AFC Bournemouth funds safe haven for women at Boscombe Salvation Army

published on 14 Nov 2025

A new weekly women’s group is now offering a vital sanctuary of support, pampering, and peace, thanks to a £2,000 grant from AFC Bournemouth to The Salvation Army’s BH1 Project in Boscombe. 

The BH1 Project is a lifeline in Boscombe, seeing 50-70 people daily, providing meals, showers, laundry, and essential support to those experiencing homelessness and financial hardship. It is run by Boscombe Salvation Army, open Monday to Friday 10am until 2pm. 

The donation funds the ‘Women Together’ group, a safe space every Wednesday afternoon for women battling addiction, building confidence, and developing life skills. The grant provides coffee, cake, clothes, and makeup, and brings in professional services including a hairdresser, beautician, and a qualified masseuse for relaxing neck and shoulder massages. 

Annette Watts, Community Project Manager at Boscombe Salvation Army says the connection with AFC Bournemouth was made when a client and volunteer, Cheralyn, met a representative from the football club and shared the vision for the new women's group. 

“This generous donation from AFC Bournemouth is so exciting and enables BH1 to offer this time just for women, a place where they can experience the opportunity for self-care to help them feel relaxed and improve their wellbeing and self-esteem. In a drop-in service that is currently mostly used by men, it is so good to have space for women and to come alongside them and support them as we can,”
said Annette.
BH 1 Donation
AFC Bournemouth's Mark Tavener presented the cheque to Rebekah Watts, one of the ladies at BH 1 Project.

Women who are struggling with homelessness, addictions and mental health can access the new drop in by coming to BH1 on Wednesdays at 2 pm. 

While the group is in its early stages, the impact is already being felt. One lady now attends regularly, finding crucial social support such as new clothes. Hair and beauty treatments have helped her regain confidence and self-esteem. The project aims for this to become long-term support, addressing a significant need in the Boscombe area. 

The project also works in partnerships with local agencies that visit regularly such as St Mungos Rough Sleeping Support; We Are With You drug and alcohol service; Teen Challenge; Homeless Mental Health Service; and Hairdressing Services. 

The BH1 Project is run solely on donations. Some of the items in daily use and constant need are: new clothing or quality preloved, make up and beauty products,  (jeans, t-shirts, jogging bottoms, hoodies etc), trainers, new underwear (pants, socks, bras, etc), towels, sleeping bags and blankets, feminine hygiene items, toiletries (deodorant, shampoo, razors, body wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc), and first aid items (plasters, dressings,). Items can be dropped off at  BH1, 107 Palmerston Road, BH1 4HP, on Monday to Saturday between 9am and 2pm.  

To support the work of BH1 Project make a donation via their JustGiving page: Boscombe Salvation Army is fundraising for The Salvation Army.  

The Salvation Army in Boscombe serves as a vital community hub, offering compassionate support to meet both immediate needs and foster long-term well-being. It provides essential services like a daily drop-in centre where people can access food, showers, and laundry facilities, alongside practical help with housing and advocacy. Through community meals, parent-and-toddler groups, and youth programmes, it builds connection and reduces isolation, ensuring everyone in Boscombe has a place to turn for practical help and friendship. To learn more about the Salvation Army in Boscombe visit their website: Boscombe | The Salvation Army.