Brick by Brick Appeal

We're working with The Independent to build an innovative, safe home that welcomes all survivors of domestic abuse. Help us rebuild lives, brick by brick.

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We’re partnering with The Independent to launch a life-changing, first of its kind initiative to build a home for survivors of domestic abuse.

With the support of generous Independent readers and Refuge supporters, major donors, and a huge list of high-profile names including Dame Helen Mirren, Sir Patrick Stewart, Olivia Colman, Dame Joanna Lumley, Andi Oliver and David Morrissey  – we aim to raise £300,000 to build a home where any woman can go to seek refuge.

We’re working in partnership with Persimmon who are leading the build of this innovative, safe home.

Together, we will create a space that welcomes any woman fearing for her life, no matter her circumstances. So whatever she needs, she can start to find her freedom.

Why this is so needed

No women should be locked out

Refuge will never turn a woman away, but communal refuges can’t accommodate every woman, including women with: 

  •  more than three children due to limited space
  •  teenage sons to ensure other women feel safe
  •  pets as they pose problems in shared areas 
  • complex needs that can’t be met in a shared living space 

Refuge will work with survivors to find emergency accommodation in these situations. But after escaping, a woman needs tailored wraparound care, which can only be provided from a refuge home. 

An accommodation crisis

Every 2 minutes Someone turns to Refuge for help

Every 2 hours A woman is turned away from a refuge

1 woman killed Every 5 days on average in England and Wales

"This is a terrifying situation for too many people and we are proud to partner with Refuge who specialise in helping this vulnerable section of society. I hope to create debate and put this crisis at the top of the political agenda to bring about greater awareness in the long term and provide sanctuary as soon as we can. Brick by Brick, we promise to bring change."

Geordie Greig - Editor-in-Chief, The Independent

A home that will save lives

This house will be the first home built by national housebuilder Persimmon for survivors. On the outside, it will look like any other home. But in the comfortable and calming space inside, life-changing things will happen as a woman and her family start to recover from trauma.

The home will be fitted with the highest standards of discreet security, including CCTV, window locks and an arson-proof letter box. The house will be flagged with the local police so if a woman’s abuser ever finds out where she is, help will be there fast. And with solar panels and other features, it will be eco-friendly and efficient. 

About our partners

The Independent

The Independent has been at the front line of journalism since its launch in 1986, with a purpose to challenge, debate and make change happen. It breaks boundaries every day with journalism that constantly questions and pushes for equality. The Independent is leading this campaign in support of Refuge, raising vital awareness and funds for our mission.

Persimmon

National housebuilder Persimmon Plc established the Persimmon Charitable Foundation in 2015 to help support the communities in which the Persimmon Group operates. They are generously supporting with the build of this groundbreaking home.

Want to know more about our appeal?

Frequently asked questions.