For debt problems call 01909 498890 or for general problems call 0300 4568369. For cancer-related money problems call 01909 498889.

Every Citizens Advice is a registered charity reliant on our trained volunteers and funding to provide these vital services for local communities.

Bassetlaw Citizens Advice offers free generalist advice to any person accessing the service. Specialist services within our team are only available to individuals resident in the Bassetlaw area.

Generalist Advice sessions cover all enquiry areas such as; employment, debt, welfare rights (inlcuding Universal Credit), relationships, housing, consumer rights & saving money on energy bills.

Our office provides drop-in sessions where a short introductory interview will be held to help decide how you can be best advised. You may then require a follow on appointment. 

Worksop office drop-in sessions:

Mon: 09.30 - 15.00 
Wed: 09.30 - 15.00 
Fri:    09.30 - 13.00 

Retford office drop-in sessions:

Tuesday & Thursday 10.00 - 14.00

Telephone advice line- 03444 111 444

Unless indicated otherwise, an adviser should be available to  provide introductory information to help decide how you can best progress with your enquiry.

Monday-Friday 10.00 - 16.00

National Number: 03444 111 444

Visit the website for latest information on Coronavirus and how to stay safe through the pandemic. Also information available on the impact of the Covid 19 crisis on the Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Services.

We are unable to take calls at present so please email us if you need help.

Helplines

Respect Phoneline: 0808 8024040 / www.respectphoneline.org.uk

Men's Advice Line: 0808 8010327 / www.mensadviceline.org.uk

General enquiries: info@respect.uk.net / 0203 5596650 

Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been collaborating with our sector partners to ensure that victim and survivor’s safety remains a top priority. To achieve this, we will continue to hold perpetrators to account.

Respect's Helplines are running as normal. Our team have made plans to meet increased demand and have reviewed the advice they give to service users, so their needs are better met in the COVID-19 context. Please refer to our helpline websites for more information www.respectphoneline.org.uk and www.mensadviceline.org.uk

The Respect Phoneline has launched the #NoExcuseForAbuse campaign. It's aimed at perpetrators of domestic abuse and our key message is that the lockdown is not an excuse for abuse. The campaign is run on Respect's social media accounts. For more information contact victoria.page@respect.uk.net 

We are working closely with our members, to support them through this challenging time. For any concerns about Respect member services, contact alistair.sherlock@respect.uk.net

COVID19 update, 20th July 2020 -  for full details please visit https://www.nottshelpyourself.org.uk/kb5/nottinghamshire/directory/home.page 

We also provide some services to help you keep independent which you can access at anytime, without the need for any type of assessment.

These include:

Meals at Home delivery service

 http://www.countyenterprisefoods.co.uk/

Handy Person's Adaptation Service- help and support to keep people safe  secure in their home with free or low-cost but high quality essential adaptations  small practical jobs.

• telephone: 0300 500 80 80.
• email: enquiries@nottscc.gov.uk.

The Connect Service- can help you by finding info about local services, activities & opportunities. If needed, Connect staff can work with you around money issues, housing problems, health management & other things. This short-term support will be tailored to your needs & will focus on achieving what you want in a way that suits you.

• website: www.personalisedsupport.co.uk/Bassetlaw-Connect
• telephone: 0115 844 3541

Independent Financial Advice & Support 

 0300 500 80 80 

If after exploring these options you feel you may need more support, then you might need to have a Care & Support Assessment. This will allow you to explain the things you are finding hard to achieve & we will discuss with you how we might be able to help you.

The aim of the assessment will always be to help you regain or maintain a level of independence.  We will carry out the assessment in the most proportionate way depending on your needs, this could be over the telephone or at one of our clinics.  

Please contact us on 0300 500 80 80, an advisor can help you with your options and may complete a referral for a care and support assessment.

Women and girls over 14 and over or concerned friends/family can contact us for emotional and practical support. No problem is too small or unimportant if it is causing worry and distress. NRCC acknowledges that sexual violence can also affect men and can now offer them the ISVA service. Men cannot be seen at NRCC but we offer another safe environment where they can. In the future men will be able to attend Nottingham Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).

