HAFAN Cymru provides housing and support to women, men and their children, particularly those escaping domestic abuse, in Wales.

It has two centres in Gwent; one in Ebbw Vale and another in Pontypool but is currently trying to set up its first women’s special housing project in South East Wales.

Hafan Cymru is working with Blaenau Gwent Council and United Welsh Housing Association to create six self-contained units.

A planning application has been submitted and the council and housing association have already been awarded £650,000 worth of grants.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2011, subject to planning approval.

If granted, the housing project would revolutionise the work of the charity.

At the moment, it helps 26 people at its Ebbw Vale centre in Bethcar Street.

It currently has seven people on its waiting list but refers these people to other organisations who can help in the meantime.

The Torfaen centre in Park Road, Pontypool was set up in 2003 and has a six months waiting list.

It currently supports 36 women and their children.

The charity offers all forms of support including help for those wanting to press charges against their partner, those facing the threat of homelessness, those experiencing antisocial behaviour or people who need house repairs.

The charity has a number of paid staff with five in Blaenau Gwent and six in Torfaen. Blaenau Gwent county manager, Jane Kirby, said they want to help as many people as possible and therefore are in need of more funding.

She said they would like to take the stigma away and challenge the stereotype of people thinking domestic abuse happens to just those living on council estates.

Ms Kirby said on average a woman leaves the home seven times before she leaves for good. The charity helps women of all ages, the oldest is 86 and has suffered from domestic abuse for 70 years.

She added: “Some people we’ve supported have never left and we can’t tell them to leave.” For more information on Hafan Cymru please call 01267 225555.