Hadhari Nari
The Hadhari Nari Women's Project is managed by Hallmark Community Housing Association, a registered social landlord that provides social housing for black and minority ethnic communities in Derby. The Association is registered with the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 (number 25665R) and as such is an eligible organisation for charitable funding.
Hadhari Nari's mission statement is "to provide support and a confidential service through an advice centre, refuge accommodation, outreach work and training for ALL women and children experiencing domestic violence, whilst addressing the needs of Black, Asian and other ethnic minority women. Hadhari Nari believes that all women and children have the right to live in a society without the fear of violence. We will educate, empower and support to achieve this aim".
Hadhari Nari (Affiliated to Women's Aid Federation of England) was established in 1986 to provide refuge accommodation and support for women and children affected by issues of domestic violence, targeting support to Black and Minority Ethnic women (BME). The project has developed over the years and we now offer a range of services out of our refuge accommodation at two separate (and secret) locations and an Advice and Information Centre located in the heart of the inner city of Derby.
Summary of Activities
Temporary Refuge Accommodation - Hadhari Nari operates two women's refuge units, one a converted house providing accommodation for up to 3 women and the other a purpose built facility accommodating up to 32 women and children including aids and adaptations for physically disabled women and 24 hour support. Hadhari Nari aims to provide a secure place for women to make un-pressured decisions about their future and is committed to a National Open Door Policy, which means that even if there are no vacancies efforts will be made to find alternative refuge accommodation for any woman in need. Hadhari Nari is able to support and accommodate women with or without dependent children.
Outreach Work and Aftercare Support Service - The Outreach Service is designed to support those women who have limited or no access to information, who may be isolated in the community for example women who are living in rural settings, disabled women or those who experience cultural barriers preventing them from coming to the advice centre. Hadhari Nari offers confidential information, advice, support and counselling to women in a safe and non-judgemental way. We employ two Outreach Workers whose role it is to provide support specifically to women leaving refuges and to those women who prefer to receive support whilst remaining in their own homes.
Information Service - Hadhari Nari provides a comprehensive service for women seeking information on domestic violence and other issues. The primary area of activity involves making referrals to the refuges and to other regional and national support agencies.
Counselling and Advice - Hadhari Nari provides confidential counselling and advice to women affected by issues of domestic violence. The service is delivered through a team of dedicated counsellors, which includes volunteers. The counselling service is free of charge and each session lasts approximately for one hour. Hadhari Nari aims to help women by providing a safe environment where women are listened to, accepted, respected and supported.
Children's Work - Hadhari Nari recognises the needs of children in refuges. Sometimes children are distressed as a result of witnessing domestic violence against their mothers. Hadhari Nari employs specially trained child care workers who provide appropriate structured activity sessions, visits and outings for the children.
Other Services/Initiatives - Hadhari Nari will deliver and facilitate the following support services through the advice centre;
- Self Help Group - The Self Help Group is designed to empower women to take the lead on arranging sessions to address their current situations, share experiences and gain confidence and self-esteem.
- Informal drop in Sessions - The drop in sessions provide an informal, safe and friendly environment for victims of domestic abuse. The sessions co-ordinated by the Project Worker run one morning per week with the aim of supporting and empowering women.
- Health Clinics - There is a need to provide advice and information relating to sexual health and family planning particularly amongst young women. This provides practical support by offering access to pregnancy testing facilities at the advice centre. The centre provides testing sessions free of charge in association with the local family planning clinics
- Legal Surgeries - Hadhari Nari identified a need for legal advice 'surgeries' for local women. The aim is to offer free and confidential advice to women in situations of domestic violence in a safe environment. The surgeries are run every two weeks by a local solicitor at the advice centre.
- Resource Facility - The advice centre dedicates one room towards providing resources to local women, this includes access to computers and providing a range of learning opportunities for women experiencing domestic violence, particularly women with English as a second or other language.
36 St James Road, Normanton, Derby, DE23 8QX
Tel: 01332 270101