Date published: 30 May 2025
Stonewater, one of the UK’s leading affordable housing providers, has had its outstanding commitment to supporting domestic abuse survivors recognised with a prestigious accreditation.
Run by charity SafeLives, the Leading Lights accreditation recognises organisations across the UK that provide high-quality domestic abuse services.
It is awarded to organisations that meet rigorous standards under their assessment areas, which are Service Provision, Multi-Agency Work, Human Resources and Governance.
Stonewater’s achievement highlights the housing sector’s vital role in safeguarding vulnerable individuals while providing them pathways to safety and stability.
Stonewater’s Domestic Abuse Services provide safe, inclusive and empowering support for all survivors of domestic abuse.
Through a network of specialist refuges and community-based services across the country, Stonewater offers trauma-informed, person-centred support tailored to the diverse needs of individuals and families - including women, men, children, LGBTQ+ people, minoritised communities, and those with complex needs.
Their holistic approach combines emotional and practical support to help survivors recover, regain independence, and rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.
Currently Stonewater provide domestic abuse refuges in Brighton and Hove, Swindon, Bedfordshire, Bedford, South Hampshire and Herefordshire.
Wendy Griffiths, Operations Manager at Stonewater, said: “I’m delighted that the team at Leading Lights have recognised our hard work and dedication to ensure that we have a robust, comprehensive and high quality domestic abuse service in place which is inclusive to all survivors of domestic abuse.
“We’re proud of the quality of domestic abuse support that we’re able to offer, so this accreditation from SafeLives is a key milestone. We’re looking forward to working together with Leading Lights to continue to offer and develop our services for those that need it”.
To achieve accreditation, Stonewater Domestic Abuse Service Managers initially undertook a Level 4 Service Manager’s training course and submitted a self-assessment, which was supported via telephone and email by SafeLives. This was followed by a full assessment by Safelives. At the end of the process, the charity’s internal accreditation panel assessed the services against their criteria.
Once an organisation has been accredited, they must submit annual reports and undergo reassessment every three years to maintain their status.
Stonewater’s recognition as a Leading Service provider underscores the critical role housing associations play in tackling domestic abuse and supporting survivors through safe accommodation and holistic care.
Frances Keel, Leading Lights Practice Consultant at Safelives said: “We’re happy to be able to award our accreditation to the team at Stonewater, to recognise and acknowledge the work they’ve put in to be able to provide such strong domestic abuse support.
“Gaining Leading Lights accreditation isn’t an easy feat and we’d like to congratulate Stonewater on their achievement. We look forward to seeing how their services continue to develop and provide for customers and staff in the months to come”.
To find out more about Stonewater’s domestic abuse policy and support, go to https://www.stonewater.org/customers/get-support/domestic-abuse/.