Last month, Barnet Homes re-launched the face to- face One Stop Shop, supporting survivors of Domestic Abuse. Kate Laffan, Director of Customer Experience and Improvement, said, “I am so pleased that we are finally able to re-launch the delivery of our One Stop Shop (OSS) for survivors of Domestic Abuse in person in the new Colindale office. Whilst this has been delivered virtually since March 2020, it has been so much harder to deliver the same level of outcomes without a physical presence. The OSS is a dropin service where survivors and those at risk of domestic abuse can receive support from many specialist agencies all under one roof including housing advisors, benefits advisors, legal advice through solicitors, ‘no recourse to public funds’ advisors, wellbeing advisors and more.”
Domestic Abuse Team Manager Nihal said, “I am very happy and grateful that we are providing this vital service to survivors so that they will be able to access a holistic service under one roof. In our first session we assisted seven survivors, one of whom needed emergency assistance with housing. The feedback from those who attended was very moving and really highlighted the need for this service from those survivors showing such bravery in the face of terrible situations.”
The face-to-face Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop runs every Thursday from 9.30am to 12.30pm at the new office of The Barnet Group at 2 Bristol Avenue, Colindale, NW9 4EW.
Case Study
Vanessa shares her recent experience of the One Stop Shop
We spoke to Vanessa (name changed) who had suffered domestic abuse for the past 15 years. Vanessa came to the OSS and received support from our multi-agency team, she tells us about her experience.
Tell us a bit about yourself?
I live in Barnet with my children. I have suffered domestic violence from my partner for 15 years. I still suffer it now even though we’re not together. I have been supported by the police and an independent advocate for domestic violence (IDVA) from Solace Women’s Aid and the Barnet Homes’ OSS service.
How you have been supported by Barnet Homes’ multi-agency OSS?
I came to the OSS six weeks ago to get help with housing because my ex-partner found out where I’m living, currently he’s in prison. The OSS have been amazing. I’ve been treated with a lot of respect and dignity. I’ve had help from the legal team there with getting a non-molestation order, and from the housing officer to get help with my housing.
Would you recommend the One Stop Shop?
I’d recommend the domestic abuse one stop shop to people suffering domestic violence. If I’m honest people might not realise that the one stop shop is not just for housing, it is for legal stuff, counselling, female support groups, and there’s a lot of other ways you can be helped including financially if you’re struggling.
What are your hopes for your future?
I just want to live a normal life with my children and not have to live in this constant state of fear and stress.
Do you have a message that you would like to share with survivors?
My message for survivors is to just keep going and to stay strong, and try to stay safe. And to focus on your mental health because it will, and it does get better. Get any support you can, like from the Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop and other agencies. There are lots of forums out there and people that you can talk to because it is a very lonely time. But it’s not as lonely as you think it is, even though it feels that way sometimes.