Women MATTA

Women's Prisons in desperate need of reform.

2012-02-16T03:22:00.000-08:00

Really interesting article by Clive Chatterton, recently retired Governot from HMP Styal :

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/feb/11/women-prisons-urgent-reform-needed

Please let us know YOUR thoughts !

Women prisoners: self-harm, suicide attempts and the struggle for survivalCampaigners for prison reform, including a retired governor, reveal the horrific suffering of vulnerable female inmates

2012-02-13T05:11:00.000-08:00

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/feb/11/women-prisoners-suffering-mental-health?INTCMP=SRCH

A really interesting article with input from Rachel Halford, Director and Julie Marriott, Northern Services Manager from Women in Prison.

Let us know your thoughts.

February Timetable of Programmes for WomenMATTA and The Pankhurst Centre

2012-01-31T07:27:00.000-08:00

The Pankhurst Centre and Women MATTA Activities Timetable

Date	Activity
Thursday 2^nd February	Pankhurst Centre Drop In 11am-4pm Designing the Drop-In Area 1-3pm
Friday 3^rd February	Women MATTA Drop In 1pm-4pm Crisis Point 2-4pm
Tuesday 7^th February	Personal Development for Parents: Week 5 10-12noon
Thursday 9^th February	Pankhurst Centre Drop In 11am-4pm Introduction to Belly Dancing 1-3pm
Friday 10^th February	Women MATTA Drop In 1pm-4pm Homeopathy Money Mentors 2-4pm
Thursday 16^th February	Pankhurst Centre Drop In 11am-4pm Craft Making ready for International Women’s Day 1-3pm
Friday 17^th February	Women MATTA Drop In 1pm-4pm Women In Prison Focus Group
Monday 20^th February	Turnaround Pre-employment Course Week 1 2-4pm,
Tuesday 21^st February	Personal Development for Parents: Week 6 10-12noon
Thursday 23^rd February	Pankhurst Centre Drop In 11am-4pm Food and Mood Workshop 1-3pm
Friday 24^th February	Women MATTA Drop In 1pm-4pm Get Ready! With Business in the Manchester Carers Forum 2-4pm
Monday 27^th February	Turnaround Pre-employment Course Week 2 2-4pm
Tuesday 28^th February	Personal Development for Parents: Week 7 10-12noon

For further information contact The Pankhurst Centre at admin@thepankhurstcentre.org.uk or call 0161 273 5673

WomenMATTA at womenmatta@womeninprison.org.uk or call 0161 273 1518

The Pankhurst Centre,
60-62 Nelson Street, Manchester, M13 9WP

happy birthday WomenMATTA!

2012-01-10T12:24:00.000-08:00

On 11th January, theWomenMATTA Project will be 2 years old!
The project began in January 2010, and we have spent the last 2 years doing some incredible things. Just a few things we have been up to in this time are....getting crafty and blooming with our Pride event and exhibition, taking a fantastic group of women to get relaxed and pampered during a weekend countryside retreat, paying tribute to Emmeline Pankhurst and our feminist heritage at the Manchester Day Parade, running eco-fashion workshops, raising awareness about mental health and other issues at our Drop-in, celebrating the achievements of our indispensable volunteers, helping probation set up women only reporting days, celebrating a slightly early Christmas with all the trimmings with women.......AND providing support, advice and advocacy to women in contact with the Criminal Justice System across Manchester and Trafford.
We have much to be proud of, and are excited about what the future holds for our project and the women we support.
Happy Birthday WomenMATTA!

Women in Prison in the news - prisoner mental health

2012-01-04T06:27:00.000-08:00

Women in Prison featured in the news this week, with Northern Services Manager Julie Marriott speaking to Manchester Evening News about the high incidence of mental health problems among women at HMP Styal.
Julie, on behalf of Women in Prison, says "The underlying issue is that there are too many women in prison who do not need to be there. In my opinion Styal has been very forward-thinking in acknowledging this and bringing in a myriad of organisations to try and deal with it."
Read the article in full for yourselves by clicking on the link...
http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1469452_mental-health-issues-hit-4-out-of-5-inmates-at-styal-womens-prison

Christmas Support

2011-12-22T03:27:00.000-08:00

WomenMATTA will be closed for Christmas From 24th December until Tuesday 3rd January 2012.

Although a Christmas Support Session will be available on Wednesday 28th December 2011 between 12noon and 3pm, a meal will be on offer, has will advice and support. Feel free to drop in and see us.

May we take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for the New Year

2011-12-22T03:11:00.000-08:00

CHRISTMAS MEAL

Friday 23rd December will be the final Free Friday Drop In of 2011, until we are back in January 2012. We will be hosting a traditional Xmas Dinner, there will be loads of freebies and a Christmas present for anyone who joins us. It will also start slightly earlier at 12 noon until 3pm. The usual support and advice will be available for anyone who approaches the festive season with a sense of dread! We would love to see you. All welcome.

