School Nursing Service

School Health Department, Retford Hospital, North Road, Retford, Nottingham,

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Contact School Health Department, Retford Hospital, North Road, Retford, Nottingham,

Email: sherrel.dudley@nottshc.nhs.uk

Phone: 01623 781822 / 07850 918 871

Website: https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/education/for-schools/school-nursing-service

The fundamental role of the school nurse is to improve children and young people’s health and wellbeing by:

leading, delivering and evaluating preventative services and universal public health programmes (as set out in the Healthy Child Programme 5-19) for school-aged children and young people, within both school and community settings
delivering evidence-based approaches and cost effective programmes or interventions that contribute to children and young people’s health and well-being (e.g. reduction in childhood obesity, reduction in under 18 conception rates, reduction in prevalence of chlamydia and management of mental health disorders (such as depression and conduct disorder); co-ordinating services, referring to other agencies and delegating within the team to maximise resources and utilise the expertise of other skilled professionals)
supporting a seamless transition into school, from primary to secondary school and transition into adulthood
managing the interaction between health and education so that the child or young person enjoys good health and well-being (including emotional health and wellbeing) therefore achieving optimal education
leading support for children and young people who have complex and/or additional needs including providing or co-ordinating support, education and training for families, carers and school staff
identifying children and young people in need of early help and where appropriate providing support to improve their life chances and prevent abuse and neglect. This includes working with children and young people at risk of becoming involved in gangs or youth violence
contributing as part of a multi-agency team, to the response for children, young people and families who have multiple problems.

Child health service

The School Health team is an excellent first point of contact for school aged children, young people and their parents who need health advice or information. They have a good knowledge of other statutory agencies and voluntary organisations that can offer advice and support related to health issues.

Nottinghamshire Sexual Violence Support Services

30 Chaucer Street Nottingham

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Contact 30 Chaucer Street Nottingham

Email:

Phone: 0115 941 0440 or 0808 800 0340 24 hours a day

Website: https://nottssvss.org.uk/

CORONAVIRUS – CHANGES TO SERVICE

Following recent updates in managing the spread of Coronavirus we have made changes to the way we are supporting service users. Our Helpline will be open for extra hours and we are taking referrals into all our services. Face-to-Face support and assessments are now taking place over the telephone or online. We are currently looking into how we can re-start providing support in person.

We understand that this is a very anxious time for everyone but we will make every effort to ensure that our support continues.

24 hour domestic and sexual abuse helpline on 0808 800 0340

lternatively, you can phone 0115 947 0064 and select options as follows:
Option 1 for Helpline and the Hub or if you are a new client wishing to access our services
Option 2 for ISVA and Survivors’ Support Services
Option 3 for the Admin Office and any other queries

(if we are not able to take your call please leave a message on the answerphone with a contact number and we will call you back as soon as possible)

You can talk to someone about your experiences or if you are concerned about a friend, partner or family member then please get in touch.

You can phone our helpline on 0115 941 0440 or you can fill in our online referral form here.

Children and young people can access support through the EMCYPSAS

We are not part of the police, NHS or any other public service. We are a Registered Independent Charity that has been supporting survivors of sexual violence for over 35 years in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. We are here to listen to you and support you. We won’t judge you and most importantly we will believe you.

Referring into our services

You can self-refer into our services by phoning our helpline or by completing an online referral form (below). Alternatively, you can ask a professional to do this on your behalf.

Our Helpline on 0115 941 0440 in open during the times below. When you call us, we will be able to listen to and support you and guide you to the best services for you.

Day	Opens	Closes	Opens	Closes
Monday	10am	1pm	4:30pm	7:30pm
Tuesday	10am	1pm	4:30pm	7:30pm
Wednesday	10am	1pm	4:30pm	7:30pm
Thursday	10am	1pm	4:30pm	7:30pm
Friday	10am	1pm	4:30pm	7:30pm
Saturday	10am	1pm
Sunday	10am	1pm

Outside of these hours, you can leave a message on our answerphone (which also provides details of other services) or you can phone the 24hr Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline on 0808 800 0340.

You can self-refer into our services using the form below.

Have you recently suffered sexual assault?

If you have just been raped or sexually assaulted, you may feel in shock and unsure of what to do. Here are some steps you can take:

Ensure safety of yourself and any children
Try to keep warm as you might be in shock
See if a friend or someone you trust can be with you

Are you unsure whether to report or not?

There is no time limit on reporting an incident, many people decide to report many weeks, months or years after an incident so try not to destroy any evidence that could help if you change your mind. You may feel unsure whether to report the incident to the Police or not and this can a very difficult decision for many people to make. The earlier you tell the Police about an attack, the more likely it is that they will be able to investigate the incident effectively and, potentially, make a prosecution. Forensic evidence is also best obtained within 7 days of an incident occurring. Nottinghamshire Police have a designated Rape Unit with officers who are specially trained in working with incidents of sexual violence. However, you do not have to tell the Police if you don’t want to.

Newark Women’s Aid

PO Box 28 Newark-On-Trent Nottinghamshire

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Contact PO Box 28 Newark-On-Trent Nottinghamshire

Email: newarkwomensaid@btconnect.com

Phone: 01636 679687

Website: http://www.newarkwomensaid.co.uk/

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

Equation

Equation 2 First Avenue Nottingham

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Contact Equation 2 First Avenue Nottingham

Email: info@equation.org.uk

Phone: 0115 9623 237

Website: https://www.equation.org.uk/

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

National Domestic Violence 24 hour Freephone Helpline

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Contact

Email: helpline@womensaid.org.uk

Phone: 0808 2000 247 24

Website: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/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.

The Mix

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Contact --

Email: --

Phone: 0808 8084994 (freephone)

Website: http://www.themix.org.uk/

What does post-lockdown mean?

The government has officially eased lockdown rules, meaning as things stand right now, you’re allowed to meet up with more friends and family from different households, visit pubs and restaurants and even have your hair cut!

You still have to follow some social distancing restrictions and rules are slightly different depending on where in the UK you live.

For a full summary, see this BBC article.

Is the easing of lockdown a good thing?

For some people, the end of lockdown might feel like a huge relief. You can go out again! You can see your mates and you can do all the things you’ve been missing so much over the past few months.

But this isn’t the way everyone feels, and many of us might not feel at all ready to go back to “normality.”

Though you may want to see your friends, the thought of putting yourself or others at risk of getting ill can be scary.
You might be dealing with loss.
You might be struggling with your mental or physical health.
You might not want things to change.

How do I cope with all this change and uncertainty?

Uncertainty can be uncomfortable. When the future is hard to predict it can make you feel like things are out of your control, which can be scary.

Anxiety and fear are reasonable and natural responses to big changes.

If you feel this way there’s nothing wrong with you and there’s no need to feel embarrassed.

Try talking to someone you trust about the way you’re feeling.
Sticking to a routine can help to give you a sense of control, even if it’s something small like reading before bed or going for a walk at the same time every day.
Try writing a list of all the things you can control.
Get creative! Try singing, dancing, playing music or painting to express how you’re feeling.

What if I don’t feel comfortable going out yet?

Know that you don’t need to do anything you’re not comfortable with.

Take things at your own pace.
Communicate with your friends and family about how the changes are making you feel.
If it makes you feel safer, stick to meeting people in the park in smaller groups.
If you want to wear a mask when you see people then that’s fine too.

What if I’m shielding?

For those who are shielding (often people with long-term health conditions), the easing of restrictions won’t apply in the same way.

If you or someone in your family is shielding then it can be really stressful to see life returning to normal. It can also give you massive FOMO!

If you’re shielding or you’re worried about someone who is, know that you’re not alone.

Make sure you’re chatting to friends and family as much as you can. You can also chat things through with one of our team.

It might help to switch off from social media sometimes to avoid drawing comparisons.

Things are going back to normal, but I’m dealing with loss

Some people will have lost loved ones during the pandemic. It can be difficult to see normality returning when you’re dealing with grief and loss.

