what we do
meet the women we work with
Natasha
I’ve been to prison 27 times for shoplifting. Then and I was referred to Platform 51.
I was battling alcohol and drug addictions. Because of this my two sons were placed under a voluntary residential order with my sister.
When I went to Platform 51 I was homeless, depressed and stressed. At the programme I got support, counselling and legal and housing advice. Slowly, I began to change my life.
It’s been two years since I gave up alcohol and heroin. I have a beautiful baby daughter who I’m so proud of, and I’ve regained contact with my sons which I’m thrilled about.
I feel so much more confident now, like I’m growing every day. I’m now doing a level two customer service course and I’m going to train to be a support worker.
I’ve gone to different meetings and spoken to a few Home Office ministers on behalf of other women from the programme. I’m proud of my achievements and I want to help other women to be proud of theirs too.
I won the Woman of the Year award and can’t begin to describe how it feels to have achieved this. I felt tearful when I accepted it, thinking how far I’ve come and of all the people who’ve helped me.
Find out how your support can help young women like Natasha here.
support us
A gift of £5 enables a young woman to attend session to help her get back into education or improve her chances of finding employment
fact
56% of British black women prisoners had been imprisoned for a drug related offence, more than twice the proportion of white British women
we think
...that all young people should get non-gender stereotypical careers advice and guidance
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