SAHWR

Rebuilding lives after domestic abuse

SAHWR (St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge) is a specialist charity providing vital accommodation and services to survivors of domestic abuse and their families.

The Charis Shop helps SAHWR deliver the tailored support that’s essential to the people they’re helping. Liz Perry, who manages the safe accommodation (refuge) explained, “Having access to the Charis Shop has helped us support many families both within safe accommodation and the community.

“Having deposited funding into our Charis Shop account we can now access and distribute multiple categories of support. For some families, we send retail vouchers so they can buy clothes. For others, we’ve ordered beds and energy efficient appliances so that they can furnish and equip a new home.

“The delivery and installation of appliances is invaluable and takes away the worry and expense for the family.”

It’s clear the work of SAHWR is vital. Liz told us, “Domestic abuse can have a devasting impact on both adults and children. It can result in death, physical injury, permanent impairment, emotional and psychological effects, loss of income or work, homelessness and loss of opportunity.

“Safe accommodation provides a conflict-free environment, where recovery can begin.

“For many families, entering a refuge means leaving everything that is familiar – their home, their belongings, friends, family networks, pets, places of work and education. It’s daunting, but this is where we start the process of emotionally and physically rebuilding lives and finding them safe alternative accommodation.”

You can read more about the work of SAHWR on their website at www.sahwr.org.uk.

Creating a new home and building a new life

“When one young 19-year-old women fled her relationship, she was very isolated, without family or friend support.

“She spent her time in a refuge recovering from the abuse suffered. She was determined to make a fresh start and whilst there was offered her own studio flat.

“She was very excited but had nothing. We used the Charis Shop to provide her with vouchers to buy paint so she could decorate and organised a new washing machine. Other charities helped with white goods and furniture. Six months on, she has made her flat a home and is settled.”

“Having access to the Charis Shop has helped us support many families both within safe accommodation and the community.”

“For many families coming into refuge means leaving everything that is familiar – their home, their belongings, friends, family networks, pets, places of work and education.”

“During their time in refuge, we start the process of emotionally and physically rebuilding lives, and finding safe alternative accommodation.”

Liz Perry, manager, SAHWR

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