Further funding to support domestic abuse counsellors

FIVE local organisations providing domestic abuse or sexual violence support will receive further funding during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The groups will share a pot of more than £93,500 allocated to the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office (SCO).

The SCO successfully bid for the Ministry of Justice’s emergency grant to cover the period to March 31, 2021.

The funding is designed to help charities and organisations meet the additional costs of adapting during the pandemic, and cope with increases in demand resulting from it.

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime, Matthew Ellis, said: “We received six funding bids from five local service providers for money which will help them continue to offer practical support and counselling.

“The pandemic has already brought many additional challenges for local services, and this funding will give them a much needed financial boost to continue their vital work.

“I’d like to thank the organisations for their hard work and commitment during these difficult times – help and advice is still available online and over the phone, providing support when people need it most.”

The funding will be used to provide:

■ Staff to support children and young people affected by domestic abuse;

■ Staff to support the organisations’ local helplines;

■ Counselling staff for those affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence;

■ Independent Sexual Violence

Advisor staff;

■ Continued integrated support services for domestic abuse victims.

The providers receiving funding are: New Era domestic abuse service provided by Victim Support; Staffordshire Women’s Aid; The Pathway Project; Glow domestic abuse support and Savana.

■ If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, call Refuge 24/7 on 0808 2000 247. In an emergency, call 999.