Refuge accommodation

Emotional support during your stay

We understand that you are likely to be feeling scared, lonely and anxious when you first arrive with us. Alongside the offering you a safe place to stay, advice on how to stay safe and practical support for things like applying for benefits, housing advice etc, we also offer a range of support focussed on your wellbeing and recovery. Read more

House rules

It is really important that we have a set of simple rules that everyone sticks to, which are aimed at ensuring we can keep everybody as safe as possible and that help provide a guide to shared communal living, so our houses can be as happy, calm and considerate as possible. Read more

Life in a refuge

A refuge is provided a home, where women and children who have experienced domestic violence and abuse can live in safety. Read more

Practical Support during your stay

We know that when you first move into refuge accommodation, sometimes called crisis accommodation, there can seem like an overwhelming number of things that you need to sort out. Your support worker will understand this and is on hand to help you find your way through all the things that you need to do, both in the first few days and during your stay with us to help you move to a safe, happy and independent life. Read more

Recovery Refuge

We are delighted that we are now able to offer the combined specialist domestic abuse support and substance misuse support in our specialist Recovery Refuge. We are proud that this helps to build a more equal society for women where everyone has a safe roof over their head regardless of their circumstances. Read more

Latest

Perpetrators of Abuse

There are different kinds of abuse but it always stems from the perpetrators need to have power and control over the other person. Perpetrators often believe their feelings and needs should be the priority in the relationship and the abuse allows them to remove the equality in the relationship , making their partners feel less valuable and undeserving of respect.
Men…….. how many need our help? It feels like we may never truly know.

Domestic Violence against men happens, yes statistically the numbers are far fewer but is this because we are totally in the dark about the true number of men who actually need our help? None of us know what goes on behind closed doors and for a man to step out and say ‘help me, I’m being abused by my partner’ is incredibly hard. We are all equals, we all count, and we all have the right to live a life free from abuse.
Depression and Domestic Abuse in the Workplace

Incidents of domestic abuse are common and have a serious impact on those who experience it. Studies have consistently demonstrated the prevalence of domestic abuse, with an estimated 1-in-4 women experiencing DA at some point in her life.
How does domestic abuse affect mental health?

The most effective way for victims to protect their own mental health is to reach out and talk to someone about how they are feeling. This could be a family member, a friend, a GP, or services such as Next Chapter.

How does domestic abuse differ in other cultures?

The actions of individuals are influenced by the norms, values, language, and other cultural factors that are like the dust in the air that surrounds everyone. These cultural factors are ingrained in us from the day we are born, and can play a role in either ending or perpetuating domestic abuse.
What is it really like in refuge?

Our clients do understand what it’s like to be in this situation and often try to look after each other, Many of our clients become good friends and stay in touch after they leave.
Our Services

We work with survivors of domestic abuse to help them make choices to reclaim their lives and begin their next chapter.
Donating Items & Goods

We really appreciate the effort our supporters go to in order to donate the items and goods that we really need. If you would like to know what we need at the moment or how to donate to us then please do check here.
Fight, flight or freeze - what would a gingerbread man do...?

I know many of you will be familiar with the fight/flight, freeze response (sometimes just referred to as fight/flight) but in a nutshell this response is triggered when we perceive there is increased risk of threat or danger – the body activates the fight, flight or freeze response for survival. When this is triggered, it makes learning new information and concentrating on anything really difficult as you are consumed with just trying to stay safe. Read on to hear more about this response...
Ask for ANI scheme

This is a new scheme created by the government to try and help victims of domestic abuse in lockdown. ANI stands for 'Action Needed Immediately' and if asked to a member of staff in a pharmacy, help will be given.
Mission, Vision & Values

Find out what gets us up every morning and keeps us delivering the very best advice & support that we can, each & every time.
Cycle of Abuse

The abuse cycle is a cleverly orchestrated process. It is designed to be this way by your abuser. They want you to feel lost, they want you to doubt yourself, then you will ‘need’ them even more. This feeds their ever-desperate ego.
The Role of an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

So, imagine for a moment that you’ve summoned up the courage to finally leave, you’re feeling vulnerable and afraid and understandably really nervous about what the future might hold –you have to try and find your way through all that…. that's if you even knew half of it existed in the first place or where and how to start to getting in touch with them… So that's where we IDVA’S come in.
Professional referrals

Use this full referral form to access services

Refuge accommodation

Emotional support during your stay

House rules

Life in a refuge

Practical Support during your stay

Recovery Refuge

Referring yourself for refuge

See inside

What to expect when you arrive at the Refuge