Refuge
Analysis
Refuge is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in London. It was registered in March 1979, 47 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training, the advancement of health or saving of lives, the prevention or relief of poverty and accommodation/housing, which this site groups under health and saving lives. Legally it is a charitable company (Companies House number 01412276). It says it provides buildings/facilities/open space, provides services and provides advocacy/advice/information.
In the financial year ending March 2025, Refuge reported income of £32.0m and spending of £30.1m, spending 94% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from March 2021 to March 2025, income fell from £34.0m to £32.0m (-5.9%), an average of -1.5% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to March 2022, when income dropped by 28%. Over the whole period it spent 96% of the income it received.
Among 24,651 England and Wales charities whose main cause is health and saving lives and that reported income, Refuge sits at the 99th percentile: it is one of the largest 1% in its cause. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 100th percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Muslim Hands (£31.9m), Helpage International (£32.1m) and Pilgrims' Friend Society Group (£31.9m).
In its latest detailed accounts, income came from charitable activities 73% and donations and legacies 26%. Gifts in wills alone brought in £458k. Charitable activities took 91% of spending and raising funds 8.5%. Reserves of £8.6m would cover about 3 months of spending at that rate. It employed 472 people.
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Donations 25%
- Legacies 1.4%
- Charitable activities 73%
- Trading 0.4%
- Investments 0.9%
- Other 0.1%
In the charity's own words
Refuge provides specialist support to women and children escaping domestic violence, modern slavery, human trafficking, forced prostitution, rape, forced marriage and 'honour' based violence. Services include: 24-hr national helpline, women's refuges, outreach and floating support, independent domestic and sexual violence advocates. We raise awareness and influence policy and legislative change.
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Muslim Hands | Nottingham | £31.9m |
| Helpage International | London | £32.1m |
| Pilgrims' Friend Society Group | London | £31.9m |
| WCS Care Group Limited | Warwickshire | £32.1m |