A new pilot service for friends and family members who are supporting those in a Domestic Abusive relationship has been launched called: Step by Step Supporting you to Support Them. It is being delivered by Barnardo’s in partnership with Essex County Council across Southend, Essex, and Thurrock.

The Step-by-Step service, is offering practical and emotional support to friends and family members and can deliver awareness-raising workshops and information sessions focused on:

• Healthy and unhealthy relationships
• Recognising domestic abuse and coercive control
• Building confidence to seek support
• Understanding available support services and pathways to safety
• Promoting wellbeing, connection, and community support

The organiser welcomes the opportunity to be involved in any local events, community groups, or networks you are aware of, to help increase awareness and provide accessible information, particularly to those who may be seldom heard or face barriers to accessing support.

If you are aware of any established local groups that may benefit from a domestic abuse awareness session or information about our service, they would greatly appreciate you sharing our details with them or alternatively passing their contact information to us. You can email them at: Stepbystepessex@barnardos.org.uk