Salisbury Women’s Refuge Faces Imminent Closure Without Urgent Donations

Friday, 19 December 2025 09:36

Salisbury Women’s Refuge, a vital lifeline for women and children escaping domestic abuse, is under immediate threat of closure following a severe lack of funding.

The refuge is appealing to the public, local organisations, and funders to help secure its future, issuing an urgent call for financial donations.

The refuge, which dates back 150 years to an orphanage created to offer safety and life-changing support, now provides secure accommodation for up to 12 women or families at a time.

While being based in Wiltshire, Salisbury Women’s Refuge offers nationwide support, hosting families in need from across the UK. In recent years, the refuge has operated at an average occupancy of about 90%.

The refuge is staffed by a dedicated and extremely hard-working team of eight, mostly part-time. It is supported by volunteers, delivering comprehensive, specialist support - including one-to-one guidance, the nationally recognised Freedom Programme, Outcomes Star for domestic abuse, counselling, play therapy, help with court proceedings and housing and preparation for moving on to independent living.

The refuge has successfully operated independently without dedicated domestic abuse funding for 3 years, receiving only basic housing benefit as a landlord.

Without urgent financial support, Salisbury Women’s Refuge will be forced to close. This would leave some of the most vulnerable women and children without help and safety.

Caroline Probert, Chair of Trustees for Salisbury Women’s Refuge, comments, “From its origins in the 1800s to the present day, this refuge has relied on the compassion and commitment of individuals who believe in protecting those who have nowhere else to turn.

“We are now asking our community once again to stand with us. Without urgent donations, we cannot continue to offer safety, hope, and a path to independence.”

A Call for Immediate Donations

Donations of any size will directly support the refuge's ongoing operations. The target is £20,000, which will keep the refuge open until the spring.

Donations can be made via the Local Giving fundraising page https://localgiving.org/fundraising/save-SWR or donate via the Salisbury Women’s Refuge website donations page: www.salisburywomensrefuge.co.uk or use the QR code

More from Local News

PlayZone facility to open in Bemerton Heath with aim of boosting local community sport and active wellbeing

Wiltshire Council has worked with the local Bemerton Heath community and partners to design and successfully obtain funding to rebuild the Gainsborough Close Multi-Use-Games-Area (MUGA) – with the first phase of the project being completed this week.
Bradbury House provides 'high quality care and support for people with disabilities'

Bradbury House, located near Old Sarum, a Wiltshire Council-run care home providing short breaks for adults with physical and learning disabilities, has been praised for creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where people can thrive.
Laverstock & Ford Councillors Welcome New Southern Police Hub

Laverstock and Ford Parish Councillors have warmly welcomed the announcement that Wiltshire Police will establish a new Southern Police Hub on land adjacent to the Avon Bourne Care Home, bringing a major investment in local policing and community safety to the area.
Wiltshire Council awarded £3.1m to invest in walking, wheeling and cycling schemes

Wiltshire residents will enjoy safer and more accessible walking, wheeling, and cycling routes thanks to more than £3.1m in government funding.
Salisbury Crowned the Cheapest UK City for a New Year's Eve Night Out

Salisbury has been crowned the cheapest city for a night out this New Year's Eve, with an expected cost of £73.63 per person.
Man Sentenced to Life for the Murder of Darren Hughes

Aflie Miller has handed a life sentence at Winchester Crown Court today (17th December) for the murder of Darren Hughes.
National Highways to Invest £23m in A36 Improvements in Salisbury

National Highways is investing £23m to upgrade the A36 through Salisbury over the next six years, including resurfacing and upgrading traffic lights.
Veterans’ Self-Build cohort graduates from Ludgershall scheme

A group of veterans at risk of homelessness, who have been supported by ALABARÉ, have successfully moved into new homes they’ve helped to build - just in time for Christmas.