A CHARITY based in Reading has won national recognition for its work of empowering women with multiple or complex needs who are looking for support to help make positive life changes.
Parents and Children Together (PACT), which runs Alana House, won the highly commended award in the Voluntary and Community Impact Award at the 2025 Inspire Justice Awards, hosted by Skills for Justice.
As the only women’s community centre in Berkshire, Alana House provides a safe, supportive space where women can address trauma, develop new skills and take steps towards positive change.
In 2024/25 alone, Alana House received 415 referrals and supported 242 women through more than 1,600 Key Worker sessions, 143 counselling appointments and nearly 300 groups and courses.
Alana House is delivered by a team of key workers and vounteers whose backgrounds range from safeguarding, probation, domestic abuse support, and housing, whose work is not only informed by lived experience, but focuses on a trauma- and gender-informed approach.
The Inspire Justice Awards celebrates the essential contribution of the wider justice workforce, with support from Police Oracle, HM Courts and Tribunals Service, HM Prisons and Probation Service, Community and SFJ Awards
Accepting the award at a ceremony in Westminster, Sabina Cannell, from Alana House, said: “We’re proud that Alana House has become a place where women feel heard, supported and empowered to change their lives.
“This award recognises the women whose courage and determination inspire us every day–by working together, we can break cycles of trauma and offending and create stronger, safer communities.”
More information about the Skills Justice Awards is available via: skillsforjustice.org.uk
More information about Alana House is available via: pactcharity.org/alana-house
