We Need Support

We Need Support aims to examine how women facing multiple unmet needs experience systems of child removal in the Greater Manchester area, and offers recommendations for change.

Agenda Alliance was commissioned by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to examine issues surrounding women and multiple unmet needs in the region and conduct a deep dive on one area where change could have a significant impact on their lives.

The initial exploratory process identified child removal as a key theme. Two key intersecting issues for women who experience child removal were also identified: housing and homelessness; and the needs of Black, Asian, minoritised and migratised women.

Women who experience child removal often have intersecting unmet needs, including histories of abuse, homelessness, mental health needs, and issues with substance misuse, requiring tailored gender- and trauma-responsive support.

Our research has revealed the extent to which these women feel unheard and unseen, left out of decision-making, and deeply stigmatised.

This work, developed in partnership with Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), follows previous research completed by Agenda Alliance and AVA in 2021 which explored how multiple disadvantage affects the lives of women in the area.

As a result of these findings, we’re calling for GMCA to implement:

• Investment in specialist wraparound support for women and girls across the 10 Manchester boroughs to address the root drivers of child removal.
• Immediate housing for women who have had a child removed, so they can offer a secure home for their children and have a fighting chance to return to parenting their child safely.
• Dedicated and funded Support Advocates, who can work 1:1 alongside mothers as they navigate care proceedings.
• Training for all staff working with women experiencing child removal, to challenge bias and stigmatisation.

The detailed recommendations can be found at the close of the briefing. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact our Policy and Public Affairs Officer, Tara.