On Tuesday 2nd April, we held the launch event for a brand-new project at The Space in Norwich. The Anchor Project is a new service that will support service users to access a safe space, with immediate crisis accommodation. The project is funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and we are working in partnership with The Matthew Project, Orwell Housing and Change, Grow, Live to deliver this service.Â
The launch event for the Anchor Project was a huge success and was attended by over 54 people from partner agencies. Attendees heard about the aims of the project, how it will be delivered and how to refer into the new service.Â
Spot Purchasing
The funding provided by the Anchor Project allows us to provide spot purchasing of accommodation across Norfolk to ensure that anyone in the county who escapes domestic abuse has access to a safe space. This will help to eliminate the current postcode lottery for services, providing immediate crisis accommodation and support when they need it. The spot purchase is open to all adults, those with children and without, and includes those with no recourse to public funds and those with complex needs who have a Norfolk connection. Â
Flexible Crisis SupportÂ
Leeway’s service connectors will support people leaving abusive partners into emergency accommodation to ensure their safety and wellbeing, as well as helping them to make appropriate decisions about their next steps, with an appropriate safety plan in place. This immediate, person-centred approach, and flexible crisis support will help victims to access onward support, including entering a refuge when a space becomes available or returning home with safety measures in place.
Power to Change
The service connectors will also be working across the 7 districts offering one-to-one support and Power to Change self-help course to women who have additional needs such as poor mental health or substance misuse. The service connectors will offer further support to refuge service users with additional needs who are residing in one of Norfolk’s 8 refuges and Hinde House.
Training Sessions
The Anchor Project will also offer reciprocal training sessions between specialist support services aimed at improving the skills of frontline staff who may encounter people dealing with domestic abuse, substance misuse and poor mental health. There will also be two further learning workshops at the mid-point and end of the project. All participants will be able to disseminate the learning from the project.  Â
We’re looking forward to working with our new partners to improve services for people who need them throughout Norfolk. For more information about Leeway and the work we do helping people who experience domestic abuse, and to find out how to get involved, check out our volunteers page.
