ABOUT THE REFUGE
You will not find the location of the Refuge on this Website.
The Refuge is a safe house where women who experience domestic abuse can move into and have space to think clearly about their situation. Alternatively, women can just pop in to talk to a Support Worker in confidence about their situation.
Please feel free to give us a call at any time. A formal referral from a professional is not required.
The Refuge operates a 24 hour service every-day of the year. The house is nicely furnished and decorated and maintained clean and tidy. It has seven private bedrooms, for which women are given a key to keep this area as their own personal and private space. These rooms all have televisions and storage space to put clothes and personal items.
There are several communal areas; two spacious lounges, a large kitchen, a laundry room, a playroom and two private and secure outside areas.
In more detail:
One lounge is for adults only and has a private and secure patio; the second lounge is for families and children to use. The second outside area is overlooked by the kitchen window and has children’s play equipment and lines to hang out washing on.
The large kitchen is fully equipped with two ovens, a microwave, several fridges and a large freezer. All women are provided with their own cupboard to store their food shopping in. However, there are emergency food cupboards if needed.
The kitchen also has a large window that overlooks the children’s playroom which is equipped with a range of various age appropriate toys and books. There are also arts and crafts materials available.
The laundry room also overlooks the children’s play area outside and is equipped with washing machines, tumble dryers, irons etc.
Independent living is encouraged and promoted; women who stay at the Refuge are responsible for their child care, food shopping, cooking and laundry.
The house is secure and safe, click here to see a 360 tour of the Refuge.
The Support workers
The Support Workers are trained and experienced in supporting women who have experienced domestic violence or abuse. At the Refuge we understand and respect every woman’s right to have and maintain confidentiality. We are also sympathetic to the reality this could be the first time that the woman has ever spoken to anyone about her experience, or sought to access help and support.
We strive to meet the needs of the women who come to us for help. We also have a Portuguese speaker.
You do not need housing qualifications to be able to stay at the Refuge.