Sisters with Heart - Women and Families Resource Centre

The “Sisters with Heart” befriending project provides a 1:1 befriending service offering practical & emotional support for vulnerable, isolated & disadvantaged women, particularly asylum/refugee, black & ethnic minorities and other disadvantaged groups in Wolverhampton. We aim to improve their physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing. This is done through home visits, mentoring and after care support to provide women with early intervention and preventative services before problems reach crisis point. Women’s issues could range from deprivation, social isolation, high levels of stress, harassment, depression, destitution, divorce, family relationship breakdown, immigration issues, domestic violence, health worries, parenting support and many more.

Volunteer befrienders are matched with clients to offer regular weekly support, friendship and practical help to families under stress, helping families at an early stage to prevent family crisis and breakdown. In most cases, befrienders support women to access various community facilities and services to increase their independence and participation within the community. Isolation and loneliness have been linked to health risks in individuals and can lead to depression. Social contact, engaging in activities and being part of the local community has been said to improve a person’s health and well-being and therefore their quality of life.

What our Service Users Say

“I had a lot of debt that had accumulated over 2 years – council tax, housing – all that kind of stuff and not paying my rent. We had spent all of our savings. By the time that my befriender left that first day, I remember feeling that it was possible for me to get out of this rut, that it was possible for me to move forward.”

“The support that you have offered me has given me back my life. I lost control of everything in such a short space of time. I felt so lost, so alone and so invincible. You gave me the opportunity of being with someone who gives me a listening ear, who understands me and who is on my side. I am not sure how much longer I could have gone on without having someone to talk to. I cannot thank you enough for your support and kindness. You have restored my faith that there are lovely genuine people around.”

Service User

“If you’re in a bad place, you need that trust and support, especially if you’re stuck in a rut. F was helpful, encouraging and motivated me even when I thought all had been said & done. I was able to come out of the dark hole that I was in and I’m so proud to be out of it.”

Service User

Referrals:

Referrals can be made by anyone who feels that they or any woman may benefit from the service. Alternatively, referrals can be made through a statutory or voluntary sector agency.

info@wfrc.uk.com – FAO Maureen Smith- DV & Befriending Coordinator

or click here to download, complete and send us a referral for this service:

https://form.jotform.com/211401890881050