SafeHaven Ayrshire was set up early in 2002 to fill a gap in the provision of support for women to help them overcome problems caused by abuse and addiction.

SafeHaven provides 24 hour supportive accommodation in an alcohol and substance free environment where the women no longer have to live in fear.

Once these women are in a safe and supported environment they develop a greater awareness of the nature and implications of their addictive behaviour and by confronting it gradually learn to cope with it. The availability of 24-hour support allows them to develop their strengths at their own pace, dealing with their anxieties as they arise.

The guiding ethos is that they have no reason to feel ashamed of their behaviour and that they have the capability as individuals to take charge of their own lives.

Having reached this realisation these women are encouraged to enter back into the community whenever they feel strong enough and are guided and supported through this crucial part of the process.

Clients are referred to as 'the girls' and come to regard themselves as part of the 'family' of SafeHaven - an important step along the road to creating acceptable identities for themselves.

There are no geographical restrictions to acceptance for residence, and while most girls are from East Ayrshire and the Greater Glasgow area, they are welcomed from all over Britain.

Among the volunteers there is a strong personal motivation engendered by the fact that few people or organisations are willing to work closely with abused and addicted women, because of the complexity of their situations and the demand for support for a diversity of problems such as children and other family members, mental and physical health issues and not least, security.

The approach is a totally dry living environment - e.g. abstention.

There is a practical daily routine which soon becomes familiar and therefore comforting to the girls. Personal health and cleanliness, keeping the house clean and tidy, shopping, cooking and developing basic computing skills through record keeping form the basis of their occupation.

The house becomes a familiar focal point for their lives and its secluded location, remote from their familiar urban haunts, means that easy return to old networks and old habits is not possible.

Maintenance of family contacts is strongly encouraged and fostered as an important attribute of the bridge-building needed in order to resume normal life.

SafeHaven Ayrshire has close links with local GP's in the area, Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous as well as the local Police force.

For referral information please call Sandra on 07904 873645.

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