Refuge Domestic Abuse Accommodation Service Contract - 2024/2025

The provision of a Domestic Abuse Refuge - Accommodation Service including 8 self contained units + 2 dispersed SOP Properties- 8 dispersed properties from 1st October 2024-31st March 2025.

£310,000 per year (1st October 24 to 30th September 2025). Core Refuge (8 units + 2 Dispersed) £250,000 Safer Options (1st October 2024 - 31st March 2025) £60,000).

Continuation of Safer Options beyond 31st March 2025 is subject to the Council identifying further funding, if applicable a contract variation will be completed.

The Council requires a Refuge in the instance where staying at home becomes the least safe option in the options available. A core building with self-contained facilities will be directly available to female victims of domestic abuse and their children, along with dispersed properties to support women and children and people who may not fit the criteria for the core refuge accommodation. Providing a minimum of ten units of supported housing in total. Access to this will be a short-term arrangement, expected to be an average of between three and six months. Occasionally victims of domestic abuse may require a longer period this will be agreed with commissioners by exception. It will be the responsibility of this service to manage this facility and ensure it facilitates the diverse needs of all residents. The level of support offered will be flexible and will be based on the ongoing assessed needs of individuals.

The Service will provide support to single women and women with or without children, who have experienced domestic abuse, or are at risk of domestic abuse in the Core refuge building.

The Service will provide support to single men with or without children who have experienced domestic abuse or are at risk of domestic abuse whilst accommodated in the dispersed refuge accommodation.

The Service will support victims of domestic abuse to keep themselves and their dependents safe, to live independently, developing confidence, enabling participation in group work and social activities to combat loneliness and social isolation. Individuals will also be supported to gain the skills required to manage their tenancy and to participate as fully as possible in the local community.

The Service will form part of a whole system approach to domestic abuse, as part of the wider domestic abuse pathway.

Additional information: This contract includes the delivery of Social Value commitments in line with the Council's Social Value Policy.

The contract value is £310,000 per year (1st October 24 to 30th September 2025) Agreement.

Core Refuge (8 units + 2 Dispersed) £250,000 Safer Options (1st October 2024 - 31st March 2025) £60,000).

Continuation of Safer Options beyond 31st March 2025 is subject to the Council identifying further funding, if applicable a contract variation will be completed.