We provide a telephone helpline, face to face support and counselling, accompanying and support service to hospitals, police and courts.

Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid Ltd exists for the benefit of all women, young people and children experiencing physical, mental or sexual abuse in their relationships. We offer information, advice, access to (temporary) accommodation, ongoing support and aftercare.

Women’s Aid recognises that violence against women results from the unequal position of women in society. We are opposed to all forms of emotional and physical violence and abuse against women, young people and children. We are committed to the principle of self-help and self-determination and encourage women seeking advice, information, support or refuge to determine their own future. 

Drop-ins Tues 5-7pm, Thurs 10am-12noon

Our Contact Information:

Phone: 01909 533610
Fax:  01909 533617
email: enquiries@nottswa.org

24hr Freephone Helpline:

0808 800 0340

Emergency Contact Numbers:

In an emergency, please call the Police on 999

For non-emergency calls to the Police, please use 101

24hr Freephone Helpline: 0808 800 0340

24 Hour Text Helpline for use with a DDT or TTY: 0808 800 0341

COVID-19 Virus Charity Update

We are closing the Lounges and all face-to face therapy in line with the government’s advice on social distancing, but we are committed to maintaining counselling and support through digital contact or by phone where possible. The position of the government and the measures in place are changing daily so we will stay in touch and be clear about what it means for our charity and for you, our service users.

Please keep in regular contact with your key worker/ therapist via Skype or by telephone during this time. Rachael will be in touch with everyone who attends the Lounge to discuss further measures, including group support. Your therapist will be in touch to organise continued therapy in whatever method suits you best.

Stay safe, everyone, and bear with us as we try to maintain your support in this difficult time.

Survivors Helping Each other (SHE) provides the following support services:

• Provides services for females only
• Information service
• Support service

Survivors Helping Each other (SHE) provides the above services to women who suffered any of the following types of abuse in childhood:

• Emotional abuse
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Rape

To provide a variety of self help based support for young people & women over the age of 16yrs who are survivors of sexual abuse.  To promote public education and awareness of long term effects of sexual abuse.  We offer mutual support, drop in and crisis support, befriending, mentoring, creative therapy, personal development skills,  volunteering, skills and literacy.

Weekly drop in and crisis support - first call for details in your area.

Newark Women's Aid is a small, friendly, independent, local charity providing specialist services to support women with or without children who have experienced physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or economic abuse from a partner, ex-partner or family member.  Our aim is to support, inform and empower women to enable them to rebuild their lives and make informed decisions to determine their future and establish and maintain their independence.

Newark Women's Aid was established in 1975 to meet these aims and opened a refuge, one of the first in the country, to provide direct access accommodation with support services for women and children who have been made homeless because of domestic violence and abuse.   To date  we are proud to have supported  4,200 women and 6,400 children.

Our Refuge provides immediate access, safe, temporary accommodation with support services, advice and information for women with or without children who have been made homeless due to any form of domestic violence.   We can shelter seven families at any one time. 

Staying in Refuge can be a very positive experience for women and children, enabling them to recover from their traumatic experience, take stock of their lives and feel safe in the knowledge that there are support workers on hand to offer information regarding welfare benefits, legal, housing and education options and also provide invaluable emotional support, enabling women to make informed decisions to determine their future.

Our support workers understand the complex feelings and anxieties a woman experiences when she has suffered domestic abuse, and Refuge provides a lot more than just safe accommodation; it also offers services aimed at informing and supporting women, and facilitating access to those services.   The huge burden of having to find out about services available, where they are, who to speak to, making appointments and travelling from one to the other, often with young children, at possibly the most traumatic time of her life, is much less stressful with the support available.

Domestic Abuse Support workers provide individual, group and family support aimed at reducing the impact of domestic abuse on the emotional health and wellbeing of women and children.  Support is also provided to parents to help them to understand and respond in a positive way to the feelings and behaviour of their children.

Move-on and Resettlement support is available to all women and children when they leave the Refuge.

