The Lotus Refuge Safe Haven for Women and Children

Aim

After personally experiencing domestic abuse, I founded Led By Dreams CIC to turn pain into purpose. What began as my journey to rebuild a l

After personally experiencing domestic abuse, I founded Led By Dreams CIC to turn that trauma into change  not just for myself, but for others who had walked the same painful path. I knew what it felt like to flee, to rebuild from nothing, and to long for safety, stability, and understanding.

What started as a small idea  to create a safe, welcoming space led by survivors has grown into a powerful, peer-led movement. Our team is made up of women who have lived through domestic abuse, and who now dedicate their lives to helping others find freedom, healing, and hope. Together, we bring over 50 years of combined experience working in the domestic abuse sector  including crisis support, professional training, outreach, and refuge management.

Our vision is to open a 13-bedroom refuge for women and children escaping domestic abuse, including those from Armed Forces families who often face unique challenges in seeking help. This will be more than a building it will be a healing home where families can recover, rebuild confidence, and begin to dream again.

Each room will be beautifully furnished and thoughtfully designed to provide comfort and dignity. The refuge will also include play areas for children, self-care spaces, and facilities for pets ensuring no one has to choose between safety and the people (or animals) they love.

The money we raise will help us:

• Refurbish and furnish the refuge - transforming an empty building into a warm, welcoming, trauma-informed home.

• Provide essentials for women and children arriving with nothing but a bag or the clothes they’re wearing.

• Fund initial staffing and support services, ensuring every woman receives tailored, one-to-one help from experienced, empathetic staff.

• Deliver workshops, training, and recovery programmes that help survivors build confidence, learn new skills, and move forward into independence.

We believe that every woman deserves safety -and that those who have survived abuse can become the strongest voices for change.

By supporting this project, you’re helping us create a refuge built on empathy, experience, and empowerment - a place where survivors help survivors heal.

Together, we can break the cycle of abuse and build something beautiful from the hardest of beginnings.

This project closed unsuccessfully on 21st January 2026