Women’s safe hub proposed in Barnstaple

More women are accessing both crisis and prevention support

A community hub for women is being proposed to replace a vacant pub in Barnstaple.

Encompass Southwest, in collaboration with North Devon Against Domestic Abuse (NDADA), wants to provide a ‘safe space ‘at The Watering Hole, Castle Street for women facing issues such as domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Called ‘Brave Spaces,’ the community hub would also give help and advice on homelessness, substance misuse, mental health, sexual health and support for women who have had children taken into care.

And it would offer peer support, creative activities and personal development.

Plans submitted to North Devon Council include private consultation rooms and welfare facilities, emergency accommodation for women in crisis, a specialist referral centre for victims of sexual assault, currently only available in Exeter, and a quiet, secure courtyard for outdoor relaxation.

The Watering Hole has been empty for several years and fallen into disrepair, planning documents say.

The centre is expected to be staffed by around 10 full-time and part-time employees trained in trauma-informed care, safeguarding practices and supporting women. It will have secure access, surveillance cameras in common areas, and regular security checks to ensure the environment is safe.

Planning agent NPAS Architectural Services said changes to the building’s layout would be minimal and would ensure the heritage of the building is conserved.

Encompass Southwest and NDADA say the hub will meet a significant community nees, addressing a gap in services for women and providing them all  in one central location.

Funds from a cafe will help its ong term sustainability.

The people behind the project are looking for funding, including undertaking community fundraising.

Over the past three years, the organisations says they have seen an increase in the number of women accessing both crisis and prevention support, but believed this is “just the tip of the iceberg”

North Devon Council will decide on the proposal in due course.