Our Women's Outreach Service is a community based, free confidential service providing support, advocacy and information for women who live in the Newark & Sherwood area who have experienced or are living with domestic abuse from a current or former partner.   

The aim of the service is to enable women to discuss issues relating to their experiences freely and without judgement;  to provide information on available options and support women in whatever decisions they make;  to access agencies to enable women to live as safely as possible in their own home and remain within their own community;  and support to help women deal with feelings of isolation and their experiences of domestic abuse, enabling them to move forward with their lives.

Support is offered on a one-to-one basis in a safe venue, with telephone/text support also available.

To Access any of the above Services, call us on 01636 679687

COVID 19 MEASURES: Anyone in immediate danger should call 999

Even if they are self-isolating.

Domestic abuse is a pattern of behaviour intended to dominate, threaten, coerce and control a current partner, ex-partner or family member. Domestic abuse is not only about violence and physical harm. It can include emotional, psychological, sexual or financial abuse. Behaviours used to perpetrate domestic abuse often escalate over time. While Coronavirus does not directly cause domestic abuse, current measures being put in place to control Coronavirus may result in perpetrators having more opportunity to perpetrate abuse, changing the way they perpetrate, and using the virus as an excuse. There are lots of possible reasons for this but the main ones to be aware of are:

• COVID-19 Measures: Can increase the amount of time the survivor and person perpetrating the abuse are alone together and increase barriers to survivors accessing outside support.
• Financial impacts: Loss or reduction in a survivor’s economic independence may also contribute to the escalation of abuse, and remove resources needed to leave the abuse.

There are things that can be done now to reduce the risk to survivors of domestic abuse during this time. Become familiar with the below information and share this widely where you can. This information may increase some survivors’ chances of avoiding self-isolation with their abuser. For others, there is useful safety planning information.

Please be aware this information is more relevant to those living in Nottingham/shire but may also be useful to those outside of this location.

Useful Information for Reducing Additional Risks to Survivors of Domestic Abuse as a Result of Coronavirus

1. Save Information about Local Support Services:

Find information about local services for domestic abuse. If you feel you or someone you know is at risk, save the relevant contact information somewhere the person using abusive behaviour is unlikely to locate it. It will also help to share these on your social media and elsewhere within your community.

Nottingham Support Services:

• For Women and Children in Nottingham/shire

Local 24/7 Domestic Abuse Helpline: Tel: 0808 800 0340 
This helpline is run by Juno Women’s Aid

• For men living in Nottingham/shire

Equation’s Domestic Abuse Service for Men
Tel: 0115 960 5556
Online support now available, email helpline@equation.org.uk* or use the online referral form. 

• All local services in Nottingham/shire can be found here: Equation.org.uk/need-help

*Guidance for seeking support via email:

• Delete emails/search history
• Check spam folder for email replies.
• Responses can take up to 3 working days
• Always call 999 in an emergency.

National Support Service Information:

• If you are a woman experiencing domestic abuse: 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247
• If you are a child or young person experiencing domestic abuse: Childline 0800 1111
• If you are a man experiencing domestic abuse: Men’s Advice Line 0808 801 0327

Online Support Services:

• If you are a woman experiencing domestic abuse: https://chat.womensaid.org.uk
• If you are a man experiencing domestic abuse: https://mensadviceline.org.uk/contact-us
• If you are a child or young person experiencing domestic abuse:www.childline.org.uk/get-support/1-2-1-counsellor-chat/

Anyone in immediate danger should call 999, Even if they are self-isolating.

