“A Place to Heal, Grow and Rebuild”:  Reflections from SIG Penrose HerStory House

At SIG Penrose HerStory House, every woman’s journey is a testament to strength and transformation. In this interview, one resident shares her experiences of rebuilding life after trauma, finding confidence, and embracing second chances. Her reflections highlight the power of community, guidance, and hope in shaping a future filled with possibility.

As the Service Manager at HerStory House, I see every day how vital specialist services like ours are in addressing the deep-rooted challenges faced by women in the criminal justice system.

In the UK, women represent a small proportion of the prison population, yet their experiences are often more complex. Many have histories of trauma, abuse, and mental health issues. The Corston Report highlighted this nearly two decades ago, calling for a radical, woman-centred approach to justice. HerStory House is one answer to that call.

We are more than just a residential service for the Offender Personality Disorder Pathway. We are a safe, therapeutic space where women can begin to rebuild their lives. Our residents have faced unimaginable challenges—some have come through the prison system, others through psychiatric care. All are here because they deserve an opportunity to heal and grow.

What makes HerStory House special is the sense of community and purpose. I’ve watched women who arrived feeling hopeless begin to thrive. One resident, now our Tenant Representative, has met with local councillors and MPs, helped interview trustees, and even started a book club to bring others together. Her journey is a testament to what’s possible when the proper support is in place.

Our team of Engagement Workers works tirelessly to help residents develop essential life skills, build confidence, and reconnect with the world beyond their immediate surroundings. Through weekly key work sessions, therapeutic activities, and our OPD Women’s Hub, we create a space where women can rediscover their strengths and set meaningful goals.

The relationships built here are so strong that many women say HerStory House feels like a place they can always return to for a chat ,even if they are recalled. In fact, they often ask to come back to this service because of the trust and support they experience here.

This isn’t just about reducing re-offending, though we do. It’s about restoring dignity, promoting independence, and empowering women with the tools to live safely and successfully in the community. It’s about hope.

HerStory House is proof that when services are designed with compassion, expertise, and collaboration, they can change lives. And in doing so, they help reshape the criminal justice system into something more humane, more effective, and more just.

Rehabilitation success in the past year

SIG Penrose HerStory House achieved a milestone 90% rehabilitation success rate in 2024–25, thanks to a trauma-informed, relational approach and strong multi-agency collaboration. Key to this was a reduction in substance-related recalls, supported by early intervention and partnerships with drug services. Every woman who moved on received a tailored 3-month support package, ensuring 100% engagement and no returns to custody or homelessness.

Staff applied psychologically informed care, empowering residents through co-produced plans and inclusive activities. Regular supervision and training enhanced staff resilience, while joint work with probation and housing enabled timely, risk-aware decisions. Together, these strategies created a stable, empowering environment for long-term recovery and reintegration.

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