What is Connections?
Connections provides one-to-one and group support for women through and beyond the criminal justice system. The programme aims to prepare women with lived experience in the criminal justice system for active roles/sharing skills within their communities.
Our Project Workers work alongside women, providing guidance on their journey through the justice system and beyond, empowering women to make changes to their lives, build upon their strengths, and reduce re-offending.
There are three key areas of support:
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One-to-one support – our Project Workers provide emotional support, practical advice, reassurance and signposting to women with the aim of reducing reoffending through strengths-based and holistic support.
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Group support – service users in the Greater Belfast area can meet every Thursday in our Amelia Street Niacro office for a range of educational and interactive activities, and peer engagement where women can support each other through experience in a safe space.
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Support for staff – Our Project Workers offer a tailored training course, ‘Supporting Women Through and Beyond the Criminal Justice System,’ to organizations. Accredited by SFJ Awards, this course is designed for service providers in community, voluntary, and statutory sectors who support women. It's a specialized approach to equipping agencies with the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact.
How can connections help me?
Connections is for women who:
- have experience in the criminal justice system (probation or community).
- have experienced isolation or stigma.
- want to build their confidence, personal development, and connections within the community.
- have a desire to move on and embrace new opportunities.
How do I get support?
To find out more about Connections call us on 02890320157