SDASS celebrates survivors as charity forced to leave refuge

This comes after Swindon Borough Council defended its decision to cut funding from the Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service (SDASS), which has run the refuge on behalf of the council since it was built in 2012.

As a result of the council's tendering process which invites other parties to bid to provide services, the Swindon refuge will now be run by outside provider The You Trust from October 2024.

Swindon-based charity SDASS, which also previously ran the former 1980 Park South refuge, will be left without any council funding.

Over the last 12 years, over 650 families in Swindon have called the refuge their home, including around 850 children. 

As the charity now prepares to hand over the keys to the refuge, volunteers have reflected on the huge impact their work has had on the town.

The refuge for women and children was declared by Queen Camilla as 'something truly special' (Image: SDASS) “As we prepare to say goodbye to the families in the refuge, as well as our wonderful staff team who will remain there too, we’ve looked back at all that we’ve achieved over the last 12 years," said Nicky Alberry, Chair of SDASS since 2018

"I am so proud of everyone who has made such a difference to thousands of lives across Swindon through our work in the community and in the refuge.

“Not only did we show Her Majesty The Queen exactly what makes us so special earlier this year when she visited, but we’ve also harnessed the power of the Swindon community by creating an enthusiastic network of volunteers and business ambassadors throughout the town, as well as receiving outstanding support from the public in our charity shop. 

Volunteers have worked tirelessly fundraising to help SDASS run its services (Image: SDASS) "This network not only made our refuge homely and welcoming but also helped to amplify the message that domestic abuse must be stopped.

“Our wonderful Board of Trustees has helped ensure that the charity is strong for the future and helped us achieve the top accreditation from the national domestic abuse charity, Women’s Aid, which demonstrates that our support and service is of the best in the country.

“We may be stepping away from looking after families in Swindon’s refuge, but we will continue working with victims and survivors across the town through education, early intervention and training.”