a wide range of difficulties; personality disorders, depression, anxiety and histories of childhood abuse, trauma, domestic violence, self harm and suicidal episodes. This impacts on their relationships, ability to work, socialise and enjoy their lives. Moreover, Mind found that the women often lacked understanding of their conditions. No one had spent time with them to explain how such conditions arise and how they can be treated.
 
The project provides a user-led alternative to hospital or inappropriate community services, meeting the women's social needs and helping break their isolation. It provides accurate information about their conditions and a place they can learn and practise new coping skills. It is also a safe place to explore and discuss traumatic memories and current crises. Women meet up each fortnight to read, chat and relax together, as well as planning the forthcoming programme for the group – topics for meetings and guest speakers.

Lee-Simone Greenfield, York and District Mind’s Advocacy Manager, commented:

“It’s so important for people with real mental health difficulties to know that there’s somewhere like this where they can go and meet others in similar situations. I can’t overstate how much difference this grant is making for some of the most isolated women in our community.”