SIFE and WomenMATTA Eco Fashion Events

2011-12-02T04:20:00.000-08:00

SIFE are holding a fundraising event for a partnership project with the WomenMATTA Project. Funds raised will enable us to develop a series of eco-fashion workshops culminating in a fashion show showcasing all of the designs.

Come along and support us !

Everyone deserves a second chance

2011-12-02T03:12:00.000-08:00

Good news from the Virgin Empire !!!

http://rethinkingreentry.blogspot.com/2011/11/virgin-records-ceo-richard-branson.html

2011-12-01T00:45:00.000-08:00

DROP IN - FRIDAY 2ND DECEMBER 2011

Just a reminder that the Drop on Friday 2nd is Homeopathy, also advice on Supported Housing from NACRO, and Money Matters by the CAB.

Mind's report on Crisis care in Mental Health

2011-11-21T08:33:00.000-08:00

For those of you who follow the WomenMATTA blog, you will remember that it wasn't too long ago that we were celebrating World Mental Health Day.
We know that the majority of women in contact with the criminal justice system experience mental health problems, including anxiety, depression and psychosis. Many have struggled with suicide attempts and self harm. We also know that a huge proportion of the women's prison population have complex mental health problems.
Mental distress is something which affects most of the women we support at WomenMATTA, and it something we spend time supporting women with.
The new report on Crisis Care in mental health produced by mental health charity Mind is therefore very relevant to our work.
Mind spoke to hundreds of people who had accessed crisis/acute care. They were shocked to find that people felt the care they received was discriminatory, traumatic and coercive. We would agree with Mind's view that this is not acceptable.
In their report, Mind make four recommendations, including "Humanity", and "Choice and Control", something which sits very closely to WomenMATTA's own values in working with women. We would hope that these recommendations are not just taken up in crisis care services, but across the board for all mental health services.
You can read a summary of their report here:
http://www.mind.org.uk/campaigns_and_issues/current_campaigns/care_in_crisis/listening_to_experience

What do you want?

2011-11-17T11:03:00.000-08:00

On Friday 25 November we are asking young women (under 25) that have been involved in the Criminal Justice System, to tell us what they would like to see in our new YOUNG WOMEN'S SERVICE!

What should we call the young women's service?
Who should we invite - homeless women, youth clubs, women in prison?
What do you want to do - workshops, advice, trips?
What do you need support with - housing, employment, drug use?
When is the best time - at drop-ins, evenings, weekends?
What do you need from us to attend - childcare, food, friendly faces?

Come along for a chat and free lunch to The Pankhurst Centre at 12-1.30 on Friday 25 November. If you can't make it but have some ideas tell us by commenting below or contacting Siân on womenmatta@womeninprison.org.uk, 0161 273 1518.

Homeopathy at WomenMATTA

2011-11-16T04:14:00.000-08:00

Homeopathy is a way of healing that has been used for over 250 years. It involves treating each person as an individual, looking at mental/emotional well-being as well as physical symptoms.

After the homeopath has met with the patient and discussed their symptoms, they are then given remedies in the form of tablets to take. Remedies are made from natural substances (i.e. flowers/plants/minerals) and are prescribed to match the patient’s symptoms as a WHOLE which makes it very different from a trip to the doctors!

Since I joined WomenMATTA as a volunteer in March 2010 I have seen and treated around 60 women. These include staff and volunteers but are mainly service users. I volunteer once a month on the Friday Drop-in sessions from 1pm – 4pm.

The impacts of Homeopathy can be far-reaching, and will vary from person to person depending on their level of health and length of treatment. All advice and remedies are given free of charge at WomenMATTA.

The key areas I have been asked to help with over the past 18 months are:

· Insomnia/sleep troubles

· Anxiety

· Stress

· Grief

· Fear

· Headaches

· Coughs

· Colds

· Skin problems

· Muscle/joint pain

· Depression

The above list is not exhaustive, but gives a good idea of how versatile homeopathy can be, and that each time I see a new woman a whole new person and picture of symptoms is revealed. Homeopathy aims to encourage your body to heal itself rather than using chemicals such as standard medicine does. Things that happen everyday can knock you and your health ‘off balance’ such as arguments, lack of sleep, stress at work etc. Homeopathy aims to restore energy and balance in people.

I have learnt a lot quite quickly since starting at womenMATTA, for example in my usual homeopathy practice I spend up to 2 hours with a new patient, whereas sometimes at the drop-in I can see up 6 people in 3 hours. This means prescribing quickly and accurately when treating each woman.

Hearing the stories of the women at the drop-in and seeing their strength and determination to make their lives better inspires me. Their honesty and trust when they choose to come and share their story with me or seek my advice makes me feel privileged.

It’s a great feeling having the opportunity to help women by using homeopathic remedies, or sometimes just by providing space for someone to talk and have 10 minutes time-out. I have had some lovely feedback from the women and I hope that the homeopathy treatment and experience leaves people with some of that great feeling too as well as relief from symptoms.

