A family who’ve escaped domestic abuse said they’re looking forward to every day now they’ve moved into a new fully furnished affordable home in Waltham Forest.

The home and furnishings are the result of a partnership between the social housing association, Peabody, the charity Furnishing Futures, and the London Borough of Waltham Forest. Together they’re running a pilot scheme to provide fully furnished, affordable homes to people who have fled domestic abuse and applied for social housing after living in refuge accommodation. 

One in six women in England and Wales experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or former partner in the year to the end of March 2024, according to figures from the Office of National Statistics.  Fleeing an abusive relationship is a difficult decision, and those that do leave, often face significant financial challenges, including needing to borrow money to buy furniture and kitchen appliances. Having a home with affordable rent that’s already furnished relieves pressure and can help reduce anxiety and boost wellbeing.   

Susie*, who recently moved into the new home in Waltham Forest with her three children, said: “This house feels like happiness. When you wake up you know you can do this. You feel better. And it makes me happy. I have no worries. I am feeling more confident and feel like I am looking forward to every day.”

After sharing a bedroom with his sisters, her son now has his own room, which he loves nearly as much as the new garden he can play football in. Her two daughters are happy to have a room where they can chat and do their homework together. And Susie says it has really improved their relationship with each other, as well as their mental behaviour and attitude. 

Peabody is providing three homes in Waltham Forest for the pilot but hopes to offer more in other boroughs, as well as encouraging other housing associations to get involved. Furnishing Futures uses their expertise in support work and interior design to work with the resident to make their new home as comfortable as possible, while being mindful of past traumas. They have helped 280 women and children across London get back on their feet and saved 62,000kg of unwanted furniture from landfill.

Elly Hoult, Peabody Deputy Chief Executive, said: “It’s great to see the project coming together and to know that we’re helping make a real difference to people’s lives. These homes are a safe haven where families can get back on their feet without having to worry about where they’re going to get the money to buy furniture or going into debt. 

“We, our partners, charities and other housing associations, all want to do more because it has such a positive impact but scaling it up is incredibly difficult.”

Emily Wheeler, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Furnishing Futures, said: “It is wonderful to hear the positive impact that our partnership with Peabody in Waltham Forest is already having on families who have escaped domestic abuse. Our trauma-informed approach to creating furnished homes for survivors ensures that their home meets all their needs, giving them a safe foundation from which to rebuild their lives.”

Councillor Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration at London Borough of Waltham Forest, said: “We are committed to working together to help prevent domestic abuse and reduce the harm it causes to individuals, families, and communities. All our work on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is informed by the lived experiences of survivors impacted by violence. 

“This is an innovative partnership, and fantastic to know survivors have a safe space they can call their home – making a real difference to people in their time of need.”
 

*Residents name change

Photo credit for all images Kirsty Noble

Waltham Forest Council holds Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) drop-in sessions Monday to Friday in its Family Hubs across the borough. Specialist workers are on hand to offer support and advice. No appointment is needed, and you do not need to have a child to access this service. 

For more information, visit our domestic abuse support page.

24-hour support is available via the National Domestic Abuse Helpline. You can call them on 0808 2000 247 to speak to a trained professional about your experience or if you’re worried about someone else. If you think you or someone else may be at immediate risk of harm, please call 999.

You can also call Waltham Forest Solace Women’s Aid on 07340 683 382 or visit the Solace Women's Aid website for advice and support.

If you are worried about your own behaviour and think you might be at risk of hurting your partner or family, contact the Respect Helpline on 0808 802 4040. It is confidential and free to call or visit the Respect website.