Emergency housing and support

Housing can be a barrier for people fleeing domestic abuse or for survivors rebuilding their lives, however there are options available:

• If you need to go to a refuge (a temporary safe place to live for you and your children) call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
• If you are a council tenant and you need to move to a new property, we can support you to transfer your tenancy in or outside the district

Find out more about exchanging or transferring to another home

• If you are homeless due to domestic abuse and eligible for homelessness assistance, you will be considered a priority need for accommodation. Local connection does not apply if you are fleeing domestic abuse, therefore you can apply to any council.

Find out more about getting a council home

Find out more about what to do if you are homeless or at risk

• Rising Sun offers supported housing for homeless young women who have experienced domestic abuse and who are pregnant or have a young baby. Residents can be referred anytime during their confirmed pregnancy and stay until their baby reaches 18 months of age.

Make a referral to Rising Sun or get more information about support (opens in new tab)

• No matter what your immigration status is, you still have the right to protection from the police and the courts if you are experiencing domestic abuse. If you have no access to money or public funds, you may be able to apply for the Destitute Domestic Violence Concession (DDVC).
  This can give you temporary access to benefits, which can help you move into a refuge or find safe alternative housing.

Apply for the migrant victims of domestic abuse concession (opens in new tab)

Further support

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, do not wait, call the police on 999.

• National Domestic Violence Helpline - 0808 2000 247 (open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year)
• Contact Refuge - the largest UK domestic abuse organisation for women (opens in new tab)
• Contact Oasis - our local provider for domestic abuse support (opens in new tab)
• Contact the Kent and Medway Domestic Abuse Partnership (opens in new tab)

Rising Sun

Supported housing is available for young women who are homeless, have experienced domestic abuse, and are pregnant or have a young baby. Women can be referred at any point during a confirmed pregnancy and can stay until their baby is 18 months old.

Referrals can be made by any organisation and young women can also refer themselves.

• Make a referral or get advice through Rising Sun (opens in new tab)
• phone: 01227 767180

Lillie's Lodge

Lillie’s Lodge provides residential family housing in Dover for families who need extra support. The home is owned and managed by Dionne Hawkins and operates as a Community Interest Company (CIC).

The service offers a safe and nurturing environment, working with each family and relevant professionals to create personalised support plans. The aim is to help families build confidence and develop effective parenting skills so they can move on positively within their community.

Referrals can be made directly through the website using the link below.

• Make a referral or get in touch with Lillie's Lodge (opens in new tab)
• email: dionne.hawkins@lillielodge.co.uk

Home-Start

Home-Start Dover District is a voluntary organisation that supports families with at least one child aged five or under.

They provide trained volunteers who visit families at home to offer practical help and emotional support, especially where parents are experiencing mental health challenges or where children have behavioural or emotional needs.

• Find out more about Home-Start and how they can help you (opens in new tab)
• phone: 01304 242314
• email: office@homestartdover.org.uk (opens in new tab)
• address: The Ark, Noah's Ark Road, Tower Hamlets, Dover CT17 0DD

Porchlight

Porchlight provides supported accommodation across the Dover district.

They offer personalised support for people who:

• are vulnerable and aged 18 or over
• have complex or additional needs, such as mental health challenges, substance misuse or trauma
• are sleeping rough, homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
• live in Kent.

There are different levels of supported accommodation available, ranging from 24‑hour support to lower‑level supported housing. These services are located throughout the Dover area.

• Visit the Porchlight website for more information or make a referral (opens in new tab)
• phone: 0300 365 7699

Emmaus Dover

Emmaus Dover offers homeless men and women the chance to rebuild their lives in a supportive community environment.

It offers:

• a home where all residents have a private room and shower room
• the opportunity to work in one of their own social enterprises
• access to healthcare, support services and counselling.

Emmaus Dover is based at Archcliffe Fort, Archcliffe Road, Dover.

• Visit the Emmaus website for more information (opens in new tab)
• email: communityleaderdover@emmaus.org.uk
• phone: 01304 204550