Over a third of domestic abuse starts or gets worse when a woman is pregnant.

Pregnancy is a time many of us look forward to and treasure – despite the challenges of morning sickness, tiredness and swollen ankles. So, it’s heartbreaking to think of the ordeal Emily, and many women like her, are faced with: domestic abuse in pregnancy.

Emily’s story

Earlier in the year, we shared the story of Emily. She was 32 weeks pregnant with her little boy, Charlie. Living out each day of that pregnancy not in anticipation of joy, but anticipating pain, violence and abuse. She had to climb out of a window in the middle of the night to get to safety.

“My partner started screaming at me. I don’t remember why. I never usually remember the whys anymore. Just the whats, and the feelings. I needed help.

“He’d locked me in the house. My phone had been smashed. An internal door was smashed. I was a mess, terrified of the impact of this stress on the baby. I needed out.”

A new life

Emily found us and, thanks to our supporters, we had the resources to offer her the support she needed to heal and grow. Her son was born in safety and they’re both thriving.  

Emily has kept in touch with Oasis Community Housing as she continued on her journey toward healing.  “I have always said that Oasis Commuity Housing gave me the foundations to start building a new life for me and my child.

“It gave me a sturdy setting to progress in further education and I now utilise my academic skills with my personal experiences to enable me to support other people. I am doing a job I love.

“Oasis Community Housing was there for me in the darkest, most challenging period of my life.”

Our charity Christmas card

Emily attended a card-making session at our projects this November and created the design for our 2022 charity Christmas card.

We think it’s lovely and think you will too. Thank you Emily. And a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us this year in our mission to bring hope, not homelessness.

“If it wasn’t for the Empower [domestic abuse] team, I wouldn’t have found the strength to get back on track. That support will stay with me forever.”

* Names have been changed to protect identity

Social housing and regeneration expert Carolyn Wood has been appointed new Director of Programmes at Oasis Community Housing, overseeing all of the homelessness charity services.

Carolyn joins the charity’s Leadership Team from her own strategic consultancy business. With 16 years’ experience in the housing sector, from frontline roles to senior executive level, Carolyn has previously worked for Benwell Neighbourhood Management Initiative, Home Group and Auckland Home Solutions, a specialist supported housing provider.

Commenting on her appointment, Carolyn said, “I am absolutely delighted to join Oasis Community Housing and am looking forward to working with passionate and committed professionals who are driven to improve the lives of the most vulnerable adults in society.

“I am excited to be involved in influencing and shaping the services we offer as well as how we improve our provision of services throughout the UK.”

As Director of Programmes, Carolyn will oversee Oasis Community Housing’s homelessness charity services; its drop in centres, outreach, emergency accommodation, domestic abuse and employability projects that help over 1,000 people on their journey out of homelessness each year.

Based in Gateshead, Oasis Community Housing has services across North East England and South London with a strategic aim to expand its work across England.

Carolyn succeeds Phil Conn, who will move into a newly-created role as the charity’s Director of Chaplaincy.

Oasis Community Housing’s Chief Executive, David Smith, said, “We’re delighted to appoint Carolyn to this vital role at Oasis Community Housing, not least because she has a wealth of experience in enabling people facing crisis to find the right accommodation and support.  As we enter financially challenging times that are already pushing those who are struggling to the brink, Carolyn’s appointment will ensure we can continue to provide top quality support to those we serve.”

Domestic abuse charity campaigners and services highlighted fears of an escalation in abusive behaviour over the Christmas period – as people spend more time with abusive partners, there’s higher alcohol consumption and worries over money.

“Domestic abuse is the leading cause of homelessness, particularly for women. This year, COVID has had a major impact on our work – from the rise in demand, to the need to provide support for longer, as well as the complexity of needs we’re seeing,” says Lynne Livsey, Head of Programmes at Oasis Community Housing.

“Victims of domestic abuse have been locked down with their abusers, exacerbating their situation and making withdrawal from their environment almost impossible.”

The charity’s Empower service has recently received a much-needed grant from AkzoNobel’s True Colours Community Fund. The global coatings manufacturer has an internal campaign to educate and empower employees around domestic abuse, which launched during the pandemic, to raise awareness and as part of their Mental Health in the Workplace work.

