Our Vision
Our Approach
Our Approach
At Heathway, we envision a future where no woman fleeing domestic abuse is left without a safe, welcoming place to go. We believe every person deserves dignity, safety, and the chance to rebuild their life in a nurturing environment. Our vision is a UK where communities come together to bridge the gap between crisis and stability through open doors, warm hearts, and shared purpose.
Our Approach
Our Approach
Our Approach
Hearthway connects women in crisis with trained volunteer families who can offer temporary, safe accommodation. We collaborate with frontline services and police to match referrals with trusted hosts. Our approach is built on trauma-informed care, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity. Each guest receives wraparound support including
Hearthway connects women in crisis with trained volunteer families who can offer temporary, safe accommodation. We collaborate with frontline services and police to match referrals with trusted hosts. Our approach is built on trauma-informed care, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity. Each guest receives wraparound support including access to legal aid, counselling, and financial assistance, ensuring they are not just housed, but heard, empowered, and respected.
Our Impact
Our Approach
Our Impact
In regions where refuge beds are limited, Hearthway expands capacity by unlocking the power of community. Our host network provides critical short-term housing during one of the most vulnerable moments in a survivor's life. With every home that opens, we create new possibilities for healing, safety, and long-term change. We are committed
In regions where refuge beds are limited, Hearthway expands capacity by unlocking the power of community. Our host network provides critical short-term housing during one of the most vulnerable moments in a survivor's life. With every home that opens, we create new possibilities for healing, safety, and long-term change. We are committed to measuring outcomes, listening to survivors, and continually improving the support we offer.
Women Turned Away from Refuges
Every two hours, a woman fleeing domestic abuse in England is turned away from a refuge due to lack of capacity. Between April 2022 and March 2023, 27,754 women were referred to refuges, yet only 10,824 were admitted, leaving 16,930 women with nowhere safe to go. This equates to a shocking rejection rate that underscores a national crisis in refuge availability.
Despite an increase, refuge bedspace remains critically below recommended levels. As of May 2023, England had approximately 4,379 refuge bedspaces, still 1,257 beds (22.2%) below the minimum standard recommended by the Council of Europe. If non‑commissioned beds were removed, the shortfall would grow to 30.9%. This persistent gap has left thousands of survivors without access to urgently needed safe accommodation.
The demand is intensifying. Refuge referrals climbed by 15% between 2021–22 and 2022–23, placing even greater stress on services already stretched to capacity. Over the same period, 61% of all refuge referrals in England were declined, with lack of space being the leading cause. This ongoing mismatch between need and supply continues to deepen the crisis.
Even when refuge openings exist, they often aren’t suitable for all survivors. Less than 2% of refuge listings can cater to women with limited mobility or wheelchair users. Many survivors with mental health needs, substance use issues, or disabilities face almost no realistic options due to a lack of specialist services. These limitations further marginalise already vulnerable groups.
Being turned away can have catastrophic consequences. Women who cannot access refuge space often face homelessness, sleeping rough or on friends’ couches, or are forced to return to abusive homes to survive. This gap between demand and offer isn’t a lapse in service—it represents real danger for real people.
The UK’s refuge system is severely under-resourced, with demand massively exceeding capacity. Over half of all referrals are declined, and survivors with complex needs are disproportionately affected. This represents not just a shortfall in service but a serious risk to women’s safety and recovery.
That is why we need your help.