Laura Shields RSHom, BSc (Hons)

Next session 2^nd December - (come and grab me for a chat if you want to know more!)

For queries or information on private consultations and treatment outside womenMATTA please call 07932 362912 or email lshomoepathy@gmail.com or visit www.lshomeopathy.co.uk

Job opportunity for ex service users

2011-11-08T07:15:00.000-08:00

Have a look at this and circulate to anyone you think may be interested :

http://www.cri.org.uk/jobs.php?id=5185

CRI works with individuals, families and communities across England and Wales that are affected by drugs, alcohol, crime, homelessness, domestic abuse, and antisocial behaviour.

Their projects, delivered in communities and prisons, encourage and empower people to regain control of their lives and motivate them to tackle their problems.

What a great opportunity and well done CRI !

It's official - WomenMATTA is the main support for women offenders in Manchester.

2011-11-03T05:20:00.000-07:00

Manchester City Council has compiled a report for the Citizenship and Inclusion Overview and Scrutiny Committee. This report provides the Committee with information about discrimination against women in relation to employment, representation in political life, crime, and access to public services, with a particular focus on women in Manchester. The report also provides information about what action is being taken to address discrimination issues for women in Manchester.

Have a look at Section 5 :

The main support for women offenders in Manchester is WomenMATTA, a partnership between Greater Manchester Probation, the Pankhurst Centre and Women in Prison. The project supports women at risk of offending, women serving community sentences and women released from prison after remand or a custodial sentence of less than six months. The project benefits from the work of the Women in Prison charity; they have a national freephone advice line, information and advice sessions in all 14 women’s prisons and specialist support workers for young women, BME women, older women and women with a history of mental illness. WomenMATTA is delivered from the Pankhurst Centre, a women only space that also provides gender based violence services. WomenMATTA believe it is important that the service is delivered from a women only space so women accessing the service feel safe and able to engage with the support offered.

Check out the full report :

http://www.manchester.gov.uk/egov_downloads/7_Discrimination_Against_Women.pdf

Reasons for diversions from custody

2011-11-03T05:05:00.000-07:00

Statistics from the Bromley Briefings produced by the Prison Reform Trust

www.prisonreformtrust.org.uk/subsection.asp?id=685

More than half of women in UK prisons say that they have suffered domestic violence and one in three has experienced sexual abuse.

The educational achievement of women prisoners is lower than for male prisoners. [74% left school at 16 or before. Only 39% have any qualifications at all, compared to 82% of the general population. 41% of women prisoners have not worked in the past five years.]

70 percent of women prisoners have 2 or more diagnosed mental health issues.

66% of women prisoners are mothers, and each year it is estimated that more than 17,700 children are separated form their mothers by imprisonment

Of all women who are sent to prison, 37% say that they have attempted suicide at some time during their life.

Rates of self-harm or injury in women’s prisons rose 48% in recorded incidents between 2003 and 2007. [In 2006, women accounted of 11, 503 or 49% of total recorded incidents of self-harm, even though they form only around 6% of the prison population]

66% of sentenced women in prison say they were either drug dependent or drinking to hazardous levels before custody. [A University of Oxford report on the health of 500 women prisoners found that 58% of women had used drugs daily in the six months before prison and 75% of women prisoners had used illegal drugs during that six month period.]

In 2007 foreign national women made up 22% of the female prison population.

One in four women in prison has spent time in local authority care as child.

The majority of sentenced female prisoner are held for non-violent offences. [At the end of March 2008, the largest group (28%) were held for drug offences].

[More women were sent to prison in 2006 for theft and handling stolen goods than any other crime]. They account for almost a third (31%) of all women sentenced to immediate custody.

The Pankhurst Centre - Future Development

2011-11-02T08:15:00.000-07:00

The Pankhurst Centre would like to know your ideas on the future development of its services. All women are welcome......

The Pankhurst Centre Management Committee

invite you to an open meeting to discuss

The Future Development of The Pankhurst Centre

Tuesday 15^th November 2011

6pm Buffet

7pm Meeting

To be held at The Pankhurst Centre,

60-62 Nelson Street

, Chorlton on Medlock, Manchester, M13 9WP

Please address enquiries to The Pankhurst Centre:

0161 273 5673 or admin@thepankhurstcentre.org.uk

All Women Welcome

Engaging with the Judiciary

2011-11-02T05:44:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce myself

My name is Yvonne Davies, married to Ernie and a mother of 4. We have 7 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild.

I have been a volunteer in various organisations from a playgroup and school Parent Teachers Association in the 1970s to a Local Newspaper, Healthy Living Centre Steering Group and Counselling Service. In 1998 I set up a free Counselling Service to run alongside my private practice. Referrals come from individuals, GP’s, Social Workers and other organisations.

The free counselling service offers placements to trainees in their final year at Adult Colleges and Universities in Manchester, Cheshire and Salford and the Liaison Officer for Counselling Northwest.

