In today’s current climate, there are so many charities competing for funds. Each has its one vision in aspiring to bring a quality of life to those who are less fortunate. I know that for us at The Haven, it is becoming more and more difficult to sustain the levels of support that we experienced five years ago; this is due to various reasons, including constraints imposed upon funders by higher authority. However, we continue to strive to support our women and children escaping Domestic Violence, and endeavour to continue our commitment to reaching out to this particular client group - offering access, support, unique service delivery and a life line to those who are temporarily disadvantaged. Our ultimate aim is to provide safe emergency accommodation, to assist with the recovery process, and to help women and children achieve a better future as upstanding members of the community. We are in our 32nd year as The Haven, and have accumulated a wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise in the field of Domestic Violence. We are recognized as a valuable contributor to effecting change in the lives of women and children. Of course, we could not have survived without ongoing financial back-up – not only from our mainline funders, but also those groups, funding bodies, benefactors, churches and individuals (both locally and nationally), who have willingly contributed to help us in our delivery of essential/additional services to women and children.

It goes without saying that without the help and support that we have experienced through the years, we would not be in this lofty position, and for this we are extremely grateful. Because of your generosity, we are able to develop the services needed in our multiple planned extension programs - including the development of a Mental Ill Health Hostel, a Criminal Justice advice service, and the extension of counselling services to children and, via the Floating Support Team, to those unable to access and the community based projects - to name but a few! These services are not instead of, but are additional to our core objectives. We very much appreciate the good will of the many who continue to help us move forward in the fight for freedom from Domestic Violence.

The physical accommodation and quality standard throughout all our hostels will continue to be developed, and we focus our efforts on unrestricted funding. We are seeing new government ideas and concepts - of full cost recovery and contracting, commissioning, and capacity building for the voluntary and charitable sector. With increasing competition for funding, we need to ensure The Haven maintains its existence and uniqueness.

A huge thank you is extended to all, on behalf of the women and children whom you have supported through your kindness and generosity over the past twelve months.
Please continue to walk that extra mile with us towards enabling a greater quality of life for women and children escaping Domestic Violence.