Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw recently participated in a special screening of Silent Voices, a compelling new film produced by The Foxton, an organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable women, rough sleepers, and homeless individuals in Preston.
Film Funded to Combat Violence Against Women
Financed through the Commissioner's Violence Against Women and Girls Fund, this poignant film vividly portrays the struggles encountered by women experiencing homelessness. It powerfully addresses the poor treatment and widespread misconceptions they frequently endure in society.
Bringing Services Together for Better Support
The screening event successfully united a diverse array of local services that engage with or assist homeless women in Preston and the surrounding areas. The primary objective was to enhance access to these vital services and tailor support mechanisms to better meet the unique needs of these women.
Attendees had the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from women who have benefited from The Foxton's support. These courageous individuals shared their personal experiences of life on the streets and explained how the assistance they received has profoundly transformed their lives for the better.
Commissioner's Moving Response to Personal Stories
Commissioner Grunshaw expressed his deep emotions, stating: "It is really moving to hear from local women who have experienced homelessness and had very traumatic experiences as part of that. The film really brings this to life and highlights how life can change in an instant and how people can end up homeless through all kinds of events or circumstances."
He further emphasised the critical link between homelessness and issues such as substance abuse and experiences of violence. Many women, often through exploitation, are forced into sex work, leading lives that make it increasingly difficult to be heard and access essential support when it is most needed.
"It's important that services, including the police, treat everyone with dignity and respect and try to engage with people in ways that address their needs," Grunshaw added. He praised The Foxton as a fantastic example of this approach, noting that the shared stories clearly demonstrate how crucial this service has been for the women who have accessed its support.
Inspiring Stories of Courage and Conviction
"To hear of the positive impact the service has had and the ways in which these women have been able to move forward with courage and conviction is truly inspiring," the Commissioner remarked.
The Foxton's Vision for Empathy and Understanding
Cath Coffey, chief executive of The Foxton, commented: "Silent Voices gives women the space to be heard in their own words. Their courage in sharing such personal experiences is at the heart of this film, and we are incredibly grateful for their willingness to speak out and attend this event to share their voice in person."
She expressed hope that this training initiative will help professionals gain a deeper understanding of the harsh realities faced by women living on the streets. The aim is to encourage services to respond with greater empathy, flexibility, and humanity in their interactions and support strategies.
Substantial Investment in Community Safety
The £5,000 investment supporting this project is part of a broader commitment by the Commissioner's VAWG Fund, which has allocated £177,000 to 38 projects across Lancashire. These initiatives are designed to prevent violence, support survivors, and create safer communities for women and girls throughout the region.