As a Magistrate in Manchester since March 2000 it has been an honour to serve the local community and since 2009 been the Deputy Chairman of the Manchester City Magistrates’ Court and from 1^st January 2012 Deputy of the newly merged Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court.

In March 2011 along with students from the Manchester Metropolitan University we celebrated 650^th Anniversary of Magistrates by having a Court Open Day. 500 people came to see what we were all about.

Magistrates go out into the community giving talks to groups about what we do and with Probation Officers have interactive presentation where participants decide what punishment they would like to hand out to the criminal that we read about in a newspaper cutting.

I also sit on the WomenMATTA strategic Steering Group ensuring that there is a direct method of communication between the Project and Magistrates in Manchester. This way we can keep track of new initiatives for women involved in the Criminal Justice System in and the North West.

farewell to welfare?

2011-11-01T02:42:00.000-07:00

You can't escape hearing about the cuts at the moment. It's in the news, people talk about it at bus stops and in cafes, and we hear women talking about it at our project. But what does it mean?
In practical terms, it means less funding, less support workers, less workshops, less everything. It also means cuts to housing benefit, cuts to disability benefits and cuts in care packages. But what does it mean REALLY? What effect do these cuts have on women, in particular? At WomenMATTA, we can see that the cuts mean women have less options about support, and less opportunities for development and progress in the community. We'd love to hear what you think ...

The REACH Project

2011-10-31T02:23:00.000-07:00

Lisa Chou works for Women in Prison's Northern Services. She runs the REACH Project in HMP Foston Hall. Here is a snapshot of the work that she does :

The REACH project is a partnership project with Leiectershire probation trust , Derbyshire probation trust, Northamptonshire probation trust, Nottinghamshire probation trust, Lincolnshire Action trust, NACRO, Women IN Prison and Platform 51. This project is commissioned to deliver a programme of activities in the East Midlands region to support offender and ex offenders to obtain employment. These activities will be funded by the European Social fund under the NOMs co financing arrangements.

The REACH Project is a project designed to help offenders break down the barriers to employment or education. The project runs both in custody and in the community in different parts of the country. Women in Prison deliver this project in HMP Foston Hall in Derbyshire for women in custody who are close to release. Whilst the project helps prepare women for employment with support such as creating CVs, applying for jobs, practising interview techniques, providing disclosure sessions, offering support with college courses and so on, the project also helps with other areas such as debt/finance, housing, banking, and others. For women in custody, there are often many barriers to employment and other priorities that must be addressed before they can consider employment and this is what the project aims to provide support with.

FREE FRIDAY

2011-10-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

Its Make Over day on Friday 21st October 2011, come along and enjoy a make over, and get some money saving beauty tips.

Look what we did last Summer !

2011-10-14T08:21:00.000-07:00

http://vimeo.com/24605235

During 2010, a series of consulatations were held with women who access the WomenMATTA Project,LBT groups, probation, and Drop In groups held at the Pankhurst Centre and with staff and counsellors from women's organisations that operate independently within the centre. The results showed that women expressed a need to communicate with other service users across different communities for support and friendship; to gain new skills that could support their future and to gain confidence to access new opportunities that may reduce reoffending.

Women with children expressed the need to gain and enhance skill in parenting and to support their children in homework and school life. Women from refugee and asylum seeker groups wished to attend events to assist in community cohesion and to dispel myths and stereotypes.

We delivered a series of workshops where the women had the opportunity to gain skills, develop decision making processes and the ability to work within a group, developing confidence and self esteem.

The workshops culminated in an entry at Manchester Pride 2010 and an exhibition of photos, costumes and the launch of this film.

We hope you enjoy it !

Diane's Journey - How I changed My Life

2011-10-14T07:28:00.000-07:00

How I changed my Life

I left a very bad relationship after 11yrs which made me lose my daughter and my home. I was sleeping on friends sofas for about a year before I moved to Direct Access. I had been addicted to drugs for twenty odd years. I felt there was no point in me living at that time there was no hope.

I first met Tina the WomenMATTA volunteer when she came to the Drop-In at Direct Access. I had no confidence and couldn’t make eye contact with her because I wasn’t used to speaking to people due to the violence at home. I found Tina was a similar age to me. But the best part was that she just listened and didn’t judge. Tina told me what benefits and support I could get and this made me feel better knowing there were people out there to help me.

Tina encouraged me to come to the Drop In at the Pankhurst Centre but I was very nervous as I had not been out anywhere. As soon as I went to the drop in, all the volunteers such as Jill and Steph all made me very welcome and straight away I felt part of the group. Tina and I then sat down and did a plan about getting me the right support and I got loads.

Now I have "Team Diane" where I have a group of people such as Tina, Jill, Dionne and Steph who all help with different things. I have been helped going to the doctors and help with speaking up. I now have a carer that comes in everyday to help me and I am waiting to be moved into a new home.

I have not used drugs since May last year. I feel amazing and for the first time more human. I realise I started because of the death of my two children. I was avoiding feeling anything and used to numb the pain. But then my life got out of control. I know if I ever start using again I will lose everything I achieved.

