Safe Accommodation Strategy

LGBTQ+

4.1 A gap has been identified in terms of LGBTQ+ accommodation in the North East. We have an insufficient demand to develop services locally, however our intention is to work with regional colleagues to look at joint opportunities to commission appropriate services on a regional basis. There is currently no LGBTQ+ refuge provision in the North East. This has been highlighted in regional health, care and homelessness workstreams as an identified gap. The increase in dispersed provision enables more accessibility of safe accommodation to those who identify as LGBTQ+ who may not wish to reside in refuge accommodation.

Ethnic minorities

4.2 Gateshead has no direct refuge provision for ethnic minorities, although there are some ethnic-minority refuges available within the North East. We will work with regional colleagues to look at opportunities for joint commissioning on a regional basis. The increase in dispersed provision enables more accessibility of safe accommodation to those who identify as ethnic minorities who may not wish to reside in refuge accommodation.

Disability

4.3 Gateshead requires provision that is accessible to those with a disability. However, there are currently no safe accommodation units dedicated to those with physical disabilities who may need adapted and or accessible properties. Further work will be undertaken to review this gap and seek to address this.

Male victims

4.4 There is no refuge provision currently in Gateshead for male victims. The increase in dispersed provision enables more accessibility of safe accommodation to male victims. Further work will be undertaken to review this gap and seek to address this.

Floating support

4.5 The commissioning and procurement plan also identified a shortfall in floating support, despite there being a substantial quantity of floating support and specialist domestic abuse support available. There is currently no commissioned domestic abuse floating support service for those moving on from our commissioned safe accommodation schemes. However, referrals will be made to existing domestic abuse support services where appropriate.

Safe accommodation

4.6 The commissioning and procurement plan also identified a need for a further 18 units (12 units of dispersed accommodation with visiting support and 6 units of refuge accommodation). Should further safe accommodation funding be available in the future, the council would look to procure additional safe accommodation to address this unmet need.

Children's therapeutic work

4.7 There is also a gap in the provision of children's therapeutic work, which we will seek to address within strategic reviews and plans going forward.

Sanctuary scheme

4.8 The council is likely to require a review of our sanctuary scheme and the measures we offer to victims and survivors to enable them to remain in their own home, if it is safe to do so, to ensure it is meeting our need/demand.