Rebecca felt lost and unheard, until she came to Homeless Oxfordshire’s Women’s Project. Discover her experience of homelessness, the support she receives from our staff and how she’s found ‘a new kind of family’ here.
Warning: This video mentions abuse and rape.
Rebecca is a real resident and these are her own words, but her name has been changed and an actor has been used to protect her identity.
Rebecca became homeless after fleeing domestic violence and abuse. She felt lost and unheard. She asked for help repeatedly but it felt like she was “screaming in a room full of people and no one was listening”. Then, she came to the Women’s Project. Although she was reluctant at first, she now says it’s the best thing she’s ever done…
“The support and people they have connections with – it’s more than you would ever know. They understand anything and everything you have been through, help with coping strategies, and connect you to other organisations. They hold women’s days where you meet others so that you truly know you’re not alone.
“There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Before coming here, I didn’t think there was.”
They support you in every aspect – guiding you to rebuild your life and yourself. Even though, like me, you may not want to get out of bed, they encourage you to do so. It’s amazing having people that care about you. They also support with paperwork, benefits, housing, counselling, emotionally to listen, physically to get you up moving and doing hobbies – things that you enjoy. It’s all here at your hands to embrace.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Before coming here, I didn’t think there was. They do know what they’re talking about, even though it took me time to realise this! I am so thankful for the opportunity that I have been given by the staff at Homeless Oxfordshire’s Women’s Project – my new kind of family – to restart readjust and start living again.”
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