Remember you are not alone - domestic abuse can happen to anyone no matter your age, race, class, culture, disability, gender, sexuality or lifestyle.

Temporary safe accommodation for domestic abuse survivors in Manchester

Refuges provide emergency temporary housing for single women and women with children who are freeing themselves from domestic violence and abuse. Manchester Women’s Aid has five refuges across Manchester catering for up to 30 families in crisis. We will help in any way we can to facilitate a move-on to permanent housing.

Who are our women’s refuges for?

Our refuges are for single women and women with children who are escaping domestic violence and abuse and urgently need a temporary, safe place to live until a more permanent solution is found. Several of our refuges offer full disabled access. Our women’s refuges in Manchester are a mixture of self-contained units and communal homes, ensuring you stay safe during a time of crisis.  

What if English isn’t my first language?

We can provide interpreters for women who do not speak English. A number of our staff across the organisation also speak different languages including Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu.

What kind of support will I receive?

You will be assigned a support worker as soon as you enter one of our women’s refuges. Your support worker will work with you to create a safety and support plan that addresses your individual needs. 

The support we offer includes:

  • Emotional and mental health support
  • Practical - including assessing and applying for welfare benefits
  • Physical health, such as registering with a GP or help with drug and alcohol issues
  • Children’s playgroups [See below for link to children’s playgroups page]
  • Obtaining a local school or nursery place
  • Accessing further education, training or work 
  • Ongoing counselling

All of this support is geared towards finding you a new, safe home. Nobody should live a life in fear, including you. Talk to our team to get the help you need. 

Children at refuge 

Our refuges support twice as many children as adults. A video, based on a child's experience of coming into our refuges, explores the  feelings and hopes that children encounter as they make this important step towards a new life free from the fear of violence and abuse. See the video here. 

Who are the workers that would work with me?

Our refuges are managed by experienced and trained staff who provide individual support for women and their children. Whilst women and children are living in a refuge, staff work in partnership with them to help develop a support plan that each individual uses to start getting their life back on track. 

We value your views on our service, so residents are encouraged by staff to participate in house meetings, coffee mornings and other support groups to get the most out of their time in the refuge. Consultations are also held in refuges regarding any changes in legislation or services. 

How do I get referred to the refuge service?

You can make a self-referral for our service and our trained staff members will provide you with advice on your next steps. We also take referrals from statutory and voluntary agencies.

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