Salisbury Women’s Refuge, a vital lifeline for women and children escaping domestic abuse, is under immediate threat of closure following a severe lack of funding. The refuge is appealing to the public, local organisations, and funders to help secure its future with an urgent call for monetary donations.
The refuge, which dates back 150 years to an orphanage created to offer safety and life-changing support, now provides secure accommodation for up to 12 women or families at a time. While being based in Wiltshire, Salisbury Women’s Refuge offers nationwide support, hosting families in need from across the UK. In recent years, the refuge has operated at about 90% average occupancy.
The refuge is staffed by a dedicated and extremely hard-working team of eight, mostly part-time and is supported by volunteers, delivering comprehensive, specialist support – including one-to-one guidance, the nationally recognised Freedom Programme, Outcomes Star for domestic abuse, counselling, play therapy, help with court proceedings and housing and preparation for moving on to independent living.
The refuge has successfully operated independently without dedicated domestic abuse funding for 3 years, receiving only basic housing benefit as a landlord. Without urgent financial support, Salisbury Women’s Refuge will be forced to close. This would leave some of the most vulnerable women and children without help and safety.
Caroline Probert, Chair of Trustees for Salisbury Women’s Refuge, comments:
“From its origins in the 1800s to the present day, this refuge has relied on the compassion and commitment of individuals who believe in protecting those who have nowhere else to turn.
“We are now asking our community once again to stand with us. Without urgent donations, we cannot continue to offer safety, hope, and a path to independence.”
A Call for Immediate Donations
Donations of any size will directly support the ongoing operation of the refuge. Our target is £20,000 which will keep the refuge open until the spring. Please visit the Local Giving fundraising page https://localgiving.org/fundraising/save-SWR to help us achieve our aim, or donate via the Salisbury Women’s Refuge website donations page: www.salisburywomensrefuge.co.uk or use the QR code:
Previous residents of the refuge have shared their gratitude at the lifechanging support they have received – names have been initialised for anonymity:
A – “There are not enough words to thank you for everything you have done for me and my son. You mean so much to us.”
RG – “You have been an integral part of positively changing the entire life trajectory for myself and my son with your genuine compassion and patience.”
B – “I am going to miss everyone here, the house itself is amazing, so much space and facilities. This will have a special place in my heart always. Thank you for being a part of my and the children’s journey. All of the staff are always there to listen and guide.”
ML – “SWR gave me and the children everything that we needed, it is a safe space for mental health support.”
VM – “I cannot put into words the experience me and my daughter had. We have built our confidence and met new friends. The support has been amazing.”
JL – “I wasn’t here long but I had the support when I needed it and found all the staff to be amazing.”
B – “Each day you all made me feel safe proved to me that I do matter, and I feel you have changed my life for the better. You will always have a place in my heart.”
M – “Thank you for showing us such love and kindness at a difficult time.”
