Darlington MP Lola McEvoy has praised the town’s only women’s refuge, Family Help Darlington CIO, for its vital work supporting survivors of domestic abuse during a recent visit.
Family Help has been supporting vulnerable women and children since 1976. Each year, the independent charity offers safe accommodation and support to around 60 women and 100 children, helping them move forward after experiencing abuse.
During her visit, Ms McEvoy was joined by Emily Cox, Group Ambassador for the North East at Lloyds, and Sarah Legg, Trustee of Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales.
The Foundation has been supporting Family Help since 2020 through grant funding and organisational development support. The funds allow the charity to ensure more survivors can access the resources they need to break free from abuse and begin rebuilding their futures.
Nationally, one in four women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, with many also facing economic abuse. A form of coercive control that leaves individuals financially dependent on their abuser, it is often a hidden aspect of domestic abuse.
Lloyds Bank Foundation currently invests more than £3 million in domestic abuse charities like Family Help and has a long history of supporting domestic abuse charities and investing in new approaches, campaigns and research to improve policies for people who have experienced domestic abuse and the charities working with them.
Now celebrating 40 years of supporting charities across England and Wales, is one of four charitable foundations funded by Lloyds. Since 1985 the Group have donated more than £800 million to the Foundations who, in turn, provide grants and development support to organisations tackling key social issues, including domestic and economic abuse.
Lloyds has also established a Domestic and Financial Abuse team, which provided specialist support to nearly 5,000 survivors last year, helping them regain financial independence.
Carole Clarkson, CEO of Family Help Darlington said: “For many survivors, control is one of the biggest barriers to escaping abuse – whether that’s physical, emotional, or even financial control.
“We provide critical support to individuals across Darlington and beyond, offering a safe place to start over. The funding from the Foundation has been invaluable, allowing us to continue this essential work and ensure that more people can break free and rebuild their lives.”
Lola McEvoy, MP for Darlington said: “Hearing the statistics on domestic abuse is always sobering, but seeing the dedication of charities like Family Help Darlington reassures us that vitally important support is there. I am grateful to the passionate individuals who are working tirelessly to provide a lifeline to those in need.
“The fact that domestic abuse remains such a significant issue in our communities underscores the importance of maintaining this support, as well as the need for continued education and action. This is why the Labour government is committed to halving violence against women and girls by the end of this Parliament.”
Emily Cox, Group Ambassador for the North East at Lloyds, said: “For four decades, Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales has stood alongside charities that make a real difference and Family Help is no exception.
“Domestic abuse often goes hand in hand with financial abuse, where perpetrators control their partner’s finances and restrict access to essentials like clothing, transport, food, and housing. Today has been a powerful reminder of how many women face this harsh reality. Lloyds and the Lloyds Bank Foundation are committed to changing that – empowering survivors to regain control and build the future they deserve.”
For more information about the work Family Help Darlington is doing, visit: https://www.familyhelp.org.uk/