Ten years evaluating voluntary and community sector women-centred support for vulnerable women and girls: what works?

This article draws on a secondary analysis of qualitative data from ten years of evaluation work with gender-specific (women-only) voluntary and community sector (VCS) providers, delivering feminist interventions in support of vulnerable women and girls, with complex needs. This article addresses the research question of what works for women and girls, from their viewpoints. The interventions evaluated varied from local to national level; however, the comparative analysis of women’s voices across these distils common factors for success, illustrating practice transferability via the representation of a model of support, based on six key themes: a women-centred and gender-specific service; being heard; a holistic, client-led approach; being able to connect with others in a safe and supportive environment; flexibility of delivery and support; and, finally, the VCS location of services. This evidence-based women-centred model informs policy makers of what works for women, accessing VCS support.