Summary of findings from the EmpowerHER project with Iceni: supporting women with alcohol and substance misuse

Cooper, Linda and Marrett, Paige (2026) Summary of findings from the EmpowerHER project with Iceni: supporting women with alcohol and substance misuse. University of Suffolk, Ipswich. UK. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Iceni (2026) is an Ipswich-based charity, offering treatment and support to families affected by alcohol and substance misuse, and those who cause harm within relationships. The Iceni approach is humanistic and non clinical, aiming to create emotionally safe environments in which the people they support can explore the underlying causes of addiction, rebuild confidence, and move toward abstinence. This report presents an evaluation of an Innovate UK AKT of a unique, women only wellbeing programme designed by Iceni, to support women experiencing alcohol and substance misuse. Key themes emerging from the data include loss of self esteem and hope, the influence of family and relational dynamics, peer pressure to use substances, and the gradual emergence of confidence and self efficacy. Practitioners emphasised the relational and trauma informed nature of addiction, highlighting the importance of creating reparative environments. The report concludes that the women only wellbeing programme shows promising potential as support for women seeking to reduce or abstain from substance misuse. Recommendations include extending the programme, strengthening pre- and post-data collection, ensuring continuity of support beyond the original project, and undertaking a full research evaluation.

Item Type: Other
Uncontrolled Keywords: substance misuse, women, humanist, relationships, addiction, women only
Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
Divisions: Other Departments (Central units) > Research Directorate
Depositing User: Linda Cooper
Date Deposited: 28 Apr 2026 08:42
Last Modified: 28 Apr 2026 08:42
URI: https://oars.uos.ac.uk/id/eprint/5540

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