6th edition of Revive newsletter now available

Read this domestic abuse survivor's full story on a recent article published by The Independent.

We have helped over 60 survivors find a new home in a new area of the country, where they can now live free of abuse. Find some relevant insights about those housed through our service below!

6 in 10 domestic abuse survivors rehoused came from BAME background

We also launched a new report that revealed that nearly 60% of the applicants we helped to rehouse came from BAME background. The report provided further breakdown on types of abuse experienced, age, most common housing needs and others. 

The report also offered an insight about the different obstacles BAME housing applicants faced when accessing housing and other frontline services.

‘Left on the scrapheap’: Higher proportions of black and minority ethnic women suffer domestic abuse but ‘face racism from public agencies’

The report was also highlighted in The Independent: 'barriers range from presumptions made based on the ethnicity of the victim, cultural background being overlooked or misunderstood, religious practices being ignored, and restricted access to translators.'. Read the full article.

Mindfitness: seminar for your staff

The mental wellbeing of our staff has always been one of our priorities. To help cope with stress levels caused by the difficult times we are currently living and the pressures of constantly dealing with distressing calls, our Revive case managers have been enrolled onto online courses, provided by Mindfitness, to help manage anxiety and think positively. 

Concerned about mental wellbeing of your staff? Combined Cognitive Behaviour Therapy & Mind fitness 1hr session for up 20 staff starts from just £295. To find out more about the offers available, contact miroslava.atkins@home-connections.co.uk.

KEEP UP TO DATE

Domestic Abuse bill passed: what will be the difference for survivors?

In a landmark moment for domestic abuse survivors around the UK, the Domestic Abuse bill has been passed. Among other things, the Bill will place a duty on local authorities in England to provide support to victims of domestic abuse and their children in refuges and other safe accommodation. Here's what else will change for survivors and their families.

Celebrating 12 black and minority ethnic professionals tackling domestic abuse 

Faced with the challenges caused by the Covid-19 crisis, Meena Kumari, from H.O.P.E. Training & Consultancy, organised regional meetings to discuss the impact of domestic abuse on people from black and minority ethnic communities. 

Inspired by the women present at these meetings, which included DA professionals, survivors and activists from all over the UK, Meena teamed up with artist and Psychology graduate, Daisy Meredith, to start the #BlackInDA #12Women digital art project. “#12Women is about raising the voices of inspirational agents of change”, says Meena. Get to know more about this project.

Free online training & meetings on Domestic Abuse

• 16th July: Free Workshop Webinar: Case Management – provided by DAHA. Open to any housing provider outside London
• 16th July: Free Online Training Session: Working with Domestic Violence During Covid-19 – provided by AVA. Open to any practitioner whose work brings them into contact with survivors of domestic abuse.
• 24th July: Domestic Abuse within Black, African, Asian and other Minority Ethnic heritage communities during Covid-19 – provided by H.O.P.E. Training & Consultancy. Key speakers include: Respect UK, Drive Project & Home Office.
• 28th July. Free Online Interactive Training Session: Managing The Effects of Working With Secondary Trauma – provided by AVA. 
• 29th July: Free Workshop Webinar: Family Law – provided by DAHA.  Open to all. With special guest Cara Smith of Holmes Family Law.

Revive is more than a relocation service, it is a project that gives people hope, the chance of a fresh start and a life without fear. It is with a sense of joy and accomplishment, that we share with you some of these success stories – which are our ultimate goals!
 

Domestic Abuse & homelessness: a dangerous link for LGBT+ people

Did you know 11% of LGBT+ people have experienced domestic abuse? In our blog, we shared stories of three applicants from the LGBT+ community that sought our help. Learn more to know how accessing secure and stable social housing has helped them to turn their lives around.

Feedback from our partners

“I’m thrilled with the outcome for one of our DA applicants, not only because she is a nurse and very much needed this move as an ‘accepted homeless’ domestic abuse survivor, but because it was achieved during a very challenging time as a result of Brenda & co pulling out all the stops to make it happen. Thank you, Brenda & Co, for all your hard work with this case to achieve a perfect outcome for this applicant and her children!" – Jo-Anne, Operations Manager from LB Croydon.

Moving out of unsuitable conditions

R.N. fled domestic abuse with her children and privately rented a flat that was too small for them. Living in cramped conditions, she sought the help of Barking & Dagenham who referred her to our services. The lockdown restrictions in place slowed the moving process, but working in partnership with Clarion, Revive managed to move her and the family to a three-bedroom house that matched their needs.

“I’m fortunate. The Revive team and the housing officer were both very sensitive to my needs and never gave up helping me”
 

Leaving abuse behind to start afresh

Experiencing issues with his stepfather, who was verbally abusing him, S.S. was asked to leave the house he had lived in for 15 years. As lettings were put on hold, Revive worked with Platform Housing to arrange a virtual viewing of the property and a digital sign-up. The property was in a new area but near to his sister still, which pleased the applicant, who moved in once restrictions started to be lifted and it was safer to do so.

“The area is lovely. The flat is very spacious and I’m grateful for the support I received from the team”