Our domestic abuse team: A Day In The Life >

Michaela Warwick, Section Leader at AkzoNobel, who nominated Oasis Community Housing’s domestic abuse service for the company’s grant, explains:
“For almost two years now, charities have been hit by reduced opportunities for fundraising due to the global pandemic. The work that Oasis Community Housing do is so important and aligns closely with AkzoNobel’s internal campaign around domestic abuse, that I thought that they were the perfect choice to receive a True Colours fund donation.

“I’m so pleased to hear how it is already positively impacting the lives of local people in need and look forward to continuing to work with the charity in the future.”

The charity’s Empower service provides one to one and peer support groups to allow people a safe space to open up and find their voice again. Equipping women to make safe choices and understand what a healthy relationship looks like. The team restores people’s confidence and empowers them to move forwards by helping them to access legal advice and make safety and recovery plans.

The True Colours Community Fund will be used to provide a discretionary fund for the Empower programme to support women’s recovery, help build resilience and keep them safe. This includes paying for: counselling sessions to support mental health needs; childcare; safety cameras and locks for windows; and an interpreter to help access professional services like solicitors, social works and health visitors.

Lynne, who oversees Oasis Community Housing’s Empower, continues: “Our discretionary fund offers a real life-line for the women we support through our Empower domestic abuse service. For example, using this fund we were recently able to cover the costs of a removal van which helped a woman to move into a new property and begin a new life free of domestic abuse.

“She now feels so much safer, happier and has started one of our educational programmes.”

Find out more about our Empower service >

Homelessness charity Oasis Community Housing is joining White Ribbon UK and thousands of other indviduals and organisations in raising awareness of domestic abuse and violence, in a bid to prevent it before it starts, as today (25 November) commences 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

Oasis Community has a long history of working with women who have experienced the trauma of domestic abuse or are in need of accommodation and housing related support. Domestic abuse and violence are major factors leading to homelessness, with over a third of women who become homeless having experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence.

The charity’s launched its commitment to the 16 days of activism with a free online event, Domestic Abuse – it’s everyone’s business. New trusee Fiona Bowman led a panel discussion with Paul Quinlan of EY, Amanda Stallwood from Akzonobel and Bev Coombs of Gateshead Council, whom shared how their businesses have been supporting employees who are victims and survivors of domestic abuse. The charity works closely with Gateshead Council on the delivery of its domestic abuse services, and Akzonobel is generously supporting this life-changing support for women in the North East.

Know someone facing domestic abuse? Visit our Get Help page >

During the event, Fiona also shared her own story of escaping a violent relationship thanks to the support of her employers at the time. Fiona says:

““It took me a long time, nearly 18 years, to disclose to employers that I was a survivor of Domestic Abuse, but when I was ready I started to go out and speak to businesses about the importance of employers in the lives of victims and how, if they can put policies and structures in place to support their staff who may be experiencing abuse, their intervention may save a life.

“It would be good to find effective ways of embedding cultures in all businesses to ensure that survivors and perpetrators can universally receive signposting to the best help available. “Creating supportive structures with well-trained Managers and Mentors who can spot the signs early and have robust policies in place to guide these employees. Early intervention saves lives.”

Tackling domestic abuse

It was Lynne Livsey, Oasis Community Housing’s Head of Programme for Prevention, who first invited Fiona to speak to the charity’s Board. Lynne has been instrumental in the development of the Empower domestic abuse service at Oasis Community Housing in recent years and it’s her vision of an integrated approach to tackling domestic abuse that the charity is developing.

Ahead of the 16 days,  Lynne and Fiona have reviewed and update the charity’s internal domestic abuse policies. Lynne explains:

“‘We’re adopting a whole systems approach to domestic abuse, ensuring that we continually review and improve the support we offer. This includes: providing training and raising awareness of domestic abuse amongst our own staff and volunteers wherever they work, appointing workplace champions to offer peer support, and responding quickly and effectively when abuse is suspected or disclosed.”

“We believe that Employers have a crucial role to play in raising awareness and responding to domestic abuse and we are delighted to be playing our part in this year’s White Ribbon campaign and 16 days of action.

“We will be raising awareness of the warning signs that something is not right, training staff to recognise the different types of domestic abuse, providing support to managers to deal with disclosures and ensuring that individuals affected by domestic abuse are referred to specialist services for advice and support.”

How you can help

Help us keep women safe in our communities and make a life-changing difference to the many facing domestic abuse, donate today.

Our Empower Team is our domestic abuse service working in Gateshead to provide women with the support they need to recover and move beyond the impact of domestic abuse.

Holly shares what a typical day in the life of a domestic abuse worker looks like.

“This morning started with a visit to a young woman’s home. Together we completed a review of the risks and created a support plan. She is in the process of family court, which she is finding stressful – being there for her at this time is so important.

“She recently reported historic abuse, although the police investigated they didn’t have enough evidence to pursue it, which was disappointing for her and another thing to have to work through. We talked through police thresholds and processes for reviews last time we spoke and today the client told me, after our last meeting, she had decided to request the police review their decision.

“As I got into the car to my next appointment, I picked up an incoming call, it was a woman we’d previously worked with reaching out for support. She needed some advice as her abusive ex-partner was back in touch; being friendly and asking for favours.

“It can be difficult for women to know how to respond in those situations. We talked through the risks around this and the cycle of abuse she had been stuck in with him before. We talked through some safety tips, such as blocking his number if she felt safe to do this, and talked through what positives she would get from having contact with her ex again and what problems she could face. Before I ended the call, we made a plan for me to check in again next week.”

Need help or know someone facing domestic abuse: Visit our GET HELP page >>>

“I headed to my next appointment with a client who isn’t able to attend our Empower group, but wants some support in understanding aspects of domestic abuse and safety planning. A one to one session gives us both the opportunity to connect and support her to work through the knowledge she needs.

“In today’s session we explored the impact living with domestic abuse has on children.

“As I drove home to complete paperwork, a text came in from a young woman we’re working with asking if I could chase up the police – she was waiting to hear back from them. I called on her behalf and arranged an in-person meeting.

“Every day is different. Some days people need a sounding board or a listening ear and sometimes it’s the practical advice and support that makes the difference.  I’m really grateful we’re here doing this role and providing the daily support women facing and recovering from domestic abuse need.”

If you’d like to support the work of people like Holly, please head to our regular giving page and donate today.

 

58 year old Sheffield local, Andy Cribb, cycled over 5,000 kilometers. Taking on the 100 Climbs cycle challenge in July covering some of the world’s steepest hills to raise vital funds for people facing homelessness – just four years after being told he would never cycle again.

Explaining what inspired him to do the challenge, Andy said:

“I had a serious accident four years ago, after being knocked off my bike at high speed. I was told I would never be able to cycle again, but thanks to medical support I have built my fitness back up. I love a challenge and this one is the toughest I’ve done. It’s not just the distance it’s the cumulative effect of the draining hills climbs each day.

“I also wanted to do something positive after the murder of Sarah Everard. Oasis Community Housing has a long track record of supporting the most vulnerable women in our communities and so raising funds for them seems to be a fitting tribute to Sarah and her family.”

Andy, who has been out training come rain or shine, continued: “I hope the sponsorship I’ve raising will make a small improvement to the lives of those for whom Oasis Community Housing care for.”

The 100 Climbs Challenge was made famous by cycling enthusiastic Simon Warren’s 2010 book, where he charted the 100 greatest cycling climbs in Britain. Since then cyclists around the world have taken on the gruelling challenge.

Andy is determined to complete it within just 31 days. That’s 5,300km across the British Isles covering its steepest gradients including the Guinness World Records’ world’s steepest hill climb – Ffordd Penllech in Wales pitched at a 40% gradient.

Andy managed to raise over £15,000 and completed the cycle challenge despite a few set backs on the way.

Andy suffered terrible weather despite setting off in the middle of summer with cold winds and a few days of heavy rain, and even thunder and lightening- but in the full spectrum of a British summer also had to cope with a 7 day heatwave. His riding times often started at 5am and finished at 8pm. He also battled bunions and mechanical troubles to make it to the finish line in the Lakes with a huge smile.

