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At Leeds Women’s Aid, we support over 100 children and young people in refuge settings each year, with almost every adult accessing the refuge service having one or more children who have witnessed or experienced the trauma of domestic violence and abuse. Families arrive in our refuges vulnerable and scared, as they have had to leave their homes, families, schools and possessions, and sometimes move many miles in order to be safe, away from harm. We ensure families feel safe when they arrive with us by creating an environment that promotes dignity, self-respect and well-being. The new children’s and young people’s hub will provide a crucial space for a variety of specialist one to one support, group work and activities for these families.

The children and young people’s hub will be based at our largest refuge, Emmeline. The project will involve a major refurbishment of an existing building on site, including installing a first floor, a new kitchen, a new heating system, accessible entry and toilets and a designated sensory area for under five-year olds.

The aim of the hub is to create a sanctuary for children and young people to visit to relax, play and interact with other children, helping their recovery from the impacts of domestic violence and abuse.

We are hoping to raise £20,000 through the public appeal to go towards building the hub. To discuss the ways you could support this project, please email [email protected] or to make a donation, please visit: https://localgiving.org/appeal/LWAYoungPeoplesHub/

Check out the 3D plans for the hub in the images!