Survivors of domestic abuse urged to help shape Telford services

Survivors of domestic abuse are being given the chance to help shape the future of support services across Telford & Wrekin.

The Lived Experience Advisory Forum (LEAF) has compiled a special online survey to gain feedback from anyone who has been subjected to domestic abuse in the borough and accessed any support service.

LEAF – a joint project between community interest companies A Better Tomorrow and Voices Social Enterprise – says it wants as many people as possible to complete the survey to give it the fullest picture.

Tracey Secker, the founder of Voices Social Enterprise, said: “We really want to hear from anyone who has been subjected to domestic abuse and accessed any services to support them in Telford.

“The more people we hear from, the better we will be able to ensure that when services are planned and developed they are what people actually need and want.

“This is an opportunity for anybody who has lived through domestic abuse to have their say and help shape the future. The voice of anybody who has been in this situation, regardless of gender, culture, beliefs, age or sexual orientation, is incredibly valuable and will help us enormously.”

The survey can be accessed at LEAF feedback (Lived Experience Advisory Forum)

LEAF, which is funded by Telford & Wrekin Council, was established last year to empower survivors of domestic abuse to use their experience to make suggestions about the Telford & Wrekin domestic abuse strategy and its services, along with other frontline and community organisations and groups.

Tracey said she was also staging a series of free training courses over the coming weeks looking at a number of aspects of domestic abuse.

“The workshops are suitable for both organisations and individuals who live or work in Telford & Wrekin, and we can tailor bespoke sessions to meet their needs as necessary.

“Sharing knowledge and spreading understanding is essential and we would urge anyone who is interested to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Courses on domestic abuse awareness are being staged on January 16, 23 and February 27, whilst training for domestic abuse workplace ambassadors will take place on February 6, 28 and March 13.

For details of the courses visit https://voices-social-enterprise.co.uk/training/#courses

Voices Social Enterprise delivers domestic abuse awareness training for organisations and individuals, along with supporting organisations to create domestic abuse policies.  

The organisation also raises awareness on trauma and other forms of abuse and collaborates with both individuals with lived experience and non-profit organisations.

A Better Tomorrow, based in Woodside, Telford, was set up in 2014 to offer supported housing and a recovery programme for people with addiction and substance misuse. Its work has since expanded to include housing and support for those with mental health issues and homeless people, and most recently to provide a refuge for single women fleeing domestic abuse. 

Pic:  Tracey Secker of Voices Social Enterprise