Disused building turned into new 20-bed refuge in Lancaster for families affected by domestic abuse

The £1.825m project, completed during lockdown, is the seventh refuge owned by Calico Homes, and will be managed by Calico’s SafeNet service, which is now the lead provider for domestic abuse services across Lancashire and provides specialist help for women, children, men, LGBTQ+ and BAME victims.

Speaking at the handover, chief executive for the Calico Group, Anthony Duerden, said: "Our latest SafeNet refuge is now open in Lancaster, and this has been an incredible achievement from everyone involved.

“Recent events have exposed and deepened many of the inequalities that already existed in our communities and housing organisations have an even bigger role to play in the days to come.

“As the economic impact of the crisis continues to take its toll, we must remain focused on people who are homeless, fleeing their homes, or are at risk of losing their homes.

“There has been a significant increase in cases of domestic abuse and we are committed to developing new refuge and support services across our region, as well as promoting domestic abuse awareness and training in every part of our business.”

The redevelopment took 27 weeks to complete, with works undertaken by Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction to create 15 bedroom and 5 self contained flats, alongside communal kitchens, livings areas and a large, secure outdoor play area.

The property has been furnished by social enterprise Furniture Matters.Work continued carefully throughout the pandemic, whilst adhering to strict Government Health and Safety guidelines, to ensure that this essential building was delivered to a high standard and on time to help meet the demand for rising refuge services, especially during the Covid crisis.

Commenting on the project, Helen Gauder, managing director at SafeNet, said: “The new project has created additional, much-needed homes to enable us support people and families who are often fleeing from unsafe and unhealthy environments. Sadly, the demand for domestic abuse support services is higher than ever.

“Alongside our existing refuges across the north west and as lead providers of Lancashire refuges, we welcome the expansion and look forward to being able to support even more people, now and in the future.”