Newcastle's oldest women's refuge to close
Newcastle Women's Aid will close their doors in September after 40 years providing accommodation for vulnerable women.
Newcastle's oldest women's refuge will close its doors in September and staff say they're devastated.
Newcastle Women's Aid has provided emergency accommodation for vulnerable women and children for over 40 years.
A decision made by Newcastle City Council means their refuge centre, where they've been for around 35 years will now close.
A new contract has instead been awarded to Thirteen Care and Support Company and their partners, who'll be based in a specially built unit in the city.
Those involved with Newcastle Women's Aid have expressed their shock.
Justine Massingham, Chair of Newcastle Women’s Aid said *“**This is extremely disappointing news for NWA not only for staff who have shown dedication and commitment to the service but also for the women and children whose lives this service has changed over the past 40 years”.*
Elaine Langshaw, Service Director said “Everyone here at NWA is shocked and upset with the outcome. During the long tendering process we have continued to provide high quality services to women, children and young people whose lives have been affected by domestic abuse. Our specialist expertise has evolved over 40 years to meet the changing needs of our clients including assessing risk level and safety planning. The work we do is vital! We are sad for the City of Newcastle and concerned about the impact this decision may have for women, young people, children and our partner agencies”.
A service user said *“**I dread to think what would have happened and where I would be without Women’s Aid. In fact, I don’t think I would be here. Women’s Aid has given me the strength to carry on”.*
Newcastle City Council say the new centre, supported by a financial boost of £1.6million, will safeguard Newcastle's most vulnerable women.
Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Joyce McCarty, said: "The award of this contract demonstrates our determination to protect and support the most vulnerable despite the pressures we face from government cuts and I am delighted that we will be working with Thirteen Care and Support and Changing Lives. I am very confident that they will provide vulnerable people and their children with help and support that is shaped around their needs. “In the last year 6,375 incidents of domestic violence or abuse were reported to the police in Newcastle, involving 3,898 victims. These are shocking statistics. “For many women this represents a major crisis in their lives. A time when they and their children need intensive support and a place of safety so they can get their lives back together. “We are determined to put the right support services in place and we have listened very carefully to existing service providers and domestic violence survivors so that we can be confident that our services are shaped around them."