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Help and Services

At the refuge, our services are provided by qualified and specially trained staff. All women and children are allocated a Key Worker for the length of their stay.

At BWA we are extremely proud of our professionalism and achievements, and are always looking at ways to develop and improve our service through service user participation, and through developing enduring links with other appropriate agencies.

We are committed to raising awareness and insight to the issues and difficulties facing women and their children affected by domestic abuse.

Housing issues

When you have considered your options and decided where you would like to live, it may be that you wish to move away from the area.

In this case, you will need to make an application to the Local Authority in your chosen area for a Homelessness Interview.

Alternatively, you may want to return to your own home with some form of legal protection for you and your family.

Whatever course of action you decide upon, your Key Worker will assist you with any necessary arrangements, and will provide any other support you feel you need.

Benefit Advice

You may need to claim any benefits due to you and your children. This may apply even to those women who are working, dependent on your income. Your Key Worker will provide assistance with paperwork and will support you through any necessary interviews.

Legal Advice

There could be a whole myriad of legal issues, some of which may need urgent attention. Again, your Key Worker will assist with accessing legal representation and provide support with any necessary interviews.

Health

When you are at the refuge, it may be necessary to change your GP.

Arrangements will be made for you and your children to be registered at a practice local to the area. You will also have access to the Health Visitor designated to the refuge.

Education

In order to provide structure and a sense of normality for our child residents, children living at the refuge must attend school.

Our Child Care professionals will assist you with all matters relating to your child’s education, from contacting and visiting your chosen school, to arranging receipt of free dinners and seeing to their transport needs.