The Point in Nottingham is working to increase the number of women in treatment by providing a specialist peer-led group for women affected by their own or another’s substance misuse. The service is funded by the Volant Charitable Trust which has given Compass funds to run this innovative programme for three years.

“Girls Allowed” provides women in the city with access to a range of activities and alternative therapies as a first step into treatment. So far, participants have benefited from auricular accupuncture, massage, social events, visits and a wide variety of arts and crafts activities, all aimed at building confidence, self-esteem and developing peer support. The service also works closely with a local nursery to provide childcare. 

Critically, the structure and content of the programme has been established through consultation with programme participants and women not in treatment. The name came from the group and the service is promoted following their suggestions. For example, Girls Allowed is advertised outside and inside buses that serve the city’s most deprived neighbourhoods .

While it is early days for the project, the service is translating attendance into treatment, with 69% of attendees receiving a minimum of twelve weeks psychosocial support. The team are now promoting the service in partnership with other agencies that engage with women at risk of substance misuse, such as the female hostels in Nottingham.