Equation provides information to survivors of domestic violence about where to go for help, campaigns to change damaging attitudes about gender and relationships, and provides practical and emotional support to men experiencing domestic abuse.  Individuals are supported to gain the confidence to speak out against domestic violence and gender inequality and helped to gain the self-esteem to recognise their rights to a healthy relationship.  Also provides support to young people involved in unhappy relationships

If you are a man experiencing domestic abuse

Call Equation’s domestic abuse service for men on 0115 960 5556

• For men aged 18 or over living in Nottinghamshire County
• For men aged 16 or over living in Nottingham City
• Available Monday – Friday 9.30am-4.30pm
• 24-hour confidential answerphone service
• Talk confidentially about your situation
• Find out what your options are
• Receive guidance and support

If you are a woman experiencing domestic abuse

Call the local 24-hour helpline on 0808 800 0340 run by Women’s Aid Integrated Services

• For all women aged 18 or over in Nottingham(shire)
• Available any time
• Free from landlines and most mobiles
• Instant language interpretation available
• Talk confidentially about your situation
• Talk about any form of abuse: emotional, physical, sexual or financial
• Find out what your options are and get practical support
• You can get help with planning to leave or finding emergency accommodation

COVID19 update 10th August 2020 - e are still supporting women and children. If you require support please call the mobile 07914634190

For support & information about domestic abuse phone: 01773 719111

Mon-Friday 9am-5pm (except bank holidays)
Confidential answerphone when we are unavailable.

Confidential helpline, outreach service, training courses, drop in sessions. Aimed at empowering women to help them survive domestic abuse.

Our vision

Our vision is that women and their families who are affected by domestic abuse in Broxtowe are empowered to feel safe, to take control of their lives and to lead safer lives.

Our Goals

Women receive an excellent bespoke service from Broxtowe Women’s Project
We believe that all women and their families who are affected by domestic abuse should receive high quality care and support. We take a holistic approach to deliver excellent services that are tailored to the needs of the individual. Our service users remain at the heart of all our service development.

Women have access to other supportive services
We believe that women experiencing domestic abuse should have access to appropriate housing, emergency services and wraparound support. We work to equip agencies with the knowledge and understanding to effectively support women.

Women are empowered
Women are empowered, able to live safely and take control of their lives.

Our community is aware of domestic abuse
Everyone in Broxtowe has a greater awareness of domestic abuse and its impact.

Children are safe and happy
The children of women experiencing domestic abuse live safer lives and are happy, confident and successful.

DRASACS COVID-19 Response

DRASACS premises are closed to clients during this phase of the governments response to Covid-19. We will offer support to clients by telephone/webcam if is safe to do so.

We are still accepting new referrals, the premises are closed to clients, DRASACS is still operating using telephone/webcam for both ISVA and Therapy.

If you are experiencing additional challenges, The Survivors Trust and Rape Crisis have resources that can be utlisied in addition to DRASACS support.

We advise all clients to read the advice from the NHS regarding Covid-19 and steps to take to protect yourself and others. For further information please visit http://www.drasacs.org.uk/

Our confidential services are available for:

• Children and young people aged 18 or under, who have been raped or sexually abused
• Adults who have experienced rape or sexual abuse, either recently or in their past
• Family members who have been affected by the issue

If you want to talk to someone about your experience, please get in touch. We provide a number of free services including:

• Counselling
• Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy (ISVA)
• Helpline

The helpline is answered by fully trained female support workers and volunteers, who will answer your call in confidence. All calls to the domestic violence helpline are free from mobiles and landlines. We can support survivors of domestic abuse, friends and families, and professionals who are in contact with domestic violence survivors.

Before you call

Be sure that you are safe when you call the helpline. This means that the perpetrator of the abuse is not in the same property as you (even if they are in another room, the garden or asleep). The helpline worker needs to ensure you are not overheard to keep you safe from harm. It’s important to be aware that the perpetrator of the abuse may overhear your call and any information provided by the helpline worker. Be prepared to not get through immediately

Voicemail Service

Due to high volume of calls, it is not always possible for a caller to connect immediately to a helpline worker during our peak times of 9.30-3.30pm Monday to Friday. The voicemail service provides information on safety and alternative sources of assistance and allows callers to leave a message to be called back. Message are checked regularly and calls returned if it is safe to do so. If you’d prefer not to leave a message, you may find it is easier to get directly through to a helpline worker between 7pm and 7am.

Have a pen and paper or something to write on. The helpline worker may give you telephone numbers of relevant services or of refuges, or a reference number for your call.

