On Monday 20th June 2022, we opened our first shared house in Southampton and welcomed our first resident! This is the first of a network of houses across Hampshire we plan to open for women and children, alongside our Hope Street residential hub due to be completed this year.

"Moving into Hope House has been a really positive experience for me. I like the way it has been decorated and furnished as it feels like a home. I feel really motivated and believe that now I have the right support around me from people who listen to me and respect me, I can achieve the things I want for my life."
Our first Hope House resident

Learn more about Hope Street

Our Influencing Work

Research

On July 6th we hosted an event in parliament, launching new research from Dr Sophie Mitchell on the intergenerational traumatic impact of maternal imprisonment. We also heard powerful testimony from two exceptional young women on how maternal imprisonment impacted their lives.

‘We’re young, but we have a voice, so speak to us - speak to us in a child friendly way.’ (Farhana, who shared her experience of her mother going to prison.)

Click here to read Dr Sophie Mitchell's research summary.

Policy

In July, we responded to the Government's call for evidence for their new 10 year Mental Health and Wellbeing Plan. We welcomed the opportunity to respond to this call for evidence and to advocate for changes that can support the mental health and wellbeing of women who are involved in the justice system. We highlighted how vital it is that the plan is informed by the experiences of justice involved women, and takes action to specifically address the disproportionately poor mental health outcomes achieved for this group.

Click here to read the full response.

JUSTICE Podcast

Edwina, One Small Thing's Founder and Chair, speaks to guests who all have different relationships and experiences with the justice system and share what could and should be done to make the system work better.

In our latest episode, Edwina speaks to Charlie Taylor, Chief Inspector of Prisons, who reflects on the challenges and issues raised in his recently published annual report such as long lock up times, issues with staff recruitment and retention, and concerns for the wellbeing of women in prison.

Other recent episodes include Sarah Beresford from Prison Reform Trust, Sofia Buncy from the Muslim Women in Prison Project, and Naomi Delap and Sam from Birth Companions.

listen here

Dates for your diary!

Becoming Trauma Informed Awareness Training

How do we move our thinking from ‘what’s wrong with them?’ to ‘what’s happened to them'? Join our Becoming Trauma Informed Awareness Training, and take a step towards understanding the impact of trauma on yourself and those you work with.

This training is designed to support staff in organisations to develop an understanding of the dynamics and process of trauma, inform practice and support system change.

Upcoming dates: 21 September; 23 November.

Book here