Overview

Established in 1987, WISH is the only national, user-led mental health charity in the UK working with women in prison, hospital and the community. They develop pioneering gender-specific and trauma-informed support services for underserved women, share evidence of what works to improve services and outcomes for all women, and campaign together for social justice.

Empowered by their own lived experience, they help women connect and open up – often for the first time. They stand together with them for the long term –  through the ups, downs, relapses and revivals–  offering them trust, relational security and guidance. Helping them build their own positive pathways under their own agency and control.

Services:

• Advocacy: campaigning, research and representation, advice
• Counselling: one to one trauma informed gender specific sessions
• Community Link: practical and emotional support to women in Greater London as they move from prison or secure hospital into the community
• Coaching: Training, volunteering and employment support

Their wraparound Community Link services equip women with the skills, security and self-esteem necessary for successful resettlement, through:

• Pathways tailored to each individual’s needs and aims, to ensure long-term and meaningful change
• Support to engage with services and attend court dates
• Links into statutory and voluntary services
• Support with housing and accommodation issues
• Financial assistance and benefits guidance
• One-to-one support whenever and as often as each woman needs
• Social contact and peer support.

Access

WISH is located on the second floor of 15 Old Ford Road.

There is access for wheelchair-users, including a lift and fully adapted toilet.