Make a Change launches two new sites

 

Make a Change is now available in Merseyside and Sunderland through two new partnerships with local services.

The Make a Change logo - the words 'make a change' with three triangles overlapping.

Communities in Merseyside and Sunderland can now access the Make a Change programme following the launch of two new sites this month. Make a Change is a community-wide, early response approach to people who are concerned that they are using harmful behaviours in their intimate, or previously intimate, relationships. Anyone can get in touch to ask for support and it’s free of charge.

In Merseyside, the programme is delivered by Merseyside Domestic Violence Service (MDVS) and in Sunderland it’s run by Right Turn, a Wearside Women in Need (WWiN) project. Make a Change was developed in partnership by Respect and Women’s Aid Federation of England. The new sites are the fourth and fifth areas in the UK to offer Make a Change, alongside Lincolnshire, Trafford and Durham.

As well as working directly with people using and experiencing harmful behaviour, Make a Change offers support to the wider community to help people who have concerns about someone else’s relationship. Local organisations and professionals can receive training and briefings to understand domestic abuse, learn how to spot the signs, hold safe and effective conversations with perpetrators and refer into the service.

Ayla, Co-Founder of MDVS, said, “MDVS are committed to improving the lives of those directly and indirectly affected by domestic abuse and we are excited to bring Make a Change to Merseyside. We see the programme as an innovative opportunity to add to our existing services and provide people causing harm with help to change at the earliest possible stage.”

Jackie Siggens, Service Manager for Right Turn said “Make a Change will give people in Sunderland who are worried about their behaviour towards their partners a chance to make positive changes. It’s somewhere they can learn about the effects harmful behaviours can have on any children they have and improve relationships with past, current or future partners. It also provides a platform for the community to be included in addressing this as a bigger issue. Safer communities can save lives.”

Rebecca Vagi, National Lead for Make a Change, said, “We’re delighted to bring Make a Change to Merseyside and Sunderland. By empowering whole communities to understand domestic abuse and how to tackle it, we hope to identify perpetrators sooner, stop behaviour continuing or escalating, and provide people with the support they need to make a change.”

For more information, visit our About Us page or contact the services using the information below.

Make a Change Merseyside:

Make a Change Sunderland:



 
Rebecca Vagi