Purpose

This report presents an
application for funding under the Council’s Community Funding Programme.

 

An application to the Community
Fund from Stop Domestic Abuse, the charity that runs the Fareham Refuge, has
been received for £2,139 towards the purchase of new furniture and furnishings
to update the Refuge’s current living room space. The project includes the
provision of new sofas, a dining table set, storage and a children’s bookshelf.

 

Southern Domestic Abuse Service
(trading as Stop Domestic Abuse) is a local charity providing services to
women, children, young people and men affected by domestic abuse in Hampshire.
Clean, fresh and well-equipped refuge spaces in their Fareham Refuge will allow
people who need emergency accommodation in the area to feel safe and
comfortable, creating a welcoming home feel which is key to supporting families
through this difficult time.

 

The average length of stay in the
Refuge is 3 months.  In the financial
year 2023/24 the charity supported 23 women and 52 children at this facility.
They currently have 7 women and 10 children staying in the Fareham Refuge.

 

The cost of replacing the
furniture is £4,279.98. Stop Domestic Abuse are looking for £2,139 from the
Community Fund, with the remainder being funded by Stop Domestic Abuse’s funds
allocated for the replacement of furniture in their refuges across the County.

 

Both Cllr K Wiltshire and Cllr L
Whittle support Southern Domestic Abuse Service’s application for the Fareham
Refuge.

Decision

RESOLVED that the Executive
Member for Leisure and Community approve the award of £2,139 to Southern
Domestic Abuse Service from the Community Fund towards this project.