Holding Space: Gender-Responsive Work with Women Behind Bars
Explore the unique experiences, needs, and responses of women in prison and learn how to engage with compassion, clarity, and trauma-awareness.
Upcoming Run: 21st Jul 2026
Upcoming Run: 21st Jul 2026
Holding Space: Gender-Responsive Work with Women Behind Bars
SPS-005-GR
$0.00
Duration: 5.00 hours
Upcoming Run: 21st Jul 2026
Sign Up nowCourse Fees & ScheduleWhat is it about?
Do you struggle to understand how to engage with women in custody?
Have you ever found their emotional responses difficult to navigate or felt unsure of what helps?
Do you want to support more effectively, but don’t know where to start?
Women offenders often carry complex trauma histories, caregiving roles, and deep relational needs. Their behaviours may differ significantly from men and so should your approach.
This webinar equips you with insights and tools to hold space for them respectfully and effectively.
What Is This Webinar About?
Holding Space is a 2-hour virtual webinar focused on building gender-responsive support for women in correctional settings.
You’ll gain:
A clearer understanding of the psychosocial profiles of women offenders
Insight into common behavioural patterns shaped by trauma, emotional regulation challenges, and relationships
Real-world engagement tools rooted in trauma-informed and emotional-focused care
Boundary awareness and tips for safe, empathetic support
Authentic perspectives through a live dialogue with a former woman offender
This session empowers volunteers and professionals alike to support with compassion not judgment while recognising and responding to the unique needs of women behind bars.
How This Course Makes A Difference?
Women in prison don’t just need services, they need understanding.
This session shifts the lens from “what’s wrong with her” to “what happened to her” and what you can do to meet her where she is, safely and respectfully.
See Women’s Offending Through a Gendered Lens
Recognise how trauma, relationships, and caregiving roles shape behaviour.
Engage with Emotional Focus
Learn strategies to support emotional regulation without overwhelming or retraumatising.
Understand Common Triggers and Responses
Explore how trauma manifests from withdrawal to reactivity and how to respond safely.
Hear Directly from a Former Woman Offender
Gain grounded, real-life insight into what support actually felt helpful.
Clarify Your Role and Boundaries
Learn how to build trust without overpromising, overextending, or crossing lines.
Support with Sensitivity and Strength
Leave with actionable steps and mindset shifts that make a real difference.
Who is it for?
Ready to Support Women Offenders with Clarity and Care?
Whether you're new to correctional volunteering or experienced in reintegration work, this session builds your confidence in supporting women in prison with empathy and gender-awareness.
Volunteers Across Correctional and Community Settings
Build foundational understanding of how gender, trauma, and support intersect.
Rehabilitation Staff & Mental Wellness Advocates
Complement your work with trauma-informed, emotionally attuned practices specific to women.
Mentors, Peer Supporters, and Community Coaches
Engage relationally without overreaching while maintaining healthy emotional boundaries.
Correctional Officers and Case Workers
Enhance safety and rapport by recognising the gendered dynamics of trauma and care.
Why Learn with Us
Hands-On & Practical
We believe the best learning happens by doing. Our courses are highly experiential packed with real-life case studies, role-plays, and interactive group work. You won’t just sit through slides; you’ll practise the skills that matter.
Learn from the Best
Our trainers are experienced practitioners, not just facilitators. They’ve walked the talk and brought wisdom from the field, not just the textbook. Learn from people who’ve been there and are here to help you grow.
Fun, Safe & Engaging
Learning should feel energising. We foster a warm, inclusive environment where you're encouraged to ask, reflect, laugh, and learn, all while building supportive relationships with fellow participants.
Backed by Research
Every course is grounded in evidence-based practices from psychology, social work, education, and communication science. You get practical tools that work, not just trendy jargon.
Designed for Real Life
Our content is real-world-ready. Whether you're navigating tough conversations at home, supporting others in your role, or developing your own mindset, what you learn is instantly applicable.
Lifelong Learning Community
When you join us, you join a movement. All alumni get access to follow-up events, peer circles, and exclusive learning spaces. You stay connected, supported, and part of something bigger, long after the course ends.
Meet your trainers
Joelle Tan
Senior Counsellor | Social Worker | Prison Officer (Retired)
Joelle brings over 20 years of correctional experience, with a focus on addiction, maladaptive behaviours, and trauma-related rehabilitation. She has designed and delivered impactful programmes across Singapore’s correctional landscape, with a gift for connecting deeply with youth and women offenders. Trained in social work and counselling, Joelle continues to serve in restorative and rehabilitative spaces.
- •Social Worker / Counsellor
How will the course run?
📌 Course Access Information
This is a 2-hour webinar. The session will be conducted via Zoom, and access details will be emailed to you upon confirmation of your registration.
📞 For assistance or enquiries, please contact Ally at allynna@blendedconcept.com.
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-08-23 | 10:00 | 12:00 | Online |
| Date | Start Time | End Time | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-07-21 | 09:00 | 12:00 | Online |
Course Fees
| Course Structure | Fee (Net Fee after training grant subsidy) |
|---|---|
| Free (Sponsored by Singapore Prison Service)This course is complimentary for volunteers and staff from partner organizations of the Singapore Prison Service. | Free |