The funds will go towards Oasis Community Housing’s work supporting almost 2,000 across the North East and south London, which includes drop-ins, supported accommodation for care leavers and other young people and support groups for women who have experienced domestic abuse.

The charity’s Chief Executive David Smith will be joined Andy for part of the cycle challenge, he said: “The 80 miles I cycled with Andy was one of the most physically challenging feats I’ve ever been involved in.

“That it doesn’t even match up to what Andy cycled that day, let alone that month, tells you everything you need to know about what a legend he is and how much we appreciate him.”

To find out more about our challenge events contact fundraising@oasiscommunityhousing or head to our events page.

OutsideIn is a clothing company that gives back. Donating an item for every item bought with their ‘Wear One, Share One’ scheme. Even during Summer, keeping warm is a major issue for those sleeping rough – which is why the socially conscious company has donated over 600 items including hats, socks and fleeces to our North East drop-ins.

As the world re opens, it’s easy to forget that things are not really changing for some people within our communities. Many people facing homelessness don’t have the financial stability to pop to the shops for a long-awaited outing. And for the people accessing our drop ins, just buying the necessary basics can be a source of huge stress.

David Johnson, founder of OutsideIn, a socially conscious UK company, is keenly aware of the complexities of life for homeless people.

David worked as an Edinburgh based photographer with ‘Humans of Edinburgh’, a project telling the stories of individuals from the city, and through his photography got to know the people behind the homelessness. It was this work which inspired him to set up a company that gives something back.

OutsideIn have been supporting Oasis Community Housing by donating over 600 items including beanies, socks and cosy fleeces to our North East drop ins.

The online retailer firmly believes that people facing the stress of homelessness deserve new, high quality items; in keeping with our values at Oasis Community Housing where we strive to see the person, the story behind every situation and to reignite people’s value and God-given worth.

Both of our drop ins have seen a positive response to the OutsideIn items with Dave Cawley, Project Team Leader of Basis Sunderland sharing that its nice to have some things that allow people to express their characters; “Richie* liked the fact that there are options, he took a yellow beanie and the next week came back for a pale blue one.”

Vikki from Basis Gateshead said, “The black fleeces are awesome, just so practical and we’ve had lots of feedback on the socks being so soft and comfortable.

“The hats have been popular too, one of our regulars was really excited by the options and took a few for his mates [who hadn’t come to the drop-in that day]”.

Oasis Community Housing’s Corporate Relationships Manager, Hazel Ditchburn, said, “It is fantastic working with Outside In, we have been overwhelmed by their energy, passion and commitment to supporting our work and helping to bridge the gap between society and people facing homelessness.

“The products donated have been so well received by our projects and we would like to take this opportunity to thank Miranda and the team at OutsideIn for their continued support.”

Rough sleepers and people experiencing homelessness are to receive their COVID vaccine at Oasis Community Housing’s Gateshead drop-in centre, after being recognised as clinically vulnerable.

Research shows that people with no home have an average of seven long-term health conditions, far higher than people in their 90s. They are also substantially more likely to report having chronic diseases such as asthma, chronic OPD and heart problems with an average life expectancy of just 44 years old.

Oasis Community Housing has been working with The Gateshead Housing Company, Gateshead Recovery Partnership, Changing Lives and the GP Federation in a concerted effort to ensure all vulnerable, and off-the-radar people who are in need of the vaccination are able to receive it.

So far, Government figures estimate a third of the UK population has received their first COVID vaccine.

Phil Conn, Director of Programmes at Oasis Community Housing, said, “The clinic at our drop-in resource centre will help deliver the first layer of protection to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, many of whom already have additional underlying health issues.

“As a charity, we have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic to make sure the people we support haven’t been left behind in getting the health advice and intervention we all need right now.”

Rough sleepers have been recognised as at high risk of COVID harm since ‘Everyone In’. The Government initiative, which began in the first lockdown (March to June 2020), aimed to provide COVID-safe accommodation for people facing homelessness.

Phil continued: “We’re extremely proud of how we have responded to the pandemic, rapidly redesigning our services in order to support the hundreds of people who we helped into temporary accommodation as part of ‘Everyone In’ while staying focussed on the bigger picture; conducting outreach, offering financial support and ensuring no one is missed from the current Census.”