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Our Services - The refuge
The refuge consists of four self contained flats with a shared space for children’s room and an office. Residents do their own cooking, laundry and cleaning. Laundry and cleaning facilities are provided by Shakti Women’s Aid. Food is generally not provided with the exception of an emergency pack for woman who move into the accommodation and have had no access to money.
Accommodation and services include the following:
- Fully furnished flats with bedrooms, containing beds, cots (if required) wardrobes (free standing or fitted), chest of drawers, bedside table, bedside lights, carpet and curtains.
- All bedding and linen such as sheets, duvet, pillowcases, waterproof mattress covers.
- Comfortable furnished living rooms containing sofa, chairs, coffee table, display cabinet, television, video, dinning table and chairs.
- Kitchen facilities include fridge/freezer, microwave, cooker, washing machine, kettle, saucepans, storage units, worktops, cutlery and all utensils. Saucepans, crockery and utensils are replaced regularly because of cultural requirements.
When women are admitted to the refuge, they will have an induction period during which they will be informed about the refuge rules and guidelines for dealing with emergencies. Shakti will make relevant information accessible to the women by offering it in the required form and translating it into relevant community languages wherever possible. Where language support is required, an interpreter will be provided to ensure that every woman that is admitted to the refuge understands the refuge rules and guidelines of what to do in an emergency.
Each working day, caseworkers and children’s workers will visit the refuge during office hours. They will offer emotional, social and practical support to women and their children to help them start dealing with the effects of abuse.
After office hours from Monday to Friday between the hours of 5.00 pm and 10.00 pm, a refuge worker will manage the refuge. Similarly on Saturday and Sunday a refuge worker will manage the refuge from 10.00 am to 10pm.
In the interests of the refuge and women’s safety Shakti has the following rules.
Women cannot:
- Disclose the Refuge address or telephone number to anyone
- Use the Refuge address for any mailing. Use Shakti office address for all correspondence.
- Invite visitors into or near the Refuge. Shakti staff will be responsible for organising visit from officers such as Social workers, Health visitors, etc..
- Discuss or disclose the identity of any woman sharing the Refuge with you to any other individual.
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