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24hr Domestic Abuse Helplines:Herefordshire & Shropshire: 0800 783 1359Telford & Wrekin: 0800 840 3747Worcestershire: 0800 980 3331
24hr Domestic Abuse Helplines: Herefordshire & Shropshire: 0800 783 1359
Telford & Wrekin: 0800 840 3747
Worcestershire: 0800 980 3331

West Mercia Women’s Aid
Refuge

“Thank you for helping me to feel safe. I came with no hope or self-belief, feeling lost and scared but now I leave with hope and confidence. I am me again. Thank you for believing in me – forever grateful.”

Survivor

Do you need refuge now?

If you need immediate refuge please call our 24hr helpline: 0800 783 1359 (Hereford, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin) or 0800 980 3331 (Worcester). If you are a professional looking to refer to refuge please complete our referral form. If the person being referred needs immediate refuge please call our helpline.

Refuge

What is refuge?

WMWA refuges are confidential, safe places staffed by supportive, trained workers who will help you to settle in and begin to plan your future. Refuge is emergency, temporary accommodation for women who are fleeing domestic abuse, seeking safety. Women can live in our refuges with or without children, regardless of age, culture, disability or sexuality, as long as we are able to meet their needs. Refuge addresses are kept strictly confidential – security is a priority, with CCTV and other safety measures in place.

How does it work?

A WMWA support worker will help complete a risk and needs assessment, a safety plan and an empowerment support plan. They will provide specialist emotional support to help begin the process of recovery. Refuge staff also help with housing issues and the move to permanent long term accommodation, as well as providing support with communal living, finances and practical life skills. Some women stay for a night or two while they think about their options; others live in the refuge until they are re-housed. The typical length of stay is 6 months

What will it be like?

Women and their children will share a bedroom. In most of our accommodation, they may also share bathroom, kitchen and lounge facilities with other women and their families. Everyone in refuge is there for the same reason, their safety. Living communally can be a huge change but any disadvantages are counter-balanced by the support and encouragement that women give to each other.

WMWA refuge support can offer:

  • Emotional support
  • Understanding your financial situation
  • Claiming benefits
  • Finding schools for your children
  • Registering with a Doctor
  • Meeting a solicitor
  • Housing issues
  • Counselling
  • Immigration issues
  • Finding permanent housing
  • Your safe resettlement
  • Arranging support from other agencies
  • Going to Court

WMWA refuges are located at confidential addresses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Looking for help?
24HR DOMESTIC ABUSE HELPLINE

Herefordshire & Shropshire:
Call 0800 783 1359

Telford & Wrekin:
Call 0800 840 3747

Worcestershire:
Call 0800 980 3331

Contact us via email:

We also have Livechat available from 9am until 5pm, Monday to Friday for those who want to contact our helpline silently or who prefer to text rather than talk.
If you are in immediate danger please call 999

Referring to refuge

If you are a professional working with a woman/family that need safe shelter from domestic abuse and who want to access refuge, please complete our referral form.

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