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Children & Young People 

Refuge (a temporary and safe place to stay)

For some people it is no longer safe to keep staying at home, so your Mum may make the decision for you and your mum to move into a safer, temporary home called a 'refuge'. 

Coming to refuge can be a bit scary,  so we asked some children and young people who have lived in our refuge to think of some questions that they would have had before they came and what they would tell someone who is coming into refuge

Children's Questions:

what is refuge?

Children's Answers:

'it's a safe house where there is no fighting'

'it's got a big garden and a playroom you get to go into.'

Worker's Answers

'A refuge is just a normal house or flat but we ask you to keep the address a secret so it is safe for all the families who live there.
You don’t stay in refuge for ever, just until you find a new, safe home to go to.'

Will I have to share?

'I didn't but my friend did.'

'Sometime it was annoying, must mostly good.  You've got someone to go to the park with and it meant my mum was not lonely.'

'You might have to share with another woman or family.  You won't share a bedroom with anyone other than your own family members, but you may have to share a bathroom, kitchen or living room.  You will have a TV in your bedroom and can borrow a games console if you would like.'

Can I bring my own stuff with me?

'I brought my own stuff- my best things.  I could not take the big things at first, but have got my bike and stuff now.'


I didn't get to bring anything because we had to leave in a hurry, but the workers gave me clothes and toys and things.'

'You can bring your own stuff with you to refuge, however you might not have enough space as you would at home, so your mum may put things into storage until you get a new house.' Sometimes you might have no warning that you are coming so you might not be able to bring your things.  We understand this is really hard for you so we try to provide toys, clothing and whatever else you may need.  we also have a lending library of books, dvd's and games you can borrow whilst in Refuge'.

Can my friends come to visit?

No- one else is allowed in refuge, it's the rules. I missed having my friends around'

I know why it's a rule and I understand, but I don't like it.

'One of the things that most children find difficult is not being able to have visitors to refuge. We know this is hard, but it is for a good reason why.  The refuge address must be kept a secret and if you have friends around this would be difficult.'

How long will I have to stay?

' I was there for about 2 months, before me and my mum got a flat.'

'we stayed for ages, nearly a year!'

'Unfortunately we don't know how long you will stay, everyone is different.  It depends on where your mum wants to live, who she is getting another house from and what size of house she needs.  You can stay in refuge for as long as you need, until you are given a new home.'