A grant from a wind farm company is helping a free rural domestic abuse service to continue operating.
South Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Service (SoLDAS) has set up four Rural Community Hubs in the area as it is concerned those not in cities might not seek the help they need.
The hubs take place from 10am to 2pm in Spalding on Tuesdays, Boston on Wednesdays and Holbeach and Sutton Bridge at the same time on Thursdays.
The continuation of the Sutton Bridge service is thanks to The Grange wind farm which has donated £2,000 towards the costs of keeping it running.
A SoLDAS spokesman said: “We have recognised the need for a Rural Community Hub in Sutton Bridge following on from disclosures of domestic abuse, during our workshop delivery in the area and our work within the local community.
“Every Thursday, specialist experienced domestic abuse workers from SoLDAS will be at the Sutton Bridge Hub to meet and support local victims of domestic abuse – male and female. In this informal setting, people can sit over a cup of coffee and discuss privately their experiences and concerns with a professional who understands and can help victims to safety plan and if they are ready, to end the abuse they and their children are experiencing.
“It’s crucial for our service to continue to reach people in rural areas who may not have access to support locally.
“Access to services is very poor unless you have a car in rural areas of Lincolnshire.
“Many victims are therefore further isolated and without ready access to support services – victims cannot get the support they need to access the urgent support required, when suffering domestic abuse.”
For all of the sessions translators and interpreters are available for those who don’t speak English as a first language.
People can also book appointments and speak to the professionals by contacting SoLDAS on 01205 311272 or by emailing [email protected]
“We would like to say a huge thank-you to The Grange Wind Farm, managed by Lincolnshire Community Foundation, for helping us to make a difference to people’s lives,” the spokesman continued. “SoLDAS hopes that the Sutton Bridge example might see the continuation of a series of Rural Community Hubs, in the most rural parts of Lincolnshire and we would welcome the opportunity to partner with other charities or parish councils to establish hubs in their villages.”
