See inside

inside one of our flatlets

the lounge area of one of our flatlets

kitchenette area for a flatlet

bunkbeds for families, we also have single bunk-beds & single beds available

Our Ofsted registered Children's Room

Latest

Cate Cussell
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.
It’s time you let yourself of the hook

Victim blaming is something we have all heard of, it’s something we know is unacceptable but what if we are doing this to ourselves? Getting your own mind to stop sabotaging itself is probably just as hard as breaking away from the abuser.
Emma Regan

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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...?

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.
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.
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.
Professional referrals

Use this full referral form to access services
My abuser has given me…. Trauma Bonding

Jane struggled to understand why it happened to her, what was wrong with her and how to break the emotional ties to her abuser. Sharing a child with Toni made it even more difficult as he would often accuse her of preventing him from being a father as a further way to manipulate her and play on her emotions. Jane has found herself torn between being told not to go back for her safety and the safety of her child and feelings of love and the believe that she needs to help Toni.