Help for women affected by abuse

A new project offering financial and legal advice to women affected by or at risk of domestic abuse has been launched by Airdrie citizens’ advice bureau.

The initiative, named Action Beyond Courage, will provide web chat sessions and accessible online guides to help users make informed decisions.

It is being funded by a grant from the People’s Postcode Trust, the grant-giving charity of the People’s Postcode Lottery.

Information will focus on key rights such as accessing safe housing, rights to remain in the family home and preventing homelessness; and managing financial affairs such as joint accounts and debts, child maintenance, access to support, living expenses and cont rol of bank accounts.

The new service will also provide advice on welfare benefits and income maximisation, community care, health services, family life and personal safety.

Housing and welfare rights adviser Claire Thomson said: “We’re aware that for some women in controlling relationships, face- to- face or telephone advice may not be an option and online resources are the only safe place to connect for advice.

“Women will be connected to services to access practical support and advice, allowing them to take steps and have confidence in addressing barriers preventing them from taking action.”

She added: “We’ re currently developing online guides and are open to enquiries via email and phone as we set up the web chat service.”

Action Beyond Courage can be contacted by emailing claire.thomson@airdriecab.casonline.org.uk or calling 01236 754109, and information is also available on the bureau website at www.airdriecab.co.uk.