"I was made to feel very welcome and the home was beautiful. It was a pleasure to stay there ..."
The Refuge
The refuge is a confidential address where you (and your children if you have any) can go to escape domestic violence and abuse. It is a safe and comfortable shared house, just for women, children and young people, where you will find time and space to get your life back on track.
We have excellent accommodation. Each family has their own furnished bedroom and shared use of a bathroom/shower room. There is a suite adapted if you have difficulties with mobility. There is also a lounge, dining room, laundry room, two kitchens, conservatory, activity room and gardens, shared with the other residents.
Support Workers are available during day to provide both practical and emotional support. There is also a team of workers making sure the refuge has someone there during weekends and at night.
Settling In
The refuge may feel strange or confusing at first but the staff and other women in the refuge will help you settle in. Our top priority is to make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable.
As part of the settling in at the refuge, we will:
- Show you around the refuge, including your own room and the areas shared with other residents.
- Introduce you to other people who are staying in and working at the refuge.
- Ensure essential items such as food and toiletries are available.
- Help you complete any paperwork we need, including the licence agreement, contract and risk assessment if there are any safety issues to address.
- Explain the house rules.
Supporting You
We will not tell you what decisions to make or what to do with your life. Instead, we support you and work with you to feel in control of your own life and your own decisions.
What we can support you with:
- Sorting out housing after the refuge - whether this means returning home or finding a new home.
- Sorting out benefits - making sure all the benefits entitled to are claimed.
- Legal protection - ensuring safety and going to the courts to get further protection if needed.
- Emotional support for the impact of the abuse.
- Undertaking risk assessments and devising safety plans.
- Referral to other agencies when necessary.
The Support Workers
Each woman has an allocated support worker who will:
- Spend time privately with you to find out what you need and what you need to do next. She records this in your Individual Support Plan (or ISP for short).
- Together with you, keep your ISP up to date and make sure you have the right support to get what you need.
"The house felt safe and comfortable and the staff were very supportive and friendly. I had the time to learn about myself again ..."
