A new sanctuary for women and girls has been established in east London, serving as a comprehensive resource for assistance and guidance.

The Bloom Hub, tailored for individuals aged 13 to 25, functions much like a community center but is exclusively for women.

Operated by the charity Advance, which supports survivors of domestic violence and young women and girls involved with the criminal justice system, the hub receives funding from London’s Violence Reduction Unit and the Ministry of Justice.

Dali Kaur, the director of services at Advance, emphasizes that the hub will be particularly beneficial for girls who, due to cultural beliefs, are restricted from being in environments with boys.

The hub provides a wide range of services, from counseling sessions to a casual space for coffee. It features private rooms for confidential discussions, study areas for schoolwork, and even a chance to enjoy a snack or pick out a new outfit from a clothing donation rack.

Billie, a 22-year-old patron of the hub, was referred to Advance as she navigated her anxiety challenges. She shared, “My parents were in a violent relationship from the time I was born until I was 16, when they finally separated. That was my reality. It’s only with time that you realize the impact it has on you.”

The hub was named and conceptualized by the women and girls already engaged with Advance, and it is staffed entirely by women.

Ms. Kaur noted, “We’ve seen numerous instances where girls from various cultural backgrounds express that they cannot enter spaces with boys. Therefore, they seek environments created by women for women.”

“What young women and girls come to the hub for can differ based on their individual circumstances and feelings,” she added. “It could simply be a place to relax and connect with friends, or it could serve as a safe haven for those wishing to talk about experiences of abuse.”

Lib Peck, director of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, remarked, “Listening to young voices is fundamental to our strategy for addressing violence against women and girls. This newly established hub in east London has been shaped by young people through our mentoring initiative with Advance.”

“It offers a supportive, safe environment for girls and young women to cultivate friendships and receive guidance from reliable mentors, which can be transformative in critical moments of need.”

From October 2024 to February 2025, Advance recorded over 1,000 referrals to its services for young women and girls. Of those, 33% were reported victims of sexual offenses, 32% of violent crimes, and 20% were victims of stalking and harassment.

Jasmine, aged 20, who faced abuse at home for many years, expressed how she felt instantly comfortable at Bloom Hub. “They help you forget your troubles,” she explained. “You might come in feeling down, but after spending time here, you leave feeling uplifted. They truly understand and relate to what you’re experiencing.”

The center operates five days a week, and once a young person is referred, they can visit whenever they wish.

Plans for the hub’s future include providing on-site tutoring for homework and nearby childcare services to support young mothers facing challenges in accessing assistance due to a lack of childcare options.