Support for professionals

Concerned about

how someone’s treating

their partner?

Need help recognising and responding safely to harmful behaviour?

How to make a referral

If you’re unsure if Make a Change is right for the person you're working with, or if you want advice on filling out the referral form at the bottom of this page, please get in touch with the regional practice lead for your area:

Durham, Merseyside and Trafford

Email: Joanna.Szuryn@respect.org.uk

Newcastle and Sunderland

Email: Leah.Morgan@respect.org.uk


Training for professionals

We offer a range of different training packages for professionals, completely free of charge, to meet the needs of your role or organisation. Our trainings give you and your team the tools to recognise domestic abuse, to respond effectively and safely, and to make referrals.

Recognise, Respond and Refer training

If you have a role that means you’re building relationships with people and/or entering their homes, you might have experienced that ‘gut feeling’ that tells you something isn’t quite right in their relationship, or witnessed something that shouldn’t be happening. Our free Recognise, Respond and Refer training session can support you to recognise the signs of domestic abuse, respond safely and effectively to the person using harmful behaviour, and refer on to Make a Change. The training is available in our four Make a Change areas: Durham, Merseyside, Newcastle, Sunderland and Trafford.

You can book through Eventbrite.


“I’ve left with a better knowledge about the subject and also how I fit into the referral process.”

— Camille, professional who attended Make a Change training


The Make a Change programme is currently available in Durham, Merseyside, Newcastle, Sunderland and Trafford. The Lincolnshire service is now closed. Anyone can refer people to the service, and any professional can access our training. We have experience training a wide range of professionals, including workers in domestic abuse, drug and alcohol and homelessness services, social workers, police officers, healthcare professionals, university and education staff, and various departments within local authorities.

Please use the form below to contact the training team in your area, or to make a professional referral.