Our Services Please see our update on how we are responding to Covid-19 (Coronavirus) here We provide free and confidential services to support people who are currently experiencing, or have previously experienced domestic abuse. We are passionate about ensuring that every person has the opportunity to live their life free from domestic abuse Our staff and volunteers are trained to provide support at the highest possible standard, informed by the trauma the individual has experienced and led by their needs. We provide immediate support and advice to promote safety and reduction in risk of harm and longer term support to promote emotional recovery and practical support wherever it is needed to enable planning for a safer future. Community Support We support people who are experiencing domestic abuse and don't feel able to or need to leave their home. We are able to work with individuals in a community setting and can provide access to the same emotional and practical advice and support to promote safety and recovery for a safe and happy future. We currently are able to offer services to individuals living in the local authority areas of Colchester, Tendring, Braintree, Chelmsford, Maldon and Uttlesford. Refuge Accommodation Our purpose-built accommodation provides a temporary home for up to 12 women and children who have reached crisis point. The flatlets are modern and well equipped. Each new resident receives a practical “starter pack” when she arrives. A key worker will support her and her family right from the beginning of their journey. When she leaves, we support her to begin her life’s next chapter. Domestic abuse is rarely a single issue and many residents arrive needing specialist support to deal with substance misuse (drugs and alcohol). In our residential house, with nine flatlets, we provide professional, specialist support focused on the identified needs of women who are battling with this type of addiction to help them with their recovery journey. Children & Young Persons Service Children and young people are affected by domestic abuse too. Our Children’s and Young People’s Team include Pre-school Practitioners, Creative Therapist and Children’s Support Workers. We can provide a range of services including emotional support for children and young people, parenting support, family work, pre-school education, school holiday activities. We also undertake some work in the community in partnership with local schools and other agencies. Raising awareness of domestic abuse is a very important part of our work. In primary and secondary schools as well as in higher education, we talk to young people about healthy relationships and how to recognise the signs of abuse. Ofsted Registered Pre-school Our Children and Young People’s service includes an Ofsted-registered pre-school for the children of residents. Our staff are trained to support children and young people, recognising the short- and long-term effects of domestic abuse. Group-work (provided in community settings) Freedom The Care Programme (Parenting) Money Matters (priority/non priority debts) Awareness Raising & Training School PHSE presentations Awareness raising and training sessions for partner community organisations