The Westminster Violence Against Women and Girls Housing First Project
Standing Together proudly developed the Westminster Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Housing First Project, a pioneering service tailored to support women who have experienced any form of violence. Funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and commissioned by Westminster City Council, this vital initiative has been operational since August 2019, providing critical assistance to 48 women over the past year alone.
The Westminster VAWG Housing First Project is a collaborative endeavour, bringing together key partners to deliver comprehensive support. Solace Women’s Aid offers specialised support services for the women, while L&Q, Octavia, Peabody, Southern Housing Group, Sanctuary Supported Living and The Guinness Partnership ensure the provision of secure housing. Standing Together coordinates the housing element of the partnership and is responsible for the ongoing evaluation of the project’s impact.
Stream Now!
Stream Now!
Step into the world of change and resilience with From Harm to Home, the Westminster Violence Against Women and Girls Housing First Podcast. This powerful new series takes you inside the impact of a pioneering initiative, offering in-depth insights and meaningful conversations. Join us as we uncover the successes, challenges, and lessons learned from a year of providing safe, stable housing to women affected by long-term homelessness and violence against women and girls (VAWG). With expert interviews, personal stories, and thought-provoking analysis, this podcast is here to inform, inspire, and spark real change.
🎧 Start by listening to epsiode one down below on either Spotify or YouTube and be part of the movement!
From Harm to Home: Short-Film
Created by Westminster City Council, this project features two incredible women from the Housing First Project. We are deeply grateful to them for welcoming us into their lives and homes, sharing their stories with us.
From Harm to Home
The Westminster Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Year 5 Evaluation Report
Previous Evaluation Reports
This evaluation will highlight the key outcomes, challenges and successes of the fourth year of the Westminster VAWG Housing First project.
Read the Year 4 evaluation report here.
The project has been successful in housing some of the most marginalised and vulnerable women in Westminster.
Read the evaluation report for the first year of the project here.
This evaluation will highlight the key outcomes, challenges, and successes of the second year of the Westminster VAWG Housing First project.
Read the Year 2 evaluation report here.
Read about the learnings from year three of the Westminster VAWG Housing First Project.
The report also has practical tips and recommendations for anyone delivering, designing or commissioning Housing First.
Read the Year 3 learning report here.
This report showcases the artwork created by women with lived experience of VAWG, and multiple disadvantages, and key stakeholders of the Westminster VAWG Housing First Project, as part of the fourth year evaluation.