Mpower and YouCanBe during lockdown

Please be aware that during lockdown we are prioritising new referrals against strict parameters. As a result, we may not be able to accept some referrals that we ordinarily would. We assess new referrals on a weekly basis so that decisions are not delayed.

Thank you for your understanding.

Our YouCanBe and Mpower services are both wellbeing services for women providing support to strengthen relationships and increase self-esteem.

YouCanBe focuses on young women from the age of 15 who need support due to a range of adverse childhood experiences. Mpower supports young women who have had at least one child placed onto care and need support to understand why.

YouCanBe

YouCanBe is an innovative early intervention wellbeing service we offer to women aged 15+ who, due to adverse childhood experiences, struggle to see how they can create brighter futures for themselves.

Often these young women have complex needs and behaviours. Some are in care, or are care leavers. Some have drug or alcohol misuse problems or other mental health issues. Some have learning difficulties. Others are experiencing domestic abuse, not employed in education or training (NEET) or making poor contraceptive and relationship choices.

Whatever their story, YouCanBe inspires these young women to build self-esteem and resilience. This reduces many of the risks associated with their adverse childhood experiences.

We offer

  • One-to-one, intensive, long-term, bespoke, client-led support
  • Support and advice around appropriate contraception
  • Relationship and sex education – either one-to-one or in a group setting
  • Advice on building positive, persistent, reliable and boundaried relationships
  • Support to build self-esteem and self-awareness, which will allow the young women to increase their capacity to think critically and make measured decisions for themselves
  • Support to access targeted services, such as counselling or mentoring
  • Support to address practical needs such as education, housing or health

The service is available in Ipswich, Lowestoft, Suffolk Coastal and Norwich.

Mpower

Our Mpower service supports women who have had at least one child removed and who need support to take control of their lives. We help by addressing the issues that led to removal, with the aim to reduce the chances of it happening again. We build a trusting, non-judgmental relationship and help women focus on themselves.

Mpower helps women by:

  • Providing a tailored support plan
  • Improving self-esteem and general wellbeing
  • Providing emotional and practical support
  • Supporting access to community and therapeutic services
  • Encouraging positive choices

Mpower supports women to access a range of services, including:

• Sexual health and contraception information
• Housing provision support
• Mental health services
• Debt and budgeting support
• Training and education
• Healthy living activities

Mpower also helps with life story work and dealing with loss or grief.

Mpower provides support to women’s partners only where appropriate. The service can support women who are currently in care proceedings but is unable to help reunite parents with their children.

Mpower operates in Ipswich, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Kings Lynn, Norwich and Fenland.