Women-only Services
OHM is helping Oxfordshire’s homeless sector to identify the gaps in what is available for women in terms of service provision. The aim is to ensure that we design future services that mean vulnerable women are better protected and helped. In some ways this is only a beginning—but this is a great start.
OHM also gathered all relevant services into one easy-to-use web page. Now, women in need and their case workers can quickly find the right help.
The issue
Since ~2006, services for women in Oxfordshire have decreased due to funding cuts. Some closures may have brought efficiencies—putting ‘back what was lost’ may not be the best thing. But many miss out on important help. Too many fall through gaps, or are not known.
Meanwhile, government statistics do not fully capture the picture. See the Annual Snapshot and Ending Rough Sleeping Framework. This makes it hard to provide the right services, and women facing homelessness often have unique challenges such as:
- domestic abuse rates: homeless due to escaping violence
- health issues: as likely if not more to face certain health problems
- safety concerns: possibly a higher risk of assault and exploitation on the streets
At the December 2023 launch meeting for this work, we found these gaps:
- few services with door management and 24/7 support
- few safe spaces for women only
- not enough move-on accommodation options
- limited ability to tailor services to different needs—though this is also an opportunity
- no dry house
- lack of funding
We also found gaps in our knowledge:
- “hidden” homelessness: staying with abusive partners or finding other ways to cope. This means getting a good picture is difficult
- rough sleeper counts not published by gender
- no local census data
- no awareness of how domestic abuse and refuge places affect homelessness figures
We also noted difficulties for some women with proving a local connection
The solution
Research:
- completed: a thorough study of current services for women
- in progress: qualitative research with LEAF*—funded by OHM
- upcoming: participation in the Women’s Rough Sleeping Census—or, WRSC—which began in London. This extends to Oxfordshire in September 2024. It is supported by Solace who arranged the London census, the Outreach Teams in Oxford (St Mungo’s and Connection Support) and other partners—funded by OHM and supported by Oxfordshire County Council
Promotion:
- one central place to find help—‘I need help for women only’—published by OHM
Efficiency in team work:
- partners can share information to make best use of properties
*The LEAF research will be a deeper view of women’s experiences with current services. This qualitative study will include in-depth interviews. At least 10 women currently or recently (past 12 months) experiencing rough sleeping will be invited to take part.
Experts by experience (EBE) will conduct the research, ensuring a clear and accurate picture. The plan is set, and fieldwork will happen in July/August. Results will be published in September 2024.
Next steps
- Discover our new page on what is available for women only: I need help for women only
- Read the London Women’s Rough Sleeping Census by Solace Women’s Aid
- If you would like to talk to OHM about this project please email hello@ohmteam.org
If you would like to ensure vital work such as this continues, please donate now.