Supporting People at Christmas Time Traditionally, children see Christmas as a time of happiness and excitement. Days and nights are spent making long lists of wonderful things, the latest games, the newest fad. Sadly, for some, Christmas just doesn't seem to work out that way; especially if Mum's had to leave home to get away from a violent or abusive partner. For a child, leaving home at any time of year is a huge upheaval, even if there was no alternative. At Christmas it's traumatic. Thankfully, here at The Haven Wolverhampton, we have a long-standing tradition of our own.

At Christmas we make sure that if a woman and her children need to come to us they will always be made welcome. Gifts for Mum and presents for children are always conjured up from somewhere! Staff go out of their way to help the family feel safe and secure and welcome.

We are proud of our reputation in the field of supporting women and children experiencing domestic violence. We have gone from strength to strength over the years, developing new services to meet the different needs arising from the effects of domestic violence. We have worked hard to persuade others to see that there is often a link between women suffering from mental ill-health or substance abuse because of domestic violence. Our counselling services for women provide valuable help to those going through the emotional turmoil of domestic violence. Indeed, we are almost unique in our support to children through therapeutic counselling. Many of the developments of late have arisen as a result of a new funding regime aimed at helping vulnerable people.

Supporting People, a national policy approach to help people into suitable housing and to assist them to develop the skills needed to maintain independence, came on stream in April 2003. Since then there has been a rapid expansion in services to support vulnerable, marginalised or hard-to-reach groups such as people with learning disabilities, families fleeing domestic violence, people with mental health problems or those with drug or alcohol problems.

The idea was well intended: It seemed logical to bring together the myriad of funding streams and combine them into one huge pot. Dividing up the funds from the pot was intended to make access to resources fairer, especially for smaller organisations where time, effort and skills to apply to grant making trusts were limited. However, Supporting People has brought with it the need for all organisations to comply with the monitoring arrangements which accompany the contract.
For thirty years The Haven Wolverhampton has provided advice, support and accommodation to women and children who need us. Whether it was during office hours, in the middle of the night, or on Christmas Day, we have always tried to respond quickly and empathically to women and children who come to us for help. Today, we still act with speed but the difference is that Supporting People want to know what we are doing and how we do it. Consequently, during the course of her stay with us, from admission to onward referral, we are required to complete twelve different forms for every woman who comes to us. We never let the need to fill out a form get in the way of helping a women feel safe from domestic violence. Our staff will always prioritise the work with the woman and her children before allowing bureaucracy get in the way. The sad part is that eventually the paperwork must be done and this means taking precious staff skills and time away from the real work of supporting women and children.
So, if the paperwork isn't quite up to scratch when our contracts are Reviewed by the Supporting People Team, let's hope that they remember we are here, first and last, to support women and children to feel safe from domestic violence.

Kath Farmer (Performance Manager)

A Tribute to the Late Mrs. Honor Pringle: Founder & Board Member It is with deep sadness that staff at The Haven heard the startling news of the death of our Founder and Active Board Member 'Honor Pringle' in August 2004. Mrs Pringle was a very astute lady being involved in many City projects but most importantly had a vested interest in the day to day happenings of our organisation. We fondly greeted her as 'Mrs Pringle' giving her the respect she so rightly deserved during her fast track missions on Haven business. She always took the time to offer greetings and enquiries on our well-being, addressing all staff on the ground floor at Chapel Ash on her journey to the 'Attic' with those horrible parallel stairs. I must admit I did feel somewhat sympathetic towards her having to endure the stair task. She lovingly joked with us about her journey, a woman of strength and power, no task too great! I believe we all respectfully mourn the loss of a truly remarkable woman! I know that the impact of that loss will have a huge knock on effect on our organisation, not only in taking the business forward but by the influence that Mrs Pringle had on many of our financial supporters in the Midlands. We offer our deepest sympathy to Dr Edward Pringle, family members, relatives and friends of a truly remarkable lady.

Page 1
Christmas Appeal
Letter from the Chief Executive

Page 2
Children's Services at The Haven Wolverhampton
Christmas at a glance from the Children's Services
On an information note!

Page 3
Supporting People at Christmas Time
A Tribute to the late Mrs Honor Pringle

Also
The Haven Wolverhampton External Training
The Haven Wolverhampton Donation Form
CRARG Advocacy Training

Don't forget to support The ClothesLine. Open Monday - Friday, 10:00am to 4:00pm. 26, Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton. Telephone 01902 572134.

Business Administration Office:
26, Chapel Ash,
Wolverhampton.

For referrals and 24 hour emergency assistance only, please call 01902 713001.

Our business office number is 01902 572140, fax: 01902 572144.

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

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