Womens Refuge

Bedford Refuge is a joint project between Granta Housing Society and Christian Family Care.

There are ten accommodation units providing separate bedrooms for the residents and their children.

There are shared kitchen, bathroom and sitting room facilities. The safety of the building is maintained with the use of security cameras.

The staff adopt an empowering approach to their work, recognising diversity and equally valuing all residents, irrespective of any differences in culture, religion or ability.

With the help of Supporting People funding, it has also been possible to provide resettlement support for residents leaving the Refuge and moving back into the community.

The Refuge is a key component of the Council's homeless strategy and referrals are made in a number of ways including: Police, Local Authority Homeless Sections, Social Services, Samaritans, Women's Aid Refuges and Helpline, Housing Associations and Self-Referral.

There is a strong commitment to the care and welfare of the children at the Refuge.

The Children's Project provides a wide range of play and leisure facilities, including creative play sessions, and an after school club, one-to-one support and activities in the local community.

The project was fully refurbished in 2002 with the help of the Bedford Charity (Harpur Trust) providing improvements to heating and lighting, improved kitchen facilities and upgrading of storage areas.

Externally a new safety surface was provided with new play equipment and play areas.

The children's project work reflects a diverse and multi-cultural society and is particularly sensitive and structured to accommodate each individual's needs.

Each year, the project is inspected by Ofsted and has consistently received praise for the quality and standards of its work.

For further details contact:
Christian Family Care
P O Box 515
BEDFORD
MK40 1YD

Telephone: Telephone
Fax: 01234 270155