This week saw a loosening of the lockdown restrictions and as people venture out more into the sunshine the mood lightens, and laughter is heard across our lovely county.
However, we mustn’t forget that there are some people who may have to remain indoors for a little longer and the freedom that many of us now have may only serve to upset, frustrate and even depress our shielded and vulnerable neighbours.
Please remember they need to know we are there for them. Not just the PCCA volunteers but others too. Be alert for those living on their own, for those who need to talk to someone and for those who may live in fear.
There are many organisations that can assist including Splitz a local charity.
Splitz Support Service delivers support services to adults and young people experiencing the trauma of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Splitz delivers services across south-west England. https://www.splitz.org/wiltshire.htm.
Victims of domestic abuse or those worried that someone may be suffering in silence will have access to an out of hours helpline from tomorrow (8 May 2020).
The joint initiative between Wiltshire Council and Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service will ensure people can get access to help and support at any time day or night.
Wiltshire Council has funded the initiative with the out of hours helpline being available to cover evenings/ weekends and bank holidays from 5pm – 9am. The new service will start at 5pm on 8 May 2020. The helpline number is 01793 610 610
This will complement the Splitz Support Service which currently runs through the working week from 8am to 5pm on 01225 775276.
New domestic abuse out of hours helpline goes live tomorrow
There is still safe accommodation for victims of domestic abuse and financial help for the accommodation providers.
COVID-19 emergency support fund
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has secured £10 million for domestic abuse safe accommodation charities as part of a £76 million government package of support to charities supporting vulnerable people including domestic abuse victims.
The fund will help ensure that:
- Safe accommodation services can continue operating and keep bedspaces open for victims and their children fleeing from abuse during COVID-19 emergency.
- Safe accommodation services can help more victims access these life-saving services.
The government are inviting domestic abuse safe accommodation providers within England to apply and encourage applications from consortiums of service provider partners.
Bids should be submitted by 21 May 2020.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/domestic-abuse-safe-accommodation-covid-19-emergency-support-fund
If you need any help accessing this, or any other help outlet, our advice team can help point you in the right direction.
Please email at advice@ourpca.uk or phone 01672 487022
