The £10,000 grant will fund a new project to recruit and train volunteers to provide mentoring and listening support to individuals affected by domestic abuse in Cornwall. 15 volunteers will initially receive in-depth training, as part of an ongoing programme. The volunteers will provide regular telephone/video calling support to over 225 individuals every year, providing 2,700 hours of listening and mentoring support. Individuals affected by domestic abuse will be able to talk through their experience with their volunteer mentor who will listen. In addition, they will receive emotional and practical support to deal with the negative impact of abuse, allowing them to recover and helping them to feel heard, lose shame or guilt, rebuild self-worth, value their own decision making, recognise the signs and understand healthy relationships.
The additional £40,000 funding will support the establishment of an Educate & Prevent Training venture. We will never turn the tide on people turning to First Light and other charities for support unless we begin to address societal and behaviour change. Funding will take our knowledge, skills, and expertise out to sector professionals, further education settings, and into communities across the Southwest. Over the next two years, we will work with, educate and train 94 people, who will reach and support over 4,200 individuals and families impacted by domestic abuse and sexual violence. Together we can create a safer Southwest, free of violence and abuse.
