A refuge is a safe house where women with or without children can live free from abuse and have time and space to recover and start to take control of their lives. Help and support is then given to enable women to move on to permanent accommodation or accommodation that is more suited to their needs.

WALL offers a safe place to stay in a friendly environment where women can feel at home and get to know other women; shared facilities with your own family bedroom and a large garden with outdoor play facilities. There is limited wheelchair access.

Who can use the refuge?

Any women with or without children who need a safe place to escape from domestic abuse will be welcomed into the refuge, irrespective of their age, race, class, culture, sexuality, HIV status or ability.

If you are an agency looking to make a referral or need accommodation yourself at our City Refuge, please complete the 2 Referral forms:

City Refuge Referral Form and Referral Additional Information Form

These can either be emailed to admin@wallaction.org.uk or faxed to 0116 2831722

What other help is available?

At the refuge, we offer basic counselling and support from workers and other women in similar circumstances, as well as practical help with benefits, money, housing, health, education and training, social and cultural activities.

We can introduce you to a Women's Aid outreach worker who will provide support for you in the community once you have moved on from the refuge.

What support is available for children?

We have qualified children's services workers who, together with the refuge workers, provide family support for women and their children. We have two well-equipped and supervised playrooms and provide stimulating play and regular activities for children of all ages.

Do women have to stay in Leicester?

Not at all. We have links with over 300 refuges all over the country and can usually find you a place in the area you would like to go to.

Can women get support without coming to the refuge?
Certainly. We can arrange for you to meet with one of our outreach workers who will be able to support you in the community.

What happens when women leave the refuge?
We will still be there to help if you need us. You can join a support group, go on family outings and will be introduced to an outreach worker before you leave the refuge.

What do I have to bring with me?

These are a few things we suggest you bring, if you can:

• Money
• Clothes, for yourself and your children
• Benefit books and any other important papers
• Passport if you have one
• Any medicines you or your children might need.

If, however, you are unable to bring any of these, do not worry. If you arrive with only the clothes on your back, we will be able to help.