Every year residents living in Barnet Homes’ Domestic Violence Refuge receive lots of donated gifts and toys from staff and partners.

The residents are very appreciative of these kind donations, as many of them arrive at the refuge with virtually nothing but the clothes they are wearing. With the refuge housing six households, the communal facilities get very busy.  The kitchen at the refuge in particular, was in desperate need of repair and modernisation.

This time, our contractors R. Benson, decided to do a full re-fit of the kitchen which they completed this week – just in time for Christmas.

Barnet Homes’ Domestic Violence and Sanctuary Scheme Coordinator, Laura Rodriguez Poza, co-ordinated the kitchen project, liaising with R. Benson. The team involved, Dan and Adrian, were thrilled to learn how much difference their professional and free re-fit will make.

 Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy Manager, Radlamah Caniakah said:

“R. Benson have really made a difference to the lives of our vulnerable survivors of domestic abuse since the start of Minerva Project.

Their team also donated gifts to the children, how amazing is this kind gesture! Christmas is a time for being around family, friends and loved ones. However, for many vulnerable people, it is one of the loneliest and most difficult times of the year. Your donations bring joy and festive cheer into the children lives and their mums as well as making it a good Christmas for the families at Minerva House.”

Benson’s Director, Russell Neal, said: “As a family run company we embrace opportunities to support the communities we work in.  We have been working with the refuge for several years and look forward to continuing our support in 2019.”