COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES CONTRACT EXTENDED

Broadacres has been given the go-ahead to continue running a women’s refuge and supported housing scheme for young homeless people, both of which have had very positive outcomes for those using the services.

We have been awarded a new four-year contract, with the option of four further years, to operate its women’s refuge in Yorkshire and we will also continue to run The Crossing, a supported housing scheme in Northallerton for young people who find themselves homeless or at the risk of becoming homeless, having been awarded a contract which will potentially run for over two years.

Both the contracts were awarded by North Yorkshire Council following a competitive tendering exercise.

Broadacres has operated the women’s refuge since 2009, in which time it has supported almost 500 survivors of domestic abuse to move into safe accommodation.

One of the women who moved into the refuge with her daughter said: “The refuge will always have a place in my heart and mind. It was four months of feeling safe and peaceful and we felt it was home sweet home. It will forever be in my heart. It was the end of bad things for us and the beginning of good things.”

Broadacres built and opened The Crossing, near Northallerton Railway Station, in 2014 and in the last ten years has supported 76 young people, almost half of which have now gone on to live independently in the Association’s properties across North Yorkshire.

A young person currently receiving support is 18-year-old Dakota Cardie, who found her self homeless after a family breakdown in 2023. She moved into one of The Crossing’s self-contained flats in the community and has been learning life skills and becoming more independent.

She said: “When I came last year I was like a zombie. I could barely talk, couldn’t do anything for myself and felt lost and confused. I am doing so much better now and have learned so much thanks to Broadacres’ support.”

Katie Wharfedale, Broadacres Housing Association Service Manager for Support Services, said: “Working in partnership with North Yorkshire Council, we have been pleased to have been able to support so many women and young people via these two support services.

“We are therefore delighted to have been awarded the new contracts and are looking forward to helping even more people who are homeless of fleeing domestic abuse.”