Finding a safe place to call home is a fundamental human need, yet for countless women facing unimaginable hardship, it remains out of reach. For Shirin, who arrived in the UK from Iran with her child, the journey was marked by fear and uncertainty. Her story is a powerful reminder of why we at Patron Capital are so deeply committed to the Women in Safe Homes fund, a partnership with Resonance designed to provide stability and hope.
When Shirin fled her previous life, she left everything behind. The threat of deportation and a lack of understanding of the UK housing system left her feeling vulnerable and scared. “I used to live with my husband, the father of my children,” she recalled. “But when I left, I had to leave all my things behind. I didn’t understand how housing worked, and before my immigration status was confirmed, I was scared.”
Her future felt fragile until a pivotal connection was made. Through the Women in Safe Homes fund, Shirin was introduced to Safer Places, one of the fund’s specialist housing partners. This introduction provided more than just a roof over her head; it provided a sanctuary and the start of a new life. The immediate sense of security was life-altering. “I would not be in the UK without it,” Shirin said. “My ex-husband used to say he would deport me.”
A Space to Heal and Rebuild
A safe and stable home is the foundation upon which a new life can be built. For Shirin, her new home became a space to breathe, to heal, and to rediscover her own identity. It offered her the freedom to be herself, away from the control and fear that had previously defined her existence.
“This means I am human again,” she shared. “I can be myself—as a human and a woman.”
This transformation is at the heart of the mission of Safer Places. As a specialist domestic abuse charity with over 45 years of experience across Essex and Hertfordshire, the organisation provides trauma-informed support to help survivors rebuild their lives. Their work goes beyond providing shelter; it focuses on restoring confidence, independence, and a sense of self through counselling, practical advice, and vital community connections.
For Shirin, the community she found was just as important as the home itself. She felt seen, heard, and valued. “I was proud to meet all the other women in the refuge,” she said. “The staff translate Recognition, Recovery Resilience (RRR)—a trauma-informed recovery programme for women who had experienced abuse—so we could attend and learn together.”
This simple act of translating the material was profoundly significant. It was a gesture of inclusion that broke down barriers and fostered a sense of belonging. “Being included and understood made such a difference,” Shirin explained.
Building a Brighter, Independent Future
The comprehensive support offered through the fund’s housing partners addresses the complex challenges women face when rebuilding their lives. From navigating complex legal systems to learning new skills, the support network is designed to empower women at every step.
Shirin received assistance with everything from immigration and housing advice to English lessons and financial management. “Staff helped me with immigration, housing, learning English, finding work, managing money, and using foodbanks,” she explained. “It was so important.”
With this foundation of support, Shirin is now focused on her future with optimism and determination. Her goals are clear: she wants to continue her education and secure employment, building a stable and independent life for herself and her child. “I planned to get a job and continue my ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes,” she said.
Her journey is a testament to the incredible resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact of providing a safe environment. For women like Shirin, a home is not just about security; it signifies the return of identity, dignity, and the opportunity to start anew.
Patron Capital’s Commitment to the Women in Safe Homes Fund
At Patron Capital, we are proud that our joint venture with Resonance, the Women in Safe Homes fund, plays a critical role in creating these positive outcomes. Launched in 2020, this gender-lens impact investment property fund is dedicated to providing safe, decent, and affordable homes for women escaping domestic abuse or leaving the criminal justice system.
By partnering with eight expert housing organisations like Safer Places, we ensure that tenants receive the essential wraparound, trauma-informed support needed to recover and rebuild their lives.
The fund is now fully deployed and has successfully purchased 122 properties, providing a safe haven for over 500 women and children to date. Over its lifetime, the fund aims to support more than 2,300 women and children, empowering them to build brighter, safer futures. Shirin’s story is a powerful illustration of this mission in action, and it inspires us to continue our commitment to creating lasting social impact.
