“From the moment I came here I felt safe, comfortable and completely at home” - Beauty for Ashes Refuge
At Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity, we are committed to ending homelessness and eliminating the need for rough sleeping across the city-region. Through our grant programmes, we support organisations making real, lasting change across three key areas: Emergency Response, Places and Spaces, and Targeted Prevention.
Since launching in 2018, we’ve awarded grants to more than 170 organisations across Greater Manchester. In our brand new Autumn/Winter 2024 Small Awards programme, we awarded funds to six different organisations with a particular emphasis on Places and Spaces and Targeted Prevention, including Beauty for Ashes Refuge.
Beauty for Ashes Refuge offers temporary accommodation and vital support to migrant women escaping domestic abuse, many of whom have no recourse to public funds due to their immigration status. Without access to social housing, financial support, and even many other refuges, they may be left isolated, facing homelessness or trapped in a cycle of abuse. Organisations like Beauty for Ashes Refuge are vital, and we are proud to support them. They are a lifeline stepping in where statutory services cannot.
The refuge not only provides a safe and secure environment, but also offers tailored support plans. This includes help with immigration processes for both the women and their children, registering to a GP, applying for a job, and setting up a bank account.
Many of the women who pass through the refuge go on to live independently, with the confidence they need to rebuild their lives. Sara* shared her gratitude.
“I am really grateful for my time at the refuge. From the moment I came here I felt safe, comfortable and completely at home. They helped me with everything, especially my immigration paperwork, and always made sure I never felt alone.
Thank you for the warm, cosy environment and the chance to grow. I’m moving to Manchester now and hope this new chapter brings good luck. I will miss you both!”
Sara’s words speak volumes. She is one of many who can now be supported, with the expanded provision Beauty for Ashes are now able to offer. Becky Barlow, CEO of Beauty for Ashes Refuge, described the transformative effect of this grant.
“The money from Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity enabled us to open our nine bedroom refuge for single women fleeing domestic abuse with no recourse to public funds. These are one of the most vulnerable groups in society due to their insecure immigration status and the local authority having no duty to them. We have been able to provide a safe place to stay and holistic support for nine single women who would have otherwise been homelessness.
”Two of the women were street homeless before coming to us. Thanks to this grant, we were able to provide them with an immediate place of safety and prevent another night on the streets. These women had been unable to access other refuges due to their insecure immigration status. We were able to cover their rent and provide supermarket vouchers until we were able to help them get immigration advice and gain access to benefits. ”
To learn more about the work of Beauty for Ashes Refuge, watch our interview with Edith on our social media channels, or visit their website here.
Over the coming weeks we will be continuing to share more of the impact our grants are making across Greater Manchester. This funding is only possible with your support.
Please consider setting up a monthly donation here. With your help, we can get this vital funding to the frontline.
Together, we can end homelessness.
*Name changed to protect privacy