The Young Women and Girls Project at Oxfordshire Youth provides a programme of support to young women and girls, aged 11-21 years, who have been affected by, or are at risk of, exploitation, harm or abuse. Operating across the Cherwell District, the Young Women and Girls Project takes a trauma-informed, youth work approach to supporting young women and girls to reduce their risk of harm, increase their wellbeing and improve positive outcomes.
From mental health interventions to crime prevention and safe, supported housing, Oxfordshire Youth is doing whatever it takes to ensure Oxfordshire’s young people survive and thrive. This initiative is funded by Cherwell District Council. Our partner agencies on the Young Women and Girls Project include: Thames Valley Police, Youth Justice, Probation and Social Services, local schools and colleges, alternative education providers, violence reduction units and voluntary sector organisations including SAFE! Oxford and Survivor Space (previously Oxfordshire Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre).
Our highly skilled and well trained case worker will be supporting young women and girls between the ages of 11 and 21, for up to 12 months at a time. We have a project capacity of 20 service users per year.
The young women we work with can expect:
1-1 Support (Long-Term) – The aim of this provision is to provide 1-1 support to young women and girls at risk of exploitation, harms and abuses, by reducing social isolation and involvement in criminal activity, and increasing their wellbeing by engaging in positive activities. This provision is offered for up-to 12 months.
1-1 Support (Short-term) – The aim of this provision is to deliver an 8-week, intimate relationship abuse programme called Escape the Trap, on a 1-1 basis. The programme aims to educate and support young people to recognise abusive behaviours, and consider what a healthy relationship could look like for them.
Group Programme – The aim of this provision is to provide outreach support to local schools and youth groups in the form of the 8-week Escape the Trap programme, delivered as a series of workshops and interactive sessions.
Educational Programme – One-off targeted workshops for young people, focusing on topics such as confidence, self-esteem, healthy relationships, consent, sexual health, gender, sexuality & identity.
Read more about the significant and life-changing work being undertaken by this project in our 2023 – 25 Impact Report!
Refer via the statutory referrals route, Inform. Referral forms will be sent and received securely. Please email ywagcherwell.referrals@oxfordshireyouth.org or call 01865 767899 to kickstart the process, express an interest or find out more.