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'Secure and comfortable' in new women-only accommodation

Lindsey AlderWest Midlands
BBC A bedroom is pictured - it has a single bed with a blue flowered duvet set and pillow and a navy headboard. The walls are light blue, there is a door open leading to a bathroom and a wooden wardrobe on the right.BBC
The new self-contained accommodation has ensuite bathrooms and kitchenettes

A new female-only homelessness facility has opened in Stratford-upon-Avon for women needing somewhere to live, including those fleeing domestic abuse.

Stratford District Council has bought a property in the town to offer six self-contained units with en-suite bathrooms and kitchenettes.

1,075 people approached the authority for help with homelessness in the last financial year, 2025-26, including 688 from single households.

Of these, 283 were women - around 41% of all single applicants.

A woman with long blonde hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a blue and white v-necked top with no sleeves. Behind her is a wall painted light blue.
Hannah Buckley is Head of Housing at Stratford District Council and oversaw the project

The new scheme has been developed to help deal with the demand, offering a supportive stepping stone between crisis accommodation and fully independent living.

Hannah Buckley, head of housing at Stratford District Council, said it would enable residents to maintain their independence while accessing help.

"Unfortunately because of the high turnover that you get (in temporary accommodation), you can sometimes be so focused on the functionality of what's the most durable, without thinking about what the experience is for the individual.

"This is all about giving somebody that control and independence again. When you're homeless, you very often feel like you aren't completely in control."

Pictured is a room. On the far wall is a kitchen sink with two cupboards and a drawer underneath. On the right is a microwave on a counter top and under that is a white fridge. The walls are painted bright blue and through two windows, you can see trees.
Each room has a kitchen sink and fridge - with residents able to choose appliances like a microwave or air fryer

The accommodation is in the town, but the exact address is not being publicised.

The BBC spoke to one resident who was among the first to move in. She told us it had been important to feel comfortable and safe.

"It's amazing. It's really well set up. I think they've done really well. I just love the security, the way everything's organised.

"I'm happy, but secure as well. That's the main thing after experiencing what I've gone through before. So yeah, I feel lucky," she said.

A woman stands to the right of the photo, smiling at the camera. She has short white hair and is wearing glasses. She is wearing a white blouse with an orange beaded necklace. Behind her is a wall painted light green, some white kitchen tiles and an air fryer appliance.
Councillor Liz Coles says demand for homelessness services meant the council had to act

Councillor Liz Coles is the district council's portfolio holder for housing and said the authority recognised the need for the specialist facility, whether the need was prompted by financial, relationship, abuse or other issues.

"Our aim has always been to provide a safe home for people who need it and this is just one of many things that we have been looking at."

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