Telephone helpline
The telephone helpline is usually the first point of contact. People phone because they need information, someone to listen or to arrange one to one support and practical help. The telephone helpline has proved successful in addressing the needs of people living with the effects of harmful/abusive relationships. Low self esteem, seif-blarne and isolation are common experiences and the helpline provides a point of contact that is safe, confidential and anonymous. Telephone contact can be particularly important for people with caring responsibilities, people living in rural areas and people with disabilities.
Domestic violence has far reaching effects. We receive calls for support and information from concerned relatives, friends and neighbors.
Personal support
We offer one to one support in response to personal needs. This offers people an opportunity to obtain information in a friendly relaxed atmosphere that enables them to make informed decisions about the choices open to them. We ensure that people have the time and opportunity to work out what action if any they wish to take. We work in partnership with local voluntary and statutory agencies to ensure that people have access to the network of community support available to them.
Our volunteers are carefully selected and trained to offer friendship and support to each service user often accompanying people to Police, health, advice services and Benefit Agencies. In addition volunteers offer practical help such as transport and help with moving house.
Careful monitoring has shown that there is a need to address social exclusion. We have worked to create a positive environment where people can come to learn new skills including life skills and job search in ml informal way so that they can regain their independence. Domestic violence is an isolating experience that can exclude people from employment and other social opportunities. Our volunteers provide one to one support in an informal way to' enable people to build on the skills they already have and to learn new ones so that they can regain their independence. People who have had negative experiences of traditional education have benefited from informal learning opportunities. Introduction to IT and in particular the Internet has been particularly popular and people have developed the confidence to move on to formal learning through the local college and gained qualifications. We continue to support people throughout their learning and to focus on personal development planning.
Group activities
The support Centre is open daily Monday to Friday this enables people to meet together to support each other and to share their coping skills in a supportive environment.
Group activities have included; confidence-building courses, social events, job search and keep fit classes. This work has begun to address the health and social welfare needs identified as a major factor in negative relationships.