Our ladies’ emergency supported accommodation is based within the men’s accommodation at Washington Court. There is a separate ‘cluster’ for women with five beds. The maximum stay is three months.

Women are normally eighteen and over, but we have taken in the occasional sixteen year old. Referrals are made to us from outside agencies like the police, Social Services, YWCA, prisons, the probation service, outreach workers and neighbourhood offices. Virtually anywhere.

Women in Crisis

The women we meet are often in crisis, many come in traumatised and frightened if they have escaped from domestic violence or have never been in a homeless unit before. They usually arrive with nothing – no clothes or money. Every week we meet women who have drug or alcohol addictions. They desperately want to break free from these soul-destroying habits that have usually wrecked their lives and caused many of them to end up in prison. This is because they have thieved or prostituted themselves to get more money to pay for addictions. Often they have been evicted from other hostels or are unable to sustain their own tenancy. Due to their lack of support or rehabilitation many have had children taken into care and cannot cope with the feelings of guilt and self-blame.

A safe environment

We are a direct access unit, but every referral is subject to interview. This safeguards ourselves and current residents whom we need to protect. The priority is to provide a safe environment, a shelter from the storms of life. We do our best to give sufficient support, whether people stay short or long term.

 

This is a homeless centre run by Christians. The difference that makes is huge. We offer a professional service and try to address the needs of the whole woman and believe that includes the spiritual dimension. So we do take opportunities to share our faith with residents. Bibles are placed in each room and we sometimes watch Christian videos together. We meet together every day on a voluntary basis to read a passage of scripture, discuss it and then pray for anyone who wishes it.

Craft sessions take place whenever possible and we try to promote the local ‘taster’ sessions of computing, maths and literacy courses. We occasionally go out on day trips.

Mental health

A significant number of men coming into Washington Court these days have mental health problems. It's the same with the women. On several occasions we have had to call in the Mental Health Team and sadly some women have had to be taken elsewhere, as we are not really geared up to meet all their needs. It can be difficult at times, as the women’s cluster is not normally staffed at night. One resident recently tried to drown herself in the bath. She was diagnosed as suffering from a personality disorder and displayed some bizarre behaviour. We have had several residents who suffered nervous breakdowns; they are constantly on medication and are dependent on it.

Failing relationships

Family and relationship breakdown is common too. We have some women from Asian families escaping arranged marriages, terrified of being traced. A lot of the younger women we get have been thrown out of the parental home because of family breakdown, sometimes following arguments with step-parents, but more often than not there has been some form of physical or mental abuse. We offer to arrange counselling if we feel it is necessary. If a younger resident has left home because of her unreasonable behaviour, we encourage her to work towards reconciliation.

 

An eighteen year old was pregnant and had hurt her mother because of her lifestyle; she had been involved with gangs and up in court on theft charges. The mother was not aware of the pregnancy or of her daughter’s homeless state. There were also mitigating circumstances surrounding the theft incident; an abusive boyfriend had fled after beating her. Reconciliation with her mother seemed impossible, but we began to pray and supported the girl in court, and then the mother made contact. Not long afterwards a council property was offered. Mother and daughter are getting on well now and are looking forward to the new baby. That girl knows that God answers prayer.

Resettlement

Some of our residents go to Pamela House for a longer period but we are involved with a lot of resettlement work as well. The resettlement process begins virtually straight away. We assess the resident’s needs and try to work towards independence by allowing her to take responsibility for herself and think about what she really wants and needs. Some need supported housing; others prefer semi-independent housing; they may want a flat or even a house. Some need rehabilitation. We refer young residents into bedsits or other suitable hostels. We do a lot of liaising with housing associations, the city council or other projects. We arrange furniture provision via access to the BCM Resource Centre and apply for relevant benefits. Previous residents often come back to see us and express their gratitude for the support they have received.

We do see success and feel encouraged by progress made. One ex-resident is now a Christian, in full-time employment and has become a BCM volunteer. When she came here she had lost her home, her job and her self-confidence. She had no faith but after our Bible studies and prayer times she decided to make a commitment to the Lord. Sandra and Jackie both used heroin and desperately wanted help. They had left a rehab and were referred here. They are now Christians, have gone to a Christian rehab and are doing well.

Please pray for daily strength and wisdom. We can also use more volunteers to help us with Bible studies and practical duties.