Support for women

Frequently asked questions

1. What type of place is a refuge?

A refuge offers a safe, secure and supportive environment for women fleeing domestic violence and their children. The atmosphere is warm and friendly.

Accommodation consists of self contained flatlets to which you have your own key. There is also a communal lounge and laundry room. The Children's Room offers Ofsted registered pre-school provision for children aged two years and above and after school activities for older children in term time. During school holidays there is a mixed programme of play sessions and outings.

2. What support and help would I get?

You can get advice about housing, benefits, legal questions, health, education and other issues. You will have your own key worker to work with you throughout your stay, who will help you rebuild your life. We also offer a number of general support services.

3. What will happen when I arrive?

A member of the welfare team will show you around the Refuge and help you settle in. Your key-worker will help you decide what you want to do.

4. Will what I talk about be treated as confidential?

Anything you talk about at the Refuge will be treated as strictly confidential unless we feel there is a question of child protection. In that case we are obliged to put the child first, though we would always discuss with you any action we thought we should take before doing anything.

5. Will I be safe?

We are staffed between 9 am and 5.30 pm on weekdays. At all other times there is somebody on call.

6. What will I need to bring with me?

Don't worry if you don't have all the things listed below to hand. Just bring what you can.

• Some identification and your N.I number (important).
• Your child benefit book (important).
• Your own and your children's birth certificates.
• Money, cheque book and cards.
• Driving licence, car registration documents.
• Any current medication.
• Welfare benefits books or evidence.
• Passport, visas, work permits.
• Your mortgage or rent details.
• Any unpaid bills in your name.
• Basic clothing
• Some of your children's favourite toys.

Feel free to phone the Refuge on 01206 500 585 before you come.

You should note, however, that we cannot take pets or provide storage for your furniture.

7. What will I do about money?

One of our Welfare workers will help you claim any benefits you are entitled to, including housing benefit to cover your rent while you are at the Refuge.

8. How will I get to the Refuge?

• If you have your own transport we will give you directions.
• A friend may be able to bring you.
• Trains and buses run locally
• If you have a social worker they may be able to arrange transportation.
• Someone from the Refuge may be able to collect you.
• A travel warrant may sometimes be obtainable from social services or the local council.

9. How will I feed my children?

When you arrive we will, if necessary, provide you with food for the first two days. By that time we should have helped you sort your basic money needs out, but if there has been a delay we will give you additional emergency supplies.

10. What will happen to my children?

While staying at the Refuge it is important that your children continue their education. We will assist you to find a local school and this will help your children to make friends.

From Monday to Friday the Refuge also runs daily sessions for pre-school children over 18 months and an after-school club for school age children.

Our special children's staff will help you deal with any worries you have about your children.

A health visitor calls at the Refuge regularly and you can arrange to see them about pre-school checks or to get general advice.