A new women’s support hub offering specialist support for women experiencing trauma, poor mental health, substance use and other complex needs has been officially opened by Dame Carol Black during a visit to Liverpool.
The RIVER Women’s Hub, based on Belmont Road, brings together drug and alcohol treatment, healthcare, wellbeing support and specialist partner services under one roof, providing a safe, trauma-informed environment tailored to women’s needs.
Dame Carol Black, the UK’s leading independent adviser on drugs and recovery, formally opened the hub as part of a programme of visits showcasing Liverpool’s whole-system approach to reducing drug and alcohol-related harms and improving recovery outcomes.
Created for women experiencing multiple and complex needs, including substance use, poor mental health, trauma, domestic abuse, exploitation and involvement in sex work, the hub aims to remove barriers that can prevent women from accessing support.
The official opening comes as Liverpool continues to implement a range of initiatives to address health inequalities and improve outcomes for women. Liverpool’s Women’s Health work has highlighted the disproportionate impact of trauma, poverty, violence and poor mental health on women’s health and wellbeing, reinforcing the need for dedicated, gender-responsive services.
Since opening its doors earlier this year, the Women’s Hub has already begun transforming lives. Between 8 and 22 June 2026 alone, the service delivered 67 appointments, provided medical and nurse-led health interventions, completed alcohol assessments and supported women through recovery-focused group work. The hub has also offered rapid access to urgent assessments, prescribing and specialist support when women need it most.
Rachel Fance, Service Manager for RIVER Drug and Alcohol Service, said:
“Women often tell us they need a space where they feel safe, understood and able to access support without judgement. Many of the women we work with have experienced significant trauma and face challenges that affect every aspect of their lives, including their physical health, mental wellbeing, housing, relationships and finances.
“The Women’s Hub brings together treatment, healthcare, recovery support and wellbeing services in one place, helping women access support earlier and stay engaged for longer. This is about much more than treatment. It’s about creating opportunities for women to improve their health, regain confidence and build positive futures.”
The hub is also becoming a centre for partnership working across Liverpool. Organisations including RASA, Changing Lives and the Pearls Project are already delivering support from the site, while discussions are underway to establish a women-only Alcoholics Anonymous group.
Following a tour of the facility, Dame Carol met staff, partners and women accessing support before officially opening the hub during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
One woman who has accessed support through the service described the difference it has made to her life: “If I never found Belmont Women’s Hub, I would have been too close to wanting to end my life. The ladies are amazing and I’ve never been so hopeful.
“I visited on my birthday, and I was so depressed before I got here. A shower and the right support calmed me down and helped me refocus.
“I’m now safe and valued. We want every single member of this team to know they are making a huge difference.”
Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said:
“Liverpool’s Women’s Health work has shown us that too many women face significant barriers when trying to access the support they need. Services must be designed around women’s experiences, particularly those facing multiple disadvantages.
“The RIVER Women’s Hub is a fantastic example of this in action. By providing a safe and welcoming environment and bringing together treatment, healthcare and wider support services, it is helping women access the support they need in a way that recognises their individual circumstances. We’re delighted that Dame Carol Black has officially opened the hub and seen first-hand the positive impact it is already having.”
Professor Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council and Senior Responsible Officer for Liverpool’s Combatting Drugs Partnership, said:
“Dame Carol Black’s visit is an important opportunity to reflect on the progress Liverpool has made in transforming its drug and alcohol treatment and recovery system through strong partnership working.
“The Women’s Hub demonstrates exactly the kind of trauma-informed, person-centred approach that we know works. By bringing together treatment, healthcare, wellbeing support and specialist partners, we are helping women access the right support at the right time while tackling wider health inequalities across our city.
“We’re proud to welcome Dame Carol to Liverpool and showcase the innovative work taking place to support recovery and improve lives.”
The RIVER Women’s Hub is located at 31 Belmont Road, Liverpool, L6 5BG, and forms part of RIVER Drug & Alcohol Service’s ongoing commitment to supporting women to achieve better health, greater wellbeing and lasting recovery.
Anyone concerned about their own drug or alcohol use, or that of a friend, family member or loved one, can contact RIVER Drug & Alcohol Service for free and confidential advice and support. For urgent medical concerns, contact NHS 111. In an emergency, always call 999.
