The Haven welcomes first women to begin recovery from rough sleeping

A new supported accommodation service for vulnerable women with experience of homelessness and rough sleeping has welcomed its first residents.

The Haven, funded jointly by Dorset Council and Homes England, is run by regional charity Julian House. The new 6-bed housing scheme includes 24/7 onsite support services, delivered by an all-female staff.

The scheme provides a safe space for women who need specialist support, helping them to end the dangerous cycle of homelessness.

It has been designed to help women make progress towards independence and long-term security.  One resident has shared how much it means to feel truly seen and supported, saying it "feels like home" and they feel "valued and cared for" through regular welfare checks.

The opening of The Haven marks an expansion of Julian House’s services in Dorset, where it already provides rough sleeper outreach and general supported accommodation for people who have experience of homelessness.

Helen Bedser, Chief Executive of Julian House, said: “We are excited to grow our services in Dorset, ensuring that vulnerable women in the community have specialist support in a secure, stable home where they can rebuild their lives and recover from the trauma of homelessness.”

The new service follows research conducted by Dorset Council, which identified gaps in provision for female rough sleepers.  Female rough sleeping is not as visible to the public and doesn’t always show up on official statistics.

Women are less likely to visibly sleep rough, as they instead seek temporary accommodation, refuges or remain in unsafe relationships.

Health and Housing, Cllr Gill Taylor added: “We’re delighted the scheme is now open and that our first tenants have moved into their new homes. This will be the start of a new phase of their lives and I would like to wish them well going forward.

"This scheme was initiated as a result of talking to women experiencing homelessness and really listening to what they say they need. We have taken these views forward and delivered The Haven, which will prevent vulnerable people from resorting to living on the streets or rough sleeping, which is a key priority for Dorset Council.”

The recent government rough sleeper snapshot suggests that 15% of rough sleepers are female – but Homeless Link estimates that women make up 60% of people experiencing homelessness.

The tendency to only focus on rough sleeping can underestimate the need for female-centred support and a gender informed service such as the Haven can provide much needed care in the area.

People can report rough sleeping by visiting https://thestreetlink.org.uk/ or by calling the Council’s Housing Advice line on 01305 221000.

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About Julian House

Julian House operates outreach, accommodation and wraparound support for people who are vulnerable or at-risk across the South West.  These include homeless outreach and supported accommodation services in Dorset.

The charity supports people who are homeless, or recovering from homelessness, with a variety of needs; recovering from addiction; adults and children escaping domestic abuse; refugees building a new life and more.  

www.julianhouse.org.uk