Finacial Support

Hanna is a refugee who lives in South-West Wales. She was a victim of domestic violence and fortunately, she was able to safely leave the relationship. She is currently living in a woman’s refuge whilst she awaits a place becoming free in permanent accommodation. She must pay to stay at the refuge, as well as buy her own food and other essential items. Due to the coercive control that took place in her previous relationship, Hanna had no access to her own money which meant she was struggling with being able to afford to pay for anything. She also had to leave many of her possessions and clothing behind when she left and was not able to afford to buy new clothing and other necessities. 

We made an application for Universal Credit in Hanna’s name and with Hanna’s bank details. Because her UC claim would take several weeks to be processed, we also made an application to the Welsh Government’s Discretionary Assistance Fund, where Hanna was awarded an Emergency Assistance Payment of £56 and clothing vouchers. Additionally, we awarded Hanna a £50 supermarket voucher from REF’s Cost-of-Living Support fund so that she could buy food and other essentials.

Without REF’s support, Hanna would not have had any money or any food and could potentially have had to sleep on the street due to not having the money to pay for her space at the refuge.