Safe accommodation that changes lives
This Supported Housing Week, we're highlighting the vital role supported housing plays in helping people rebuild their lives, recover from trauma and move towards a safer future.
At NCHA, we provide supported housing and outreach services for people affected by domestic abuse across Nottingham and Derbyshire. Our services offer more than a safe place to stay. They provide practical support, emotional reassurance and the foundations people need to move forward with confidence.
Supporting survivors across our communities
In Nottingham, we're commissioned by Nottingham City Council to deliver Umuada, a communal refuge for women and children experiencing domestic abuse, alongside additional self-contained safe accommodation in the community.
In Derbyshire, our Derbyshire WISH team works with The Elm Foundation and Crossroads Derbyshire to deliver the Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Partnership. Together, we provide communal and self-contained refuge accommodation, community-based and outreach support, specialist services for children and young people, counselling, and recovery-focused group work. Our refuge provision includes dedicated accommodation options for women, non-binary people and men, and outreach support is available to people of all genders.
This partnership approach helps ensure people can access the right support at the right time, whether they need emergency accommodation, specialist advice, support to remain safely in their own home, or help recovering from the impact of abuse.
The impact we make
Every year, our teams support hundreds of adults, children and young people affected by domestic abuse. Behind every statistic is a person rebuilding their life.
One service user told us:
"You listened to me, have been really sympathetic, kind and caring at this most difficult time in my life. Guided me and helped me stay strong. Given me reassurance and hugs to help me feel better. Words cannot emphasise enough how much I appreciate all your help and support."
Feedback like this highlights the difference that safe accommodation and specialist support can make during some of the most challenging times in people's lives.
Strengthening support through partnership
The Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Partnership combines our specialist domestic abuse expertise with insight from adult social care, community safety, policing, public health and children’s services, supporting effective oversight and a joined-up response across the county.
The partnership has recently been recommissioned by Derbyshire County Council for a further three years, with an option to extend for up to six years, providing stability and continuity for survivors across the county.
From April 2027, the integrated countywide service will continue with a minimum annual budget of £3.545 million. The renewed commission recognises the impact domestic abuse can have on children and young people, with 23% of funding specifically allocated to supporting them. The service has also evolved into an innovative multi-risk model, ensuring people receive consistent support from the same service throughout their journey, regardless of the level of risk they face.
Planning for the future
Alongside delivering services today, we're also investing in the future of domestic abuse support.
Working with local authority partners, we're working with Pelham Architects to develop plans for new purpose-built refuge accommodation in Nottingham and Derbyshire. These schemes are designed to provide safe, modern environments that support recovery, independence and long-term wellbeing.
As demand for specialist accommodation continues to grow, investment in high-quality supported housing will play an important role in ensuring survivors can access the support they need when they need it most.
Why supported housing matters
Supported housing plays a critical role in helping people live safely, rebuild their confidence and thrive within their communities.
For survivors of domestic abuse, specialist refuge accommodation offers far more than a safe place to stay. Unlike general homelessness provision, it is designed around the risks and impacts of domestic abuse, combining security with tailored, trauma-informed support that helps survivors recover, regain independence and build a positive future. Our refuges also have dedicated children’s workers, ensuring children and young people receive support that recognises their own experiences and needs.
As we mark Supported Housing Week, we're proud of the difference our teams make every day and grateful for the partnerships that help make this work possible.
