New Refuge Service in Hillingdon

We are delighted to announce that we opened a new refuge service in Hillingdon at the beginning of March. This service can accommodate up to seven women and 14 children at any one time. The service is staffed by a deputy manager, two refuge workers and a child support worker.

During the first few months, the staff have been busy supporting residents, making links with external agencies and agreeing referral pathways so that our clients can easily access any additional support they might need.

The child support worker is running activities for children such as cooking and homework club as well as days out during the school holidays. Our clients have been enjoying regular house meetings, coffee mornings and various activities including a summer get together for Eid and a Tech Abuse Empowerment Workshop.

As well as providing support for women and children, we are making various improvements to the refuge building to make it as comfortable as possible. The lounge and some of the bedrooms have been redecorated and refurnished. The utility room has had a makeover making it easier to use as well as creating more space. The garden has been cleared and children’s equipment repaired so that all families can spend more time playing outside.

We have been approached by the local Middlesex Federation of the Women’s Institute who have fundraised for the refuge.  We plan to spend the money they have kindly raised on a new dining table.  We’d like to say a special thank you for their support.