Extra funding for organisations that steer women away from crime

Lincolnshire Action Trust (LAT) is one of 38 organisations across England and Wales to have received a share of £2 million from the Ministry of Justice which will fund community services for vulnerable women and girls in the criminal justice system, or those at risk of entering it.

LAT offers a variety of support services to help individuals involved in the criminal justice system and their families with everything from health and wellbeing to accommodation and employment advice.

The grant will allow LAT to further develop its services, which help to divert women away from prison and subsequently can reduce the detrimental effects that prison would have on their children and wider family.

Alison Goddard, Chief Executive of LAT, said: “Lincolnshire does not yet have well developed services for vulnerable women when compared to other areas, and this grant will enable us to develop plans that address this need.

“Our future plans include establishing a women’s centre in the county which will act as a hub for support services, addressing the specific needs of women in a holistic way as we recognise that these women have often experienced trauma.

“By developing effective community interventions, more women can be diverted from prison and the devastating impact this can have on them and their children.

“We are being led by the Police and Crime Commissioner and working with a range of partners, including Lincolnshire Police, the National Probation Service, Lincolnshire County Council, and the University of Lincoln to develop a co-ordinated ‘whole system approach’ to better meet the needs of women and girls in the county.”

Marc Jones, Lincolnshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, added: “The incredible work being done by Lincolnshire Action Trust is a crucial step in keeping our communities safe.

“If we can support and steer vulnerable women away from crime, we not only protect them, their families and their children from harm but we also prevent others from becoming the victim of crime.

“I’m proud to be able to help and support their efforts and I am confident that their great work will have a significantly positive impact on residents.”

The number of women in custody in the UK has fallen by 10% since 2010 and this latest government investment in community services will help cover the running costs of many charities at a time when there is additional demand for their services owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• For more information about this funding, click here

• For more information about the support programmes being delivered by Lincolnshire Action Trust, click here