The Salvation Army Carehaven Shelter for abused women and children has been in operation since 1983 but registered as an NPO in June 2001. They cater for up to 60 women and their children, many of whom run away from their abusive partners with absolutely nothing but the clothes on their back and their children. Carehaven then supplies all those in their care with clothing, toiletries, nappies, food etc which they do at their own cost.

Carehaven aims to support and empower the women in their programmes to end the cycle of abuse. On-going counselling forms a large part of this process of building self-esteem, assisting with trauma and moving forward, and  children are also offered counselling when they arrive at the home.

The home provides safety and shelter for the women and children that come to, with safety being of the utmost importance. The shelter is an unmarked building with great security that affords its inhabitants with the safety & security they need.  Mothers and their children are moved into communal first stage housing where they are able to stay for up to 5 months. Some mothers and their children are then able to move into some of the second stage housing which are Carehaven flats where they live independently but still with the support and structure of Carehaven shelter.

Carehaven also provides:

• Access to medical and legal advice
• HIV counselling and training
• Day-care services for children and baby crèche so mothers can still to work etc
• Life skills and parental training
• Some women are also offered the opportunity to learn new skills that might assist them in finding gainful employment.
• Development of a variety of practical subjects (job-hunting, money management)