Make a Change launches in Coventry
A partnership of local charities has launched Make a Change to support people in Coventry who are worried that their behaviour towards a partner or ex-partner is harmful or abusive.
Make a Change (MAC) is a free programme for people who are concerned that they are hurting, scaring or trying to control their current or ex-partner. Participants are supported by a specialist to understand the impact of their behaviour, to make positive changes and to develop caring and equal relationships. Partners and ex-partners of people taking part are offered separate, confidential specialist support.
It’s run by charities Relationships Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry Haven and Panahghar, and is available to people over 18 who live, work in, or have a close connection to Coventry. Anyone can get in touch to ask for support for someone. Crucially, one in three people on the programme self-refer, meaning that people on the programme are there because they want to be.
Labour Councillor Pervez Akhtar, Chair of Coventry’s Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board, said:
“We have made strides in tackling domestic abuse since launching our domestic abuse strategy in 2018. Make a Change will help us go even further, by offering behaviour change to people at the earliest opportunity. Programmes like Make a Change, that support earlier intervention and bring agencies together to address domestic abuse, are vital to ensure the government meets its promise to halve violence against women and girls by 2035.”
“Programmes like Make a Change [...] are vital to ensure the government meets its promise to halve violence against women and girls by 2035.”
Susan Parkes, Services Manager at Relationships Coventry & Warwickshire, said:
“We offer free, non-judgmental support to people in the community who are worried about their behaviour or someone else’s. For the first time, people can refer themselves and don’t have to wait until it’s too late. Help is here now for you and your partner. There is a better way and we’re here to help you get there.”
One man who completed the programme said:
“Make a Change has made huge changes to me and my family. It’s given me hope. I can go forward, understanding my boundaries and actions and the effect that they have on the ones around me. The tools I have gained are invaluable.”
A woman whose partner completed the programme in another area said:
“It has lifted a weight off our shoulders, both of us just having the opportunity to talk about it and not being judged.”
“Make a Change has made huge changes to me and my family.”
Make a Change also offers support to the wider community. Local organisations and professionals can join free training to understand harmful and abusive behaviour in relationships, to spot the signs and to approach the issue safely.
For more information, or if you are worried about your behaviour or someone else’s and you’re in Coventry, call 02476 225 863, email mac@relationshipscw.org or visit our Coventry webpage.
If you’re outside Coventry, please fill in our referral form and we will get back to you or refer on to our delivery partners in your area.
For coverage of the launch of Make a Change in Coventry read on Hits Radio Coventry and Warwickshire’s news page.
Social card for Make a Change in Coventry.