South Tyneside charity launches new service to help prevent homelessness due to domestic abuse

A South Tyneside charity is aiming to support people facing homelessness due to domestic abuse by launching a vital new help service.

Emmaus North East, which provides safe and secure places to stay, including at a multi-occupancy property in Stanhope Road, South Shields, is set to deliver a referral and sign-posting service.

Funded through the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner’s Supporting Victims Programme, it will deliver the support and stability needed to help abuse survivors rebuild their lives.

Plans include providing one-to-one emotional support, referral to counselling, safety planning and advocacy, and it may also offer accommodation.

Emmaus North East was established in 2009 and since 2017, has offered permanent homes to over 400 homeless people.

It also provides long-term, trauma-informed accommodation and personalised support, and meaningful work opportunities through its social enterprises.

In South Tyneside, it operates charity shops in Hebburn and Jarrow, and a workshop and branch of Lucie’s Laundry, the UK’s only free community laundrette, in South Shields.

And it runs a project in association with Durham County Council for single people without their own accommodation.

Susan Dungworth, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, said she was delighted to fund the programme, having seen first-hand the transformative impact of Emmaus’ work.

She added: “I’m also really impressed by the great work they’re doing to drive social change and help homeless people overcome barriers.

“Accommodation like this has to be about providing more than a roof over someone’s head.

“Emmaus understands that and offers stability, security and skills that help people rebuild their lives. Everyone needs a home, job, friends and Emmaus supports it all.

“The women-only accommodation is particularly significant. There are many women who are too frightened to stay in mixed-sex hostels, so Emmaus has taken welcome action to address that.”

Ruth Parker, CEO of Emmaus North East, praised the crime commissioner for her support.

She said: “The funding through the Victims Fund will allow us to support more homeless women who have been victims of crime.

“As it is difficult to accurately record the number of homeless women, the demand for the service is somewhat unknown.

“Importantly though, we will be there 24/7 to take referrals and offer help.”