A charity which supports families and victims of domestic abuse across Waveney has marked a significant anniversary with the unveiling of new facilities.
The Waveney Domestic Violence and Abuse Forum celebrated its 35-year anniversary last week by opening new offices and training room, which are based within the Kirkley Centre in Lowestoft.
At a well attended event last Monday, which included the public, agencies and friends of the Forum, Waveney MP Peter Aldous cut the ribbon to open the new facilities.
He congratulated the forum and thanked the team for all their dedication and hard work in helping support victims of domestic abuse.
Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore also attended and praised the forum for all its hard work in Waveney supporting victims of abuse, raising awareness, and providing programmes – such as Caring Dad's, the Freedom Programme and Trauma and Abuse Therapy.
Maureen Duckworth, vice chairman of the Waveney Domestic Violence and Abuse Forum, said: 'We would like to thank the PCC for his continued help and support. The new offices will allow the forum to provide training programmes for the many different organisations dealing with the various issues surrounding domestic violence. 'We now have the capacity to see victims in a more relaxing and confidential environment and the additional space also allows our volunteers the room they require to assist us in awareness raising work and researching for new services.'
With an ever-increasing workload, the group said there was a vital need for larger facilities to provide an improved service to clients and partnership agencies.
Mrs Duckworth added: 'As a charity, funding is always a challenge and we would like to thank Waveney District Council for the enabling grant award of £2,500, which has helped us towards the funding we require to maintain our current services and continue to help fill gaps in provision.
'The forum is constantly looking at ways of supporting victims by lobbying Parliament and trying to improve on the current services available.
'Funding is always difficult and donations are gratefully received.'
To support the forum, contact them on 01502 572143.
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