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P.H.O.E.B.E, the region's only specialist black and minoritised domestic abuse charity, has doubled its refuge capacity in Ipswich with the acquisition of a second property to support women and children fleeing domestic abuse.
Why it matters: The new property will significantly enhance the charity's ability to provide refuge and support services for women and children fleeing domestic violence, particularly those with insecure immigration status.
The big picture: P.H.O.E.B.E (Promotion of Health, Opportunity, Equality, Benevolence and Empowerment) was established by social workers from Zimbabwe and operates using a social work model to support domestic abuse survivors across Suffolk.
The details: The charity provides domestic abuse counselling, casework, immigration signposting and advocacy services, focusing specifically on increasing resource access for black and ethnic minority women and children.
What they're saying: "Black and minoritised women and children experience a chronic shortage of safe houses when faced with domestic abuse due to their insecure immigration status. Hence, this new safe space is crucial for women who are often left at high risk of harm," said Mollin Delve, Chief Executive Officer of P.H.O.E.B.E.
Behind the scenes: Ellisons' Commercial Property team, led by Bethan Williams with support from Harriet Smith, advised on the transaction, continuing the firm's relationship with the charity.
The purchase was made possible through grants from the Bluethread Trust, Coutts Charitable Trust, Lloyds Bank Foundation, Treebeard Trust and Tudor Trust.
Bethan Williams, Partner at Ellisons, said:
It has been a privilege to assist this incredible charity in securing a second property to expand its services. Their work is truly life-changing, and we are exceptionally proud to have played a role in helping them provide safe spaces for those at risk of harm and in such need.
The bottom line: This expansion addresses a critical gap in support services for some of the most vulnerable women in the community, providing both immediate safety and ongoing assistance for those escaping domestic abuse.
Ellisons Solicitors
Established for 260 years, Ellisons is a top 200 UK law firm and one of the region’s oldest, most established and fastest growing firms.
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