The Women’s Centre is a registered charity based in a 2 up 2 down Victorian cottage at No.3 Palmerston Road, Sutton.

The Women’s Centre Sutton has provided services and support for women since 1985. Originally funded by the GLC, and subsequently the London Borough of Sutton we now run programs and projects through dedicated funding sources.

|0 2|1|10|our mission|

Our aim is to provide an inclusive Women & Children Focused Resource to uphold our values of:

Respect, Inclusion, Support and Empowerment

We will achieve this by:

Maintaining Information, Advice & Support services which promote the rights of local women
Providing opportunities for learning and skills development
Furthering the perception and influence of Sutton Women’s Centre

|0 5|2|5|internet café|

Wednesdays – Between 12 and 3.30 pm

Our Women Only Internet Café: The I.T. room is as small and friendly as the rest of the Centre with just 5 computers and a printer.

But with a little bit of assistance, that’s all you need....

....AND IT’S FREE !

Get help in how to use the Internet
Surf the web
Look at our favourite websites
Access your emails
Practice your I.T. skills
Get help writing a letter

|0 30|2|8|computer & ESOL classes for migrant women|We run ESOL/ IT Classes for migrant women on Tuesday mornings from 10am to 12 midday.

The classes are funded by The City Bridge Trust and the Migration Impact Fund.

If you'd like to attend please download the form below and return it to the centre.

|0 4|2|10|playtime - mother & toddler group|a Mother & Toddler Group with a difference

All mothers with children are welcome to attend our small inclusive group. For children aged 2 to 5 years, organised activities are provided by qualified crèche volunteers.

Owing to limited space and health and safety regulations we must ask that all children are registered. There will be a waiting list if the number of children taking part in activities exceeds 9 and if the number of babies exceeds 5. This will help us to achieve a safe minimum and best quality of provision.

Remember, this is a mother and toddler group with a difference – both you and your child are guaranteed a friendly welcome!!

If you'd like to find out more contact the centre or fill out the registration form below.

|0 6|2|15|future plans|From time to time we apply for funding for courses and groups that have been successful in the past or which may be of interest in the future.

We are currently looking at the possibility of running the following. Please let us know if you are interested by downloading the form below and we can add your name to the list. |0 7|3|5|the domestic violence service|The Women’s Centre defines domestic violence as:

“.. a pattern of behaviour which is characterised by the exercise of control and the misuse of power by one person, usually a man, over another, usually a woman, within the context of an intimate relationship. It can be manifested in a variety of ways, including but not restricted to, physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse, and the imposition of social isolation and is most commonly a combination of them all.’|0 8|3|10|what we offer|

The London Borough of Sutton Domestic Violence Support & Advocacy Service is at Sutton Women’s Centre. The service is free and can be seen as a first port of call for any woman experiencing domestic violence in the borough. As with other Centre services it is run by women for women. This service offers several methods of support including:-

HELPLINE
0208 642 7782 / 0208 661 1991
Face to Face Support by Appointment – This will include independent advice and totally non-judgemental, confidential support. A risk assessment may be carried out at the same time and safety plans will be drawn up if necessary. The safety of women and children approaching the service will be the over-riding priority at all times. Appointments can usually be made at a time suitable to the woman.
Referral & Signposting – The Centre networks with other local specialist agencies for both women and children in order that each woman can link into the best available service for her. This will usually be in conjunction with our service.
Advocacy – Support workers can also accompany women to other agencies or telephone on their behalf if this is easier.
Outreach – If a woman cannot come into the Centre for any reason we can arrange to meet them elsewhere or come to their home.

N.B. The Centre is not wheelchair accessible so the Outreach service applies. You can suggest where to meet if your home does not feel safe.
Interpreting – We will always arrange for an interpreter for women who have any difficulty in understanding English.
Children – are welcome if mothers have no one they can leave them with that day. Toys and activities are available for all ages.

|0 9|3|15|open house|

Wednesdays between 12.00 and 3.30 p.m.

Open House provides a welcoming place for women to meet together and talk, seriously or not, as they wish. They can also access the Centre’s Internet Café.

