Frequently Asked Questions

There are many questions that women and children have when they find themselves in a situation of domestic violence and when turning to the Refuge for support. We have listed questions frequently asked about issues surrounding Women's Services.

If you do not see the answer to your concerns or queries on this page, please call a member of the support team on 01642 225969 or email enquiries@middlebroughrefuge.org.uk

Q1. HOW LONG WILL I BE HERE?

You can stay in the refuge for as long as you need to. This may be just a few hours while you speak to a refuge worker or you may decide you just need a few days space and time to work through things with support, or perhaps you want to get re-housed — whatever you need we can help.

Q2. I HAVE NO MONEY WHAT CAN I DO?

Don’t worry we can help get your finances sorted whether you work, are on sickness benefit or need to claim benefits for the first time.

Q3. ALL MY STUFF IS AT HOME - WHAT DO I DO?

Don’t worry you can come to the refuge with nothing, we have emergency food, clothing, toiletries and towels — we provide bedding and all kitchen equipment. If you want to get personal belongings from your home we can arrange a police escort to ensure you are safe.

Q4. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET A HOUSE?

When you have decided you want re-housing we will support you to make a homeless application with Middlesbrough council, once they have processed your application they can make you an offer in or near your areas of choice. We can also help you complete housing association applications to increase your housing options.

Q5. WHAT CAN I DO WITH MY FURNITURE?

If you have made a homeless application with Middlesbrough council they may be able to arrange to have your furniture stored free of charge until you get re-housed.

Q6. WHAT TYPE OF SUPPORT WILL I GET IN THE REFUGE?

We will help you with whatever your support needs are. We offer emotional support and practical support with sorting money, housing, legal help, education and health issues the list is endless and what we don’t know we will find out!

Q7. WHAT ABOUT MY PETS?

The Refuge has contacts with the RSPCA and for a short period we can arrange for your pets to be housed in kennels/cattery with costs paid, if needed we can also have your pets fostered at a charge of 5Op per day.

Q8. WILL I BE SAFE IN REFUGE?

We try to ensure everyone is safe in refuge and have excellent security measures. The address of the refuge is confidential and we do everything we can to keep it that way.

Women's Support Services  :  Accommodation  :  Learning Centre  :  Children's Services
Resettlement Service  :  Telephone  Helpline