There are four main options:
Under the Housing Act, housing departments of district councils have a statutory duty to house someone who is fleeing domestic abuse. This service is open to all and not just those who have previously lived in council property.
You are not expected to give supporting evidence when claiming homelessness due to domestic abuse. Although it is much easier for the homeless section to accept you as unintentionally homeless if they do have some evidence - this can be given by your health visitor or doctor.
People 1st (Slough) was launched on 1 January 2006 taking responsibility for managing and improving Slough's council housing.
The council has a duty to help some people who become homeless. If you need help, call MyCouncil on 01753 475111. Or, contact a housing adviser direct on 01753 787853 or 787858.
A refuge is a safe house for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. Some are only for women from particular ethnic or cultural backgrounds (for example Black, Asian or South American women). Many refuges have disabled access/provision.
If you have children, you can take them with you but there are some refuges that may not take teenage boys.
To find a refuge with available accommodation, you can call:
the National 24 hour Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 200 247 which is run in partnership between Women’s Aid and Refuge
Your local Women’s Aid – for Slough it is East Berkshire Women’s Aid - 01753 549865 or 0800 085 2654 or Kinara Asian Women's Service on 01753 592988.
When refuge accommodation has been found, a member of staff from the organisation will discuss how you can get there. They may arrange to meet you somewhere easy to find If they do give you the address or location of the refuge, it is important that you keep this information to yourself and you do not leave any of the information behind (to avoid your location, or the contact details of the refuge to be traced).
To see a ‘virtual refuge’, visit the Women’s Aid website.
The Slough Sanctuary Scheme is another measure to temporary accommodation. The Scheme gives additional security measures to the homes of domestic abuse survivors. Each Scheme is tailored to accommodate the needs and circumstances of those involved. The service is discreet and confidential and the security providers are (Criminal Records Bureau) CRB checked and trusted.
To be eligible for the scheme:
For more details, including contact numbers, please download the Slough Sanctuary Scheme leaflet below.
For all enquiries please contact the Customer Service Centre
01753 475111
My Council
Landmark Place
High Street
Slough
opposite Slough Library
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