Juno Women’s Aid has received £1.715 million package of loans courtesy of Social and Sustainable Capital, to enable the purchase of nine properties (two- and three-bed homes) across Nottingham and South Nottinghamshire, providing move-on accommodation for single women and children fleeing domestic abuse.
The government recently rolled out further support for victims of domestic abuse as part of the Social Housing Renewal Bill, which would allow social landlords to evict perpetrators of domestic violence without victims having to flee their homes. However, for those who have not yet began court proceedings and concerned for their safety, charity support such as the accommodation provided by Juno Women’s Aid are invaluable.
The investment builds on Juno’s existing £3.075 million SASH II loan, which was one of the first SASH II loans approved. Juno has now secured a further £1.365 million SASH II loan alongside a £350,000 Community Investment Fund (CIF) loan.
READ MORE: Who is Andy Burnham, and What Does He Mean for Social Housing?
The nine SASH II and CIF-funded properties will be used as dispersed accommodation for women and their children impacted by domestic abuse specifically supporting families with older male children who are unable to access other refuge accommodation.
As one of the leading domestic abuse organisations in Nottingham and South Nottinghamshire, Juno delivers a range of services including a 24-hour helpline, outreach support for women and children and refuge provision.
Paula Clarke, CEO of Juno Women’s Aid, said: “Housing is central to supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse. Through this investment, we are expanding access to safe, stable housing, enabling survivors and their families to rebuild their lives. It will support them to resettle, access education and employment opportunities, and ultimately move towards securing a permanent home after the trauma they have experienced.”
“This second investment from SASC allows us to continue expanding our move-on accommodation model and reduce reliance on the private rented sector, strengthening the sustainability of our services and ensuring we can support more women and children across Nottinghamshire.”
The additional investment will address the shortage of suitable accommodation for survivors of domestic abuse and respond to continued demand for safe housing, while enabling Juno to reduce reliance on the private rented sector. Property ownership also strengthens the organisation’s ability to bid for future domestic abuse contracts, which leasing accommodation does not.
The properties will provide dispersed move-on accommodation for women and their children for periods of 12–36 months, supporting families to rebuild their lives following domestic abuse and improving long-term housing stability, mental health and wellbeing outcomes.
Bernice Affat, CEO of Social and Sustainable Capital, said: “We are pleased to provide further investment to Juno Women’s Aid as they continue to expand their vital housing provision for survivors of domestic abuse. This funding will help address a clear shortage of suitable accommodation and support women and children moving from crisis support into safe, stable move-on accommodation on the pathway to permanent, independent homes. Juno’s experienced team and strong delivery model give confidence that this investment will continue to deliver significant social impact.”
The investment covers Nottinghamshire, East Midlands and sits within SASC’s Social and Sustainable Housing II (SASH II) and Community Investment Fund (CIF) programmes. It contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), supporting improved housing provision, mental health and wellbeing, and stronger community outcomes.
