Kate Griffiths, Member of Parliament for Burton & Uttoxeter, visited a women’s refuge in Burton on Monday 27th September.
The safe house—which is operated by national charity Betel UK—is a place women can go to seek safe space and support in recovering from issues such as domestic abuse, homelessness, mental health disorders and addiction.
Kate met with Betel UK Director Karen Shirazi to hear about the programmes they run at the safe house which support the women in their care.
Kate was pleased to learn that the women are placed in a welcoming and caring environment where they can recover from the harms they experienced, and are safe from further harm.
Through therapeutic work programmes, the women also receive training in administration and learn new skills like upholstery. These generate income to support the charity’s work.
Much of the furniture the women work on is stocked and sold in the charity’s Restored shop on Station Street in Burton.
Commenting, Kate Griffiths MP, said:
“It was humbling to visit the Betel safe house in Burton, and to hear about the women striving to get back on their feet after facing some really horrendous personal challenges.
“This female refuge is an absolute lifeline to many women in the most difficult circumstances, and offers them the opportunity to recover and learn valuable skills along the way too.
“I want to thank Karen and her Betel team for all that they do to support vulnerable women in our community.
"We are fortunate in Burton to have such a strong network of support services—including this refuge—which is a safe place for local women in need of respite and support.”
Director Karen Shirazi added:
“We are very grateful to Kate Griffiths MP for taking the time to visit our refuge for women in Burton today.
“Many of the women that come to us are the most vulnerable members of the community and in need of support. Through a loving, extended-family-style, community environment, we strive to help them transform their lives and get back on their feet.
“It was great to show Kate what we do, and the positive impact we make on the lives of these women, who are those most in need of support.”
