Lottery funding supports council to fast track ‘Whole Housing Approach’ to domestic abuse

Cheshire East Council and partners have been selected to receive lottery funding of more than £250,000 for a pilot scheme to support survivors of domestic abuse, helping them to remain safely in their communities.

The money will bring in support from charities including Standing Together against Domestic Abuse and Surviving Economic Abuse - strengthening the borough’s existing domestic abuse partnership and creating innovative and new ways of working.

The focus of the work will be on a ‘Whole Housing Approach’ - a framework for addressing the housing and safety needs of survivors in a local area. The approach was developed by Standing Together, and in essence, means that services are strengthened to spot the signs of abuse and can support families earlier. It also means that survivors are helped to remain safely in their homes where it is their choice to do so, or to keep their tenancy status if they relocate.

Currently, families are supported by the Cheshire East Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership, which brings together all key agencies including the council, police, NHS and local charities, working to reduce the scale and impact of domestic abuse.

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.

One domestic abuse survivor said: “I feel overwhelmed with the support I have received, and it should be an option for all people to access this funding when fleeing abusive situations, as it is a lifeline on many occasions.”

Another 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.”

Councillor Kathryn Flavell, lead member for children and families at Cheshire East Council, said: “We know that domestic abuse is so very common and can happen to anyone regardless of gender, social group, class, age, race, disability or sexuality.

“It’s so important that we use the strength of our communities to support families affected by domestic abuse, helping them to stay safely in their homes with access to school, work and local services.

“I welcome the new additions to our domestic abuse partnership - with more resources we really can fast track our Whole Housing Approach programme and help more families in need.”    

Saranya Kogulathas, Whole Housing Approach programme manager at Standing Together, said: “We are delighted to have chosen Cheshire East as the Whole Housing Approach pilot site with generous funding from the National Lottery. It’s evident to see the commitment Cheshire East have towards the way of working - ensuring all survivors are fully supported and are provided with a range of housing and support options.

“Cheshire East Council understand the vital role local authorities have in responding to domestic abuse and how they can be a crucial lifeline for survivors. We’re excited to see how the pilot progresses over the next few years and look forward to working closely with them.”

Nicola Andrews, community safety manager at Plus Dane Housing, 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.”

My CWA (formerly Cheshire Without Abuse), one of the council’s providers of the Whole Housing Approach, has been supporting families and individuals affected by domestic abuse for over 40 years across Cheshire.

Deputy Chief Executive of My CWA, Beverley Wrighton, said: “A common barrier to people looking to leave an abusive relationship is the disruption and instability that leaving their home and community can cause their family.

“The Whole Housing Approach provides an innovative, early-intervention solution to this obstacle. We’re grateful for the recent funding, which has allowed us to employ new team members dedicated to the initiative – helping us better serve our clients and continue towards our vision of local communities living free from the fear of domestic abuse.”

If you, or someone you know is in a relationship that doesn’t quite feel right, speak to someone about it. You can get help and advice and access self-support services at: 

www.openthedoorcheshire.org.uk 

...or call:

0300 123 5101

In an emergency, always ring 999.