During COVID-19 drop-in group sessions at the Women's Centre have been unable to take place. This has resulted in women who usually use this facility being unable to access this service which helps provide support, information and advice and supports their non-offending behaviour. Importantly group sessions also provide women with the opportunity to build their confidence, self-esteem and self-efficacy and to offer and receive peer support. Women who use this service are vulnerable, live on low incomes, face hardship and often have poor physical and mental health and have traumatic and fractured family relationships. Many have served time in prison or are at risk of re-offending. This project aims to bring women together on a Friday every week to pursue a programme of outdoor learning experiences and to overcome their self-isolation and loneliness and to build their self-worth and personal development whilst offering adventure and fun. AWA volunteers will work alongside the Women's Forum members to co-design and co-produce an outdoor learning programme. Professional staff will also support the Women's Forum members. Expert outdoor education tutors will provide the specialist knowledge and experience required to work with these small groups on developing their outdoor skills and provide any specialist equipment required.
