Published: Thursday 23rd March 2017 | 1.31pm
Local Councils have worked together to secure funding for a refuge for victims of domestic abuse in Staffordshire.
Cannock Chase Council worked in partnership with South Staffordshire District Council and lead authority Stafford Borough Council in a bid to secure nearly £146,000 of Government money to help support ‘ForWard House’ the state of the art refuge which was opened in Stafford last year.
The funding represents a share of a £20 million nationwide pot from the Department of Communities and Local Government to support victims of domestic abuse.
The £2.6 million state of the art facility which opened in February 2016, is run by Staffordshire Women’s Aid and provides quality accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic violence; it has 12 self-contained apartments and can cater for up to 34 children at any one time. This funding will help pay for support workers and specialist mental health provision.
Tony McGovern Managing Director at Cannock Chase Council said: “It is great news that we could secure more funding for this refuge. The provision of the refuge and the outreach support plays a vital role in meeting the needs of victims of domestic abuse from the Cannock Chase District.”
“Cannock Chase Council lost their refuge provision in Summer 2013, as a result of cuts to Staffordshire Supporting People funding and changes in contract arrangements. Therefore without access to this accommodation and support, Cannock Chase Council would not have been able to provide appropriate temporary accommodation or outreach support.”
Cannock Chase Council and South Staffs District Council assisted Stafford Borough Council and Staffordshire Women’s Aid to lead on the successful bid – whereby £145,834 was secured.
Chief Executive of Staffordshire Women’s Aid, Dickie James said: “We are so pleased to have been awarded this funding by DCLG. It will mean we can provide the specialist support for vulnerable women and children from our local community, who are no longer safe in their own homes, so they can look forward to safe and independent futures.”
“The bid was the result of the strong partnership we have with the borough and local councils and demonstrates their commitment to supporting victims of domestic violence.”