North East Connected

Platinum partnership to prevent abuse across Cleveland

A leading charity working to prevent violence against women and girls has joined forces with a local authority to increase the impact of support available to victims and survivors in Redcar and Cleveland.

The Halo Project, an award-winning specialist service provider that has supported over 2500 Black and minoritised victims and survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and hidden harms, has partnered with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to increase awareness of abuse and support survivors across the region.

The partnership recognises the need to work collaboratively to ensure all victims and survivors are aware of the in-area support available to them – and know that when they do come forward, they will receive appropriate signposting and support that meets their specific needs.

As part of the partnership so far, Halo Project has delivered accredited awareness training to teams across Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and held a large event at Kirkleatham Museum’s grounds as part of the Queen’s Jubilee festivities.

The event, which celebrated Britain’s cultural diversity with a multicultural mix of food, games, and entertainment, played host to Halo Project’s women and children service-users, alongside the region’s safeguarding professionals and charity partners.

The invitation-only event, made private to protect those most vulnerable at risk, provided a safe space for survivors to connect to those with similar experiences to their own, meet professionals working to support survivors locally, and celebrate the diverse communities and cultures that helped build Britain.

Yasmin Khan, founder of the Halo Project charity, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, to ensure Black and minoritised victim’s voices are heard.

“Our first partner event provided a brilliant opportunity for survivors to come together in a peer-to-peer support setting, meet advocates available in the area, build new networks, and celebrate their community and culture in a secure and safe space.”

Councillor Steve Kay, Cabinet Member for Health and Welfare and Deputy Leader at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: “I am very pleased that we are working with such a well-regarded charity on what is such an important issue, and it is good to see such positive events like this taking place.

“We must do all we can to ensure that all victims of abuse receive the best possible help and support, and this is an important part of that vital work.”

A Halo service-user who attended the first partnership event said: “Myself and my 5-year-old son attended the Jubilee event over the weekend and it was so much fun! I had a lovely time socialising with all the ladies and made some new friends, and the Halo staff were amazing. There were lots of things for my son to do that kept him entertained and he made some new friends during the disco too. Overall, we had a fab time and it was really well organised – we can’t wait for the next one!”

If you or someone you know is at risk of abuse, or you are a professional seeking advice and guidance, please call the Halo Project’s Specialist Support Hub on 01642 683 045 or visit haloproject.org.uk.

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