Leave a voicemail. If you are calling on behalf of someone else, don’t leave their details on the voicemail system. The domestic violence helpline will never return a call from a third party. This is because we cannot guarantee that the the person is alone and safe, or that they have given their consent for the helpline to call them.

If you are unable to call you can also receive support from the Helpline workers via email. We will respond to your email within 5 working days. When you email the Helpline it’s very important that you specify when and if it is safe to respond and to which email address. The National Domestic Violence Helpline can only offer limited information by email as we don’t have the resources to provide on-going support or in-depth information in this way.

Please note we can not respond to emails by telephone as safety may be compromised. If you require an urgent response or need in-depth emotional support please call the number above.

Safeguarding children. Women’s Aid is clear that even if a child is not being directly hurt, witnessing physical, verbal and emotional abuse can have a serious detrimental effect on him/her. Women’s Aid aims to give each woman space to explore her options and support her to make safe choices for her and her children. However, if we consider a child is at risk we have a duty to take appropriate action to minimise the risk of harm. This may include working with a woman to contact Children’s Services or, where necessary, making a referral ourselves.

Mandy Edwards is a qualified Psychodynamic and CBT counsellor, alongside being a BACP registered member. Covers Worksop S80 and Mansfield NG19.

Specialises in:

• Approaches to Incest and Sexual Abuse
• Working with staff and students in higher education
• Couple and family counselling
• Supervision
• Staff counselling
• Attachment issues
• Relationship issues
• Psychodynamic therapy
• CBT

Further information on services offered on Counselling Directory and Future Minds

Like the rest of the world, Place2Be is adapting as coronavirus (COVID-19) impacts society and everyday lives. 

With school closures and lots of uncertainty, we’re working hard to ensure we can support as many children, young people and families as possible during this unsettling time. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing tips, advice, and updates on how to access our services.

With so much uncertainty in the world, children and young people need our emotional support now more than ever. Please donate today to help us to support the mental health of children and families across the UK.

Children are less likely to suffer from serious mental health difficulties in later life if they receive support at an early age, providing a cost saving to adult mental health services.

Growing evidence indicates that promoting positive mental health also improves a range of positive school outcomes, including attitudes to learning, better attendance and lower exclusion rates. 

SurvivorsUK can offer a range of support services including counselling and therapy appointments as well as online chat. All services are provided by trained professionals who as specialists in the field of male sexual violence have helped many men to work through their experiences.

SurvivorsUK was established as a service for male survivors, however we are an inclusive service and welcome anyone who identifies as male, trans, non-binary, has identified as male in the past, or anyone who feels that we are the right fit for them.

Support Services close to you:

SRASAC (Sheffield) offers Helpline and Counselling to men and boys aged 13 years and above, and Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) support to men aged 18 years and above.

• Phone: 0114 2412766
• Email: info@sheffieldrapecrisis.org.uk
• Website: www.sheffieldrapecrisis.org.uk

Rob Sharp (Sherwood)

Over 20 years experience. Long term experience in working with child and adult survivors, psychosexual issues, couples work, addictive and compulsive behaviours.

Contact Information

• Phone: 0115 9622252
• Email: Rob.sharp.11@btinternet.com

Rotherham Abuse Counselling Service

The Pit Stop counselling service for men initially provides up to 20 one-to-one counselling sessions (may be extended) within Rotherham Abuse Counselling Service. Any adult male in South Yorkshire can access the service if they wish to resolve issues arising from abuse at any time in their life. (rape, sexual or domestic abuse) . Our specialist counsellors all conform to the ethical standards of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. We do not counsel perpetrators of abuse.  Appointments offered weekdays 9-4pm but may be extended later in evening, and Saturdays in future.

Contact Information

• Phone: 01709835482
• Email: info@rothacs.org.uk
• Website: www.rothacs.org.uk/sample-post/

Doncaster Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Service

Counselling, Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy (ISVA), group work and information.