You may not have been able to see a loved one before they passed away. Restrictions may have meant that you couldn’t go to their funeral. This can make things feel twice as hard.

Grieving is one of the hardest things we go through, and everyone reacts differently. It’s ok if you’re struggling and it’s nothing to feel guilty about. But the fact that restrictions are easing also means that you can now see the people in your life that can support you through this time. Staying in touch with your friends and family can make a huge difference.

You might find our article on coping with grief helpful. Take a look at Barnardo’s article on coping with loss.

You could also sign up for bereavement counselling. You can get free counselling with The Mix here.

But, I liked some bits of lockdown!

Did you actually find lockdown nice and peaceful? Some people enjoyed the chance to slow things down and reconnect with the things they love doing.

You might also feel anxious about returning to school, university or to normal working life. But you’re not the only person who’ll be feeling this way.

Make a list of all the things you enjoyed about lockdown, so you know which habits you want to keep.
Talk to your employer or your teachers about what you need to feel comfortable going back to a more normal routine.
Take things slowly; no one is forcing you to rush back to a faster pace of life.

Stay connected

No matter how you’re feeling about a post-lockdown world, it’s important to remember that we’re all going through this together, and there’s no perfect way of coping.

The key thing is to stay connected to those around you and make sure you feel supported and heard.

You might find these articles by Mind and the Mental Health Foundation helpful.

Speak to our team for free and confidential support on anything and everything that’s on your mind.

Next Steps

If you're under 25 and would like free confidential telephone counselling from The Mix to help you figure things out complete this form and we'll call you to arrange your first session.
Mind offers advice and support to people with mental health problems. Their helpline runs nine to six from Monday to Friday. 0300 123 3393
Anyone can contact the Samaritans on their 24-hour helpline to talk things through. 116 123
Our Crisis Messenger provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you’re aged 25 or under, you can text THEMIX to 85258
AnxietyUK run helplines, email support, live chats and therapy services for people with anxiety disorders. 08444 775 774
Chat about this subject on our Discussion Boards.
Need help but confused where to go locally? Download our StepFinder iPhone app to find local support services quickly.

The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people. We are here to help you take on any challenge you’re facing - from mental health to money, from homelessness to finding a job, from break-ups to drugs. Talk to us via online, social or our free

If you’re under 25 and need help but don’t know where to turn call us for FREE on 0808 808 4994. We’ll explore your situation with you and find organisations that may be able to help you further. We’re open from 11am to 11pm every day.

One to one chat allows you to live message our trained helpline supporters about any issue that is troubling you. Our team is trained to help you explore your situation and find organisations which might be able to help you further. We offer a non-judgemental service so you can speak to us about any issue. We’re open from 11am to 11pm every day.

We want to help you find the information you need. The more you are able to tell us about your current situation, the more we will be able to help. You can email the helpline at any time and we aim to respond within 24 hours.

Visit our website: http://www.themix.org.uk/

Survivors UK

11 Sovereign Court The Highway LONDON E1W 3HH

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Contact 11 Sovereign Court The Highway LONDON E1W 3HH

Email: info@survivorsuk.org

Phone: 02035 983898

Website: https://www.survivorsuk.org/

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.

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.

Incest and Sexual Abuse Survivors (ISAS) Notts

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

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.

Health For Kids - Health Promotion Website

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Contact

Email:

Phone:

Website: http://www.healthforkids.co.uk/

Nottinghamshire County Council’s Public Health have commissioned a new and exciting website ‘Health for Kids’ which will be managed by the Youth Service. The website is due to be launched in January 2019.

Health for Kids is a health promotion website offering information in a fun and interactive way for primary school children, parents/carers and teachers. The website will offer local news on upcoming events, campaigns, blogs, articles and useful information about services available to children within Nottinghamshire. The website aims to help promote the health and wellbeing of children aged 5-11 years.

Moving forward, the Youth Service will also be managing the Health for Teens Website, which was launched back in January 2016. Health for Teens offers health and wellbeing advice and information to young people aged 11-19, promoting a healthy body and mind. The site provides local information on relevant services to signpost young people to within Nottinghamshire.

