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, issuing an urgent call for financial 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 an average occupancy of about 90%.
The refuge is staffed by a dedicated and extremely hard-working team of eight, mostly part-time. It 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 refuge's ongoing operations. The target is £20,000, which will keep the refuge open until the spring.
Donations can be made via the Local Giving fundraising page https://localgiving.org/fundraising/save-SWR or donate via the Salisbury Women’s Refuge website donations page: www.salisburywomensrefuge.co.uk or use the QR code
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