SafeNet Domestic Abuse and Support Services were recently successful in a bid to secure £100,000 via National Lottery Funding to help support victims of domestic abuse in the North West.
The significant amount of money provided by the grant enabled the team to furnish a brand new Lancaster project which started accepting residents from 1st July 2020. This includes 15 en-suite bedrooms, plus five specialist dedicated Complex Needs flats.
This will create much-needed temporary homes for people who are fleeing from domestic abuse and, with the support of specialist staff, help vulnerable people and families to rebuild their lives in a place where they can feel comfortable and protected. The funding will also be used to provide an outdoor play area for the children at the refuge, providing them with a safe, secure outdoor space to enjoy some fresh air and exercise in a welcoming environment.
SafeNet offer a range of different services to support those living with, or escaping from, domestic abuse. This includes refuge services for women and children, male safe houses, community-based support, and specialist refuges for those with additional needs, such as addiction, mental health issues and ex-offending behaviours.
The vital work that they carry out 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, helps people and families move towards a happier, more independent and safer life, empowering them to make healthier choice in the future and live free from domestic abuse. They are also the lead provider of Lancashire Refuges; a countrywide service offering refuge support across the North West.
In the past year, SafeNet refuge services have supported 275 adults and 159 across their refuges and supported 327 adults /adults and their families to move on, with 92 percent successfully living independently.
Alex Atkinson, Head of SafeNet Support Service’s said: “We want to thank the lottery for considering this project as a key priority in supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse during the COVID-19 outbreak, at a time where there are increased barriers to escaping due to lockdown measures and the role that they have played in helping to create accessible refuge provision.
“We are now starting to see a rapid increase in referrals week on week into refuge services as the lockdown eases. The timely completion of this project was a priority for SafeNet and The Calico Group despite the barriers that the pandemic posed.
“With the support of the lottery grant, we have been able to quickly furnish our refuge to a high standard in order to respond to the increased demand, enabling us to provide a safe, comfortable welcoming environment for families at the highest risk. This will enable us to offer additional 24 hour emergency provision, providing safe places for women and children fleeing domestic abuse in the North West.”
For more information about SafeNet and the work they do to support victims of domestic abuse across the North West, please visit https://safenet.org.uk/
