After leaving a violent relationship, Lisa spent years sleeping on the streets before moving between unsuitable hotels and mixed refuges.

“Not one of them was ever women-only,” she says. “Some of the places I stayed… they just weren’t safe. I went through three and a half years of hell.”

Everything changed when she moved into St Martin’s House a few months ago.

“From the moment I moved in, I felt safe. And that feeling… only women who’ve been through domestic violence know how important that is. This house gives you the help you actually need. I never knew a place like this existed.”

What Lisa values most is the support and security that surrounds her.

“You’ve got staff here 24/7. Proper security. I feel blessed. I’m making so much progress, which is down to my hard work and the strength I’ve built up, but also the staff. They’re amazing.”

I can come down any time I want. Someone’s always there to talk. I’ve used that a lot. Even just being able to phone them makes you feel safe.

I meet with the psychologist, Beth, every Thursday and I’m getting drug and alcohol support. Everyone here has help if you want to take it. When you first come here you feel like you can’t do anything, you can’t ever get somewhere, but you can.”

The contrast with her past is stark.

“I was in a hotel once where I was the only woman on a floor with 19 men. I was hassled all the time, people knocking on my door all day and night. There was only one kitchen, and I never went in there. I hardly ate – just sandwiches in my room. It was awful.”

Coming here was a blessing. I think about all the women out there who need this help but can’t get it… there’s just not enough places like this.”

She dreams of a future where more women can access what she has found.

“In five or ten years’ time, I’d love to see more of these houses popping up. Young girls are going through so much. Domestic violence isn’t going to disappear. They need somewhere safe.”

For Lisa, the sense of community has been really important.

She’s now rebuilding her life with confidence.

“I’ve got my grandson back after losing him for two years. I’m not losing my family again. They’re everything – my mum, dad, daughters, my grandchildren. I’m determined to move forward with my life. Without this place… honestly, what would I do?”