Care Provided: Learning Disabilities
Service Type: Women's Refuge
We provide temporary safe accommodation for up to two years. During this time the women staying with us are able to address the difficulties, trauma and effects of abuse.
BLH provides a place to live that gives each individual as much choice and as much privacy as they wish within a secure and safe setting.
The scheme provides an environment where dignity, rights and independence are all respected.
BLH provides care and supported housing services to people with a range of special needs including the elderly and those with mental health needs or learning disabilities.
During their stay at BLH women are given the time and space to address any problems that may stem from the abuse they have suffered. Sometimes, just to have the abuse understood and recognised is the first and most important step to being able to deal with their experiences.
What Happens
Specialist staff at Beverley Lewis House work intensively with tenants to build their sense of selfworth, whilst also developing their potential. Each week staff run a range of workshops which help tenants to develop the skills needed to overcome abuse such as, safety planning and sexual health.
Workshops also cover a range of life skills to promote independent living, including health, budgeting, wellbeing and keeping safe.
The women are actively encouraged to have a say in all aspects of the house’s day-to-day running, which further helps develop skills to empower them towards independence once they are ready to leave.
Each woman is allocated a key worker. The key worker provides support in accessing a range of support services such as health, education, employment opportunities and social and leisure activities.
Key workers also provide information on local counselling and advocacy services where needed. Tenants benefit from weekly one-to-one meetings with their key worked
What's it Like?
There are six two bedroom flats, two of which are on the ground floor and wheelchair accessible.
Each woman has a key to her own room and to the front door of her flat. The building has external safety measures including an intercom system to enter the premises, 24 hour CCTV surveillance and 24 hour support including waking night staff.
Communal facilities which are wheelchair accessible include:
• Fully equipped kitchen
• Lounge and dining room
• Laundry room
• Resources room – which includes a computer, internet access and a small library
• Spacious garden
The Staff
The staff provide professional, friendly expertise to support the women as they move on in their lives.
They provide assistance in finding alternative, safe accommodation and support for women to move on. Staff work closely with a range of external specialists in areas such as health and local support groups.
Local Amenities
There are many facilities, shops, community groups and things to do in the local area. All of these are within walking distance of the house or a short bus or taxi ride away.
Assessment Criteria
Women aged 18 to 65 years, with a learning disability and are at risk of abuse or are fleeing abuse, may be eligible for referral.We are also able to provide emergency accommodation.
How to Find Us
Visit our office
Beverley Lewis House
Oakhouse
PO Box 7312
Telephone: 0800 432 0457
Vacancies
Please contact the East Living team for current information.
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Factsheet: Beverley Lewis House.pdf