Bedford Refuge provides emergency accommodation for victims of domestic violence. It is a joint project with Granta Housing Association in Cambridge.

There are ten accommodation units providing separate bedrooms for the residents and their children. There are shared kitchen, bathroom and sitting room facilities. The safety of the building is maintained with the use of security cameras and video recording.

The staff adopt an empowering approach to their work, recognising diversity and equally valuing all residents, irrespective of any differences in culture, religion or ability.

With the help of Supporting People funding, it has also been possible to provide resettlement support for residents leaving the Refuge and moving back into the community.

The Refuge is a key component of the Council’s homeless strategy and referrals are made in a number of ways including: Police, Local Authority Homeless Sections, Social Services, Samaritans, Women’s Aid Refuges and Helpline, Housing Associations, and Self-referral.

The Refuge and Charis Mother and Baby Care both receive funding from Bedfordshire County Council, Bedford Borough Council and Mid Beds District Council.

The Children’s Project
There is a strong commitment to the care and welfare of the children at the Refuge.

The Children’s Project provides a wide range of play and leisure facilities, including creative play sessions, and an after school club, one-to-one support and activities in the local community.

The project was fully refurbished in 2002 with the help of the Bedford Charity (Harpur Trust), providing improvements to heating and lighting, improved kitchen facilities and upgrading of storage areas. Externally, a new safety surface was provided with new play equipment and play areas.

The children’s project work reflects a diverse and multi-cultural society and is particularly sensitive and structured to accommodate each individual’s needs.