It was an honour to make the most of the sunshine and welcome donors, local services and MP for Canterbury Rosie Duffield for the launch of accommodation for Project Liberty, based in Canterbury. After a year and a half spent fundraising and renovating the house we are delighted to provide safe accommodation for 16-24 year old girls from Kent who are pregnant, experiencing domestic abuse and at risk of becoming homeless.
Deputy Lieutenant, Trustee of Brook Trust, and Chair of Kent Community Foundation Tim Brook gave a speech thanking local services for all the work they have done during the COVID pandemic. Rosie Duffield, MP for Canterbury cut the ribbon to open the house saying “ I am so pleased to have the opportunity to meet the team and some former residents who illustrated just how important these services are and how their experiences transformed their situations and shaped their futures.”
From this summer, 5 young women will live in the secure home and develop the skills they need to lead independent lives and find long-term homes for themselves and their children. No other service like this exists locally, and this group of vulnerable young women is at high risk of abuse, exacerbated by COVID 19 lockdown restrictions.
At the same time, Project Liberty will also host supportive group programmes for young women who have experienced or are currently experiencing domestic abuse. Allowing women from East Kent to access the support of their peers whilst learning about domestic abuse in a safe, friendly environment.
Fran Ellis, Rising Sun’s Chief Executive Officer, who hosted the events said, “We are thrilled to launch this service, especially after such a difficult year from COVID. This house will help young women from Kent feel safe, increase their resilience and build a better future for themselves and their children. Thank you to everyone who has helped us provide this much needed help to young women in need of support.”
Read more about Project Liberty accommodation here
Photo credit Emma Threadingham