Jersey Women's Refuge renews calls for financial support

Whilst they do receive a states grant of some £215,000, they still have to plug an expected shortfall of some £300,000 this year. For that they depend on community support. Credit: ITV Channel TV

Jersey's Women's Refuge have renewed calls for financial support to enable them to continue to provide their services after the pandemic.Whilst they do receive a states grant of some £215,000, they still have to plug an expected shortfall of some £300,000 this year. For that they depend on community support.The last year saw a 26% increase in admissions to their safehouse, and the re-opening of a second. There was also a 50% increase in the number of one-off callers to the helpline.Overall a total of 419 families accessed the safe house, helpline, outreach or group work services in 2020. Although restrictions are easing, Refuge Manager Marine Oliveira is not expecting a drop in demand.  

The Chair of the Women's Refuge said the increased demand on their services over the years has inevitably pushed costs up too.