Domestic Abuse Café – Tunbridge Wells
We are delighted to open the doors of our café for the survivors of domestic abuse. The cafe will be a safe haven and a place to forge new friendships and make a fresh start for those who have experienced domestic abuse. Look Ahead staff, domestic abuse survivors and experts will be available to share their experience, hear your stories and provide support.
If you would like to find out more, get in touch:
Email: kentdomesticabuse@lookahead.org.uk
Helpline: 0333 0104 660
Kent Services
Commissioned by Kent County Council (KCC), Look Ahead began to roll out its successful service model across Kent in 2016.
People coming to stay with us come from a range of life experiences. They may be a young person leaving care, or someone who is experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse or mental ill health but whatever their background, we believe in working with each individual to empower them to take control of their lives.
We offer holistic approach to our customers often varied needs and work in partnership at all levels of our work. We partner with Live Well Kent to deliver services, and we commission to Kent-based organisations including Porchlight, The Bridge Trust, Riverside and West Kent YMCA.
Every service in Kent provides Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE), and trauma-informed approach. Our skilled, multi-disciplinary teams put the customer at the heart of everything they do; the focus is on developing positive relationships with each person; building on their strengths and providing a safe environment from where they can make choices and get back on their feet.
Our domestic abuse services
Look Ahead provides expert care and support to both female and male survivors of domestic abuse in west Kent, enabling individuals to regain their confidence and rebuild their lives.
We have experienced Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) working in our refuges and out in the community and we run support groups and specialist programmes for those who have experienced domestic abuse.
Look Ahead can offer overnight emergency accommodation to those in immediate danger, while we help domestic abuse survivors who want to stay in their own homes with security measures including fitting window locks and door bars. Welfare support is also offered with food and travel vouchers provided.
Look Ahead has partnered with Protection Against Stalking to run cyber stalking clinics to support victims, while local businesses are being given advice on how to keep employees safe.
Look Ahead belongs to a consortium of organisations called Kent Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (KIDAS), which includes Oasis Domestic Abuse Service in east Kent and Clarion Housing in north and south Kent.
To reach our team, please contact kentdomesticabuse@lookahead.org.uk.
Our young people services
We offer a mixture of high quality shared and self-contained accommodation in south and west Kent for young people in or leaving care.
Young people may need extra support for variety of reasons including problems at home, escaping abuse or exploitation. They may have mental health needs, drug or alcohol issues, or they may have offended in the past.
We work in Psychologically Informed Environments with a focus on recovery from trauma and offer support that is personalised to each individual.
There’s practical help for young people too in areas such as finances, employment/training, and relationships.
Our goal is for young people to achieve independence and move into a home of their own. We know that with the right support they can achieve their aspirations and make choices about their future.
Our mental health services
Look Ahead offers housing support for people with mental health needs in Kent. Our customers are at-risk adults who have an existing or previous mental health condition and may be in recovery.
We offer floating support to 26 customers living in their own homes in east and west Kent and work with our partners The Shaw Trust and Porchlight to deliver services.
Look Ahead is focused on our customers’ journey back to health and alongside a recovery programme we offer practical help to individuals to manage their tenancy, to budget and to return to work, start training, or begin volunteering.
We are privileged to see customers’ recovery in action as they return to independent living and move on to the next step in their journey.
Our homelessness services
Look Ahead offers specialist support to the homeless or those at risk of being homeless.
Our customers with complex needs including mental health and substance misuse are supported through Kent Homeless Connect, run in partnership with Porchlight.
We work in Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE) and aim is to make our accommodation both homely and welcoming.
Look Ahead has more than 100 accommodation units in north and west Kent, but our service is about so much more than putting a roof over somebody’s head. We tailor support around each individual and offer psychological therapy to our customers, many of whom have experienced complex trauma or abuse. Working alongside our customers we build on their strengths.
Look Ahead also has a Tenancy Sustainment Team that works side-by-side with people living in their own homes. The team helps tenants to manage their rent and access the benefits they are entitled to, while our Supported Letting Team advise customers with more complex needs in their homes.
Our outreach service, run in partnership with Porchlight, works with the county’s rough sleepers offering a person-centred approach.
Look Ahead is working with local councils in Kent to provide support at Housing First accommodation, where individuals with complex needs are provided with a stable home from where they can begin their recovery society.
If you or someone you know might need housing support, you can refer in to the service by visiting the Kent Homeless Connect website.
Our learning disability services
Pelham Road will be a specialist supported living service for people aged 16+ years with higher levels of need including learning disabilities and autism. It is set to open February 2022.
Learn more about Pelham Road