The Haven Wolverhampton celebrated the official opening of ‘Pearl House’ 11th January 2006 by Rt Hon. Meg Munn MP (Deputy Minister for Women & Equality)

This £1.4 million unique refuge is responding to the needs of vulnerable women and children, and has been a vision of the Haven team for the past 5 years, who have identified a gap in services for this particular group. With the support of Midland Heart (formerly Prime Focus), The Housing Corporation and Wolverhampton City Council, Pearl House opened its doors to women and children in January 2006.

Letter from the Assistant Chief Executive

Over the past 6 months, The Haven has re-shaped some of its hostel provision and in January we opened our specialist hostel for women who are experiencing mental ill health as a result of Domestic Violence. What is unique about this project is that we also accommodate and provide much needed support to their children too. The next phase in development of our services is now well underway.

We completed the purchase of St Jude’s (an old Victorian building) in March and renovation work will have commenced by the time you read this newsletter.  St Jude’s will replace one of our existing accommodation services, which no longer meets health and safety regulations and is therefore not a safe environment for women and children. We continue in our endeavours to raise funding for St Jude’s refurbishment and as yet, we have reached just over half of the budget needed. Your continued financial support will mean that the renovation work will be completed in time for November’s handover.

Numerous activities for Haven resident women and children take place and you can read about some of these in this issue. Also included in this newsletter is information on partnership working especially with the Children’s Team and our plans to help support our resident children throughout the long school holiday –‘Summer Play Programme’
 
We continually strive to improve our services with regular project reviews. This involves consultation with our service users as this is the only was we can shape our services to meet their needs. Currently underway is a fundamental review of how The Haven provides support to children and you can read an update on how this is going. 

Our research into the needs of African Caribbean women and their children experiencing Domestic Violence has now been completed and we are not necessarily surprised at the recommendations highlighted in the report. As an outcome and to address some of the recommendations, The Haven is now in the process of recruiting specialist Floating Support and Advocacy staff to work with this client group. Sincere thanks are extended to all the women, our partners and staff that took part in the research which has resulted in an information rich report. An Executive Summary will soon be published and if you would like a copy please contact us.

Our Annual Staff Development Day took place on 15th March at Bingley Centre, an opportunity for the staff team to re-focus, share information and forward plan. The ‘Vision Statement’ was adapted via group working and approved at Board level. “The Haven Wolverhampton’s vision is for all women and children to live in a society free from oppression, homelessness, violence and abuse and to promote and uphold human rights.”

I hear it’s going to be a long hot summer, let’s hope the women and children at The Haven and those supported by our various community based projects enjoy the summer as much as you do.

Jasvinder Devgon
Assistant Chief Executive Officer

Page 1..
- FOCUS: Introducing Pearl House
- Letter from Assistant Chief Executive

- Hostels Update

Page 2..
- Children's Services Update
- Children's Involvement
- Partnership Development

Page 3..
- International Project
- External Training Team

From June 2005 to December 2005 The Haven Wolverhampton received referrals from 548 women and 445 children; we were able to accommodate 178 women and their children.

The Haven Wolverhampton aims to provide quality and sensitive services to women and any dependent children who are affected by domestic violence and homelessness and in need of safety, shelter, stability and support within an environment of equality, dignity and respect.

Visit our website at www.havenrefuge.org.uk for details of how you can make a difference.

Our business office number is 01902 572140, fax: 01902 572144.
For referrals and 24 hour emergency assistance only, please call 01902 713001.
Business Administration Office:
1st Floor, Herian House, Fold Street, Wolverhampton.

You can also email us at info@havenrefuge.org.uk