I love seeing all the volunteers and know that if I need anything they are always there for me. I also feel I have friends now that make me feel good about myself for the first time. I love the fact we hang out after the Drop In at the coffee shop where we spend our time just laughing.

For the first time in my life I feel I belong somewhere and know that I going to be ok because of all the support and friendship here.

I would say to any woman out there who is struggling with drugs I would say DO IT, THERES MORE TO LIFE THAN DRUGS!!!

Girls and Gangs

2011-10-14T03:46:00.000-07:00

In the news yesterday, we learned that the Deputy Children’s Commissioner is launching an inquiry into the sexual exploitation of girls by gangs. For many this comes as a huge shock, especially as we tend to think of gangs as an exclusively male environment. However, this isn’t the first time that sexual violence of women and girls by gang members has been recognised. Race on the Agenda recently produced a report called “Female Voice in Violence” where women and girls associated with gangs spoke openly about their experiences. This report showed that girls had frequently experienced sexual violence by boyfriends, as well as rival gangs.

At Women in Prison, we have long recognised the link between gang association and experiences of sexual and domestic violence, especially among young women. In collaboration with MMAGS (Manchester Multi-Agency Gang Service), our young women’s worker recently developed and delivered a tailor-made course for young women who were involved in gang activity. Structuring sessions around stereotypes of gang members, healthy relationships and self esteem, the course aimed to support young women to keep safe, achieve goals and feel valuable and important.

Feedback from the young women who attended the course has been incredible, as they found it was a great opportunity to discuss their understanding and experience of being associated with a gang with other young women in the same situation, and take part in activities to help them feel positive about themselves. Congratulations to the young women who completed the course successfully, and good luck to them for the future.

A massive thanks also goes to our volunteer Amanda, who supported the young women and gangs project. Without her enthusiasm and willingness to get involved the course would not have been the same!

My Volunteer Journey - The Bumpy Road

2011-10-14T02:51:00.000-07:00

Volunteering with Women Matta has been a life changing experience for me. Like many women I previously went through a bad time due to various reasons which resulted in me being unable to work for a while. I wanted to regain some of my lost confidence.

I have been doing the Free Friday Drop-In since it began nearly 2 yrs ago and I have LOVED everything about it. From the chaos to insanity and back each week is new experience! The most important thing I gain from the work is being able to see women move on with their lives and its such a privilege to feel I have been able to contribute somewhat to this.

At the Drop-In I usually undertake practical support work which can basically mean anything! From supporting someone with phone calls to benefit agencies, to referrals for a mental health assessment, but most importantly being there, not judging, listening and accepting the women for who they are and where they are at on their journey.

I also undertake practical support work outside the Drop-In. This has involved, again, anything and everything. More recently I have worked closely with a woman who had been using class A drugs for twenty years, her life was very chaotic. She has now been able to access many services through our support. Her life has changed completely. Out having coffee with her and other women one day we were laughing at the usual banter when she turned to me and said.......this is better than getting high. It was all the reward a volunteer could ever need to carry on doing what I do!!

Free Friday Drop In

2011-10-13T09:17:00.000-07:00

World Mental Health Day

2011-10-13T08:45:00.000-07:00

Friday 14th October is World Mental Health Day. We have created a 'thought' tree which we will put up in the Pankhurst Centre to provoke discussion and debate and hopefully we will be able to dispel a few of the myths and negative stereotypes about mental health.

If you have experienced any mental health issues now or in the past, or if you work in the field of mental health and would like to share some of your thoughts or feelings on the subject, then just post your comments on this blog and we will add them to the tree.

Volunteer Opportunities

2011-10-13T06:04:00.000-07:00

At WomenMATTA we have a wide variety of volunteer roles. If you are interested in volunteering some of your time or would just like a chat about some of the opportunities available, then contact Steph Champion, the Volunteer Coordinator at stephc@thepankhurstcentre.org.uk or on 0161 273 1518

Volunteer Role Description Outline – full descriptions available on request

Administrative Volunteer Monday and Wednesday 10.00 – 13.00

Purpose: To provide support to the volunteer coordinator to ensure an effective running of the volunteer programme.

· Answering the phone and responding to queries

· Sending out letters

· Creating information files with leaflets

· Maintaining our filing system

· Using the database.

Court Volunteers Trafford Magistrates Court Monday and Tuesday 09:30 – 12:30

Manchester Magistrates Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 09:30 – 12:30

Purpose: To provide support and information to women through the court process

· Liaise with court and probation staff.

· Assist women through court process by providing emotional support, helping fill in forms, attending court and giving out leaflets.

· Positively promote WomenMATTA and provide information.

· Keep court information pack up to date and stocked and signpost women to relevant services.

Free Friday Drop in Volunteer Fridays 12:30 – 16:30pm

Purpose: To support and ensure the smooth running of the Free Friday drop in.

