MANX LOTTERY TRUST OFFERS FUNDING FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC ABUSE

A new social enterprise which aims to educate and raise awareness of domestic abuse has received a boost. 

Space4Action (S4A) has been awarded a grant of £1,800 by Manx Lottery Trust to help fund its ‘Own My Life’ pilot project, a specialist 12-week course for victims of domestic abuse to aid recovery and help them to rebuild their lives and develop self-efficacy. The funding will be used to purchase training resources and materials for face-to-face delivery, as well as Zoom Pro subscriptions to help the charity deliver the course remotely and offer one-to-one support outside of course sessions.

Through video content, structured discussions, group and individual activities and a comprehensive learning journal, the ‘Own My Life’ course is an educational program for women designed to help them regain ownership of their lives following domestic abuse or violence.  The ‘Own My Story’ journal provides victims with space for reflective practice and comprises all the information provided throughout the course, creating an ongoing resource which can be used after the course has finished. 

Tam Wedgwood from S4A said: ‘Domestic abuse affects one in three women and one in five men during their lifetime, but Covid-19 has sadly exacerbated this problem with lockdown presenting a 145% increase in reporting of domestic abuse. During and after Covid-19, many people will need help and recovery support which is why Space4Action wanted to take proactive action.

‘We’re very grateful to Manx Lottery Trust for supporting this pilot project through its Smaller Grants Scheme and look forward to working with local people and hopefully making a real difference to their lives. We are also very grateful to the Children’s Centre and the Joanna Simpson Foundation who are partnering with us, helping make this pilot possible.’

Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust Sarah Kelly added: ‘It has been very upsetting to hear about the rise in domestic violence on the Isle of Man and around the world over lockdown, which is why we were keen to support Space4Action and help to get its ‘Own My Life’ course on its feet. We wish the team every success in this new venture.’

S4A is an Isle of Man social enterprise which aims to educate and raise awareness of domestic abuse in the local community, through the provision of specialist advice and training to employers and community organisations. Its training promotes safety and empowers victims, their colleagues and their service providers, to help to build a community safety net.

Manx Lottery Trust’s Smaller Grant Programme provides community funding between £300 and £2,500. Information and application forms can be found at www.mlt.org.im/grant-programmes.