New funder awards £35k to Southampton women’s refuge

Longleigh Foundation, a new grant-making national charity launched this year, has made a grant of £35,000 to South Hampshire Women’s Refuge. This will fund a six-month ‘Recovery Toolkit’ scheme designed to equip women in crisis with the life skills they need to leave their situations and live independently. The refuge is operated by social housing provider, Stonewater. The six-month programme will fund 15 women at a cost of around £2,300 per candidate. Longleigh Foundation’s funding will also help South Hampshire Women's Refuge remodel its support facilities to accommodate more women with complex needs. Since 2010, 17% of all refuges in England have closed due to funding cuts. Sue Terry, Chair of Longleigh Foundation, explained: “South Hampshire Women’s Refuge is one of many shelters around the country which has had to reduce its services due to funding cuts and urgently needs money to deliver key programmes and support services which women in crisis so desperately need.” She added: “We are now looking to form strategic partnerships with other funding organisations and businesses in Southampton and the region who can help us identify worthwhile community projects aimed at helping vulnerable groups in need of financial support.” About Longleigh Foundation The Longleigh Foundation was established by social housing provider Stonewater to assist vulnerable residents against a backdrop of welfare reform. It aims to support the most vulnerable groups in our society. In particular it focuses on young people, older people, people with mental and physical disabilities, and anyone who has been subject to, or is at risk of, domestic abuse.

from UK Fundraising http://ift.tt/2pB2b1G