Housing association New Charter Homes, part of Jigsaw Homes Group, has been successful in retaining its contract to run the Bridges domestic violence service on behalf of Tameside Council.
The service, which has already helped more than 3,100 people and their families in Tameside, Greater Manchester, will continue for another five years.
This new contract also includes funding for two children’s independent domestic violence advisors to work with child victims – a topic which is currently being reviewed nationally as part of a Government White Paper.
The social housing provider has been running the Bridges service since 2013 under the council’s commission, bringing agencies together, including its own homelessness charity Threshold, to tackle early intervention with more prevention measures and support around victims’ safety.
Support ranges from accommodation, one –to-ones, legal aid, access to the Freedom Programme, Tameside Women’s Refuge and mental health, drug and alcohol services.
Where suitable, people will also be referred to Motiv8, an award-winning Greater Manchester-wide programme to support over 25s to get their lives back on track and access training and employment opportunities.
Kerrie Pryde, Operational Director for Jigsaw Support said: “Our Bridges service takes a multi-agency approach and over the past five years, we’ve really seen how this has helped to change the lives of so many families and are delighted to be continuing this work.”
Tameside Council Executive Member responsible for Community Safety Cllr Allison Gwynne added: “Tackling domestic abuse is a priority for us and, as part of this work, we look forward to working with Bridges and other partners to ensure we get the right support and help to everyone who experiences domestic abuse.”
The new contract will start in April. Tameside residents who would like advice on domestic abuse can contact Bridges on 0161 331 2552.
Notes to editors
Motiv8 is funded by the European Social Fund and the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund, to support over 25s to get their lives back on track and access training and employment opportunities.
