The Hargreaves Foundation supports Hestia Housing and Support

The Trustees of The Hargreaves Foundation have awarded funding for Hestia Housing and Support, a refuge providing accommodation for women with children who are fleeing domestic abuse. They run year-long programmes of educational and participatory activities for up to 64 children living in their Croydon refuge. Hestia aims to address the specific needs of children who have experienced trauma and displacement.

Their project will focus on providing a range of experiences, including weekend and school holiday activities like trips to local attractions, a summer activity program with clubs, sports, and outings, and participation in Hestia’s Big Day Out 2025, an event bringing together children and mothers from all Hestia refuges. These activities are designed to foster life skills, improve wellbeing, and build confidence and self-esteem.

Hestia emphasizes the importance of these activities in helping children recover from the trauma of domestic abuse. Many children arriving at the refuge have experienced significant disruption to their lives, including leaving behind their homes, schools, and friends. The activities provide a sense of normalcy and offer opportunities for positive experiences that many of these children have never had.

Hestia has a long history of supporting vulnerable individuals and families, and their established Children and Families model includes robust safeguarding and evaluation processes. The program's success will be measured through assessing the impact on children's education, confidence, and outlook on the future. Last year, Hestia helped an incredible 82% of children escaping domestic abuse feel better about the future.