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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.

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.

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 […]

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.

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 […]

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 […]