Being in Fortalice has really changed my life for the better. Me and my daughter have had so much support from all the fantastic staff. I have had time and help to fix myself and feel so much better in myself. Seeing my daughter blossom from a shy, quiet little girl into a bright, talkative and confident girl has made every second worth it.
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What does the Refuge provide?
Our Refuge gives warm, welcoming, safe accommodation for women and children in a modern building with 22 self-contained and fully furnished flats. Each flat is equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, furnished bedroom and living area.
New residents can feel apprehensive about coming in to the Refuge so we always ensure there are welcome packs provided and teddies on the beds to help the residents settle in.
The staff here support residents 24 hours a day, helping them with everything from dealing with the criminal justice system to benefits. Each resident is supported by a team of workers who have a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Residents are given support, educational training and practical help towards their independence.
Resident consultations this year have resulted in a comprehensive range of activities including group work, mental health advice, first aid courses, Eid celebrations, relaxation sessions and healthy eating on a budget. All sessions are rooted in the key objectives of empowerment, personal development and recovery for our women.
Adult Services
24-hour help line
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide emotional and practical support to victims and to give advice to professionals.
Allocated DAV Recovery Support Workers
Providing 24 hour support and guidance for residents with individual support plans to develop new skills and positive wellbeing. As well as providing emotional support, the DAV Recovery Support Workers assist with housing needs including registration and liaison with housing agencies, applying for benefits and assisting with pathways into education and employment.
Individual Support and Group work
We provide group activities to promote social interaction, inclusion and self-confidence. This includes therapeutic session such as art therapy and relaxation sessions to encourage the resident to share their thoughts and emotions in a safe place.
We also give access to educational and personal development sessions including the Freedom Programme and Next Steps. These weekly sessions lead women towards a future free from abuse.
Dedicated Drug & Alcohol Worker and Mental Health Coordinator
The residents at Lewis House are supported by a Mental Health Coordinator and Drug and Alcohol Recovery Worker, if required, to aid their recovery. We work with each resident individually to support their specific needs.
Research shows that women with mental health problems are more likely to be abused, with 30 – 60% of women with a mental health problem having experienced domestic violence. Some women who have experienced violence cope with this trauma by using drugs, drinking alcohol, smoking or overeating. Research shows that about 90% of women with substance use problems had experienced physical or sexual violence.
Children’s Services
Children in Lewis House
Children can be the innocent and forgotten victims of domestic abuse. When exposed to Domestic Abuse and Violence, children become fearful and anxious. They very rarely know what will trigger abuse and therefore never feel safe. They often find it difficult to express how they are coping and hide behind closed doors.
Research shows that children are suffering multiple physical and mental health consequences as a result of exposure to domestic abuse. Amongst other impacts, over half (52%) had behavioural problems, over a third (39%) had difficulties adjusting at school and nearly two thirds (60%) felt responsible for negative events: CAADA research report.
At Lewis House, we have a highly trained team of specialist workers in order to help children work through the trauma they have suffered. We provide a wide range of interventions to help children develop new skills and rebuild their lives. We continue to develop our services to meet children individual needs and help them work through their experiences, moving forward with positive aspirations and hope for the future.
The activities include a range of group work providing an arena to develop social skills and friendship networks and Just for You sessions giving children the opportunity to share their story and work through difficult emotions.
First Contact
An assessment to establish the physical, emotional, behavioural and educational needs of each child.
Outstanding Ofsted Registered Nursery
For early years children adhering to the EYFS standards to promote learning and development.
After School Club
Providing therapy and activities for primary school age children.
Youth Club
Providing a friendship group and entertainment for children older children to develop personal and social skills.
Just for You Session
One to One support with a qualified children’s worker supporting their individual needs.
School Ready Sessions
Supportive educational sessions for school age children who are awaiting a place in a local primary school.
Playroom Sessions
Offering educational, nurturing and fun sessions for children of all ages.
Relationship Building and Parenting
Domestic Abuse can impact upon relationships between mothers and children. We offer assistance and advice on parenting skills including strategies around boundaries, routines and behaviour management.
Family Activity Days and Outings
Run during school holidays, days for the whole family as well as just for children, from trips out to parks, play centres or places of interest to activities within the Refuge and surrounding area.
Computer Club
Our IT suite with internet access allows children to complete course work, school projects and play games.
Children’s Transition Worker
When children leave the security of the Refuge they often feel overwhelmed, worries and uncertain of what their future holds. Through the transition project, Fortalice provides a tailored package which will ensure children’s’ specific needs are met when moving to unfamiliar surroundings by proving support and opportunities to help them integrate in to the wider community.
Case Study
Jodie was 12 years old when she arrived at the refuge with her mum and younger brother having fled Domestic Abuse from the children’s father. Mum disclosed that she had been subject to physical, emotional and verbal abuse for 10 years which had increased in severity and Jodie had witnessed frequent incidents.
Jodie presented as very reluctant to engage, blankly looking at workers as they chatted to her; she failed to respond to relevant questions and was quiet and withdrawn. One to one sessions started and, although it was initially difficult to engage Jodie in conversation, the children’s worker persevered and gradually she began to open up and share her experiences. She shared how unhappy she was in her own skin, with a very poor self-image. Jodie was suffering from body dysmorphia.
Work was completed to assist Jodie in building her self-esteem and confidence. Supporting her to switch her negative automatic thought process, gradually we began to notice improvements. Her tone of voice was clearer, she no longer spoke in whispers and she was observed interacting with a small group of young people in youth club.
Three months later, Jodie came to tell us she had auditioned for the end of term school play and had successfully been given a lead role. This was such an incredible turnaround for her.
The picture here is the last piece of artwork Jodie completed in her Just for You session.
(Names have been changed to protect identity)
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What our clients have to say about Lewis House…
I cannot thank you enough for the help and support you provided for my children and I. Although our stay was short, it’s impact and influence on us will empower us to turn our situation around and find our happily ever after. Lewis House is an amazing, healing place.
The service has given me time to think and plan for my future. It has given me more confidence to know that I can manage on my own and live independently. More than anything, when I was feeling low, staff always helped me to see the positive side and gave me strength and hope. I could not have done it without them.
Our experience here at Fortalice has been nothing but positive. When we first came here I was stressed, anxious, worried about the future and full of guilt… and months later I am leaving here with a happy heart, a happy son and more importantly the confidence and belief that our future is going to be a great one. We will never forget what Fortalice has done for us. Above anything else, you gave me hope when I had none.
My child can now talk freely, he has felt listened to. His development and behaviour has improved, he has loved his sessions and the trips. The Children’s Workers are brilliant!
Thank you for all you have done for my family. Thank you for giving me the strength and knowledge to pursue a healthy relationship.
I have had a chance to realise that was not a life. I have a chance to live now. I came to Lewis House as a girl and I’m leaving as a woman. I’m more independent, I’m confident in my ability, I no longer care what others think of me.
Being in Fortalice has really changed my life for the better. Me and my daughter have had so much support from all the fantastic staff. I have had time and help to fix myself. Seeing my daughter blossom from a shy quiet little girl into a bright, talkative and confident girl has made every second worth it. Thank you so much!