Our dispersed accommodation is provided through good quality flats and houses in North Yorkshire and Sheffield. Everyone staying in our accommodation will be provided with a high level of specialist domestic abuse support along with the safety of their own accommodation.
Some people may find the idea of living in a communal refuge difficult, and others may not be suitable for communal living, for example because of their sex or because they have older teenaged dependents. We have therefore strived to increase the number of dispersed units we have throughout the county to make sure our safe accommodation offer is fully inclusive.
Dispersed accommodation comes in different sizes; we have one, two and three bedroomed properties, all of which are self-contained units. You will still have a dedicated support worker who can visit you at your home or in the community and will provide emotional and practical support whilst you are in a dispersed property. They will agree a support plan with you and can support you both emotionally and practically, for example, with issues such as safety planning, accessing healthcare or housing. They will also help you to access specialist services, such as those that can support with drug and alcohol issues, welfare benefits or training and employment. You can also access IDAS groups in the community.
People usually stay in dispersed accommodation for up to a year and your support worker, alongside our resettlement team, will help you to develop the confidence and skills to live independently. When you are ready to move on, a resettlement worker will continue to support you in your new home for up to 3 months whilst you settle.
IDAS, together with Target Housing and Sheffield City Council, have developed the Safezones project in Sheffield for anyone who is escaping domestic abuse.
We recognise that domestic abuse can affect anyone, irrespective of their gender identity or sexuality. Through the Safezones project we support members of the LGBTQ+ community as well as those escaping from abusive heterosexual relationships. Our Safezones properties range in size from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom maisonettes and houses to suit the needs of individuals and families. They are dispersed, in a range of locations and are in addition to other specialist accommodation in Sheffield.
The IDAS Safezones team provide emotional and practical support, tailored to meet people’s individual needs and circumstances. We can help settle people into their emergency accommodation, work with them to develop a safety plan and provide emotional support to rebuild their confidence. In the longer term, our team work with housing services to support people to find a permanent home either in Sheffield or further afield.
With our support, victims of domestic abuse tell us that they feel safer, have greater confidence and can make positive choices and move forward in their lives.
“For me, the Safe Zones project was a very literal lifeline that took me from a very bad situation and gave me the opportunity to escape that and find a place of sanctuary and the necessary support to start a new life, free of the abuse I left behind. The combination of a safe environment in which to live and the focused, client led, guidance and support has been invaluable to me and has allowed me to build my feelings of confidence when it comes to moving ahead with my new life.”
“For me, the Safe Zones project was a very literal lifeline that took me from a very bad situation and gave me the opportunity to escape that and find a place of sanctuary and the necessary support to start a new life, free of the abuse I left behind. The combination of a safe environment in which to live and the focused, client led, guidance and support has been invaluable to me and has allowed me to build my feelings of confidence when it comes to moving ahead with my new life.”
IDAS is the largest specialist charity in Yorkshire supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.