A year of hope: How Living Springs Community Church is making a difference

Partnered with the national charity Restored (restored-uk.org), our heart has been to bring the same vision to a local scale - helping women rebuild their lives, find belonging, and step into a future of freedom and hope.

In just one year, we have had the privilege of supporting 27 women, both locally and online. Support has come in many different forms, from one-to-one sessions, group recovery programmes such as Always Hopeful, and Friday morning craft, coffee, and chat sessions, to practical help with court appearances and accompanying women to police stations to give statements.

Alongside this, women have been welcomed into our church community, where they’ve not only found friendship but have become a vital part of the family. Early on, we also ran a Bible study, looking at what God says about domestic abuse which offered spiritual encouragement for those who wanted it. At Christmas, through the generosity of donations, we created beautiful hampers for the women we support; a simple reminder that they are seen, valued, and loved.

We are a small but dedicated team of volunteers, each of us fully DBS checked and trained to Level 3 in awareness of abuse, recognising abuse, and responding appropriately. Some of our team also bring their own lived experience of abuse, which adds a depth of empathy and understanding that training alone cannot provide. We recognise that domestic abuse can take many forms - physical, emotional, financial, and even spiritual, which is often overlooked. By acknowledging the full spectrum of abuse, we aim to provide support that truly meets women where they are and helps them in every area of recovery. Together, this ensures that every woman who walks through our doors is met with both compassion and professional understanding.

Offering support to survivors of domestic abuse is vital, not only in helping them rebuild confidence and a sense of safety, but also in breaking the isolation that abuse so often creates. Research shows that access to safe spaces, peer groups, and practical help can make a lasting difference in recovery, improving wellbeing and empowering survivors to move forward with hope.

As a church, we believe this is part of living out our faith in action; being Jesus’ hands and feet in our community by offering love, acceptance, and practical support to those who need it most.

This past year has been one of listening, learning, and growing. We’ve seen the importance of providing not only emotional and spiritual support but also practical care that makes a real difference in day-to-day life.

Speaking of the recovery programme, one participant shared: "I came into this group not fully realising or even believing I was a victim of domestic abuse. But through the weekly sessions I came to understand that my past was not there to define me, but to allow me to grow into the person that I am today. I was made to feel welcome and comfortable in every session, and that my voice was heard, I have also made some great friendships along the way."

Looking ahead, we remain committed to raising awareness of domestic abuse, offering safe spaces of support, and building community. Our vision is that every survivor knows they are not alone and that a happy future is possible.

As we celebrate our first year, we want to thank the many people in our community who have stood alongside us, through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word. Together, we are helping to shine a light in dark places.

For more information or to connect with us, visit our Facebook page; Living Springs Community Church - Restored Beacon or our website - livingsprings.cc