A VIP paid tribute to the Nelson Trust Women's Centre during a visit to its base in Gloucester.

Dr Phillip Lee, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice, met with staff at the award-winning centre, which offers support for women experiencing domestic violence, sexual abuse and substance misuse.

He talked with the team working with women who have been involved in the Criminal Justice system and are now accessing services to turn their lives around.

Dr Lee said: "I want to thank the staff at the Nelson Trust for the work they do in supporting vulnerable women in the area.

"Many women who are at risk of committing crime have a range of complex circumstances, and projects such as this play a vital role in giving them the help and support they need to reform and live law-abiding lives."

Staff at the Nelson Trust provide a trauma-informed approach to supporting women, with a specially trained keyworker who works closely with women to address their needs, helping to improve outcomes for women and reduce reoffending.

Nelson's Trust CEO John Trolan said: "We were delighted to welcome Dr. Philip Lee, MP and want to thank him for showing an interest in our work.

"The Nelson Trust is a charity which has been working with women with vulnerabilities since 1985.

"Currently it operates two Women's Centres, serving Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire, and two houses providing residential addiction treatment for women affected by trauma.

"The trust works with 550 vulnerable women every year including those in the criminal justice system, women with addiction problems and women who engage in sex work.

"The trust provides a women-focused, trauma-informed and holistic service within the safety and security of an all-female setting."

Picture: Dr Phillip Lee talking with the staff at the Nelson Trust Women's Centre in Gloucester