For over 150 years, the Elizabeth Fry Charity has been working with women, since the prison reformer Elizabeth Fry started her work.
Everyone deserves a second chance
Based in central Reading, Elizabeth Fry House, a 24-bed Female Approved Premises, provides residential support and interventions to the widest range of women involved in the criminal justice system.
Through structured one-to-one sessions and a programme of rehabilitative activity, the intention is to increase women’s confidence and reduce re-offending, allowing, in time, for reintegration into society.
In their words...
Rebecca has been able to make a choice and take control over her own experience, which ultimately has changed her reality.
Donate Today
Every donation made to Elizabeth Fry helps give women a second chance in their lives and makes a HUGE difference to their time here.
Our Latest Vacancies
Please see our current vacancies below.
Resettlement and Support Officer Days ( 17.75 or 35.5 hrs/week) £24,047 (FTE)
In the role of Resettlement and Support Officer you will support the residents during their day-to-day life at the Approved Premises. You will be working with the rest of the staff team to effectively manage the risk posed by residents, as well as supporting them to address any difficult areas within their lives. This is an incredibly varied role, with no two days being the same.
Outreach Worker – 20 hours a week, £29,417 (FTE) – £33,755 (FTE)
We are currently seeking an Outreach Worker to join our dedicated team. We recognise that the transition from the Approved Premises to community living can be a difficult time for our residents. As Outreach Worker, you will support residents remaining in the Reading area, both prior to their move on and for up to six months post move on. The aim is to support them living independently, with practical matters and signposting to additional support services within the community.
Latest News
3 December 2024
Amanda’s Story
As a child, Amanda had had to care for a sibling and put other’s needs and feelings first and fit in around them. This left her with a weaker sense of self. Always feeling the odd one out, she has been bullied for being different. Amanda has worked in cafes, shops, and pubs. She was unable to complete courses, due to stress, domestic abuse, five children, pain, alcohol and drugs and a mental health crisis resulting in hospitalisation.
24 October 2024
Jo’s Journey from Addiction to Sobriety
This my story, my journey from addiction to sobriety.
I have not had a childhood that I would want any child to ever experience. Addition to alcohol and drugs has becomes my shelter, my way of keeping myself alive. Sadly, I was still a child -I was 13- when I discovered that substances could provide some sort of relief to the pain I felt. It was as soothing as it has become disruptive. But it was an escape from the harsh reality of the world and from the trauma.
12 September 2024
Addressing the Crisis in the Criminal Justice System
The Role of Approved Premises particularly for women offenders By Dr. Ann Collins, Recent events, such as the sentencing of rioters, have once again drawn attention to the ongoing pressures within our prison system. Overcrowding has been a persistent issue, with prison staff increasingly expected to deliver services under strained conditions due to continuous […]
10 June 2024
Enabling Environment Award
We are thrilled to share that Elizabeth Fry Charity has been awarded the Enabling Environment Award by the Royal College of Psychiatrists! The award recognises our commitment to providing specialised support to women impacted by the criminal justice system.
23 April 2024
Emily’s Story
Emily moved on from the Approved Premises in 2022. She continues to receive support from the Charity’s Outreach Worker. Emily’s Story Emily has diagnosed neurodivergence and leads a solitary lifestyle, leading to significant social isolation. She chooses to spend her evenings crocheting, a skill she learnt during her long prison sentence, and an activity she […]
4 April 2024
Kerry’s Story
In this article Kerry, a resident of Elizabeth Fry House talks about the benefits of having a specialist Housing Worker employed by the Charity. Emma’s role is to support residents to identify suitable and safe move on accommodation. Kerry had served a lengthy prison sentence prior to being released to Elizabeth Fry House. She describes […]
9 February 2024
Peer Mentor Leads Creative Writing Sessions
At Elizabeth Fry House we believe in the importance of self-expression and encourage residents to explore different ways of achieving this.
Earlier this week Luke (he/his), an ex-resident of Elizabeth Fry House who now volunteers for the Charity as a mentor led a session on Creative Writing.
15 December 2023
Did you Hear the Drums?
If you’d have visited Elizabeth Fry Charity earlier this week you may have wondered what all the noise was about. On Monday afternoon a drumming workshop took place with residents and staff and, it is fair to say some pretty impressive sounds were created – including traditional West African Music and a unique rendition of “We Will Rock You”