• Phone: 01302 360421
• Email: admin@drasacs.org.uk
• Website: www.drasacs.org.uk

Incest and Sexual Abuse Survivors (ISAS) Notts

One to One Counselling / Group Therapy / Drama Therapy / Self-Help Group

• Phone: 01636610314
• Email: enquiries@isas-notts.org.uk
• Website: www.isas-notts.org.uk

Nottingham Rape Crisis England and Wales

Helpline counselling service

Offers a counselling service for males on the following days and times:

Mon from 2-8pm,  Tues from 2-8pm, Thurs from 10-1pm, Fri from 10-1pm, Sat from 10-1pm

ISVA service providing one to one advocacy support for male survivors of sexual abuse

Age Group of Male Survivors: Helpline 13 +,  ISVA 14+

SHE UK/ MENDing UK Mansfield

A holistic range of support addressing the complex needs of survivors of childhood sexual abuse. 

• Phone: 01623 622 916
• Email: info@she-uk.org.uk
• Website: www.she-uk.org.uk

COVID19 update, 29th July 2020 - no drop in sessions at the moment but face to face visits have resumed.

For anyone feeling isolated, vulnerable or lonely in their own home. Short term support in the following areas-:
Physical & mental health-Keeping active, support to maintain contacts with family & friends, preventing falls, support to manage long term health conditions
Finances- Supporting to budget, benefits applications, advice on Lasting Powers of Attorney 
Social interaction-Support to find local activities, clubs & leisure

Housing Support to maintain tenancy, housing applications, support to move house, Home Safety-Support with aids & adaptions, repairs, gardening
Maintaining independence to improve self confidence.

Drop In Details: Monday: 1 - 4 Sandy Lane, Partnership House ( Worksop ) - 11am - 4pm

Friday 11.00 - 4.00 Goodwin Hall, Retford

Visit the website for more information www.thecalmzone.net

Support is available from 5.00pm - Midnight 365 days a year

Call 0800 58 58 58 Nationwide OR 0808 802 58 58 from London

These services provide a lifeline to women and their children, offering safety and support in a peaceful homely environment.  Here you can leave the sense of isolation behind and find friendship. We help women take back control of their lives and make a fresh start. 

We believe passionately that for a woman who comes to our refuge this is an opportunity to make the fresh start they want to lead a safer, more fruitful and fulfilling life.  Many women have been made to feel for years worthless and guilty that the abuse is ‘all their own fault’.  Controlling behaviour and constant criticism leads to a lack of confidence that has grown over time.  One of our key goals is that women who feel like this realise that it is NOT their fault, and our programmes and staff will help you on a journey to rebuild your confidence and plan for the bright future that you want for yourself; a future in which there is no place for an abusive relationship.

Midlands Women’s Aid welcomes direct referrals from anyone who feels they are subject to domestic abuse whether violent or non-violent.  You will not be charged and the number will not show on your mobile phone bill.

We cover Ashfield, Broxtowe, Gedling, Nottingham City and Rushcliffe. We run a wide range of services including the 24 hour Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Freephone Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline. This is where you can speak to one of our specialist trained female support workers 365 days a year. We’ve been doing this for almost 40 years and we’re passionate about helping anyone affected by domestic abuse women and their children to stay as safe as possible and to recover from the harm of domestic abuse.

We offer

• Crisis support and drop ins
• Ongoing one to one support
• Refuge accommodation (BMER and Dispersed Refuge service)
• 12 week healthy relationship programmes (The Freedom Programme)
• Therapeutic groups for mums and children
• One to one support for teenagers
• Foster care for family pets

If you need help or advice

Call our 24 hour domestic and sexual violence helpline where our experienced, female helpline team are ready to listen. 

We’ve got a wide range of different services and depending on what you want to do, we can arrange for further help or support. We can also find ways to keep you safer in the meantime.

• Call us free and in confidence on 0808 800 0340
• For women living in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
• 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
• Text Relay is also available for callers who are deaf or hearing impaired. If using a textphone, prefix the helpline number by 18001.

Refuge supports women and children who experience all forms of violence and abuse, including domestic violence, sexual violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so-called ‘honour’-based violence, and human trafficking and modern slavery.

