Next Step (Against Domestic Abuse) will use the grant to continue and expand its existing project from its Swadlincote base. The project offers support to reduce trauma and improve the long-term quality of life of people affected by domestic abuse and their children across South Derbyshire and surrounding areas.
Services include a confidential helpline offering advice and support, referral services to refuge networks, one-to-one counselling, self-help groups, and advocacy support with welfare and benefit agencies, social services, housing, solicitors and criminal justice proceedings.
The Lottery grant will also enable Next Step to establish a drop-in service and home support outreach in the North of the District in areas such as Repton, Willington, Etwall, Hilton, Hatton and Melbourne, where access to services has previously been limited because of poor public transport links
Julie Johnson, Manager, Next Step (Against Domestic Abuse), said:
“The Big Lottery Fund grant is fantastic news and we are thrilled to be able to expand our services to help more people across South Derbyshire. We are keen to build on our dedicated team of volunteers and if anyone is interested in joining us as a volunteer we would love to hear from them.”
Mick McGrath, Big Lottery Fund Head of Region for the East Midlands, added:
“This project is a vital resource providing the advice and support needed to help people affected by domestic abuse to break the cycle and get their lives back on track. This four-year award will make a massive difference to the lives of those using the service and for their children.”
See also on our website:
