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  • refuge-accommodation
  1. How we can help
  2. Refuge accommodation

Refuge accommodation

Emotional support during your stay

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

Published: 3rd March, 2019

Author: Beverley Jones

House rules

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

Published: 19th October, 2018

Updated: 19th March, 2019

Author:

Life in a refuge

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

Published: 19th October, 2018

Updated: 3rd March, 2019

Author:

Practical Support during your stay

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

Published: 3rd March, 2019

Author: Beverley Jones

Recovery Refuge

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

Published: 3rd March, 2019

Updated: 3rd December, 2019

Author: Beverley Jones

Referring yourself for refuge

Referring yourself for refuge

Currently our refuges are women only spaces, which means that we can provide safe temporary accommodation for any woman and her children (boys up to age of 16) at risk of harm from domestic abuse. Read more

Published: 3rd March, 2019

Author: Beverley Jones

See inside

See inside

Get a feel for what our refuges look like inside... Read more

Published: 19th October, 2018

Updated: 18th July, 2022

Author:

What to expect when you arrive at the Refuge

What to expect when you arrive at the Refuge

Arriving at the Refuge can be an emotional rollercoaster, however with the welcoming staff available to support you, hopefully the anxiety will ease. Read more

Published: 25th March, 2019

Updated: 11th June, 2021

Author: Beverley Jones

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Showing 10 of 8

Latest

  • Family Domestic Abuse Practitioner

    Family Domestic Abuse Practitioner

    If you have experience of working with children, young people and families experiencing domestic abuse, this is an amazing opportunity to make a positive, lasting difference to families living in your community.

  • Mayor and Tortoise - The Mayor's Big Run

    Mayor and Tortoise - The Mayor's Big Run

    Our exciting fundraising event in aid of the Mayor's chosen charities is taking place on 18th September.

  • Colchester Mayor's Charities of the Year

    Colchester Mayor's Charities of the Year

    We are delighted to have been chosen as one of the Mayor's charities for their year in office.

  • Weekend Support Worker

    Weekend Support Worker

    We are currently looking for a Weekend Support Worker to join us on a part-time basis.

Most read

  • How does domestic abuse differ in other cultures?

    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?

    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

    Our Services

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

  • Fight, flight or freeze - what would a gingerbread man do...?

    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...

  • Cycle of Abuse

    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.

  • Donating Items & Goods

    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.

  • The Role of an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

    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.

  • Mission, Vision & Values

    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.

  • Professional referrals

    Professional referrals

    Use this full referral form to access services

  • Ask for ANI scheme

    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.

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Phone: 01206 500585

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Next Chapter is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales under number 02266883 and registered as a Charity number 1058295. Registered office Next Chapter, P.O. Box 40, Colchester, Essex, CO1 2XJ © Copyright 2019 The Next Chapter (East of England). All rights reserved.