Jersey Women’s Refuge has recently launched a £130,000 fundraising appeal ahead of a move to an expanded safe house which will allow them to accommodate women and children with more “diverse needs.”
The Refuge that was founded by Rozelle Sutherland celebrates its 35th anniversary later this year, and is looking to move into a new and larger premises. The new facility will enable the charity to not only be able to continue the support to women and children as they have been doing, but to extend that offer to those with disabilities, with pets and sons up to the age of 18 in a self-contained unit, something which hitherto has not been possible.
The newly-appointed CEO Lisa Leventhal said that the money will help the charity refurbish and secure the new site.
The Women’s Refuge is currently the only organisation in Jersey offering a local safe house and independently run 24-hour specialist services for women and children who are, or have been facing domestic abuse.
The charity receives some funding from government departments, but is heavily reliant on the generosity of islanders and corporates who donate.
The work of Jersey Women’s Refuge extends beyond supporting women and children in need of safe and secure accommodation and into the community and schools where they run education programmes to promote the need for respectful relationships.
JWR’s helpline is 0800 735 6836, and islanders seeking help can also email hello@jerseywomensrefuge.org.