By Adam Wyatt
Updated on Sep 16, 2024
A home is more than just four walls and a roof; it’s a deeply personal place where people feel safe, seen, and supported. For women who’ve endured trauma, abuse, and institutional living, a real sense of home can seem like a distant dream. But at The Unity Project’s female-only property in Bexley, that dream becomes a reality.
This unique property offers more than just shelter – it provides a safe haven for women with complex support needs, helping them rebuild their lives in a space designed specifically for healing.
Lisa Denvir, Head of The Unity Project, shares, "We know that for many women, the path to healing begins with finding a place where they feel safe and understood. That’s what Bexley is – an environment where women can grow into who they want to be."
There’s a comfort in knowing that the space you inhabit is entirely female. For women who have experienced sexual abuse or domestic violence, safety is often tied to their surroundings. The Bexley property provides an environment where women can breathe easier, knowing that all the support staff are women who understand the sensitivities that come with trauma.
"A female-only environment isn’t just a preference; it’s a necessity for many women," explains Lisa. "It’s about creating a space where they can let their guard down and focus on their recovery without the lingering fear of what happened in the past."
In Sydney, the only other female-only spaces available are short-term shelters, where women are often offered a place to stay for just a few days at a time. While these shelters serve an urgent need, they don’t provide the stability necessary for long-term recovery.
What makes Bexley truly unique is that it offers a long-term home where women can put down roots, regain control of their lives, and begin to heal in a safe, nurturing environment. It’s more than a temporary refuge – it’s a place to rebuild.
The Bexley property is specifically designed for women who have faced significant challenges in their lives. Whether they’ve experienced sexual abuse, domestic violence, or another form of trauma, Bexley provides a safe and stable place to recover.
"The women who come to Bexley aren’t just looking for a place to stay," explains Lisa. "They’re looking for a way to reclaim their lives, and we’re here to help them break the cycle and start a new chapter."
Women who have been institutionalised, experienced multiple hospitalisations, or exited the criminal justice system often face compounded challenges and have complex support needs. They carry the emotional weight of their experiences, which can make rebuilding their lives incredibly difficult.
The Bexley property is designed with these complexities in mind, offering more than just basic care. Here, women are supported with personalised care plans that address not only their physical well-being but also their emotional and psychological needs.
"It’s not just about providing care; it’s about understanding each woman’s unique journey and meeting her where she is," says Lisa. “You have to take the time to relate to their past. It’s the only way to help them get to where they want to be.”
Healing from trauma takes time, and stability is essential. The Bexley property provides a consistent and nurturing environment where women can begin to process their experiences and start to heal. With trauma-informed care at the forefront, every interaction is guided by empathy and understanding.
Imagine a tree battered by storms – its roots are weak, but with care, water, and time, it begins to grow stronger. Bexley offers this type of care, allowing women to stabilise and strengthen their roots before they begin to flourish fully.
The all-female support team is dedicated to providing this long-term care, helping women navigate the ups and downs of recovery. Through individualised care plans, residents receive the tools they need to rebuild their lives at their own pace and in a way that feels right to them. This approach empowers women to make choices about their recovery, building independence and allowing them to thrive long term.
Healing happens not just within the walls of Bexley but also in the surrounding community. The property offers residents the opportunity to integrate into the local area, helping them regain a sense of belonging and purpose. Whether it’s volunteering, participating in local events, or simply engaging in neighborhood activities, Bexley encourages women to rebuild their lives in connection with others.
Lisa emphasises, "We believe that part of the healing process is helping these women feel like they are part of something bigger. It’s about offering them a way to make a positive contribution and become an active part of the community again."
This focus on community involvement not only aids in personal healing but also empowers women to reclaim their sense of identity and independence. Through activities like local volunteering or joining social groups, women have the chance to form meaningful relationships and establish lasting connections.
By becoming part of the community, they begin to build an informal support network with others who can relate to their experiences, offering understanding, encouragement, and a sense of shared resilience that helps them move forward with confidence.
In Sydney, there is no other property like Bexley for female NDIS participants with complex support needs. The combination of a female-only environment, trauma-informed care, and individualised support plans sets Bexley apart as a truly one-of-a-kind offering.
For many of these women, traditional support models simply don’t meet their needs. They require a space that offers safety, understanding, and specialised care – something Bexley was designed to provide.
"Bexley is unique because it acknowledges that healing isn’t one-size-fits-all," says Lisa. "It’s about giving women support that’s personalised to their unique circumstances."
Referring a woman to Bexley is straightforward. Support coordinators, case workers, and other professionals can easily connect with The Unity Project to begin the process.
The transition is smooth, ensuring that women receive the care they need as soon as possible. This means they can quickly settle into their new home and immediately receive the support needed to make peace with the past and build a positive future.
The Bexley property offers more than just accommodation – it’s a lifeline for women who have faced unimaginable hardships.
Through a combination of all-female support, trauma-informed care, and community involvement, Bexley provides a space where women who have faced unimaginable hardship can heal, grow, and live the life they deserve.
If you are supporting women with complex needs who need a safe, secure, and empowering environment, contact one of our friendly experts today:
Email Us: info@theunityproject.au
Learn about the Bexley property: