When Seema first came to Glow, she had fled domestic abuse with her two young children, one of them just a baby. With nothing but courage and determination, she entered refuge accommodation, beginning the long journey toward safety, stability, and independence.
At first, everything felt overwhelming. New systems, unfamiliar agencies, a different language, and the heavy weight of starting over. But Seema wasn’t alone. With the support of her dedicated keyworker and later, Glow’s Move-on Support Worker, she began to take confident steps toward a new life.
From refuge to a home of her own
After some time in refuge, Seema was ready for her next step, to move into a safe, permanent home. But navigating housing applications and tenancy paperwork can be daunting, especially when English isn’t your first language.
Glow’s Move On Support Worker met with Seema in her refuge accommodation to complete her social housing application, arranging translation support to make sure she understood every part of the process. When a suitable property became available, Seema was accompanied to view it, and the Glow team helped her sign her tenancy with confidence.
Overcoming barriers, step by step
Moving into an empty property brought new challenges. With two children to care for, Seema urgently needed furniture, carpets, and essential household items. The Move On Support Worker applied to charitable organisations, securing beds, mattresses, and carpets. Donations from local community partners provided a cooker, sofa, and kitchen essentials, helping turn an empty space into a family home.
Setting up utilities, managing finances, and arranging rent payments can be complex for anyone, but for Seema, language barriers and unfamiliar systems added extra pressure. The Glow team liaised with British Gas, the housing association, and Universal Credit to ensure everything was in place. Accounts were set up correctly, payments were managed, and the gas was safely connected in time for moving day.
Throughout, Glow’s worker provided translation support, using interpreters, translation tools, and patient communication, so Seema always felt informed and empowered to make decisions.
Supporting the whole family
Seema’s Move On Support Worker knew that stability isn’t just about housing, it’s about helping the whole family settle into their new community. Together with Glow’s Children and Young People (CYP) Practitioner, they supported Seema in applying for a school place for her child, arranging introductions and providing interpretation. Soon after, her child started attending a local primary school, a crucial step toward normality and belonging.
A new start, a brighter future
Through consistent, compassionate support, Seema successfully transitioned from refuge accommodation into a secure social housing tenancy. Her home is now warm, safe, and furnished with the essentials her family needs. Her child is thriving in school, and she continues to build confidence in managing her home and finances.
Seema shared her gratitude for the practical and emotional support she received, especially around understanding complex systems and having someone by her side every step of the way.
“I feel safe now. I understand things better, and my children are happy. Glow helped me with everything, I couldn’t have done it alone.” – Seema
Seema’s story shows what can be achieved when domestic abuse survivors are given the right support at the right time, not just housing, but the tools, confidence, and advocacy to rebuild their lives safely and independently.
At Glow, we believe everyone deserves a life free from fear, with the opportunity to recover and thrive.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. We’re here to help you find safety and rebuild your life.
📞 Call us confidentially on 0330 094 5559
💬 Email us at [email protected]
🌐 Visit: www.findtheglow.org.uk/safe-accommodation
Your new beginning can start today.
