The Weavers’ Company is proud to be a founding funder of NEST, an innovative new programme providing dedicated support to girls and young women at risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system.

Developed through the Her Insight Collective on Justice, with support from The Weavers’ Company, NEST (Nurture, Empower, Support, Thrive) aims to provide early, consistent and tailored support to girls and young women aged 14 to 25, helping them overcome challenges and build more positive futures.

The two-year pilot will be delivered by Together Women in Leeds and Advance in London, bringing together specialist expertise and a shared commitment to improving outcomes for young women.

A New Dedicated Space in Leeds

Together Women is preparing to open a new NEST centre at its former Leeds Women’s Centre in Park Square East, transforming the building into a safe, welcoming, women-only space specifically for girls and young women.

The centre will provide a place where young women can access support with challenges including housing, education, health and wellbeing, relationships and personal safety.

At the heart of the NEST approach is the importance of building trusted, lasting relationships. Each young woman will be supported by a dedicated NEST Advocate who will work alongside her over time, helping her navigate challenges without having to repeatedly tell her story or move between different services.

The centre also aims to bring together organisations working with girls and young women, making it easier to access a range of support in one place.

Shaped by the Voices of Young Women

A key strength of NEST is that it has been developed through listening to girls and young women themselves, alongside organisations and individuals with expertise in the criminal justice system and lived experience.

This collaborative approach recognises that effective early intervention must respond to the realities of young women’s lives, offering the right support at the right time.

The programme will also be independently evaluated, helping to strengthen the evidence base for approaches that prevent girls and young women from entering, or becoming further involved in, the criminal justice system.

Investing in Prevention and Opportunity

The Weavers’ Company is delighted to support NEST as part of its commitment to helping people at risk of involvement in the criminal justice system.

By investing in preventative, relationship-based support, NEST has the potential to make a meaningful difference to the lives of girls and young women, creating opportunities for greater stability, confidence and independence.

We congratulate Together Women and everyone involved in bringing NEST to this exciting stage and look forward to following the programme’s progress in Leeds and London.

The Leeds NEST service is due to begin accepting referrals from 1 November 2026.

For further information about NEST and referrals, please visit Together Women.