Whoever you are, and whatever you have been through, Refuge is here for you. We tailor our support to suit your individual needs and we run a range of services you can access, including refuges, community-based projects, culturally-specific services, services for children and support for women going through the criminal justice system.

We won’t judge you or tell you what to do. We won’t tell anyone you have been in touch with us. Although it may feel impossible now, we can support you to rebuild your life free from violence and fear. Whatever you decide, your safety is always our priority.

COVID-19/Coronavirus: Safety tips for survivors

Q. How do I know if I’m experiencing abuse?

Domestic abuse isn’t always physical – it’s a pattern of controlling, threatening and coercive behaviour, that can also be emotional, economic, psychological or sexual. Abuse is a choice a perpetrator makes and isolation is already used by many perpetrators as a tool of control. If you need help recognising the signs of abuse, you can find information and resources on www.refuge.org.uk. Alternatively, you can call the Freephone 24h National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247 or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk.

Q. Who can I contact if I am living with an abusive partner and I’m worried about myself and/or my children?

Refuge staff are working round the clock to make sure our services remain open and available for everyone that needs them. This includes our refuge accommodation up and down the country, our Freephone 24h National Domestic Abuse Helpline, and our digital resources. Visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk to source information and also to access a form to arrange for our expert staff to call you back at a safe time. Rest assured that you are not alone – it may take us slightly longer than usual to return your call, but will do everything we can to get back to you.

If you are self-isolating with a perpetrator you may be worried that he is monitoring your devices. Please remember that if you are unable to call our Helpline you can also seek support online, by filling in our webform.

Try to keep your phone charged and with you at all times and contact our services listed below if it is safe for you to do so:

For information and support:

1. Call the Freephone 24h National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247. Our team of highly-trained female staff can offer you confidential and non-judgmental support, and information on your rights and options. Translators are available if English is not your native language.
2. If it is not safe for you to call the Helpline, you can visit our website at www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk. You can use the contact form to register your details and tell us when is a safe time for one of the Helpline staff to call you back when your partner is not around.
3. If you are concerned that your partner is monitoring your devices, including your phone or laptop, you can access our tech abuse chatbot (look for the pink speech bubble bottom right of the screen). Here, you can find simple step-by-step instructions in video form that you can use to safeguard your devices. Only access this service if it is safe for you to do so, and use our ‘quick exit’ button if you are in the vicinity of your abusive partner.

If you are in immediate danger:

Always call 999 in an emergency; if you are unable to speak on the phone, there are systems in place to connect you to the right service:

• If you are calling from a mobile phone, you can use the ‘Silent Solution’ system. Press 55 and the operator will transfer the call to the relevant police force as an emergency. The police call handler will then ask you a series of simple yes/no questions. If you’re still not able to speak, listen to the instructions you are given so the handler can assess your call and send help. Please note that calling from a mobile does not allow the police to track your location.
• If you are calling from a landline, pressing ‘55’ will not work. If you can’t speak you should stay on the line and the operator will connect you to a police call handler. If you need to put the phone down, the line will stay open for 45 seconds. If you pick it up again during this time and the operator is concerned for your safety, they will put you through to a police call handler. Calling 999 from a landline means the police may be able to retrieve information on your location to send help.

Q. What steps can I take to protect myself and my children in the home, and how can I prepare to flee if I need to?

Protecting yourself in the home:

If your partner becomes violent, try to avoid the kitchen, garage or anywhere that might have potential weapons.

Try to keep your mobile charged and on you at all times. Agree on a code word with trusted friends or family so that they can call the police if you text or call them. For instance, you could agree that a certain word or a blank text means you need the police urgently. If your neighbours are aware of the situation, let them know that they should call the police if they hear a disturbance.

If you have children, talk to them about where they can go to keep safe if the perpetrator becomes abusive. Emphasise that in this situation their priority is to get to safety first and then call for help. Tell them not to intervene as this could put them in further danger.

