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An evaluation of the Refuge Access for All project
- Authors:
- AVA, WOMEN'S AID
- Publishers:
- AVA, Solace Women's Aid
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 59
- Place of publication:
- London
An evaluation of Solace Women’s Aid’s Refuge ‘Access for All Project’ in five London Boroughs, using qualitative and quantitative data from service users, managers and staff. The project aimed to improve access to, and the outcomes for, women and children in refuges with mental health and/or substance use issues who have experienced domestic abuse. A key aspect was the creation of a Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE) across Solace refuges, which included improving mental health training for staff and the provision of play therapy for children. The evaluation found that the project led to an increase in the understanding and confidence of staff in dealing with mental ill health and substance use issues and an increase in staff expectations of the support they could expect to receive from Solace for themselves. It also resulted in a reduction in the number and proportion of service users turned away because their mental health needs could not be met and received positive feedback from residents. The report provides lessons for Solace Women’s Aid, commissioners, policy makers and other providers. (Edited publisher abstract)