· Attend the brief and de-brief

· Meet and greet service user – give info on project to new service users, introduce to volunteers, show around the building, ensure sign in sheet completed

· Book women into the practical support timetable

· Keep drinks area well stocked, i.e. clean cups/glasses, jugs full, enough hot water/milk etc

· Speak to service users – provide info on what’s happening at the drop in/forthcoming events/workshops

· Assist in general cleaning of kitchen, during and after drop in as needed

· Assist in activities and encourage service users to be involved in them

Free Friday Cooking volunteer Fridays 10.30am for lunch at 1.30pm

Purpose: To provide healthy meals for the Free Friday Drop in.

· To create a menu ensuring this fits in with the Drop in ‘Cultural Calendar’ and create list of ingredients for each meal.

· To shop for the food using WomenMATTA money. [If you have problems with mobility, we can provide support]

· Attend the drop in brief and de-brief

· To cook food at The Pankhurst Centre ready for 1.30 and serve it.

· Clean up after the meal.

Free Friday Drop in Practical Support Volunteer Friday drop in 12:30 – 16:30

Purpose: To provide pre-assessment practical support during the drop-in on Fridays

· To attend the brief and de-brief.

· Book women into the practical support timetable at the WomenMATTA drop in.

· Provide emotional support and immediate advocacy for women through completing any practical tasks that are needed, e.g. form filling, signposting, and making phone calls

· Make referrals to WomenMATTA ensuring WomenMATTA paperwork is completed.

Direct Access Practical Support Volunteer Mondays 13:30 – 16:00

Purpose: To provide pre-assessment practical support for women during the drop in at Direct Access.

· This is a challenging role through which you will support women within Direct Access.

· Build professional relationships with women, providing practical support and making referrals to WomenMATTA.

· Provide emotional support and immediate advocacy for women through completing any practical tasks that are needed, e.g. form filling, signposting, and making phone calls

· Providing tea and coffee at DA

· Communicate with staff at Direct Access and positively promote WomenMATTA.

Post-Assessment Support Volunteer Monday - Thursday Flexible but must be able to commit to one morning/afternoon a week.

Purpose: To provide specific support for women who have been assessed by our key workers and have specific requirements.

· Complete specific tasks as specified by key workers.

· Support our service and the woman by accompanying her to appointments and signposting to other agencies by supporting women to find courses, fill in forms and supporting them to make phone calls/write letters to other organisations.

· Ensure that all the WomenMATTA paperwork is completed.

Clothing bank Volunteer Approx 2 hours/week, flexible

Purpose: To organise the clothing bank for women who need free clothes

· Sorting through new donations and discarding any soiled items.

· To take items to local launderette for service wash

· Tidying clothing bank, adding new items and displaying all attractively.

Probation – Women only Reporting Volunteer Thursdays 9.30 – 12.30

Purpose: To provide specific practical support during the drop-in at women only probation reporting

· Provide emotional support and immediate advocacy for women through completing any practical tasks that are needed, i.e. sorting out debt issues, complete housing applications and supporting them to make phone calls/write letters to other organisations.

· Make referrals to WomenMATTA.

· Ensure WomenMATTA paperwork is completed.

What's happening at the Pankhurst Centre this month ?

2011-10-13T01:23:00.000-07:00

Pankhurst Centre Drop In Activities Timetable

Date	Activity
Tuesday 4^th October	Personal Development Course for Parents 1pm-3pm
Thursday 6^th October	Pankhurst Centre Drop In 11am-4pm Mental Health Awareness Day
Friday 7^th October	Women MATTA Drop In 1pm-4pm Safety in the Home
Tuesday 11^th October	Personal Development Course for Parents 1pm-3pm
Thursday 13^th October	Pankhurst Centre Drop In 11am-4pm
Friday 14^th October	Women MATTA Drop In 1pm-4pm World Mental Health Day Massage Session
Tuesday 18^th October	Personal Development Course for Parents 1pm-3pm
Thursday 20^th October	Pankhurst Centre Drop In 11am-4pm
Friday 21^st October	Women MATTA Drop In 1pm-4pm Makeover Session
Thursday 27^th October	Pankhurst Centre Drop In 11am-4pm Halloween Celebration
Friday 28^th October	Women MATTA Drop In 1pm-4pm Homeopathy Session and TBA

For further information contact The Pankhurst Centre at admin@thepankhurstcentre.org.uk or call 0161 273 5673

WomenMATTA at womenmatta@womeninprison.org.uk or call 0161 273 1518

The Crying Game

2011-10-12T05:02:00.000-07:00

Pauline is one of the WomenMATTA volunteers. She divides her time amongst a number of different volunteer roles, the main one being her role at the Helpdesk at Trafford Magistrates Court. Pauline is also a published poet. The Crying Game is a poem she has written about her experiences working with vulnerable women at court. Check it out :

The Crying Game

I sat and watched her tear stained face
As she stood before the court
She gave a plea of guilty
She said she hadn't thought
She said she did it for her children
To provide them with food to eat
To give them a taste of luxury
Shoes to house their feet.
She cried real tears, so desperate
It was heart rending to me
She cried because reality was evident to see.
Her howls could be heard from the gallery
Full admission to the crime
She said her actions were out of character
No reason or rhyme.
She said she didn't mean it
But knew she was to blame
She had tried to steer away from intention
She hung her head in shame.
Things quicly blew out of proportion
Got swiftly out of hand
She wanted to curl up in a ball
Bury her head in the sand.

