Homelessness charity's safe housing appeal for women

Women sleeping rough could benefit from a new appeal to find those at risk of homelessness.

Simon Hewett-Avison, CEO for charity Homeless Oxfordshire, said it planned to double the capacity of its women-only accommodation and introduce round-the-clock support.

It is part of the Her Way Home appeal, which he said was designed to stop women becoming the "hidden homeless".

It comes after the first women's rough sleeping census revealed data on rough sleeping and homelessness currently excludes the experiences and needs of women.

Homeless Oxfordshire provides supported accommodation for people experiencing homelessness.

Mr Hewett-Avison added that support services were "just not looking hard enough" for homeless women.

Information from the charity explains women typically experience homelessness differently and are more vulnerable to abuse and exploitation while rough sleeping.

Many find refuge off the streets, such as sleeping in A&E waiting rooms, sofa-surfing or seeking apparent safety in relationships that may be abusive or exploitative, the charity said.

Verity Wootton works as a complex needs team manager, helping residents of the Women's Project - a women-only property in Oxford.

The project is one of 11% of services offering dedicated support of this kind in the UK, according to figures from the charity, which covers Oxford, Cherwell and Vale of White Horse.

Ms Wootton explained: "Introducing 24/7 wraparound support in our women-only accommodation will be a lifeline for the women we support.

"It will mean that we can keep residents safe from abusive partners, reduce the number of traumatic experiences that they continue to endure, immediately attend serious incidents, and work more intensely and consistently with individuals on their journey out of homelessness."

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