New project launches to make domestic abuse victims in Wolverhampton feel more at home

A leading domestic abuse charity has launched a new project which aims to provide women and children staying in refuges with more comfort.

The new project, ‘Make a House a Home’, created by The Haven Wolverhampton, aims to make stays in refuge more comforting and homely for women and children who have been subjected to abuse.

Local diverse utility company, Capital Group, with routes going back to shopping and retail, has already volunteered its time and expertise in support.

A spokeswoman for the Haven said: “When women and children arrive at refuge for their safety and after fleeing abuse, they may have nothing more than the clothes they are wearing.

“Those entering safe accommodation are often traumatised and have left their homes, belongings, and all familiarity behind.

“The situation is exacerbated by the fact that in 95% of domestic abuse cases, financial (or economic) abuse is prevalent, meaning abusers control finances and access to other essential resources.

“This can leave those subjected to abuse, including children, very vulnerable and disadvantaged as a result.

“For women and children recovering from the trauma of abuse, they need more than the basics and a roof over their heads to improve their wellbeing and rebuild their lives.”

Supporters of ‘Make a House a Home’ can fund items such as fresh bedding, soft furnishings, or a birthday gift for a woman or child celebrating in refuge.

The Haven Wolverhampton’s corporate partner, Capital Group, supported the project by volunteering its time and expertise by fitting shelves in the bedrooms across all of the charity’s refuge sites over two days.

The shelves have made the bedrooms, which are often bare due to funding limitations, more homely and a place where women can place their, or their children’s belongings, whether that’s photos, toys, or in one case, a head teacher’s award.

Dean Bell, Head of Utilities at Capital Group, said: “At Capital Group, we believe it's important to give something back to the communities where we live and work.

“The Haven does some incredible work supporting women and children during some of the most difficult times in their lives, so when we were asked if we could help, it was an easy decision.

“The shelving project was a relatively small job for our team, but if it helps make a house feel more like a home for the people using it, then it's time well spent.

“We're proud to have supported The Haven in a number of ways over the last year, including sponsoring some of their ‘Holly Jolly Houses’ at Christmas and supporting fundraising activities, with one of our team members taking part in a charity abseil.

“We look forward to continuing to support the fantastic work The Haven does across Wolverhampton.”

Anna Pendlebury, Head of Fundraising and Engagement, said: “It’s imperative that we can provide more than the essentials for women and children, as we know just a roof over their heads doesn’t provide the care needed to recover from their trauma.

“With Make a House a Home, we can raise funds and appeal for items to help us create spaces that feel welcoming and comforting, as well as safe.

“We are so grateful for the support so far, including that of Capital Group, which has supported us for a while now.

“The volunteers have made such an impact and completed a task that would have taken our small team much longer. We thank them for their ongoing commitment.

“While we recently announced our local authority funding for at least the next three years, this covers just the basics.

“We must rely on fundraising and the goodwill of our local community to go above and beyond for those we support.

“We’re so grateful to all those who make a difference to help women and children subjected to domestic abuse feel Seen, Heard, and Safe, today.”