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About the WiSE Project

Too often, women face shame, stigma, and judgement when all they need is equal access to support. WiSE is here to change that.

There are lots of reasons why women may feel uncomfortable asking for help with their drug use. Perhaps they’re worried about being judged, or unable to fit support around being a mum. Or, maybe they’re scared of being in a room with men who remind her of past or present trauma.

When support doesn’t meet women’s needs, it becomes more difficult to reach out – and more likely they’ll experience avoidable harm.

The WiSE Project is here to change that.

What is the WiSE Project?

WiSE stands for Women in Safe Environments. Run by the team at social justice charity Cranstoun, the WiSE Project provides women-only, trauma-informed support services.

We remove barriers that unfairly stop women accessing the help they need, and create an environment where every woman can feel welcome. There are no forms to fill out, no assessments to complete, and any information shared with us is kept strictly confidential.

We know this makes a difference. Almost half of women who come to WiSE had never accessed Cranstoun’s alcohol or drug support before.

What happens in a WiSE session?

Every WiSE session is a safe and welcoming space that turns stigma and isolation into connection and community.

Every woman who takes part can:

  • Access information and advice to reduce the harm of alcohol and drugs
  • Meet other women and share her experiences within a supportive group
  • Enjoy hot food and drinks in a relaxed, safe and child-friendly environment
  • Improve her fitness and wellbeing through group exercises such as yoga
  • Relax, laugh and unleash her creative side through art and craft activities

Most importantly, we encourage every woman who visits WiSE to share her views and shape our services. The WiSE Project will evolve to reflect the needs of women who access it, and we’ll support every woman to follow the path that feels right for her, at her own pace.

Find your nearest WiSE Project

Currently, we deliver WiSE Project support sessions in six areas of the UK:

  • Derby
  • Sandwell
  • Sutton
  • Windsor & Maidenhead
  • Wokingham
  • Worcestershire

Keeping women safe

The safety of attendees is our top priority, so we don’t publish the exact locations where we meet. If you would like to attend a WiSE session, please get in touch with us for information about your local service.

wiseproject@cranstoun.org.uk

About Cranstoun

Cranstoun empowers people to live happier, healthier lives. For more than 50 years, we’ve helped women and families to make safer choices and connect with their communities.

We see a person, not their problems, and shape services around real lives and experiences.

What do our services do?

  • Reduce the harm that alcohol and other drugs cause to individuals, families and communities
  • Provide survivors of domestic abuse with safe places to escape, recover and rebuild their lives
  • Support people experiencing homelessness into secure, stable and suitable housing
  • Equip people within the criminal justice system with skills to move forward with their lives
  • Give children and young people opportunities, social hubs and guidance towards informed choices

About Cranstoun’s services

You can learn about Cranstoun‘s other support services on our main website.

Visit the Cranstoun website

Sign up for WiSE emails

Register to receive email updates from the WiSE Project, including guides and resources, ways to get involved, and experiences of real women at the heart of the project. You don’t need to tell us your name, we’ll email you at most once a week, and we’ll protect your personal details and privacy.

Sign up