‘Tired and shabby’ refuge is now much more welcoming
A COMPLETE renovation has revived the women’s refuge from its tired, dull and shabby appearance.
Six years since it last saw some care and attention, the building has been updated with a new kitchen, bedding, and new carpets throughout, along with many more new features, but there are also plans for a new refuge in 2022.
Staff of the Safer charity’s refuge, which has two family and three single rooms, say it now looks more like a home for victims of domestic abuse, those who at that most vulnerable and desperate moment want somewhere to stay that is comforting.
Fiona Naftel, the chairman of the charity, which supports all victims of domestic abuse whether they be adults, children, women or men, said it was pleased to have been able to raise enough money over the years to give the place a revamp.
‘You should have seen it before,’ she said.
‘It was looking a bit tired and dull and for people who are coming to us during a particularly traumatic time it wasn’t very inviting.
‘To see it now I think it is a lot more reassuring.
‘Really we live hand to mouth and rely on fundraising to make sure we can provide the support which is so desperately needed, it’s thanks to donations and corporate fundraisers that we now have a building to be proud of.’
Charity Help a Guernsey Child donated new toys and items for the children’s play area.
One of the staff members said work on the property had been completed around two months ago.
They said many of the people who had sought them out were not always sure what to expect when they arrived.
‘People say it is a relief to be here,’ they said.
‘For them they want somewhere that is comfortable and safe. If we didn’t have this place there would be nowhere for people to go and being here is like giving them that chance to get their life back.
‘I think it’s really important the place can provide a setting that they can call a home, it’s definitely more of a home now.’
The charity’s patron, Lady Corder, the wife of Lt-Governor Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder, paid a visit.
‘It’s an incredible transformation,’ she said.
‘It was dull and depressing before and a bit shabby. When you walk in now it’s a lot more cheerful, which is especially important for people who are vulnerable and may be coming here as a last resort.
‘I can’t imagine what people must be going through to have to make the choice, but to see it as it is now must have a more reassuring effect than it did before.’
