In a life changing initiative to empower young women affected by sexual violence, the Tenancy Sustainment 4 Survivors (TS4S) service has been launched in North Lanarkshire, and will soon be expanding into South Lanarkshire.
This pioneering strategy, provided by SAY Women, delivers emotional and psychosocial support to those women aged 16 to 25, who have experienced sexual violence and are facing challenges in maintaining their tenancy.
Through TS4S, survivors are provided a safe space to understand and address their trauma, access support tools, and establish community links. This holistic approach endeavours to empower young women, enabling them to stay in their homes and break free from the cycle of abuse and homelessness.
According to a survivor who benefited from the service, “[TS4S] helped me recognise and pinpoint the cause of my behaviour and helped me heal from them so I could have a better relationship with not just family and friends but also myself and words can’t describe how thankful I am of that…”
SAY Women, an organisation dedicated to aiding survivors of sexual violence, operates under the Social Model of support. This approach concentrates on addressing abuse experiences, acknowledging survivors’ coping strategies, and facilitating their healing journey. Established in 1991, SAY Women’s mission is rooted in recognizing the complex needs of young women facing both sexual abuse and homelessness.
The TS4S service in North Lanarkshire has specific referral criteria, targeting women aged 16 to 25 who have experienced sexual violence and are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The service’s reach extends to residents in both North and South Lanarkshire. To access the service or inquire further, individuals can fill out the referral form or email ts4snl@say-women.co.uk.
Through the Tenancy Sustainment 4 Survivors service, SAY Women continues to pave the way toward a brighter future for survivors, fostering healing, resilience, and empowerment.
