Wear Valley Women’s Aid - Services & Advice
Refuge Services
Emergency Accommodation takes the form of a large building in Bishop Auckland. Women (and children) approved for refuge accommodation (see Referral criteria) are allocated their own bedroom, but share communal facilities such as kitchen, bathrooms, living and dining rooms, and laundry equipment. There is also a large playroom containing toys and activities for children of all ages.
All women and children temporarily living in the building are safeguarded by video intercom systems, CCTV, multiple locks on doors, panic alarms (which are directly linked to the police) and a discreet external appearance.
The refuge is not intended as a permanent home; it is safe and secure emergency accommodation for women (and children) escaping a dangerous domestic situation. Wear Valley Women’s Aid maintains links with Durham County Council and are on hand to support you to consider more permanent housing options (see FAQs).
Advice Services
Wear Valley Women’s Aid to operate an ‘Outreach Service’ which aims to meet the needs of those not accessing refuge services. You may wish to seek advice and support but feel safe in your own home (or do not wish to leave your home). If you wish to access this service, please dial 01388 600094 (9am – 5pm) or 07946 190 203 (24hrs).
Please do not hesitate to contact us for advice relating to your safety and the safety of children. However, we are not an emergency service – in an emergency, dial 999.
Areas of advice and support
- Welfare benefits and rights: assistance in maximising benefit entitlement, making new claims, and ensuring that any special circumstances are considered (disability for example).
- Legislation and rights: women involved in the legal process are supported in finding appropriate representation, usually in relation to family proceedings, or criminal prosecutions of former partners. Women have access to support during involvement with Social Services; case conferences, core groups etc. Women can also be supported throughout the process of seeking asylum and Visa/Right to Remain applications
- Housing: women are assisted in seeking long-term accommodation. Once in a new home WVWA provide support to maintain their home and finances. This can include looking at bills and spending, and debt management if necessary (arranging and managing regular payments on any outstanding house arrears, for example).
- Children: access to a specialist children’s worker: play and learning opportunities, support and advocacy. Maintain links with health visitor where appropriate.
- Women encouraged to feel more confident, independent, with a higher self awareness, and self esteem. This work is a constant and is usually the overall objective, around which most other areas of work are developed.
This is an individualised service. Support is tailored to fit around each family’s needs and requests. WVWA will only provide refuge-based or outreach support if a service-user expresses that she would like this support, and if it is felt that she would benefit from it.
Referral Criteria
At Wear Valley Women’s Aid, the safety of women and children is our top priority. As many of the facilities in the building are communal, it is important for every adult accessing services to be background checked, to ensure that no person living in the refuge has criminal convictions for violence, or aggression, or anything else which may compromise the safety of themselves or others. For this reason, we cannot allow anyone using illegal drugs, or alcohol-dependant to access the refuge facilities.
If you wish to access refuge services, or wish to refer another person for accommodation at the refuge, please dial 01388 600094 (9am – 5pm) or 07946 190 203 (24hrs). You will be asked a series of questions to ensure safety and suitability.
If it seems you would be better suited to another service, as you may have additional needs or would prefer to be further away, we may refer you on to other refuge services (you will be asked if you would like us to do this).