The refuge is a lovely old shared house, with a garden and conservatory where Mums can stay with their children and be safe. In the house you and your mum will share a bedroom. Sharing a house with other people can feel strange or confusing at first but there are Support Workers who are there just for you, and Support Workers who are there just for your Mum, who will help you all to settle in.
Understanding what children need is a big part of what we do. Whatever age you are or whatever you like to do, we want to find out a bit more about your needs and make your time here a safe and happy one.
We also know that as you get older you want something different, more time to yourself and to be treated more like an adult - but still have plenty of fun.
We are specially trained to work with children and young people. With our help you can:
- Settle in quickly
- Make new friends
- Have someone to talk to
- Feel good about yourself and your family
- Find a new school
- Join in new activities
What mums and children have said ...
"My relationship with my daughter has improved during our time in the Refuge. I feel more able to handle situations where her behaviour is challenging."
"The children's workers were amazing with the children ... my son enjoyed all the messy play."
In the Refuge
Because of funding cuts our services to children have been reduced though by August 2011 we will have specialist children’s workers in the Refuge 4 days of the week and until then there is 1 part-time worker providing support, play and other activities.
Softplay
This play area is for children under 5. This is an excellent area for kids to release all their energy in a safe and fun environment. The soft room is open at all times on request and children under 5 years old can use this room at any time with their mum.
Activity Centre
This is for children 5 – 10yrs old. You can use the laptops, the internet, play games, play on the Wii or the karaoke machine. You will also find books to help you with homework.
The Upstairs Den - Ages 10 + Only
This room is for teenagers and children over 10 and is an excellent space where older children can play on the Play Station, listen to music, do homework or just a place to chill and get away from it all. If you are over 11 this space is just for you. There is a TV with DVD, computer with internet, you can listen to music, do your homework or just chill out and get away from it all.
Play Room
The play room is an excellent environment for children to get to know other children and express themselves without fear of making a mess! There are sessions and activities for both pre-school and school-age children.
The play room is a place to have fun. You can do different activities such as art and craft, play games, cooking, musical instruments, sand, water and lots more. We have sessions and activities for all ages.
Garden
There is a large garden with play equipment and lots of space to run around.
And ...
Monthly Meetings
Every month there is a children and young people's meeting where we all get together to think about what it's like to live at the refuge. This is your chance to tell us any worries or concerns you may have about the way we do things, and make suggestions about how to do it better.
School Holidays
During the school holidays we organise special activities and trips out. We might go to the seaside, the zoo or bowling.
