Refuges for vulnerable women

Two new refuges for vulnerable and abused women and children have been furnished and fitted out with essential electrical equipment, thanks to a £1,000 grant from Herefordshire Freemasons.

The coronavirus lockdown has led to vulnerable women and children being forced to stay inside with abusive partners, and a consequent sharp rise in demand for refuges. Existing facilities have become seriously overcrowded and Herefordshire Council has provided two new properties, but they urgently needed the Herefordshire Freemasons’ grant to make them habitable.

The new refuges are already in use by women and children fleeing violence at home and they are reported to have settled in well.

One lady with a 9 year old boy in West Mercia Womens Aid (WMWA) Hereford refuge accommodation after fleeing domestic violence. Has engaged really well with the support she has received. Normally she would have been waiting via the Housing Homepoint register for a property that would have been supplied completely unfurnished and with no flooring coverings. As a result of needing to free up the refuge for those who may have needed it, fleeing during Covid19 – the lady was identified as someone who was suitable to move out, and take that next step down with ongoing support from WMWA and multi-agency, to keep safe and protected. They were really very grateful and passed on their gratitude to the Freemasons via their housing worker. They have settled in really well.

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