EDWINA Currie visited Crewe YMCA to see how the charity helps young women get back on their feet.

The former Conservative MP visited the Comic Relief-funded project, the 411, which is aimed at supporting women aged 16 to 30.

The visit coincided with the launch of Comic Relief, which launched on Tuesday.

Members of the group take part in a variety of confidence building sessions, from cooking, budget management and crafts.

The group currently consists of 17 members, all of whom live in one of the 55 rooms on-site.

After meeting the group, Edwina said: “It’s great to see women helping women.

“And it’s great to see people who are able to put behind them whatever the tragedy, the trouble, abuse, the violence, the drugs, whatever pulled them to where they are, to be able to rest what brought them there and then to start coming out of it at a step at a time.

“I couldn’t do it, I haven’t got the patience, I’m not the most sympathetic of people, I’m an achiever and all that, and I’ve been very blessed in my life.

“But to see the good people who are helping and are achieving results, to see that happening in real time in Crewe – I think is wonderful.”

The group is run by Rachel Miller, female engagement coach Crewe YMCA, a role that is funded by Comic Relief.

All of the activities the women take part in is also paid for by the charity.

Lizzie Brindley, from Stoke, 28, moved into the YMCA last February following a stint on the streets that resulted in her spending two weeks in hospital.

After a stint on the streets resulted in her spending time in hospital for dehydration she was put on the YMCA’s ‘second night out’ and was then permanently placed in accommodation.

“It was horrible, it’s the worst thing,” she said.

“I wouldn’t even wish it on my worst enemy. I don’t like it, I’m glad I’ve got this place.”

Lizzie said she was shy when she first began living at the YMCA, but says The 411 has built her confidence and she is now almost ready to leave to start a new chapter in her life.

“I started growing and coming out of my shell a little bit more, and now I’m just me,” she said.