Keyworking

When women first arrive at the refuge, they are assigned a keyworker. This is one of the refuge staff who will come and introduce herself, take you through to the interview room where resident and keyworker can begin to create an individual support plan.

At SWA we believe in support for the whole person, so we don’t just talk about domestic violence and abuse, as we would like to support women and children in any way they need, both practically and emotionally.

Refuge workers can help in many different areas, including;

• budgeting & accessing benefits
• help finding a new home
• accessing health services
• getiing children into local schools
• gaining legal support
• accessing opportunities in education and employment.

All our refuge workers are trained around issues of domestic abuse and violence, and all are well aware of the trauma that women and children accessing our services may have experienced. They treat all individuals with respect, and will keep the needs and safety of residents at the forefront of any work they do  - and will be there to support any decisions that women choose to make.