Preparing to leave:

If possible, keep your bank cards, a little cash and car keys (if you have them) in a safe and accessible place. If you are able, leave an overnight bag with friends or family. Include your Id, Driving license and passport in the bag, or copies if you have them.

Agree on a code word with your children as a way to instruct them safely to leave the home. It is a good idea to plan possible escape routes from each room that you can use both day and night. If you are unable to leave, lock yourself in a room and call the police. Use the Silent Solutions process if you need to by pressing 55 (see above for more detail).

Important messages for survivors:

Remember – you are not alone. Refuge is here for you and you can access help and support. Abuse is not your fault. It is a choice that a perpetrator makes; your partner is responsible for his violent and abusive behaviour. It is a choice he makes and he alone is responsible for changing this behaviour.

Domestic abuse is a crime and help is available. Do not suffer alone. Refuge is here for you. Pick up the phone, or if you are unable to do that, access us online. We stand with you today, tomorrow, and in the future. You are not alone.

Concerned friends and family members

Q. What should I do if I am concerned about a friend, family member, colleague or neighbour?

If you are concerned about someone you know, call the Freephone 24h National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247. Or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk to use our contact form for a call back from one of the Helpline staff. They can offer you confidential support on how best to help the person you are worried about. If you are worried about their safety, call 999.

Do not approach the perpetrator, as this could escalate the abuse and put you and the victim at risk of harm.

IMPROVING THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF BASSETLAW RESIDENTS THROUGH SUPPORTED
ACCESS AND NAVIGATION INTO LOCAL SERVICES AND SUPPORT GROUPS

The Community Advisor is a specialist with a wealth of knowledge and experience about services across Bassetlaw, helping individuals to access non-medical support services from voluntary organisations and community groups.  

Anyone over the age of 16 who is registered with a Bassetlaw GP can access this service.
You can ask at your GP Reception when the Community Advisor will be visiting your local surgery or contact us directly here at BCVS.
The Community Advisor will discuss with the individual how one of the many voluntary or community services may help them improve their health and wellbeing alongside any existing medical treatment.

The Community Advisor can help you to:

•  Identify groups which may offer additional support to help you understand and manage your medical condition
• Access community social groups by giving you a named contact and specific group information 
• Access benefits, debt and welfare advice
• Address loneliness and isolation issues by encouraging participation with local activity group
• Access information and advice on a wide range of services for the whole family

Your Community Advisor will be able to identify suitable support options and they will afford the time to find contact details of the leaders of groups and services to make the access as smooth as possible.

There are several ways to make contact with the Community Advisor:

You can ring the Community Advisor direct for telephone advice. Available Monday to Friday on 01909 476118 Ext 24.

Men's Advice Line: confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic violence from a partner or ex-partner (or from other family members).

We help by: giving you time to tell your story; offering emotional support; providing practical advice; signposting you to other services for specialist help.

Are you being abused? Please contact us

Call freephone 0808 801 0327 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm or email info@mensadviceline.org.uk

This directory is maintained and operated by Nottinghamshire County Council.

If you need help using this directory or would like to contact us for more information, please get in touch with one of our friendly advisors using the details below:

Telephone: 0300 500 80 80

CSC minicom: 01623 434993

Email: enquiries@nottscc.gov.uk

We are open Monday – Friday 8:00am – 6:00pm.

If your query is specifically around SEND, please email local.offer@nottscc.gov.uk.

If your query is specifically for Supported Self Care, please call 0300 303 2600 or email selfcarehub@selfhelp.org.uk.

The first session is Free and then £1.50 thereafter.

The Group is run by Dave Bacon

Stop domestic violence now

Women's Aid have created this space to help children and young people to understand domestic abuse, and how to take positive action if it's happening to you. The charity Women’s Aid created this website. Women’s Aid has been working with women and children experiencing domestic violence over forty years.

PLEASE CHECK WITH THE CENTRE THAT THE GROUP IS RUNNING BEFORE ATTENDING DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS.

This group offers ladies a supportive environment who have been abused. Also offers counselling and creative therapy.