Rough sleeper centre to run weekly women-only sessions in Peterborough

Light Project Peterborough said it will introduce weekly women-only sessions at The Garden House, a city-centre day centre that provides respite, advice and basic services to people sleeping rough.

The charity said the move aims to give vulnerable women a "safe and comfortable environment" where they can access healthcare, housing advice and other support without feeling intimidated by the centre's male-dominated environment.

Services manager Paddy Berryman said about 20% of the people the charity supports are women and that the number of female visitors has risen over the past two years. He said many women reported feeling anxious or intimidated in mixed settings, particularly those fleeing abuse or living with trauma.

"They can seek help without fear," Berryman said, adding that female volunteers will be available to provide advice during the sessions. "Women, especially those fleeing abuse, have anxiety or have been through trauma [so] don't feel safe coming into a space dominant with men."

The Garden House currently offers a range of support including signposting to healthcare, help with housing applications, and access to shower facilities. The charity described the women-only sessions as part of a broader effort to remove barriers that prevent female rough sleepers from engaging with services and moving forward.

Light Project Peterborough said the sessions are intended to be a confidential, non-confrontational setting where women can discuss immediate needs, receive practical assistance and be connected with onward services. Staff and volunteers will continue to work with partner organisations to ensure referrals to medical care, mental health services and housing support where required.

The introduction of dedicated sessions comes amid concerns from charities and health providers that women experiencing homelessness can face distinct risks and barriers when seeking help, including higher rates of past abuse and heightened safety fears in public spaces. By creating gender-specific access points, the charity aims to improve uptake of health and social care services among female rough sleepers in the city.

Light Project Peterborough said it will monitor attendance and feedback from participants to shape the sessions and ensure they meet the needs of women using The Garden House. The charity encouraged women using or considering the centre's services to ask staff about the new sessions.