We worked with one the Stonewater refuge to deliver Basic DIY session for women living in refuge. It was delivered by Leesa Tall and Nasreen Begum, interpreter. This six weeks sessions covered recognising and becoming familiar with basic items in the home such as meters, boiler, water stop cock, fuse box etc…. Learn how to change and understand the different types lightbulbs. Looking at washing machine and tumble-dryer pipes. How to put a curtain pole up safely, picture frames and flat packs and much more.
Leesa explained why she doing this:
‘Living in a refuge with my children, including one with a disability, presented challenges. Upon securing a home, I faced obstacles like a bare property with no lightbulbs or curtains. Without a support system, settling my children was difficult. After weeks with just a sheet covering the window, I learned to manage household tasks through online resources and conversations. This experience motivated me to help other women in similar situations feel empowered and confident in handling household tasks.’
Under our rainbow project, a small amount of funding has been given towards our Domestic Abuse project as well as our new pilot project, DIY lesson for women survivors. The grant is used for QPCO’s client only. The grant was awarded from BLCF under the Frank Branston Fund.
QPCO was funded by the Office of the Police Crime Commissioner to provide support for victims of Domestic Abuse (DA), victims of sexual offences and victims of violence against women and girls (including victims with no recourse to public fund). We have had 143 referrals for the period of April 2022 to March 2023. In one of the testimony we received from Bedfordshire Police, the following point is made: ‘Having the safe haven that Queens Park Community Organisation fund followed by the transport to a long-term refuge saves the lives of both Women and Children.’ We are very proud of this achievement and hope we can carry on providing this essential service in the future.
Our project delivered: