In Telford, recovery for women is being transformed – a transformation that focuses on partnership, trauma-informed care and gender-specific support.

Telford STaRS is a community drug and alcohol service provided by Inclusion, working with Aquarius and Willowdene. Together, we are working differently, and more effectively, to deliver a whole-system approach that places women’s safety, dignity and choice at its centre.

Working in partnership for positive outcomes

Telford STaRS is a pioneering, whole-system model for recovery of women – uniquely designed by local experts in partnership across treatment residential and peer-led (LERO) services.

By integrating day and residential support, they ensure flexible, accessible care that adapts to individual needs. This innovative approach is directly accessible from the criminal justice system or through referral, providing seamless entry points and continuity of care.

A standout feature of Telford STaRS’ offer is dedicated support for women, including same-gender support and interventions, ensuring every woman receives care that is both relevant and responsive to her needs.

Delivered by a highly skilled, multidisciplinary team and rooted in strong local partnerships – Telford STaRS sets the standard for evidence-based, person-centred recovery – empowering individuals to achieve lasting positive change.

For many women, substance use is entangled with complex life experiences. These can include trauma, domestic abuse, mental health needs, and caregiving responsibilities. These shape the way women engage with services and what they need to feel safe and supported.

The women’s-specific work began formally in 2022, building on a whole system approach developed by Willowdene in 2017. This model is now at the centre of Telford’s gender-responsive offer and in 2024, the service fully committed to a comprehensive women’s strategy, with continuity of care ensured across community and criminal justice settings.

This is what a whole system approach looks like:

• A dedicated female key worker and nurse at point of access
• Specific female criminal justice worker and pathways offering through-the-gate services
• Access to psychological therapy with a female mental health and wellbeing practitioner
• Gender-specific days, women’s only groups and one-to-one support
• Access to Willowdene’s women’s day programme and women’s specific residential rehab
• Out of Court Resolutions (OOCR), direct diversionary pathway and bespoke access to Telford STaRS

While nationally only around 2% of people in treatment for substance use access residential rehabilitation, Telford STaRS goes the extra mile for women. Data shows that approximately 3.5% of women in treatment have moved into residential rehab. This demonstrates how a gender-specific approach can make treatment more accessible and effective.

An often-overlooked reality of women referred to out-of-court resolutions is the broader impact on their families. Around 70% of these women are mothers, with an estimated 268 children impacted. Many face additional challenges: 31% are involved with social services, and over 60% have experienced domestic or sexual violence.

This is why services like Willowdene’s Family Assessment Centre are vital. By supporting mothers to maintain meaningful family relationships, the centre provides stability not only for the women, but for their families too.

What sets this model apart is not just the services on offer, but how they’re delivered.

We work with Telford STaRS and all Inclusion-provided service to embed trauma-informed practices at every level of care. That means:

• Prioritising safety and trust and being transparent

• Listening to what women want from their recovery and empowering them to have a voice

• Supporting women to make informed decisions about their care

• Training all staff in trauma-informed care

In Telford, we’re showing that recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all, and positive change can happen when services listen and collaborate. We’re not just supporting women, we’re working alongside them to build better futures.

Together for women. Together for change.