East Living | Beverley Lewis House

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Beverley Lewis House

A supported housing service that safeguards women with learning disabilities who are at risk of, or fleeing abuse.

Care Provided: Learning Disabilities
Service Type: Women's Refuge

Since 1995 Beverley Lewis House (BLH) has provided women with learning disabilities with temporary accommodation and specialised support to help them escape domestic violence or other forms of abuse.

Accommodation in our purpose built house is provided for up to two years, and during this time individuals are given the personalised help and support they need to overcome the trauma of abuse and rebuild their lives.

BLH is a national service based in London that any local authority can refer into.

WHAT WE DO
We provide 24 hour support and safeguarding for vulnerable women, helping them to recuperate, work through their distress and develop strategies for personal safety.

Our friendly and professional staff take a multi-agency approach and work closely with a range of specialists to ensure each woman is safeguarded and receives support for her specific needs, along with opportunities for personal development to build her confidence.

We respect the dignity, rights and independence of each woman by ensuring she has choice in managing her support and privacy to get on with her life.

WHO CAN USE OUR SERVICE?
• Women aged 18-65 are eligible for referral if they have a learning disability and have been diagnosed with having other support needs, owing to physical disability, sensory impairment or borderline mental health issues.
• The individual will also have experienced, or be at risk of, domestic violence or other forms of abuse.

LEARNING, GROWING, SUPPORTING
• We run a range of regular workshops to give women the life skills they need to protect themselves and live more independently, covering topics including personal safety planning, relationship management and budgeting.
• Women are encouraged to have a say in running of their home.
• Each woman receives a dedicated support officer who will meet weekly.

A WARM NEW HOME
BLH is a bright, modern home with:
• six self contained two-bedroom flats
• two are wheelchair accessible

Communal house facilities include:
• fully equipped kitchen
• lounge, laundry and dining rooms
• resources room; includes a computer, internet access and a library
• spacious garden

Security and safety
• intercom for entry and 24-hour CCTV surveillance
• Support staff available 24 hours a day
• confidential address to safeguard tenants

REFERRALS
Emergency referrals
We are able to take emergency referrals by phone 24 hours a day, to provide immediate accommodation for women in high risk situations. Call us on 0207 473 2813.

Steps for referrals:
If the applicant meets initial criteria, BLH will do a ‘risk and needs assessment’. (In emergency referrals, the applicant can move in immediately, before the assessment takes place.)

If her needs can be met by our service, her tenancy becomes official and we will create a detailed support programme for the rest of her stay.

Also consider:
• confirm that her social worker will work in partnership with BLH
• you can make a time for the woman and/or her advocate to view BLH

Beverley Lewis House exists today thanks to organisations Powerhouse and the East Thames Group, who supported a group of women with learning disabilities to turn their idea for Beverley Lewis House into reality.