Leeway Receives Coronavirus Funding

The Coronavirus pandemic has had a big impact on those experiencing domestic abuse, which has led to an increasing number of people reaching out for support nationwide. 

In order to ensure that specialist organisations are able to meet the increased demand for services, whilst doing so in a safe manner and adhering to social distancing guidelines, funding has been made available by the Ministry of Justice to support these organisations. 

Leeway is delighted to have received funding from the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner for Norfolk, and the Suffolk Police & Crime Commissioner to support our work during the pandemic.

Norfolk

The Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner for Norfolk has awarded Leeway funding to provide Personal Protective Equipment for frontline staff, as well as laptops and smartphones. 

This will enable our staff to support service users in the safest and most effective manner during the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Lorne Green, said: 

“This fund is a lifeline for the many organisations which have, in many cases, had to completely change their way of working and move to a more agile and digital method of delivery. I am immensely proud of the work that has already taken place by my office to help and support specialist services but such further financial support from central government is always welcome as more can always be done.”

Suffolk

In Suffolk, the Suffolk Police & Crime Commissioner has awarded us funding for additional equipment and hours for the Suffolk Independent Domestic Violence Advisory (IDVA) Service, as well as staff for the multi-lingual DA service for minority communities in Suffolk, and the advice and support line.

Tim Passmore, Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner, said: 

“Providing support for victims is a key part of my role. Each year we allocate significant amounts of money to support victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence and I know many of the organisations that provide this support are having to find new ways of interacting with victims during this pandemic, which can be more costly than normal.”

Mandy Proctor, Chief Executive of Leeway, said:

“Thank you to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk and the Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner for their continued support of Leeway, providing funding to help us support those experiencing domestic abuse during the Coronavirus pandemic. Your support is hugely appreciated by everyone at Leeway.” 

Leeway have a 24-hour emergency contact number for people who are experiencing domestic abuse in Norfolk and Suffolk: 0300 561 0077

The National Domestic Violence Helpline number is 0808 2000 247