2023 MAYORAL CHARITY BALL Shelter is a welcoming space

Choosing to escape domestic and family violence is a major decision –and leaving home can be daunting. While some people have friends or family they can stay with while accessing support, others have nowhere safe to go. Fortunately, places like The Haven – Nepean Women’s Shelter exist.

A registered local charity, The Haven has provided over 17,000 safe bed nights since opening its doors to the Penrith community and surrounding areas in April 2018, and assisted more than 330 women and children.

The most important part of accepting new residents is making them feel welcome and safe, according to the Shelter Manager, Samantha.

“Whenever a new family is arriving, the first day is about making them feel comfortable through awareness – we show them where everything is and they meet other residents and staff members,” Shelter Manager, Samantha, said.

“We let our existing residents know when a woman or children will be moving in, and staff then set up their private room; we open the blinds, let in some fresh air, make sure all beds are made up and provide welcome packs,” she said.

The packs provide essential toiletries for women and children who receive a toothbrush, toothpaste and hairbrush, as well as drawing activities to give them time to settle in.

New residents meet The Haven staff off-site, where they complete intake procedures to keep them safe before being transported to the shelter.

Residents are assigned a case worker who can discuss any other essential support needs, which might include medication, clothes, shoes or school bags for children.

The Haven has necessities in a storage unit and receives community donations of food, toiletries and gift cards.

Shelter residents have access to a kitchen stocked with pantry staples and frozen, homemade meals.

“Within the shelter, we create a space that feels like a home – we have indoor living areas to relax and play, we have colourful artwork and plants, we have books and movies to watch, and our outdoor spaces have bikes and swings,” Samantha said.

“For the first few days, we let a family have the space and time to rest and reconnect before we start intensive case work with them.

“We find that women tend to have a latenight cuppa together once a woman comes to the shelter, because they have walked in each other’s shoes, and our new residents often tell us their first night here is the best sleep they have had in a really long time.”

In May, Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen will host the City’s inaugural Mayoral Charity Ball to fundraise for The Haven.

“I encourage Penrith residents to come along and give back to our community – together we can make a difference and ensure that services like The Haven can continue their life-changing work,” Cr Hitchen said.

All ticket sales include a donation to The Haven.

Find out more at penrith.city/events.