2023/2024 year in review
Reflecting on our 50th year of dedicated service supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse and homelessness
Welcome
Welcome to our year in review for 2023/2024. As we reflect on our 50th year, Lynne Moran, Chair of the Board of Trustees brings into focus our legacy of resilience, acknowledging both the progress made and the challenges that remain. This year’s report illustrates the commitment of our staff, volunteers, and supporters, while highlighting our holistic approach to empower victims and survivors. Despite increased pressures and complex needs, our mission to provide safe accommodation, therapeutic support, and community-based resources continues with a vision for a future free from abuse and violence.
Our Jubilee Year in Pictures
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A very Porsche Christmas
Anniversary Ball – A night of glamour
Anniversary Ball – Anthem Voices – the fantastic flash mob choir
Anniversary Ball – Fun on the dance floor
Anniversary Ball – Mayor Michael Hardacre and the Mayoress Lynn Plant
Anniversary Ball – Steve Bull – former Wolves player and ongoing supporter
Branded cookies for our networking event
Climbing the Welsh 3 Peaks
Golf Day winning team
Marketing Activity of the Year – Winners for the 104
Mayor’s chosen charity
Quiz night fun
Telling Prince Edward about The Haven at a Coronation Party
The Purple Pledge Conference – Dawn Dines from Stamp Out Spiking
The Purple Pledge Conference – Lunch is served
The Purple Pledge Conference – MP Jess Phillips with the Training Team
The Purple Pledge Conference – She Beasts CIC
The Purple Pledge Conference – Tom McNeil Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner
The Top of Cadair Idris
Welcome to Wolverhampton event
Spotlights
Bringing Joy Beyond Trauma
From gardening and cooking projects to community outings, these moments provided women and children with a chance to relax, bond, and create positive memories. Celebrations of Diwali, Eid, and International Women’s Day, alongside beach trips and birthdays, strengthened family connections and encouraged a sense of community. These experiences helped residents build hope, resilience, and a renewed sense of joy, supporting their journey toward a brighter future.
Abuse is Ageless
This year we extended essential support to older victims of abuse, including a woman in her 80s. This demographic often face distinct challenges like isolation, physical limitations, and shame. With specialised training and a focus on safeguarding, our team is well-equipped to recognise and address abuse in older adults, ensuring no one is left behind.
Our Collaborative Approach
The work we do is greatly amplified through our partnerships, which allow us to provide comprehensive support tailored to the diverse needs of those we serve. From strategic planning with City of Wolverhampton Council and risk assessments with MARAC to specialised support with agencies like Recovery Near You, Refugee and Migrant Centre, and Wolverhampton Homes, each partnership extends our reach and deepens our impact. Together, we’re building a safer, more resilient community.
What women are saying
*Please note that names have been changed.
“The Haven has been our saving grace…”
The Figures
total calls and messages were received through our Helpline, WhatsApp and Live Chat service
women supported through our community services and resources
%
of children and young people reported progress in their wellbeing since being in contact with The Haven
women supported with counselling and wellbeing including small grants
people trained in total
women supported with small grants when leaving the service
students reached through MENgage and EmpowHER
children and young people supported in total
total website sessions from 12,000+ website clicks
Animal therapy
The Children and Young People (CYP) team introduced animal therapy with Giant African Snails to help children and young people experience the benefits of positive sensory touch. By interacting with these gentle creatures, participants learn that not all forms of touch are negative and that contact can be positive and healing.
In the group sessions, the snails served as a metaphor for the children themselves – fragile beings requiring care, feeding, nurturing, and love from a supportive third party. This helps children understand the importance of self-care and the care they deserve from others. This form of therapy also aims to foster resilience, showing participants that with the right support and guidance, they can achieve their goals and overcome challenges.
All the children were able to follow simple daily instructions to help support the snails. To make the experience inclusive and accessible for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), the team created tailored fact files about the snails and used YouTube videos to provide additional visual and auditory aids. This approach helps participants gain knowledge about the species and develop a deeper connection with these unique creatures.
…not all forms of touch are negative…
“Caring for these snails has helped me feel more confident and strong…”
What children and young people are saying
*Please note that names have been changed.
Fundraising Spotlight – Our Jump 50 Heroes
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Laura and Gavin did it
Team Porsche
The fundraising team gave it a go
Up up and away Jade goes
total raised from 50th anniversary charity ball
total raised through the Jump 50 sponsored skydive event
total was raised through all our fundraising efforts
Download our latest reports
Discover the Impact of 50 Years of Support
Read stories of resilience and transformation, highlighting the impact of our services, initiatives, and partnerships that have helped rebuild countless lives. From safe accommodations to therapeutic interventions, this report showcases how we are creating lasting change in our community.
Download the report to explore our journey, discover inspiring personal stories, and see the tangible outcomes of your support. Learn how we are tackling the challenges ahead while remaining steadfast in our vision for a world free from oppression, violence, and homelessness. Together, we can continue to make a difference.
2020 – 2021
A reflection on the impact of COVID-19, with a spotlight on supporting staff wellbeing as we embrace a flexible hybrid work model, and women with no recourse to public funds. Click to download.
2021 – 2022
Moving ahead post covid-19 challenges, we continue to prioritise the safety of women and chiLdren, and develop Accomodations and services to meet their specific needs. Click to download.
2022 – 2023
A celebration of our legacy of change over the last five decades; recognising the ever pressing need for our services as we envision a safer world. Spotlight on working together and substance use. Click to download.