The outreach service

The Outreach Service was set up during February 2004 in Charnwood, and in North West Leicestershire in June 2006.  We employ two Outreach Workers who are able to support women and men.  The aim of this service is to provide information and support to people living in the Borough of Charnwood and the district of North West Leicestershire.

Typically, the Outreach Service supports people who:

Support can be provided either over the phone or face to face. Information can be provided on a wide range of topics, including housing, benefits and legal issues amongst others. If more in-depth information is required, every effort will be made to find the appropriate agency to provide this.

Likewise, the Outreach Workers are also there to allow survivors of domestic abuse to gain confidence and control, by accompanying them to visits to solicitors, the council, doctors etc. or, when requested, speak on their behalf. However, at the same time, support and encouragement is given so that clients can be as active as possible in taking control of their situation.

The Outreach Workers are also able to give aftercare and resettlement support when a survivor has been re-housed after they have fled the abuser or following a stay in refuge.  This can include support to settle into a new area and community, help to place children into appropriate schools, registering at a doctors etc..

Visits can be arranged at the client's house in situations where it is safe; otherwise, support can be given at our offices. Clients can be assured of confidentiality in all circumstances. The only exception to this would be for reasons of child protection. However, the result of this would be discussed between the Outreach Worker and the client if such a situation arose.

The Outreach Workers are also available to give short awareness-raising sessions in Charnwood and North West Leicestershire to any organisation who would like to find out more about domestic abuse and the options and support available.

The Outreach Workers can be contacted either by the person suffering from domestic abuse, or they can be referred by other agencies.

The Outreach Workers usually work between 9.00am - 5.00pm, Monday - Friday, but there is a confidential answer phone available when they are out of the office. A convenient appointment for both parties will then be arranged.

The IDVA Service

The Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) Service was set up in August 2008. The IDVA works with high and very high risk survivors of domestic abuse and provides crisis intervention and advice and support with a priority given to the safety of the survivor and that of their children.  The IDVA can support with legal matters, attendance at court and solicitors appointments. The IDVA will advocate on the survivor’s behalf and liaise with agencies such as Housing Options, Crown Prosecution Service and the Police.

The IDVA can also help the survivor to develop a personal safety plan and discuss all safety options.  This may help the survivor to remain in their own home if that is what they want.  The IDVA aims to encourage, support and empower the survivor to take control of their situation, reduce their risk and to make the survivor and their children safe.