Soon she heard of WomenMATTA
They offered her a helping hand
They work with women who need support
They really understand.
The Drop In they run is accessible
With workers and valuable volunteers
Giving time and being available, mopping up the fears.
They offer food and laughter
A safe place for all to be
A place that offers safety and encourages harmony
With woman who respect you for the way you are
Support you when you need it, helping you go far.
So when you feel life's getting you down
And you cannot see the end
Come to WomenMATTA Drop In and I'm sure you'll find a friend.

Thanks Pauline. And thanks to all our amazing volunteers, without whom, none of this would be possible......or half as much fun.

Bloomin' Marvellous! - WomenMATTA Exhibition at Victoria Baths 2nd and 3rd April 2011

2011-03-07T03:32:00.000-08:00

In Summer 2010, WomenMATTA were awarded Big Lottery Funding to undertake a series of workshops of design and craft culminating in the submission of an entry into the Manchester Pride Parade 2010.

Through this process women were able to develop skills to support their future and to access new opportunities that may reduce re-offending.

Come and join us on Saturday 2nd April 2011 from 12pm and Sunday 3rd April 2011 to view a special exhibition of film, photography and costumes and to celebrate the first stage of the WomenMATTA project!

The exhibition will take place in the female pool of Victoria Baths - actually IN the pool! It is empty so there is no need to worry about bringing your cossie!

Whilst there you will also have the wonderful experience of seeing the beautiful Victoria Baths, learning about our local heritage and on Sunday, the Victoria Baths also plays host to a vintage fair so there also maybe chance to grab a bargain.

The weekend will offer much to see so we really hope to see you there!

You've got until the 4th to help change the law...

2011-02-04T07:42:00.000-08:00

A green paper is something the government writes suggesting the changes they are going make about a particular issue before they make it law. The paper is then published giving everyone a chance to read it and give their opinion about what they like and what they would like to see changed. In the government released a green paper on how they wanted to change the law on the punishment of crime. You now have a chance to have your say on it.

Key points in the Green Paper

Punishment and Rehabilitation

The government say that they want to make sure that people who break the law are punished but they also say that they believe in rehabilitation as a way to reduce reoffending.

The government say that prison is not working properly because too many people commit more crime after they come out of prison. They are suggesting changes to prison and to sentencing to make it more effective.

Women

The Green Paper does not say very much about women. The government do say:

“We recognise that women offenders have a different profile of risks and needs.”

They say that they will set up more intensive community-based drug treatment for women. They don’t make any other commitments about what they are going to do for women. They are asking what the differences are between men and women in the criminal justice system and how they can meet those needs.

Payment By Results

One of the biggest changes is something called Payment By Results. The government wants to save money so they are suggesting that they will only pay organisations whose support can be shown to reduce reoffending (they call this Payment By Results).

To make things simpler for them the government want to pay the same organisations to oversee sentences and to provide support. So they are suggesting that they will not pay for any support services which are not connected to sentences.

We are sure you have some thoughts… here are some of ours.

· How will women who have been given tougher community sentences cope with caring responsibilities?

· Although the big differences between the needs of men and women were recognized- there was little focus on exactly how these needs of women would be met.

· We feel that it is a positive commitment to keeping women in the community with their family and personal support system.

· A move to increase community punishments will clearly need more funding to prevent women from slipping back into the criminal system. We would like to see funding clearly earmarked and outlined to meet women’s needs specifically.

· We would like to see children’s rights to see their mother not affected by women’s privilege status in prison.

If you would like your voice heard:

Next Steps: What you can do

You can write direct to the government (by 4 March):

Breaking the Cycle

Ministry of Justice

10.08, 10th Floor

102 Petty France

London

SW1H 9AJ

or you can write to us (by 23 February)

WomenMATTA

The Pankhurst centre,

60-62 Nelson Street

Manchester

M13 9WP

This is a big change to help change law- don’t miss out.

Manchester Pride 2010

2010-12-03T07:50:00.000-08:00

Saturday 28th August 2010 - What a day to remember !!

The rain fell but our spirits weren't dampened when the WomenMATTA Team and the Pankhurst Centre entered a float in the Manchester Pride Parade. The concept of the float was that we created a garden where women can put down roots, grow and flourish - much in the way that the Pankhurst Centre operates by providing a safe women only space where women can feel safe and free to learn, socialise and address any issues they may be facing. Staff, volunteers and service users designed and created an array of dazzling costumes and a fantastic float showcasing their amazing talents. There were thistles, roses, lilies, daisies and many many more.
We all had a brilliant day which we had been working towards for the previous twelve weeks.

