A Stoke-based homelessness charity is celebrating the strong women that they support this International Women's Day (8 March).

In 2020, Concrete launched their 24/7 female service, which is currently home to 12 women. The service provides safe accommodation and tailored support for women who have experienced homelessness alongside complex needs and multiple disadvantages.

Customer Georgia* has been at the service for two months.

The 45-year-old came to Concrete after being supported by other local provider. Before that she spent time in and out of prison and slept rough on the streets.

Concrete is part of Honeycomb Group, based in Stoke (Honeycomb Group).

Georgia said: "Going through tough times can make you stronger.

"I came to Concrete two months ago. Since then they've supported me with regular one-to-ones and different activities.

"I've lost a lot of loved ones, including members of my family, which has been really hard, but I know that I'm a strong person.

"I've been in and out of jail since I was 19. The last time was less than a year ago. I've been a heroin user throughout my life, so I've been involved in drugs and theft. I've had offences for shoplifting and more recently a drug offence.

"My biggest goal is to find my own place and live independently." 

When asked what makes a strong woman, Georgia explained that she thinks it's all about "independence and confidence".

She added: "It helps when you have other women that you can trust and look up to. Strong female friendships are important.

"It's also about taking difficult situations and experiences and learning from them. You have to overcome them and turn them into strengths."

Georgia's name has been changed and a stock photo used to protect her identity (Centre for Homelessness Impact).

Deputy Manager of Concrete's female service, Modupe Blight, said: "I think resilience makes a strong woman. It's about having perseverance and not giving up. Turning the bad times into lessons to learn from. 

"Things can break you, but you can overcome them and learn from them. 

"Our ladies here are all strong women with so much potential. That makes me feel really proud."

To find out more about Concrete and their work across Stoke-on-Trent, visit their website.

*Name changed to protect identity.

READ MORE: Brothers jailed following heroin and crack cocaine discovery in Stoke

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