A Safe Space for You and Your Child to Heal Together
You have taken the courageous step to leave an abusive relationship. Now, you don’t have to recover alone.
Safe Arbour is a free, welcoming 12‑week programme for mothers and children (aged 0–5) to heal, play, and grow together. It is a place to make sense of what happened, rebuild your confidence, and deepen your connection with your child without judgment.
Note: If you are in immediate danger, please call 999.
For confidential support, you can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 (24 hours).
Is Safe Arbour for Me?
Note: If you are in immediate danger, please call 999.
For confidential support, you can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 (24 hours).
Safe Arbour is currently running in the London Borough of Islington. To join a group, we ask that:
You are a mother with at least one child aged 0–5.
Your child comes to the group with you.
You have experienced domestic abuse (emotional, physical, financial, or coercive control).
You are NO LONGER living with the person who hurt you.
Why do we ask this? Learning about abuse and standing up for yourself can put you at greater risk of harm if you are still living with the abuser. Your safety is our first priority.
You live in Islington, (or have been placed in temporary accommodation outside the borough by Islington Council).
Don't worry about the travel cost, we can support you with this.
What Happens at Safe Arbour?
We know that walking into a new group can be difficult. We strive to make it as easy for you as possible. Here’s exactly what you can expect.
The programme runs for 12 weeks during term time, plus a special group outing during half-term. It is designed to be a relaxed, non-judgmental space where everyone "gets" what you have been through.
You do not have to share anything you’re not ready to. You can take part fully even if you never share your story out loud; you are always welcome to speak as much or as little as feels right for you.
A Typical Morning
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Time to connect.
We start the day together. You and your child explore creative, sensory, and interactive play in a supportive environment. It is a chance to relax, be spontaneous, and enjoy "messy play" together—rebuilding the joy that domestic abuse often takes away.
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Time to process.
For You: You join a safe, facilitated mothers' group. We talk about domestic abuse, how it impacts us and our children, and practical ways to support recovery. We also acknowledge and build on the strengths you already have that helped you get through.
For Your Child: Your children stay in our crèche. Our experienced staff help them play, make friends, and learn that it is okay to be away from you for a little while.
New to Separation? Many mothers who come to Safe Arbour have never been apart from their children before. That is completely normal. Our team is experienced in supporting both you and your child through this transition.
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Time to nourish.
We provide a free, healthy lunch for mothers, children, and staff to sit down and eat together as a community.
Why Join? (Voices from the Group)
"I used to go to play groups with my child, but the other mums would ask questions about our family, and I would either have to over-share, or lie, so I just stopped going. It’s nice to be in a group where everyone just gets it.”
What mothers say:
"I realise now that it was not my fault and I did not deserve any of it."
"This experience has been life changing. I’ve gained a toolbox of skills to help me through my challenges."
“You have helped let light back in.”
What they notice in their children:
"I can’t remember when we last had such a lovely, connected day of good bonding."
"We learnt to be away from each other. We gained friends. We had fun."
“our children have really benefited, and I see a massive improvement in my son’s behaviour now.”
Removing the Barriers
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to attend.
It is Accessible: There is no financial barrier to attend Safe Arbour.
Childcare is Included: Our specialist crèche team cares for your under 6s while you are in your group session.
No Judgment: We focus on your strengths, not your past.
Confidential & Safe: We offer a confidential space to share your experiences. We will always prioritise your safety and the safety of your children above all else.
(If you have any questions, just ask. We are always happy to clarify anything for you.)
Get in Touch
For Mums: Join the Wait-list
If you would like to find out about the next group or would like to see the Safe Arbour programme in your area, we’d love to hear from you. Please fill out the simple form by following the link below, or ask your health visitor or support worker to do it for you.
We will contact you safely.
Please let us know the safest way to reach you (e.g., "WhatsApp only" or "Don't leave a voicemail").
Enquire about Joining (Secure Form)
For Professionals: Make a Referral
If you are a social worker, health visitor, GP, or any other professional supporting a family affected by domestic abuse, you can refer to Safe Arbour.
Criteria:
Mother is no longer co-habiting with the person who abused her.
At least one child is aged 0-5 and attends the group with her.
The family resides in Islington, or is being supported by Islington Council.
Contact us to Download Referral Form or View Full Referral Criteria
If There Isn’t a Group Near You Yet
Right now, Safe Arbour is only running in Islington. If you live elsewhere:
Join our waiting list: We will contact you if a group starts closer to you in the future.
Find Local Support: We can signpost you to other trusted services in your area.
Help Us Grow: If you think your community needs Safe Arbour, you can let your local MP, councillor, or GP know about us. We are ready to speak with them about bringing this support to you.