As a service we would like to inform you of how to contact us in regards to supporting the websites to ensure the information we include on the local pages is up to date and relevant for Nottinghamshire. For example, if you have an event you would like us to promote to children, young people, parents or carer, or if you have a campaign that is running locally we can publicise these on the Health for kids or Teens Website’s.

We would also like to request you to promote the relevant website to the appropriate age group through your service. We have a range of publicity material available electronically and a limited supply of hard copies.

To get in touch, request any material and add any information you feel is relevant and appropriate for the sites please email the content to; healthforkidsandteens@nottscc.gov.uk

For further information on the Health for Teens and Kids Websites, please contact; Jenny Quin-Smith from the Youth Service on; 01158041180; Jennifer.quin-smith@nottscc.gov.uk

If you would like to visit the Websites, please see links below;

www.healthforkids.co.uk (local page will be launched in January)

www.healthforteens.co.uk/nottinghamshire

We look forward to working together with you and your organisation in order to successfully promote the health and wellbeing of children and young people in Nottinghamshire.

Refuge

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Contact

Email:

Phone: 0808 2000 247 Freephone 24 hour National Abuse Helpline

Website: https://www.refuge.org.uk/

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:

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.
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.
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.

Domestic Violence

School Nursing Service

School Health Department, Retford Hospital, North Road, Retford, Nottingham,

School Nursing Service

Child health service

Respect

Respect, 244-254 Cambridge Heath Road, London

Respect

Helplines

Nottinghamshire Women's Aid

The Farr Centre Chapel Walk Off West Gate Worksop

Nottinghamshire Women's Aid

Our Contact Information:

24hr Freephone Helpline:

Emergency Contact Numbers:

Nottinghamshire Sexual Violence Support Services

30 Chaucer Street Nottingham

Nottinghamshire Sexual Violence Support Services

CORONAVIRUS – CHANGES TO SERVICE

Have you recently suffered sexual assault?

Are you unsure whether to report or not?

Survivors Helping Each other (SHE)

1 Byron Street Mansfield Nottinghamshire

Survivors Helping Each other (SHE)

Parent Zones Sure Start & Children's Centres

Parent Zones Sure Start & Children's Centres

Newark Women’s Aid

PO Box 28 Newark-On-Trent Nottinghamshire

Newark Women’s Aid

Nottingham Independent Domestic Abuse Services (NIDAS)

Mansfield Business Centre, Ashfield Avenue, Mansfield

Nottingham Independent Domestic Abuse Services (NIDAS)

If you or anyone you know needs some advice, support and guidance then please get in touch with us. We’re here to listen and know how hard it is to make that first contact but we will be waiting for when the time is right…

NSPCC

NSPCC Weston House 42 Curtain Road London

NSPCC

Tips and advice to help cope with coronavirus (COVID-19)

Equation

Equation 2 First Avenue Nottingham

Equation

COVID 19 MEASURES: Anyone in immediate danger should call 999

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

1. Save Information about Local Support Services:

Nottingham Support Services:

National Support Service Information:

Online Support Services:

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

If you are a man experiencing domestic abuse

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

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

Broxtowe Women's Project

PO Box 6660 Nottingham

For women living in Borough of Broxtowe who are experiencing domestic abuse.

Broxtowe Women's Project

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

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

Our vision

Our Goals

Doncaster Rape & Sexual Abuse Counselling Service

DRASACS 25 Thorne Road Doncaster

Doncaster Rape & Sexual Abuse Counselling Service

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/

National Domestic Violence 24 hour Freephone Helpline

National Domestic Violence 24 hour Freephone Helpline

Before you call

Voicemail Service

Health for Teens - Text your School Nurse

Health for Teens - Text your School Nurse

YOUNG MINDS

Suite 11, Baden Place, Crosby Row, London

YOUNG MINDS

New Roots Housing Project

2 Overend Road Worksop Nottinghamshire

New Roots Housing Project

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