Wolverhampton domestic abuse charity receives £294,000 funding boost towards providing life-saving abuse care
A Wolverhampton charity which provides help and support for survivors of domestic abuse has received a massive funding boost.
The National Lottery Community Fund has awarded £294,000 to The Haven Wolverhampton towards life-saving support for survivors.
The grant, which is spread over three years, will part-fund six specialist roles that directly support survivors, which includes a helpline advisor, a safe house worker, a domestic abuse key worker, a children and young people’s service worker, a life skills worker, and a counsellor; all roles that will positively impact women and children to overcome their trauma and move towards a safer future that’s free from abuse.
The money will also be used towards core costs, such as maintenance and general outgoings associated with running the head office, expenses that can be challenging for non-profits to obtain funding for.
Steph Boswell, grants lead at The Haven Wolverhampton, said: “When I received the call that we’ve been awarded this grant, it brought tears to my eyes.
"To secure such a significant sum of funding from the National Lottery Community Fund is, in my mind, like winning the Champions League of funding.
"It is going to make a world of difference to us at The Haven and directly impact the lives of women and children.
“Domestic abuse services are seriously underfunded, which is a massive concern as the support we give really does save lives.
"The fact that this funding will be used towards vital support roles to help women and children on their recovery journeys alongside us being able to literally keep the lights on in our buildings, plus other core running costs, is hugely reassuring.
"We are so grateful of the National Lottery Community Fund for pledging its commitment to women and children in Wolverhampton who are surviving domestic abuse, and ensuring that, by our service, survivors are seen, heard, and safe.”
The Haven Wolverhampton’s services include The Haven Hub helpline support over the phone, online and in person, its safe accommodation, community outreach, support for children, and recovery services such as counselling and life skills support.
A survivor shared her experience of The Haven Wolverhampton’s support: “After more than 45 years of marriage filled with fear and control, I finally walked into The Haven Wolverhampton.
"For the first time, I spoke about the abuse I’d endured in silence.
"Through one-to-one support and women’s groups, I found my voice and the courage to leave.
"The Haven helped me understand coercive control, rebuild my confidence, and start over in my own home.
"Today, I’m independent, safe, and truly free. My parting words to them were simple: I am free and happy.”
