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Founded
in 1980, we've developed from a small voluntary organisation
providing a limited number of safehouse
spaces to a rapidly expanding
key player in the field of domestic violence.
We pride ourselves on our ability to grow and diversify as the
environment and the needs of the communities change, and our
pivotal postition in influencing policy in housing, health
and community care allows us to offer the following wide range
of services:
Refuge Accommodation
We provide refuge accommodation for Asian women of all ages
who are being subjected to violence in the home. The violence
might be mental, physical, sexual or financial. The refuges
offer accommodation, emotional support, legal advice and practical
help, and our staff work to provide a safe, non-judgmental service.
Support Groups
Along with Shanti Young Women's Group the team run regular support
groups for women from various cultural backgrounds, giving women
a chance to meet other individuals, talk to staff, and get any
help and advice they might need. Days out to the seaside and
to places of interest are also organised, giving the women a
chance to get away. Training courses are also provided and many
of our clients have successfully completed courses in First
Aid, Food & Hygiene and HIV Sexual Awareness.
Training & Consultancy
 We
have firmly established ourselves as
a leading agency dealing with domestic violence and
offer training and consultancy to both statutory and voluntary
bodies. We also hold seminars and give presentations at conferences
both locally and nationally. Our Hamarah drama Group performs
a short play about domestic violence called 'Samaysa', which
means 'to open up options'.
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Outreach
& Befriending
Our fully trained staff provide a high level of support services
to women in the community. Clients are offered an opportunity
to attend various courses which are designed to enable them
to live independently. Our staff also encourage clients to
take up full time studies in order for them to gain qualifications
and enhance their job prospects. We have a qualified counsellor
on the team to offer support to women and young girls.
Advice, Information & Advocacy
Our staff can offer advice on a wide range of issues such
as housing, welfare and legal
information. We help our clients claim the necessary benefits
that they might not realise they are entitled to, including
housing benefit, income support, job seekers' allowance and
grants. We offer a bilingual advocacy service to clients when
liasing with doctors, health visitors, solicitors, courts,
hospitals and other agencies.
Transport Facilities
We provide transport facilities for a wide variety of activities,
such as moving clients and their belongings to and from the
refuges and into their new accommodation. We also take care
of the transport required for emergency referalls, and to
take the support groups on day trips.
Children's Services
 We
work closely with children, offering counselling and welfare
visits and assisting clients with applying for grants, dealing
with health issues and working closely with the courts. We
also arrange special outings for the children to the seaside,
zoo and pantomimes.
Aftercare
& Resettlement
Support doesn't end when a client leaves the refuge to resettle
in the community. Our staff continue to offer practical advice,
counselling and outreach support in order to help the client
to come to terms with the change in her life. The team can
help with housing, benefit and legal issues, as well as hand-on
support such as decorating. Staff will continue to work alongside
the voluntary and statutory agencies.
Volunteering
We're helped enormously by a team of volunteers, who are trained
in assisting the rest of the team in all aspects of the work.
Volunteers aren't paid but all expenses are covered. If you
are interested in joining the friendly team, please contact
the Project Co-ordinator.
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