PACT is a professional agency set up in 1911 as the social welfare arm of the Anglican Diocese of Oxford. It exists to build and strengthen families and help families to make the very best life for their children, especially those from more vulnerable backgrounds.

PACT’s Women’s Project, Alana House, aims to support vulnerable women with complex needs within the community. As of Autumn 2015 the primary focus of the service is to provide early intervention and prevention support for vulnerable women including those at risk of offending.

Each woman is assigned an in-house key worker and begins to draw up a personal support plan. Female staff from over 15 specialist agencies visit Alana House weekly, providing a wide range of support including: housing advice, literacy and numeracy training, sexual health advice, substance misuse, alcohol recovery, debt and benefits advice. In addition there are three afternoon drop ins each week, art and craft activities and outings, and emergency practical support with food, clothing and toiletries.

Case study

Please seek permission from Women’s Breakout or Alana House prior to using any extracts.