Clarion resident shortlisted for national award in recognition of scheme to support domestic abuse survivors
Stacy Bradley, 37, from Norwich has been shortlisted in the ‘Tenant of the Year’ category at this year’s Housing Heroes Awards which celebrate the achievements of women working in the housing sector.
Having experienced domestic abuse herself, Stacy set up an innovative social enterprise called ‘Safe at Home’ to support fellow survivors by offering the free installation of security cameras and lighting to reduce the likelihood of post-separation abuse and harassment.
A Clarion Housing Group resident for almost 20 years, Stacy knew about the support the housing association provides to residents through its charitable foundation, Clarion Futures, so reached out to explore opportunities for collaboration.
Clarion Futures provided initial support to help develop the idea, before involving contractors Equans who contributed to the project through Clarion’s social value programme, donating equipment and providing installation free of charge.
Safe at Home was launched in April 2022 with a focus on supporting domestic abuse survivors across the East of England, and since then has installed security equipment at more than 100 homes following referrals from local domestic abuse services and other partners. The scheme has already delivered tangible outcomes, including two instances where the cameras have caught offenders attending victims’ properties while they were out, leading to prosecutions from the police.
Those supported by the scheme have said they feel safer and more confident to go about their daily lives, feeling that the security cameras and lights have given them some of their freedom and peace of mind back. All have said they feel less anxiety and one woman has said she now feels safe and confident enough to start looking for work after being unemployed for 15 years.
Speaking about the project, Stacy said:
“My personal experience gave me the idea for Safe at Home which has come so far since it launched last year, and I’m delighted to have been shortlisted for the Housing Heroes Awards.
“For me, though, supporting domestic abuse survivors as they move on with their lives and seeing the difference we can make is better than winning any award, and I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received from Clarion Futures and Equans.”
Phil Miles, Director of Clarion Futures, said:
“Stacy is a real inspiration and we’re proud to have played a small part in getting her Safe at Home project off the ground. Thanks to the support of our contractors, Equans, the project has already made a difference to people who have been victims of domestic abuse, providing vital reassurance and practical tools to help improve lives.”
Clarion has committed additional funding over the next 12 months through its social value programme, with contractors Equans, United Living and Wates all contributing alongside a package of non-financial support.
The winners of the Housing Heroes Awards will be announced at Housing 2023, the Chartered Institute of Housing’s flagship conference, which takes place in Manchester from 27-29 June.