Honestly…where has the time gone? In what feels like the blink of an eye, I’ve now been at Wirral Ways for a year and a half, and it’s already been such a journey.
When I look back at the last 18 months, one of the things I’m most proud of is seeing how much the work we do with women has continued to grow and develop. The women who access our service often have very different experiences and needs compared to men, and we’ve worked hard to make sure our support reflects that.
We know that services can sometimes feel male dominated, and that can make it difficult or even frightening for women to open up about their experiences, particularly when trauma, abuse, or complex life situations are involved. Because of that, creating safe and supportive spaces specifically for women is really important.
Over time, we’ve been able to build and develop more opportunities for women to engage with the service in ways that feel right for them. That includes everything from tailored sports sessions and wellbeing activities to group spaces where women can talk openly about their experiences and learn more about specific health conditions that affect them.
It’s not just about recovery in the traditional sense. It’s about empowerment, confidence, and helping women reconnect with themselves and their communities.
For me, it’s about supporting women to get the best out of the service, but also helping them see the strength and potential they already have within themselves.
My role within Wirral Ways has definitely evolved over time and it continues to develop. One of the things I love most is that no two days are ever the same. Some days I’m supporting women directly with their recovery journeys, other days I’m helping them access health services, community opportunities, or specialist support. The beauty of this role is that it allows me to look at the whole person and not just one part of their life.
Many of the women I support are facing multiple challenges. Some may be experiencing domestic abuse, some may have experienced sexual violence, some may be socially isolated or struggling with their mental health. Being able to walk alongside them as they navigate those challenges and find their own path forward is something I feel incredibly privileged to do.
Recently, I’ve also started training as an IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor), alongside my role as an ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advisor). Taking on this additional training felt like a natural next step for me and something I’m really passionate about.
As a service, we recognised that there was a gap in our support offer, particularly when it came to supporting survivors of domestic abuse, both current and historical. Sadly, many of the women we work with have experienced different forms of abuse or exploitation, and we wanted to make sure we were able to respond to that in the most informed and supportive way possible.
I’m now about four months into the IDVA training, and it has been incredibly insightful. The learning covers everything from understanding risk and safety planning to navigating complex systems and advocating effectively for survivors. It’s challenging at times because the realities many women face can be incredibly difficult, but it’s also empowering. The more knowledge and tools we have, the better we can support the women who come through our doors.
Ultimately, it means I can provide more holistic support and help women access the safety, protection, and support they deserve.
I currently work directly with a small group of women, each with their own story and their own goals. One of the most important parts of my role is working at their pace. Recovery and rebuilding confidence takes time, and every woman’s journey is different. My job is simply to walk alongside them, advocate for them when needed, and help them access the support that will make a difference in their lives.
For me, that’s what this role is all about.
Listening.
Advocating.
Creating safe spaces where women feel seen, heard, and supported.
And continuing to learn, develop, and grow so that we can always do better for the women who trust us with their stories.
I’m really excited to see what the next chapter at Wirral Ways brings. If the last year and a half has taught me anything, it’s that this work is constantly evolving, constantly challenging, and always meaningful.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way.