Open House is an extension of the Domestic Violence Service and has continued to develop since its introduction in May 2005. This is the time that women can be seen confidentially without appointment. It is also a suggested time for visitors from other agencies to see the centre in action.

All women are welcomed by a volunteer who initiates or joins in conversation and can refer women to the two centre support workers who are always available. On average 7-10 women will use the service each week; some call quite regularly, others may have dropped in for the first time.

This service, unique in the borough, is highly valued by users and our link agencies.A recent survey of users demonstrated the importance of sharing similar experiences, making new friends and being able to talk openly in a non-judgemental environment:

"the other women understand, as they are going through similar things"

"It helps me get through the rest of the week"

"it’s good to make friends after being isolated for so long"

There is no need to make an appointment to gain support or advice during Open House – Ask to speak to a worker on arrival.

|0 10|3|20|further sources of help|

The Women’s Centre also provides:-

Domestic Violence Counselling – Whilst the Centre’s Support & Advocacy workers can help women in the initial stages of recognising domestic violence or in leaving abusive partners and moving on, this will tend to be for the short-term. We have a visiting counsellor for longer term specialist support. Our support workers will assess and refer.

Domestic Violence Training – An intensive, one day training twice a year for other agencies in the local community. Helps providers to recognise the signs and know what to say and perhaps as importantly, what NOT to say. This day also aids the practice of networking and information sharing which can be vital in dealing with Domestic Violence – please call to go on the list for the next training day.

|0 11|4|5|join our management committee|

The duties and responsibilities Management Committee members fall into 4 broad areas:

Financial responsibilities
Accountability to beneficiaries and charities commission
Responsibility to staff, and
Decision Making

General Management Committee Meetings usually take place on the last Monday evening of each month between 8 pm & 10 pm – Other task group or sub group meetings are made by common agreement.

More details can be found by downloading the document below.|0 13|4|15|become a member|Members will be regularly updated on what is happening at The Women's Centre Sutton, including current funding issues, forthcoming events and ways to help the Centre's survival.

Members are entitled to attend monthly committee meetings and put forward their views. Members may also vote at the Annual General Meeting.

For more information download the Membership Application form below.

|0 14|4|20|set up a standing order|Want to support us?

Funding as with many small voluntary organisations is always an issue. We receive no funding for a generic help and support services and yet it is one which the Centre used to pride itself on as a unique service.

Whilst the Centre has a building, staff and volunteers, it is of course possible to continue to offer services but we must do all possible to gain support.

We are grateful for the support we have received from workers, volunteers, members and friends of the centre and we are continually raising our profile within the local community and working partnerships.

If you want to help us financially please download the form below.|0 15|5|5|address & contact details|The Women's Centre Sutton
3 Palmerston Road
Sutton
SM1 4QL

Tel: 020 8661 1991
|0 16|5|10|map & directions|

|0 17|6|5|using the site|

We hope you find the site easy to use. The main navigation is on the left while each page has it's own menu in the centre of the page. On the right of the page are a number of highlighted links to areas of the site that we hope you'll find useful.

Some of the documents on the site are in the pdf format. If you can't read them please download the Adobe Reader by visiting the link below.

If you have any questions about the site please contact us on the email address below.

|0 18|6|10|safe web surfing|

Computers often keep a track of websites visited, so you may want to take precautions if you do not want anyone to know which sites you have viewed.

One of the best place to surf safely is in a public internet cafe or library. However, if you need to visit websites at home then the website below provides a number of tips for covering your tracks.

|0 19|6|15|legal information about the site|

The information on this site is intended for guidance only and is not a substitute for professional advice. The information does not give a full statement of the law. No responsibility for loss occasioned as a result of any person acting or refraining from acting can be accepted by The Women's Centre.

Some sections of the site link to other sites which are not controlled by The Women's Centre. In most cases these will open in a new browser window. Most have been selected because we believe they may be of interest to users of this site, however we have no control over their content.

The contents of this site are copyright of The Women's Centre. If you wish to reproduce any part of the site please contact us, at the email address below, for permission.