The Haven Women's Refuge

Resettlement Services

Leaving the safety of a refuge environment can often be an isolating experience. The Haven has a Resettlement Service which aims to support women and children through this often daunting process.

The Haven's Resettlement service is able offer prctical support with:
	Claiming benefits
	Assistance with furnishing a house
	Changing a child's school
	Budgeting
	Accessing other services in your area
The service also offers emotional support:
	Listening
	Support in attending appointments (e.g. solicitor, court)
	Referral to counselling

This service is available to those residing within The Haven refuges. When the time comes to move on, Resettlement workers are available to support women with accepting a tenancy from the Council or a Housing Association or the decision to live with family/friends. The Resettlement service initially offers support whilst clients are in the process of settling into their new homes. If ongoing support is required after clients have left The Haven, a referral is made to the Community Advocacy Support Service.

My Journey

The door is standing open, my things are packed, it's time to go. I'm feeling really nervous - am I ready?
I don't know
How am I going to manage, on my own?
Please say I'll cope.
Kindly faces, reassure me, warmly smiling, give me hope.
I think of friends I'm leaving, an unknown future's waiting there. On my journey I start crying, even offer up a prayer.

Another door is waiting, if I dare to turn the key.
To open up a new life -thanks for doing this for me!
Can I face the future, put behind me all the pain.
I'm feeling lost and helpless, then someone calls my name.
Familiar faces greet me, gentle hands guide me inside.
At last I've found my haven,
And its given back my pride.

Ann, 1999