services...

Taunton Women's Refuge provides safe temporary accommodation and support to women fleeing abusive relationships so that they can recover from the traumas of the past and to enable them to take control of their lives and make choices about their future.


The refuge is purpose built and offers a well furnished, homely environment. The building   has 12 bedrooms, one of which is a ground floor en-suite accommodation for disabled residents.  Bedding is supplied by TWR but residents are welcome to bring their children's favourites.  Personal possessions are welcomed but unfortunately we cannot accept furniture due to storage space required.

The lounge is a place to unwind and perhaps relax in front of the tv, read, or listen to music away from the hustle and bustle. With  views of the rear garden it offers quiet time.



The playroom is the most popular room with the children!  It offers them a safe, clean  and secure environment where children can be themselves  and have fun. It is a well used area with a wide range of toys and equipment for children of all ages. Our dedicated play workers ensure that the children are well supervised and leave very happy. The rear garden is securely enclosed and surfaced with astro-turf offering year round access. The garden is clean and well maintained and very popular in the summer months!


There is also a communal laundry room fully equipped with washers, driers and irons. The machines take tokens to operate which can be obtained from any member of staff.

The well equipped communal kitchen and separate dining room offers our residents enough room to prepare, cook and eat their meals, with ample utensils, and storage cupboards. The kitchen also has  an adjoining freezer room.Our dining room is another  busy room within the house. It gives most residents the chance to meet up for a chat over a cup of coffee  and a place where the weekly house meetings take place.

Housing benefit is immediately applied for to cover costs of staying at TWR but an additional nominal weekly charge  is also required.
 

In-house services offered:

Counselling:
we can make appointments for 1 to 1 sessions, within the refuge,  which are both confidential and free.

Women's Support Group:
we have support groups  that meet up outside the refuge to discuss issues such as :
self-esteem • confidence • assertiveness • health
more details

Workshops / Activities:
we offer regular workshops/activities usually based on where residents interests lie.  Past activities have included  pottery, glass painting and bread making. Trips are catered for  both mums and single residents such as visits to the zoo, wildlife parks, theatre trips.  Local businesses also contribute  by organising  trips for the residents and their children.

We also work closely with Somerset College of Arts and Technology (SCAT) where residents are encouraged to find where their hidden talents lie!  Some residents, both present and former, are attending SCAT learning, or brushing up on, IT skills with a view to taking up full/part time courses at the beginning of the new college year. Courses are designed for both pleasure and formal qualifications to help residents rebuild their lives. The variety of courses are numerous ranging from hairdressing to painting and decorating - there's courses to suit everyone!

House Meetings
these are held weekly, chaired and minuted by residents themselves. All residents have the opportunity to raise issue, with staff, regarding the smooth running of the refuge.  A good opportunity for any grievances to be aired!