Eden House is a one stop shop for women involved, or at risk of becoming involved, with the criminal justice system, living in Bristol or South Gloucestershire. They help women to make positive changes to their lives, reduce their risk of offending and empower them to access and engage with suitable services and opportunities. Eden House operates a day service, and an outreach engagement service, and offers a structured weekly programme of activities and support to promote and enable positive, healthy, non-offending lifestyles.

They offer the following groups, activities and services:

• Emotional Well-being Groups - covering Managing Anxiety, Identity & Self-esteem and Anger to Resilience
• A Bespoke Victim Awareness Mini Programme, tailored to women who offend/have offended
• Alcohol Awareness Course
• Parenting Skills programmes
• Freedom Programme and Recovery Toolkit - for women who have experienced, or are currently experiencing, domestic abuse
• Finance, Benefit and Debt support, groups and one to one advice
• Education, Training and Employment Advice and Support - one-to-one appointments with qualified probation ETE Adviser
• Free one-to-one Person-centred Counselling sessions
• Specialist Counselling for sexual assault and abuse survivors
• Assessment and Support from a Dual Diagnosis and Mental Health Worker, and support to access and engage with suitable mental health services
• Accredited Educational and Employment-focused groups run by local partners such as SGS College and Bristol Learning Communities
• Soft Engagement and Confidence Building groups including Arts and Crafts, Fashion Workshops, Baking, Fun Fitness, Hair and Beauty and free use of the on-site Gym
• Holistic Therapies including relaxation sessions, access to SAD Lamps (for people who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder) and occasional massage sessions
• Stop Smoking Support
• Daily Breakfast and Lunch Clubs and access to free snacks and refreshments throughout the day
• Access to Computers, phones, showers, toiletries and laundry facilities
• Free condoms and sanitary products
• Drug testing, and support to access and engage with suitable services regarding substance misuse
• Help to engage with suitable support regarding housing and accommodation
• Free Crèche for pre-school age children - requires booking
• Monthly Client Feedback Meetings putting our service user’s needs and opinions at the heart of our service

They currently accept referrals from Probation, Prisons and Drugs and Alcohol Workers, and women can self-refer in to access the Freedom Programme.

What their Clients say:
“Eden House holds me together. This is my safe haven. Eden House is my bridge to normality, I feel normal here.”
“I like Eden House as it’s women only. I feel comfortable and confident when I am here. I feel this place is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. My eyes have been opened and it’s helped me to feel stronger, more motivated and put my life into perspective.”
“Eden House is very helpful. I get a lot of support and good direction. It helps me to overcome personal problems. I am getting information and direction which I know will help me gain a better quality of life for me, like becoming independent and get a job. I would be desperate and on the streets with out Eden House.”
“I find it very helpful and there are great groups. The girls and especially the facilitators are good and have a great understanding of the subjects. It’s very helpful and I enjoy it thank you!”
“I just feel so happy when I come here, like all my problems are left outside the door and I am safe and happy there. I don’t think about any of my stresses on the outside, and all the staff are just so nice.”