Vulnerable women get new service

The Women's Community Project – being run through Scarborough's Cambridge Centre – will hold an open day so guests can find out about helping women in Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale.

Offices above Cash Converters in Northway, Scarborough, will house the service, backed by the Ministry of Justice.

The aim is to work with women whose social and economic circumstances increase their risk of crime and prison.

Co-ordinator Liz Race said: "A woman with children who is sent to prison can easily see her children taken into care. The project wants to work with vulnerable women to avoid that sort of situation."

Under one roof, such women can find services covering accommodation, training, education or jobs, and drug or alcohol advice.

The project team will work with probation officers, social workers, police, housing officials, health visitors, the courts, drugs, alcohol, youth, and benefit services, the crime and disorder partnership, and community groups.