We are pleased to support a project with Refuge to refurbish the playroom and library in a secure refuge in Hammersmith, London. The safe spaces will support the recovery and learning for children who have escaped domestic abuse with their mothers.
This is the first time we have worked with Refuge, a charity that supports women who have experienced domestic abuse. It operates safe houses called “refuges” around the UK for women and children escaping domestic violence. As well as putting a safe roof over their heads, refuges allow specialist staff to provide residents with the tools they need to build a new life.
The charity reports that children and young people don’t just witness abuse, they live with it, and it can affect every part of their development, wellbeing and mental health. In 2021, the Domestic Abuse Act recognised children as victims of domestic abuse in their own right.
Recovery and learning
Halcrow Foundation funds will pay for refurbishing a library and playroom in the Hammersmith safe house, including buying toys, tablets and books, to support the recovery and learning for children who have escaped domestic abuse with their mothers. Around 30 children are expected to benefit from the project in the first year, and in the next 10 years of use over 300 children will directly benefit, with an estimated 190 people – the children’s mothers – indirectly benefiting from the improved recreation spaces.
Our new partnership with Refuge reflects our new strategy to focus on addressing domestic abuse, homelessness and disadvantaged youth through an expanded group of implementation partners.
Refuge is the largest domestic abuse organisation in the UK. It supports thousands of domestic abuse survivors every day, helping them to overcome the physical, emotional, financial and logistical impacts of abuse and rebuild their lives.
Photo credit: Stephen Andrews (stock image)