Read on and you can find out how we got there.........................

Volunteering at Trafford Magistrate's Court

2010-11-30T05:35:00.000-08:00

No attractive photos of the WomenMatta volunteers on the Helpdesk at Trafford Magistrate's Court as yet, but that doesn't mean it's not an interesting and useful thing to be doing!

Hi, my name's Rebecca and I've been volunteering on the Helpdesk at Trafford Magistrate's Court since October, attending fortnightly on a Wednesday morning. Before volunteering I knew nothing about the workings of the Court and yet, in only a few weeks, I feel I've learnt so much about what goes on there as well, I hope, as being of some help to those who've approached the Helpdesk (even to those just is search of the toilets!).

There are 5 courts at Trafford covering the full range of cases heard by Magistrates Courts, but on Wednesdays at Trafford there are a particularly large number of traffic violation cases. At first I thought this wouldn't be highly relevant to the work of WomenMatta, but in fact talking to many of the men and women who attend, it seems that alcohol abuse often has a large part to play in such cases. As a volunteer on the Helpdesk I've signposted both men and women to relevant support groups whilst encouraging women to contact WomenMatta for further help and advice.

The Magistrates at Trafford have received the WomenMatta volunteers enthusiastically. A couple of weeks ago, three magistrates asked me to take them to the Helpdesk to explain our services and last week, the WomenMatta volunteers on duty were called for over the tannoy and asked to attend one of the courts. Quite scary as Lisa and I didn't know what we'd done wrong, but actually the Magistrates in attendance just wanted to know more about WomenMatta and to thank us for our help at the Courts. What a relief!

I've sat in court during hearings, learning a lot about the legal process as well as getting a real insight into what is behind so many of the offences being tried. Time and time again, reference is made to long term alcohol and drug abuse, social deprivation and physical abuse. Whenever I've sat in court when the case of a woman is being heard, the Magistrates have always made reference to WomenMatta, encouraging the women to speak to us afterwards to see if we can help them. On one occasion, an over enthusiastic magistrate asked me whilst the court, was still in session if WomenMatta could help a male defendant. Obviously i had to decline, but in explaining why we couldn't help, it served as another great opportunity to inform all those in court about the vital work of WomenMatta.

All in all, I think the presence of the WomenMatta volunteers at Trafford Magistrates Court has been of great value to all those who pass through and I have little doubt that after only a few months the Court can't imagine how they ever managed without a Helpdesk. A huge thanks to all the WomenMatta volunteers who attend Trafford, I really believe we are doing an important job, extremely well and have set the standard for the support of women in Court in Greater Manchester.

WomenMATTA Volunteers 'Make a Difference'

2010-11-24T10:04:00.000-08:00

WomenMATTA presenting the cards to Styal

WomenMATTA volunteers joined thousands of other volunteers across the country taking part in CSV ‘Make a Difference Day.’ Volunteers wrote inspirational messages and decorated greetings cards for women in Styal prison. Volunteer Coordinator, Viv, and her hard working team were able to produce over 409 unique cards, meaning that there were enough cards for every woman in Styal.

Volunteers hard at work

Community Service Volunteers Make a Difference Day

Manchester Day Parade 20/6/10

2010-09-21T07:52:00.000-07:00

This Summer 20 women and volunteers from WomenMATTA participated in the Manchester Day Parade. The day was a great success and was enjoyed by all participants!

The workshops involved working with the support of an artist (Charlotte Newson) to create unique hats to wear in the parade. Manchester Day Parade was a new event to celebrate the culture and experiences of people in Manchester.
WomenMATTA and the Pankhurst Centre took part in the parade, celebrating women and women's rights. The workshops involved creating costumes in the Suffragette colours.

Both the workshops and the parade itself was enjoyed by all of the women involved. Being involved increased their confidence and self esteem as they were proud to contribute to a community event. The event also helped to break to social isolation of many women involved, as they were able to spend time with other women, get to know new people and feel valued by the other people. It enabled women to integrate into the community, make a positive contribution and practice new skills. The event also helped to raise local awareness of the service, and to enable people to ask questions about the service provided to facilitate access to the service.

Welcome

2010-09-21T06:47:00.001-07:00

Welcome to WomenMATTA

Template Post

2010-09-21T05:24:00.000-07:00

This is what a post will look like on the Women MATTA Blog. You can post photos, videos and links to other blogs or websites.
e.g. Why not have a look at Women in Prison
There are many ways to utilise this blog correctly. Readers of your blog can post comments on individual blog posts to which you may reply or delete their comments if they are inappropriate. Below you will find the Events box, there you may add an event to advertise to your readers.

You can also add videos to your blog, for example if you can find any videos of Manchester Pride that (providing you have permission to post) you may add.

It would be a nice idea if your first post is an introduction to your organisation, maybe introducing the workers at Women MATTA for a more personal approach, or simply issue a statement in the 'description' box so that the statement is always present.

So, what do you think?