Stories

The voice of our survivors are always the most valued and powerful.... come here to read the journeys of the amazing people we have worked with and alongside, in their own words. Prepare to be inspired...

Start your journey to freedom with Next Chapter

For anyone considering getting some help, even if you think your situation isnt that bad (like I did), even if if you're scared or don't want to face up to what is really happening. Have courage, it will be hard and I'm still on this journey but I can see light and you will too Read more

Take that step and change your life

If anyone is reading this feeling isolated and alone, I can say from my experience that you are not, and if you are fearful about reaching out then don't be - this was the best call I ever made. Take that step and change your life, you are worth so much more. I am a totally different person to the one I was 6 months ago. I will always be very grateful to Naomi and The Next Chapter Read more

What a difference a year makes

With the support of staff ay Next Chapter I find myself not only alive but actually living a life I neither thought I deserved of believed. They believed in me and I have now come to believe in myself. The opportunities that I was given, the help I had, the work they did with me was and is amazing! Read more

Who needs to ‘Man up’?? I certainly don’t!

I made the call and arranged for a call back from Next Chapter. I took the call, not knowing what to expect and not really expecting much. I answered the phone to Shelly, my saviour. Yes, a powerful word but justified. Shelly talked to me, listened, did not judge, understood. She was kind. She was genuinely interested in me and my problems and wanted to help. Read more

Latest

Family Domestic Abuse Practitioner

If you have experience of working with children, young people and families experiencing domestic abuse, this is an amazing opportunity to make a positive, lasting difference to families living in your community.
Mayor and Tortoise - The Mayor's Big Run

Our exciting fundraising event in aid of the Mayor's chosen charities is taking place on 18th September.
Colchester Mayor's Charities of the Year

We are delighted to have been chosen as one of the Mayor's charities for their year in office.
Weekend Support Worker

We are currently looking for a Weekend Support Worker to join us on a part-time basis.

How does domestic abuse differ in other cultures?

The actions of individuals are influenced by the norms, values, language, and other cultural factors that are like the dust in the air that surrounds everyone. These cultural factors are ingrained in us from the day we are born, and can play a role in either ending or perpetuating domestic abuse.
What is it really like in refuge?

Our clients do understand what it’s like to be in this situation and often try to look after each other, Many of our clients become good friends and stay in touch after they leave.
Our Services

We work with survivors of domestic abuse to help them make choices to reclaim their lives and begin their next chapter.
Fight, flight or freeze - what would a gingerbread man do...?

I know many of you will be familiar with the fight/flight, freeze response (sometimes just referred to as fight/flight) but in a nutshell this response is triggered when we perceive there is increased risk of threat or danger – the body activates the fight, flight or freeze response for survival. When this is triggered, it makes learning new information and concentrating on anything really difficult as you are consumed with just trying to stay safe. Read on to hear more about this response...
Cycle of Abuse

The abuse cycle is a cleverly orchestrated process. It is designed to be this way by your abuser. They want you to feel lost, they want you to doubt yourself, then you will ‘need’ them even more. This feeds their ever-desperate ego.
Donating Items & Goods

We really appreciate the effort our supporters go to in order to donate the items and goods that we really need. If you would like to know what we need at the moment or how to donate to us then please do check here.
The Role of an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

So, imagine for a moment that you’ve summoned up the courage to finally leave, you’re feeling vulnerable and afraid and understandably really nervous about what the future might hold –you have to try and find your way through all that…. that's if you even knew half of it existed in the first place or where and how to start to getting in touch with them… So that's where we IDVA’S come in.
Mission, Vision & Values

Find out what gets us up every morning and keeps us delivering the very best advice & support that we can, each & every time.
Professional referrals

Use this full referral form to access services
Ask for ANI scheme

This is a new scheme created by the government to try and help victims of domestic abuse in lockdown. ANI stands for 'Action Needed Immediately' and if asked to a member of staff in a pharmacy, help will be given.