Date:
Catalyst and Woking Borough Council have reached agreement to support the Women’s Support Centre in providing its service offer for women in Surrey.
The Women’s Support Centre team will transfer to Catalyst to ensure continuation of the service, and it is hoped that many of the existing volunteers who support the work of the centre will continue to do so through Catalyst.
For over 10 years, the Women’s Support Centre (Surrey) has welcomed women from across Surrey and supported them on their journey of healing, understanding recovery and empowerment.
Their goal is to continue to provide trauma-informed, client-led support to women who are dealing with abuse, discrimination, trauma, homelessness and financial challenges.
Sue Murphy, Chief Executive Officer at Catalyst, said: “The approach to us by Woking Borough Council was well received as the work of the Women’s Support Centre aligns with our own core values. Discussion with the team about prioritising employees and clients in our decision-making to help support women’s wellbeing are ongoing.
“We are excited to welcome the centre’s employees into Catalyst on 1 June and hope that the volunteers who assist in service delivery will join them. Our aim is to continue to run the Women’s Support Centre’s services, from the same location with the same staff, so that support for women can be maintained.”
Louise Strongitharm, Woking Borough Council’s Strategic Director for Communities said: “For more than 10 years, the Women’s Support Centre has provided a place of refuge and safety to women and girls dealing with abuse, discrimination and trauma. During that time, Woking Borough Council has been a proud supporter of their invaluable work.
“Moving to Catalyst will enable the centre to continue providing its services to women in need, helping them to flourish, whilst charitable status will give the centre access to additional funding streams. The council will continue to play an active role at the centre through participation in a new co-commissioning group that will guide their future development, as well as continuing to offer premises that allow the delivery of their services.”