It's not only the injustice that drives us, it's her hope for a better life.

Helping women and girls make paths to freedom and a better life

Women’s Health Matters champions freedom for disadvantaged women and girls so they may have a fair chance at a better life.

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Women’s Health Matters was founded back in 1987 by a group of women who recognised the struggles other women in their communities were having with mental health, domestic violence, poverty, and loneliness. They came together to provide support for those women, and, through dedication and hard work, Women’s Health Matters became a registered charity in 1995.

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In the years since, though the staff and projects may have changed, our ethos at Women’s Health Matters has stayed the same; working together with women, their families, and girls to make their lives safer. The issues first identified in 1987 still impact women and girls in Leeds today and we continue to support and meet the needs of women and girls to make a place of safety, so that they have a better chance of a better life.

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We work intensively with around 1200 women, their families, and girls each year in and around Leeds. These women and girls are most at risk, including those experiencing domestic violence, sexual and emotional abuse, those with children in care or at risk of being removed, women seeking asylum, women with learning disabilities, and women with complex needs or mental health and wellbeing needs. We also support with parenting and pregnancy choices. We take a woman-centred holistic approach, creating a safe, nurturing environment to help women and girls recover their confidence, explore their own needs and regain control over their lives.

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We specialise in group work, peer support, and providing one-to-one support. Our broad health remit enables women and girls experiencing violence and abuse to raise these issues in safety and to receive support without stigma or partner suspicion.

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Over 96% of women we work with intensively feel safer, 92% have improved mental wellbeing, and 96% feel more empowered to make their own choices and feel better about themselves. 95% better understand what abuse is and 95% of those experiencing abuse change or end their relationship. 93% of those we help say we provided support unavailable elsewhere, 95% have developed a more positive support network, and 90% feel more positive about their future.