Hope Street August 2022 Update
The Build
In July, we were delighted to have the roof lights fitted on the main hub building, giving us a real sense of how light will enhance the space. In our consultations with women on the design of Hope Street, we learnt the importance of letting in lots of natural light, whilst maintaining privacy - to be able to 'look out into the world' as one woman put it, without feeling watched.
In the residential building great progress has been made with the first coat of paint applied, and the kitchens and bathrooms installed.
The next few months will see the internal finishes in the hub buildings start being installed, and the residential building almost complete!
Activities at Hope Street
In July, we hosted our last Aerial Fitness session in partnership with Willow Aerial Fitness. This has been a really valuable experience for the women, and feedback shows that this activity has helped build confidence and given women the opportunity to try something new – whilst having fun!
“Doing aerial fitness really helps boost my mood, it takes my mind off things... I laugh while doing it, especially with others... it's good fun and I'm actually rather good at it too... it really boosts my confidence and reminds me that I can do something if I put my mind to it.”
Raising Awareness
On 6th July we hosted an event in parliament, launching new research from Dr Sophie Mitchell on the intergenerational traumatic impact of maternal imprisonment. With attendees from across the justice and women’s sector, as well as key policy makers, we used this event as an opportunity to raise awareness of Hope Street, and the difference it will make for justice involved women and their children. We also heard powerful testimony from two exceptional young women on how maternal imprisonment impacted their lives.