Southwark & Lewisham Women’s Service struggling over fears funding could be cut

By Megan Warren-Lister 

Southwark & Lewisham Women’s Service (SLWS) is “constantly under threat” over fears that its funding could be cut, according to its chief executive.

The organisation, based in Peckham High Street, provides employment, well-being, and safeguarding services for vulnerable women, particularly those effected by the criminal justice system.

The holistic offering reduces demand for other government services, the charity’s funds have been squeezed.

Chris Price, chief executive of SLWS, said: “The organisation feels constantly under threat. Funding is now extremely tight and we are always concerned that it could be cut.”

Half of SLWS’ funding is provided by the Ministry of Justice from a pot of money paid into by all London councils, while the other half is through lottery funding and trust funds.

SLWS have endorsed recent research by charity Women in Prison which shows there is a funding crisis in UK women’s centres.

The newly published report shows that almost one in two women’s centres are concerned about their future.

SLWS quoted the report, which highlights that this is despite their proven value, on Twitter: “Women’s centres generate a nearly triple return on public investment, by keeping women out of prison and easing demand for other services.”

Fears around funding were exacerbated when former Prime Minister Boris Johnson allocated £24m to supporting women involved with the criminal justice system shortly before his resignation.

Women in Prison lamented that this is just 10 per cent of the sum dedicated to creating new spaces in prison for women.

“Investing in women’s services is what keeps women out of prison in the first place. The government’s allocation of funds has struck totally the wrong balance,” said Price.

SLWS have also experienced an increase in service users, adding to current financial pressures.

Whilst the part-time Southwark hub is doing all it can, it was recently forced to introduce a waiting list which has reduced service accessibility.

Interim chief executive of neighbouring charity Solace Women’s Aid, Judith Banjoko has called for emergency government funding as a result of the growing disparity between funds and demand.

Price said that funding also needs to go beyond immediate aid.

He added: “Women’s centres need to have stability in order to provide stability for women, funding for a full-time permanent women’s centre in the borough would be superb.”

The Ministry of Justice has been contacted for comment.

Pictured top: Southwark & Lewisham Women’s Service session (Picture: SLWS Pecan)