New Cheshire East domestic abuse support project

We are pleased to be part of a partnership in the Cheshire East region that has secured lottery funding for a pilot scheme supporting anyone fleeing domestic abuse.

The focus is on providing a framework for addressing their housing and safety needs, known as a Whole Housing Approach.

The scheme has been awarded more than £250,000 and charities including Standing Together against Domestic Abuse and Surviving Economic Abuse will be working with us to strengthen the borough’s existing domestic abuse partnership, and create innovative and new ways of working.

This new approach means services are strengthened to spot the signs of abuse and support families earlier. It helps to allow people escaping domestic abuse to remain safely in their homes if they choose to do so, or to keep their tenancy status if they relocate.

The Domestic Abuse Act, which was signed into law in April last year, places a duty on all councils to ensure victims and their children can access life-saving support in safe accommodation.

Our community safety manager Nicola Andrews said: “This funding comes at a critical time for those needing support as a result of domestic abuse.

“We often see an increase in domestic abuse in response to big life events such as the pandemic and the current cost of living crisis, so this money will make a big difference at this time. We are committed to continuing our partnership with Cheshire East Council to provide vital support to those affected by domestic abuse.”

One domestic abuse survivor said: “Time was taken to explain everything to me and to speak to someone knowledgeable about domestic abuse and the difficulties with housing.

“Not only did I get help with housing options, but I was also referred to a domestic abuse specialist to give support focused on what we had been through and support with our move which was a massive help.”

If you, or someone you know is in a relationship that doesn’t quite feel right, speak to someone about it. In Cheshire, you can get help, advice and access self-support services at: www.openthedoorcheshire.org.uk, or call 0300 123 5101. In an emergency, always ring 999.

Our partners in this project include Cheshire East Council, My CWA (formerly Cheshire Without Abuse), Standing Together against Domestic Abuse and Surviving Economic Abuse.