Thread by @C_Kneer

A thread of what I've seen change for families living in refuges in the last 11 years, since I started working there. Remember, these families are displaced and vulnerable because they are fleeing life-threatening domestic abuse.
1. Housing - families used to go

straight to permanent social housing from refuge, the rent was fully paid by housing benefit. Now, after 6 months in refuge they may end up in B&B or in short term rented housing. Often, the accommodation they are eventually placed in is not fully covered by housing benefit

meaning that they have to supplement the rent from their benefit meant to cover their basic living costs e.g. food.
2. Benefits - Families used to be able to survive on benefits. Now, every family we support uses food banks & is perpetually anxious about every small expense, this

adds additional stress to an already incredibly stressful existence.
3. Education - children had school places available. Now, we struggle to find places, especially for children with additional needs. Most siblings are separated and end up at different schools. Imagine

the stress of a mum and children when 3 primary school children are at different schools in a completely new area.
4. Mental health services - access to mental health services was available for adults and children. Now it is not hardly ever available, this is no

joke when you consider the terrible trauma women and children have experienced.
5. Legal services - women could access legal services. Now, it is incredibly difficult to find Legal Aid solicitors. We are constantly searching for new avenues to get women the legal

support they should have.

There are many more issues which I'll save for the next thread. We fill the gaps where we can. The message is though, if you're vulnerable in the UK don't rely on a state safety net. Public services are degraded to breaking point. This is real.