Our Properties
Our properties range from studio flats to three-bedroom family homes. All of our refuge accommodation is fully furnished and maintained to a high standard to ensure that your time with us feels like home. Some of our properties are accessible for those requiring any adaptations. All of our accommodation has advanced security measures. Some of our properties can accommodate your pets.
Given that some women need to leave everything behind, we make sure that all of our accommodation has everything that is needed to live comfortably, from toiletries to cleaning supplies and kitchen equipment to bedding, smart TVs, and toys for children to play with.
All of our refuges are designed to have everything that is needed for a safe and comfortable stay, including modern living areas with smart TVs and good wifi, bedlinen and kitchen equipment.
Your worker will take into consideration a number of factors before offering refuge. These could include: are the areas we have available safe for you? Do you have any risk factors that could put yourself in danger? Does the perpetrator or their family live or frequent nearby? Do you or your children present any issues which may impact on other residents? Do you have recourse to public funds? Are there any other known risk factors which may impact on your support?
Going Into a Refuge
Your worker will go through the occupancy agreement with you and will show you around the refuge and the surrounding area. North Ayrshire Women’s Aid operates an on-call service for all of those who are residing in refuge. You will be provided with this when you arrive. Your NAWA worker will then work with you to arrange your long-term secure housing.
All of our refuges have comfortable, safe living areas where you can relax.
What You Can Expect
We hope that your stay with North Ayrshire Women’s Aid (NAWA) is a positive experience and an opportunity to take time out to consider the next steps in your life. It is important that everyone involved in North Ayrshire Women’s Aid – women children, staff, and anyone else who visits our services – feels safe. We will work in partnership with you to set and maintain boundaries and ensure the best possible outcomes for you.
When staying within a flat /house belonging to NAWA you can expect to be always treated fairly and with respect. You will have access to a worker Mon to Fri (9am–5pm) and access to an on-call service at all other times. You will receive:
- A clean, appropriately furnished flat/house
- An inventory to sign to make sure that you have everything you need
- Support to engage with other services that you may need.
- Appropriate risk assessment to help you manage risk
- A trauma-informed needs assessment with an appropriate support plan
- One-to-one support from a NAWA worker
- Support to register with housing services
There are some simple house rules for living in refuge, to make sure you are kept as safe as possible. Your NAWA worker will discuss this with you before admission.
Leaving Refuge
When you move into your own tenancy after living in a refuge we will continue to provide support to help you settle into your new property. This could include helping to source furniture for your new home, helping to set up your utilities, or any other practical support as well as continued emotional support.
All of our properties have modern bathrooms, and some are adapted for accessibility.
Housing Benefit
There is a weekly charge during your stay in refuge. You may be eligible for full Housing Benefit; however, this would depend on your individual circumstances and whether you are in receipt of any benefits. This would include any legacy benefits, Universal Credit and Employment Support Allowance. If you are employed, the amount of rent you would be responsible for would be calculated by the Housing Benefit office within North Ayrshire Council and you would be obliged to pay the shortfall towards your housing benefit.