Working in Partnership with Victory Housing

We recently opened a new safe house in North Norfolk, forming part of some exciting partnership work with Victory Housing Trust, who are part of the Flagship Group. The partnership will enable us to provide vital support to people in some of Norfolk’s most rural areas. The extra safe house means that Leeway now operates eight across the county, increasing the number of people who are experiencing domestic abuse that we can support.

New Safe House

In a recent blog post, we highlighted the important role that the provision of safe houses plays in our work. The post featured a video giving an insight into what it is like inside one of Leeway’s safe houses. 

Our new safe house will provide space for three women and two children fleeing domestic abuse, helping to meet an increased demand for services. At any one time, across all of our safe houses, we are now able to accommodate up to 55 women and 76 children who are fleeing domestic abuse. In 2018/19, over 300 women and children were supported in our safe houses.

Future Partnership

As of February 2020, we will be working with Victory Housing Trust to deliver a ‘Power to Change’ course for people who are either survivors of domestic abuse or still living with an abusive partner. There will also be a drop-in advice surgery which offers a place to talk and receive advice on issues such as housing, finance, and welfare.

Mandy Proctor, Chief Executive of Leeway, said:

“We are delighted to partner with Victory Housing Trust to deliver a new refuge service in North Norfolk, as well as running a Power to Change course in early 2020. These services will help to eliminate the postcode lottery that those in rural communities often face when attempting to access support. Working in partnership sends out a strong message that domestic abuse is not accepted in our communities and we are excited to work with Victory and the Flagship Group.”

Charlotte McKnespiey, Senior Community Management Officer for Victory Housing Trust, said: 

“Housing plays a unique role in supporting victims of domestic abuse, it can offer a safe place and chance to rebuild a life. As a rural housing provider, it is important that we do all we can. The drop-ins will offer support and guidance from specially trained staff and will be open to our tenants as well as the wider community in North Norfolk.”

We have a staffed emergency contact number for people who are experiencing domestic abuse in Norfolk and Suffolk. If you need to talk to someone, call 0300 561 0077.