Leeway have formed a partnership with the University of East Anglia to assist them in their ‘Never Ok’ campaign. The University is committed to providing a safe environment for all of their students, staff and visitors. The Never Ok campaign has the broad aim of creating and nurturing an inclusive, supportive and safe environment for everyone. The University asked for our help in raising awareness of domestic abuse and offering support to staff and students who are experiencing domestic/relationship abuse.
The Project
The Never Ok campaign is funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England, acting on the Universities UK Changing the Culture report’s recommendations. The report outlined the ways in which universities should go about tackling harassment, hate crime, and sexual violence. The Never Ok project provides a platform for students and staff at the university to access appropriate support if they have experienced any of these abusive behaviours.
The UEA’s vice-chancellor, Professor David Richardson, said:
“We all share a responsibility to create and maintain a safe, inclusive and welcoming culture on campus. Students and staff have the right to study, live and socialise in a safe community and as Vice Chancellor of UEA, I pledge to provide clear leadership and support for our Never Ok campaign.â€
Leeway’s Role
Part of the campaign focuses on a zero tolerance towards relationship and domestic abuse. We will be providing experienced outreach workers to deliver weekly advice surgeries for students and staff on campus, to discuss any problems they may have. Our outreach workers are trained to provide emotional and practical support – including advice on issues such as financial, legal, housing, welfare and safety concerns.
In addition to these vital services, we will be providing training for staff and students at the UEA. Our courses teach people how to spot the signs of domestic/relationship abuse and signpost people experiencing abuse to access support.
Mandy Proctor, Chief Executive of Leeway, said:
“It is great to have the opportunity to partner with the UEA and get involved with this excellent campaign. It is really important that students and staff feel confident in discussing any concerns around domestic abuse and know that they will be listened to and supported. We are also delighted to be able to train staff and students to spot the signs of an abusive relationship. Training is very important and something that Leeway provides as this really helps others to have a greater understanding of domestic abuse and the risks it poses.â€
If you would like to find out more about our training for education professionals, for businesses and for other professional agencies, please get in touch. Call Leeway on 0300 561 0077 or email admin@leewaynwa.org.uk.
Find out more about the UEA’s Never Ok campaign.
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