South Tyneside charity receives cash boost from PCC supporting Victim’s Fund
23rd July 2015
A South Tyneside charity has received a cash boost following a successful application to Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird’s supporting Victim’s Fund.
Commissioner Baird approved the application from Women’s Health in South Tyneside (WHiST) for £14,755 to continue their vital services in supporting and improving women’s physical and mental health.
With the money from Commissioner Baird the charity will offer a package of services to women living with domestic violence and abuse.
Working alongside Family Impact Services, WHiST are developing the delivery of awareness raising courses and they will offer three runs of a six week support group for victims of domestic violence. Women attending courses or using other services at WHiST and who disclose domestic violence can access the support groups.
The charity would also work with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau to offer those women in receipt of benefits and who may have debts to increase the options they have open to them.
This is as well as offering a ‘Listening Ear’ service designed to be the first point of access for women in crisis before they are signposted to further support services within WHiST or other agencies in South Tyneside.
It’s estimated that a possible 80 women will benefit from the funds over an eight month period. This includes: six women a week accessing the Listening Ear service; 15 women attending the awareness raising courses; 36 women accessing support groups and two women a week accessing debt and finance advice.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird said: “WHiST is an excellent charity that works tirelessly to help women suffering from domestic violence and abuse.
“The estimated figures show nearly 100 women over the next eight months could be helped with this funding so I was delighted to be able to approve the charity’s application.
“Tackling domestic abuse is an absolute priority of mine and helping victims to pathways of safety is vital.
“Taking the step to seek help is huge but organisations like WHiST are giving victims the confidence they need to come forward and in doing so, are helping to change and even save lives.
“Domestic abuse is a terrible legacy for families and it’s so important we protect the victims and any children plus tackle perpetrators.
“I look forward to hearing how the funding has made a difference to the charity and to the victims who will undoubtedly benefit from their services.”
WHiST CEO Angela Oxberry added: “We are pleased to receive this funding as it will increase the support available for women in need and help them to improve their circumstances. This type of work is often difficult to fundraise for so this opportunity is greatly valued.”
For more information on WHiST visit www.whist.org.uk
Victims of crime can seek help via Victims First Northumbria. For more information visit the website www.victimsfirstnorthumbria.org.uk or contact the service’s dedicated Freephone number – 0800 011 3116.
Connect with us on:
