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Domestic abuse against men: Richard’s story - Paragon Team

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Domestic abuse against men doesn’t happen as frequently as against women, but it does happen in 1 in 6 relationships. And can be different

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Supporting Male Victims of Domestic Abuse Day: David’s Story

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It’s Supporting Male Victims of Domestic Abuse Day, a day when we show male victims of domestic abuse that they’re not alone, and that things can get better.

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Domestic abuse survivor shares her story

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9 Tips For Staying Safe With Online Dating

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9 Tips For Staying Safe With Online Dating

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📝  📝  9 Tips For Staying Safe With Online Dating

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Tips For Staying Safe On Dating Platforms

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Tips For Staying Safe On Dating Platforms

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Tips For Staying Safe On Dating Platforms

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Seven million of us in the UK, are registered with an online dating service, right now. And it's not hard to understand why - it's an instantaneous, low-effort way to flirt and meet new people.

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Many businesses will employ people affected by domestic abuse, so how can OSH professionals help to support and protect them?

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Discrimination and the Equality Act 2010

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Discrimination and the Equality Act 2010

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What the Equality Act 2010 says about discrimination at work, including definitions of direct and indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation.

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1. What are we going to do?

The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS, also known as "Clare's Law") enables the police to disclose information to a victim or potential victim of domestic abuse about their partner's or ex-partner's previous abusive or violent offending.

We will put the guidance on which the DVDS is based into statute. This will place a duty on the police to have regard to the guidance and will strengthen the visibility and consistent operation of the scheme.

We endorse the Government's decision to place the guidance to the police on the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), also known as Clare's law, on a statutory footing. We believe this will increase awareness of the DVDS among the general public and so those who could benefit from it.

Report of the Joint Committee on the Draft Domestic Abuse Bill, June 2019

2. How are we going to do it?

The Bill requires the Home Secretary to issue guidance to chief officers of police about the disclosure of information by police forces for the purposes of preventing domestic abuse.

The Bill does not change the legal basis under which the police can make a disclosure but places a duty on the police to have regard to the guidance about the DVDS.

This will make sure that the scheme is used and applied consistently across all police forces and will help increase the number of applications.

3. Background

The DVDS, often referred to as "Clare's Law", was implemented across all police forces in England and Wales in March 2014.

The scheme has two elements: the "Right to Ask" and the "Right to Know". Under the scheme an individual or relevant third party (for example, a family member) can ask the police to check whether a current or ex-partner has a violent or abusive past. This is the "Right to Ask". If records show that an individual may be at risk of domestic abuse from a partner or ex-partner, the police will consider disclosing the information.

The "Right to Know" enables the police to make a disclosure on their own initiative if they receive information about the violent or abusive behaviour of a person that may impact on the safety of that person's current or ex-partner. This could be information arising from a criminal investigation, through statutory or third sector agency involvement, or from another source of police intelligence.

A disclosure can be made lawfully by the police under the scheme if the disclosure is based on the police's common law powers to disclose information where it is necessary to prevent crime, and if the disclosure also complies with established case law, as well as data protection and human rights legislation. It must be reasonable and proportionate for the police to make the disclosure, based on a credible risk of violence or harm.

4. Why do we need the DVDS when the police already have common law powers to make a disclosure?

It is true that the police already have common law powers to disclose information relating to an individual's previous convictions or charges, where there is a pressing need for such a disclosure in order to prevent further crime.

The DVDS provides the police with a clear framework, with recognised and consistent processes, for the exercise of these powers in the context of domestic abuse.

5. Doesn't the DVDS put people at greater risk following disclosure?

We recognise that one of the most dangerous times can be the point at when someone seeks to leave a relationship. However, we believe that potential victims should be empowered to make informed choices about whether to continue their relationships.

The guidance on the scheme is clear that all disclosures must be accompanied by a robust safety plan, tailored to the needs of the victim or potential victim and based on all relevant information available.

6. Isn't the DVDS an infringement on civil liberties?

The police must satisfy several tests before a decision to disclose is made under the scheme - that the disclosure is necessary to protect the person from being the victim of a crime, that there is a pressing need for the disclosure, and that the interference with the perpetrator's rights is necessary and proportionate for the prevention of crime.

Any decision to disclose under the scheme will be made based on the facts of each individual case, and the police will seek legal advice where necessary.

7. Wouldn't it be better to have a national "register" of domestic abuse perpetrators?

The police already maintain a number of databases which will hold details of domestic abuse perpetrators, for example the Police National Computer, Police National Database and the ViSOR Dangerous Persons Database. We want to improve how these existing systems are used to record and share information about domestic abuse perpetrators rather than create new ones. We are also committed to improving how agencies identify, risk assess and manage perpetrators, for example through better use of the DVDS and multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA).

Domestic Abuse Protection Orders under the Bill will provide an additional tool for managing the risk posed by perpetrators, by enabling courts to impose a range of conditions including notification requirements, positive requirements and electronic monitoring.

In the year ending March 2019, 55% of the 7,252 "right to know" applications made resulted in a disclosure (4,008) (data from 36 forces).

In the year ending March 2019, 40% of the 6,496 "right to ask" applications made resulted in a disclosure (2,575) (data from 39 forces).

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Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme factsheet

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The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS, also known as "Clare's Law") enables the police to disclose information to a victim or potential victim of domestic abuse about their partner's or ex-partner's previous abusive or violent offending. We will put the guidance on which the DVDS is based into statute.

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Our Human Rights Act contains 16 rights. These come from the European Convention on Human Rights but our Human Rights Act put them into UK law.

Although some rights (known as non-absolute rights) can sometimes be limited or restricted, your rights cannot be taken away from you.

Using the language of human rights law can help give you confidence to stand up for your rights and have a better experience when interacting with public services like schools, social services and the NHS.

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What rights do I have? | British Institute of Human Rights

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Find out about the 16 rights protected in the UK's Human Rights Act including the right to freedom of expression, the right to life and the right to education.

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What to do if you think someone isn’t OK

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Get support

If you're struggling with your mental health, or you're worried about one of your friends, there are lots of organisations and charities that offer help specifically for young people.

Support from charities

The Mix has a free, confidential telephone helpline and online service that aims to find you the best help, whatever the problem.

Shout 85258 provides free, confidential, 24/7 text message support in the UK for anyone struggling to cope. They can help with issues including suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, abuse, self-harm, relationship problems and bullying. Text "Shout" to 85258 to speak to an empathetic, trained volunteer who will listen and work with you to solve problems.

If you're under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline. The number will not appear on your phone bill

Support from the NHS

You can find more information about NHS children and young people's mental health services (CYPMHS) on the NHS website. You can also look at your local Clinical Commissioning Group website.

Alternatively, most services also have their own website with information about access, referrals (including whether you can "self-refer") and contact details - try searching in your area for "CYPMHS" or "CAMHS" (children and adolescent mental health services, an older term used for some CYPMHS).

You can also talk to an adult you trust - for example a parent, carer, teacher, social worker or GP - and they can look into this for you.

Struggling with student life

On top of all the usual thoughts, feelings and worries that are part and parcel of student life, the changes brought about because of COVID-19 - and the possibilities of a lack of face-to-face learning and needing to self-isolate due to outbreaks at uni - mean there's lots going on right now that might be tough to deal with.

It's a totally natural reaction to a difficult situation, and there's plenty of help available if you think you or someone you know needs it.

Find out more about student life during COVID-19 and where to get support:

Help for problems during coronavirus (COVID-19)

Some of us have faced really hard times recently. It can feel like no one can help, but there are lots of organisations out there to support you through:

Barnardo's has also set up the See, Hear, Respond support hub - a dedicated service to help children, young people and their families or carers with problems caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Support for different groups

There are lots of organisations and networks who provide advice and support for specific groups. It can help to connect with other young people and supporters who understand where you are coming from:

If you have learning disabilities or you are autistic, this may have been an especially difficult time for you. Here are some resources that might be useful:

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Self-care tips videos for young people - Every Mind Matters

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Get support If you're struggling with your mental health, or you're worried about one of your friends, there are lots of organisations and charities that offer help specifically for young people. The Mix has a free, confidential telephone helpline and online service that aims to find you the best help, whatever the problem.

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Information and Support/ Gwybodaeth a Chymorth

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Yes.
On the phone
This number is free to call from both landlines and mobiles, including pay-as-you-go mobiles. You do not need to have any credit or call allowance on your plan to call 116 123.
Via email
Emailing us on [email protected] is free.
In person
Visiting us face-to-face in your local branch is free.
By letter
Yes. But please make sure you include first line of our address to make sure your letter gets to us for free.
Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS

Yes, Samaritans maintains confidentiality even after the death of a caller unless except in certain situations which are:

1. We have informed consent from a caller to pass on information

2. We call an ambulance because a caller appears to be incapable of making rational decisions for him or herself

3. We receive a court order requiring us to divulge information or are required to do so by nation specific legislation

4. We are passed information about acts of terrorism, bomb warnings, or threats to life

5. A caller attacks or threatens any Samaritans person including behaviours that are abusive/threatening and sexually inappropriate.

6. A caller deliberately prevents the service from being delivered to other callers

7. An identifiable child or an adult at risk are being, have been, or are at risk of being harmed, in which case we may contact the relevant services in line with our safeguarding policy.

8. When a caller discloses that action(s) they intend to carry out, that carry a risk of serious physical harm being caused to a third person (or persons), we will act to protect people from that threat when suitable identifying information is available. This will involve contacting the emergency services with or without caller consent.

On the phone
When you call Samaritans, your number is not displayed to our volunteer. The phones we use don't have caller display information on them.

We might ask your name, because it's a natural question to ask in a conversation, or because of something you have said to us, but you don't have to tell us if you prefer not to.
Via email
If you've emailed us, your email address will not be shown to the volunteer.
In person
You don't have to tell us your name if you don't want to. In the unlikely event that you see the Samaritan volunteer that you spoke to later on the street, the Samaritans volunteer will not acknowledge you, unless you do so first. This is to respect your privacy and the confidentiality of your visit, unless you wish to recognise it.
By letter
We will need your name and address to reply, but to maintain confidentiality, your letter will be shredded once we have sent you our response.

On the phone
When you call us on 116 123, you will be put through to a volunteer at one of more than 200 branches and locations across the UK and Ireland.

We aim for everyone to get through to someone straight away, but sometimes this is not always possible as it depends on the number of volunteers we have on the phones at that time.

The number also won't come up on your phone bill.
Via email
When you email us at [email protected] , it may take several days to get a response
In person
You can check our branches opening times here. It can be helpful to call ahead and arrange a time to come in.
By letter
When you write us a letter we aim to respond within 7 days.

People contact us with all sorts of concerns and what might be a small issue to you may be huge to someone else.

You could be going through something new or have been struggling to cope for some time, either way, we're here if you feel you need some extra support.

If what's getting to you isn't on this list, please still get in touch.

Common reasons people contact us are:

relationship and family problems

loss, including loss of a friend or a family member through bereavement

financial worries

job-related stress

college or study-related stress

loneliness and isolation

depression

painful and/or disabling physical illness

heavy use of or dependency on alcohol or other drugs

thoughts of suicide

We won't make decisions for you, and we'll support the decisions you make.

You are the expert on your own life. Our advice or opinions are not important.

If you want advice, we may be able to give you contact details for organisations that specialise in helping with specific problems and situations.

Are Samaritans religious?
We're not religious. The link between our name and any religious text is completely coincidental.

Our listeners will never impose any personal attitudes or beliefs on you.
What if I'm d/Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impediment?
Callers who are d/Deaf or who have hearing or speech impairments can contact us for support by email by using [email protected] or by using the Next Generation Text (NGT) service.

Next Generation Text is not specific to Samaritans and can be used on any telephone number. You can contact Samaritans in this way using 0330 094 5717. For clarity, this service doesn't work with 116 123.
What if I'm under 18?
You can still get in touch with us. We're here for you, whatever your age. Our first responsibility is to you, not your parents or guardian.

You can talk to us about whatever is on your mind, we'll listen. This might include how you look, problems at school or college, how people are treating you, and worries about exams or money.
What if I have mental health issues?
You can still get in touch with us. We provide the same support to people with mental health issues as we do for anyone else.

If you have a mental health diagnosis, you can talk about it with us, or you may want to talk to us about something else that's troubling you, and that's fine too.

We know that people with the same diagnosis may have very different experiences. We'll explore what living with your mental health issue means for you. Your experience is the most important thing to us, not the label.

Because our volunteers aren't trained mental health professionals, when you talk about your diagnosis or medication, we may not always be familiar with the medical terms.
Shouldn't I talk to friends and family instead?
Some people do not have the support of friends or family. Others do have friends or family to talk to, but find that talking to someone neutral can also be beneficial.

We keep our conversations private, so we can't pass the information you give us onto anyone else and we won't judge or insist on giving advice.

Our volunteers are there to listen and provide emotional support to anyone struggling. We do not tolerate behaviours that are threatening or abusive in any way. Volunteers are directed to end a call if the caller is abusive or threatening towards them, or if the caller is performing or seeking participation in a sex act, or otherwise being sexually abusive or manipulative. We are committed to a zero-tolerance approach to these behaviours.

We act to prevent further contacts from callers who behave in these ways. Please see our privacy policy for more information.
Limiting or withdrawing access to our services
From time to time we may have to use the information collected about you when you contact us to make decisions about limiting access to our services. If we believe you are abusing our service or are abusive towards volunteers, we will use our system to block your calls or messages from getting through.

If you can't get through by phone, you will hear a message that explains how to contact us to discuss our decision to block you from our system.

If we take the decision to limit your access to our systems, we will make every effort to inform you as to the reason why we have restricted your access. We may ask you to give us a contact number so that a member of our Caller Support Team can call you to talk about your support needs.

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If you're going through a tough time, contact us free. We won't judge you or tell you what to do. We are here to listen so you don't have to face it alone.

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Skip to content

Watch the full video

Thinking of suicide?

Are you, or is a young person you know, not coping with life? For confidential suicide prevention advice contact HOPELINE247.

My whole way of thinking has changed. I feel positive about my future and the people around me. I'm now looking forward to the future and helping others just like me!

Thank you so much for the incredible support PAPYRUS and HOPELINE247 has given me. You helped me in that moment and it kept me alive.

I intend to continue to fundraise for and promote PAPYRUS. I am so proud and humbled to be involved with a wonderful charity, and to have received the support that I have.

Having been personally bereaved by suicide I understand the importance and need for our charity. I am surrounded by others who are as passionate as I am about saving lives.

* All feedback is provided by people who contact PAPYRUS. All feedback has full consent of the user and the user remains fully anonymous. Some feedback may have been adapted to keep the users anonymity.

Our latest news

Stay up to date with PAPYRUS; our news section is regularly updated with helpful advice and guidance, as well as information about our upcoming events and campaigns. If you have any questions or queries please get in touch.

Our upcoming events

Please see below some of our upcoming and exciting events including fundraisers and charity events we will be attending. For more information please get in touch.

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Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention | Prevention of Young Suicide

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PAPYRUS UK is a charity for the prevention of young suicide (under 35) in the UK | Call PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141 Now

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Missing People offers a lifeline for the 170,000 people who run away and go missing each year. We also provide support for family and friends.

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SANEline is a national out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers. We are normally open every day of the year from 4pm to 10pm on 0300 304 7000.
Our helpline is here to support you - particularly if you feel you have reached a moment of crisis. We know that moment of crisis is different for everybody - some people can reach that point daily, and for some people it is a rare occurrence.

Our trained helpline volunteers aim to be empathic and non-judgemental, providing space and time for you to talk about your mental health, or the mental health of someone close to you. For information on confidentiality, please visit our Confidentiality page.

Would you like us to call you?

SANE will retain the callback service we opened during the pandemic, so you can still leave us a message on 07984 967 708 giving us your first name and phone number, and we will call you back within a few days.

Anybody is welcome to call us if they need to talk, or want support. The helpline is a confidential service for anyone aged 16 or over.

If you're under 16, there are specialist services for people your age which would be better suited to talk with you - you're welcome to email us to get more information at support@sane.org.uk

"It was SANEline that got me through the most frightening time of my life."
SANEline caller
Getting through to SANEline
Our lines can be busy, but our lines are open every night. If you keep trying, you are likely to get through. It may be easier to get through between 4-4.30pm and 8-9pm. It may also be easier to get through on Saturday and Sunday nights.

Call charges

SANE does not charge for its services but your phone provider may charge you. We have an 0300 number and this means helpline calls are inclusive in allowances on landlines and on mobiles on the same basis as calls to geographic (01 and 02) numbers, or are otherwise charged at a rate that does not exceed the rate for calling an 01 or 02 number. The call charges are set by, and retained by, the caller's phone provider.

Ages for SANE services

We are sorry but you are not able to use our services if you are under 16. We understand that you are looking for emotional support, please contact Childline on 0800 1111, it supports anyone up to 19 years old, or visit The Mix which supports young people up to the age of 25.
Message for 16 to 17-year-olds
It is really important to us that our services are a confidential support to you. However, as you are under 18 the law says we may sometimes have to share information if you tell us something which makes us think you are unsafe. If we are going to share information you have told us with people who can keep you safe, we will always try to contact you beforehand.
Message for all over 18
All of our services are confidential. We will only break this confidentiality if we are concerned about serious risk of harm to others. This includes the risk of harm to a young person under the age of 18 or to an adult who is vulnerable. If appropriate, we will always try and contact you beforehand.

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SANEline is a national out-of-hours helpline offering emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness.

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We can run workshops for young people on any of the topic areas covered in our resources.

In the one-to-one workshops we are able to go into more depth on an issue, providing guidance based on the individual's needs.

For more information contact Bethan Wilson, Development Officer, Children in Wales. bethan.wilson@childreninwales.org.uk

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Explains what mental wellbeing means, and gives tips to help you take care of your mental wellbeing.

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50 Simple Self-Care Ideas That’ll Change Your Life

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Check one off your list each week all year long.

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Housing - Looking after my home and myself

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Housing - Looking after my home and myself

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Keeping my money, possessions and myself safe

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Keeping my money, possessions and myself safe

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Staying Safe from Fraud, Hacking and Online Theft.

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Staying Safe from Fraud, Hacking and Online Theft.

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Is Online Gaming Safe? Tips for Online Gaming Security

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Advice on staying safe when playing games online.

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This padlet is filled with tips to help you maintain healthy relationships. Advice about support available if things are not going well

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Here are some self-care tips:

Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking every day can boost your mood and improve your health. ...

Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated. ...

Make sleep a priority. ...

Try a relaxing activity. ...

Set goals and priorities. ...

Practice gratitude. ...

Focus on positivity. ...

Stay connected.

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Self-Care: 12 Ways to Take Better Care of Yourself

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Feeling exhausted, uninspired, or unwell? Read these 12 self-care tips to discover how to take better care of yourself.

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Looking after your mental health (easy read)

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What is mental health and how to take care of it.

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Leave toxic friends aside, and bond with these 5 types of friends instead

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We have all had and encountered many types of friends, each falling into different distinct categories. The best types, though, are these 5!

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What does the law say about your right to see your family?

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What does the law say about your right to see your family?

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You don’t have an automatic right to see or speak to your family whenever you want. It has to be safe and in your best interests/ Does dim hawl awtomatig gennych chi i weld neu siarad â’ch teulu pryd bynnag rydych chi eisiau. Mae rhaid iddo fod yn ddiogel ac er eich lles pennaf.

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#OwnYourFeed for a more positive time online

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#OwnYourFeed for a more positive time online

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#OwnYourFeed for a more positive time online

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Protecting kids from explicit content

As children become more independent online, it's possible that they may come across things which are inappropriate for their age or stage of development. Using filters to block explicit content and having frank conversations are just a few ways you equip them with tools to deal with it.

Navigate our advice hub to learn about the potential risks of inappropriate content and what practical tips you can take to give your child a safer online experience.

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Learn about inappropriate content online | Internet Matters

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Protecting children from inappropriate content online can be challenging, but there are tools you can use to create a safer space for them to explore.

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If you’ve witnessed or been the victim of crime, please report it to the Police. Call 101 or report it online depending on your region within Wales – South Wales Police, Dyfed Powys Police, Gwent Police or North Wales Police. In an emergency, call 999.

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How I learnt to take control of my social media feed:

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How I learnt to take control of my social media feed:

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How I Learnt to Take Control of My Social Media Feed

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If your social media feed isn’t working for you, you have the power to change it. Nikki explains how she controls her feed for a more positive experience.

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The Mix is the UK’s leading digital support service for young people💛 We provide non-judgmental support and information on everything from sex and exam stress to debt and drugs. Moderated weekdays 9:30am-5:30pm📲 Powered by charity Mental Health Innovations⚡ Visit us here: http://www.themix.org.uk/ Commenting Policy: http://www.themix.org.uk/about-us/commenting-policy.

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6 Types of Best Friends You Will Make in Your Life

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Sexual Health & Wellbeing - Brook - Fighting for healthy lives

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Brook is the only national charity to offer both clinical sexual health services, education & wellbeing services for young people, plus training & support for professionals.

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YMCA Cardiff: Healthy Relationships Service (SHOT)

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Croeso i Brook! Mae ein gwasanaeth addysg newydd yng Nghymru yn cefnogi pob person ifanc 11 oed a hŷn i gael addysg gynhwysfawr sy’n briodol i’w hoedran ar Bornograffi, Casineb at Fenywod a Stereoteipiau Rhywedd,

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Welcome to the Body Coach TV where I post weekly home workouts to help you get, stronger, healthier and happier.

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Hollie Guard is a perfect addition to an organisation's safety and personal care policy. We can accommodate any organisation's needs with our flexible licensing option.

Please do not use this form for support queries. You can find out more in our Support section.

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Hollie Guard is a perfect addition to an organisation's safety and personal care policy. We can accommodate any organisation's needs with our flexible licensing option. Please do not use this form for support queries. You can find out more in our Support section.

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NYAS is one of the leading advocacy providers in Wales.

The charity has been instrumental in working with Welsh Government in designing and implementing a national advocacy approach for Wales.

This work ensures consistency and equality of access to statutory advocacy provision for children and young people.

NYAS provides independent advocacy to children and young people in care across Wales. NYAS also delivers the Independent Visiting service across Wales to ensure children and young people are matched with a volunteer who provides a befriending service to children in care when they are at their most vulnerable. The charity also operates a number of family first services across Wales. The charity provides advocacy in a number of mental health settings for children, young people and adults to ensure their rights are upheld.

Young People and Participation

NYAS is committed to upholding the rights of children and young people and the involvement of children and young people within NYAS is critical to its success. NYAS delivers peer advocacy and peer mentoring for care experienced young people. NYAS also operates local participation groups with young people to ensure their voices are heard and they can help influence policy and shape legislation.

Influencing Policy and Legislation

NYAS is committed to ensuring it influences the political agenda in Wales to ensure children's rights are upheld and improved upon. NYAS' Director for Wales represents NYAS on Cafcass Cymru's advisory board for Wales. NYAS is also represented on Welsh Government committees to drive better outcomes for looked after children and ensures NYAS campaigns, lobbies and influences to improve the lives of the children and young people we work with.

Working in Partnership
We work with key partners across Wales to meet our aims and objectives. Some of these are listed below:
Contact

main@nyas.net for more information.

Families First in Wales

NYAS run services throughout Wales to ensure advocacy representation is provided for children, young people and parent/s who have been identified with emerging needs. NYAS ensures the voice of children and young people are heard within decision making processes where the voice and views of children are part of planning for support services. We work with Local Authorities to ensure there is a team around the family approach to provide intervention to help families thrive, feel empowered and are actively involved in community citizenship.

More Services

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Contact

NYAS
Tower House. 1 Tower Road.
Birkenhead. Wirral. CH41 1FF

Head Office Telephone: 0151 649 8700

Email: main@nyas.net

Email IT Dept.: support-ticket@nyas.net
This will auto generate a ticket for you, which IT will respond to.

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Registered Charity No. 1012485
Copyright © 2017 NYAS

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Services in Wales | NYAS | National Youth Advocacy Service

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NYAS is one of the leading advocacy providers in Wales. The charity has been instrumental in working with Welsh Government in designing and implementing a national advocacy approach for Wales. This work ensures consistency and equality of access to statutory advocacy provision for children and young people.

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Information about accessing Llamau's domestic abuse services

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If you are a woman, are homeless, in need of some support, and would feel unsafe in mixed-gender accommodation because of your previous experiences, you will need to contact your Local Authority. Your Local Authority Housing Team will look into your case and if you are in Cardiff or Newport, you may be referred to Llamau's gender-specific services.

In Cardiff, you should visit the Housing Options Centre on Hansen Street or call 029 2057 0750 or out of hours call 029 2087 3141.

In Newport, you should visit the Information Station at Station Buildings, Queensway or call 01633 656656.

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Our mission is to end homelessness for young people and women. Across Wales we prevent homelessness, provide safe accommodation and support to leave homelessness behind.

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Voices from Care Cymru/Lleisiau o Ofal Cymru

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Voices from Care Cymru/Lleisiau o Ofal Cymru

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Dedicated to upholding the rights and welfare of care experienced children and young people.

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Information, advice and advocacy helpline for children and young people/llinell gymorth gwybodaeth, cyngor ac eiriolaeth i blant a phobl ifanc

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Get Help

We are open 8am to midnight, 7 days a week. You can contact us by phone, email, SMS text and instant messaging. Meic is confidential, anonymous, free, and just for you.

If you have contacted us outside of these hours or need immediate assistance, the following services are available 24/7:

NHS Direct on 0845 4647

Samaritans on 116123

Childline on 08001111

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We are open 8am to midnight, 7 days a week. You can contact us by phone, email, SMS text and instant messaging. Meic is confidential, anonymous, free, and just for you.

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Live Fear Free Helpline/Llinell Gymorth Byw Heb Ofn

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Live Fear Free Helpline/Llinell Gymorth Byw Heb Ofn

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0808 8010800
Text-  0786 007 7333
info@livefearfreehelpline.wales
EMERGENCY but can't talk- dial 999 then 55

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Helen Sharon Johnston - pictured centre with her sisters - writes for Stand Up For Siblings about her experiences...

As a child growing up I didn't like my brothers and sisters, we fought all the time, and very rarely got along. If you'd asked my parents they'd tell you that whenever my brothers, sisters and I were together we were an absolute nightmare.

We were full of the 'he said this, she said that' 'I'll tell mum' mantra that often exists between brothers and sisters. But as much as we hated one another, we loved each other with a love so fierce that you'll only ever truly understand it if you have brothers and/or sisters yourself. If one of us were the target of a bully suddenly there was four other very angry little people ready to fight for that one of us and God help if that bully had made one of us cry. It didn't matter what we faced in our young lives, we faced it together.

Growing up in the home environment that I did was in many ways torture, enough to reduce me many times to tears. But no matter what, I always knew that whatever happened I'd face it with those four other little people whom I hated and loved all in the same breath. Through the most difficult moments of our lives at home I took great comfort in the knowledge that no matter how much I fought with my little sisters and big brothers, if I put my hand out into the darkness there would be four other little hands waiting to clasp mine, and remind me that no matter what we had each other.

They were my greatest strength and the only thing in my life that ever felt safe and familiar.

When I came into care, the most difficult thing I faced was losing them. I didn't care very much that I'd left my home, or the community that I had grown up in. I didn't even care very much that I had been placed with strangers miles away from the only environment I had ever known. What did break me though was the absence I felt not having my brothers and sisters with me. Suddenly I was alone, I had nobody and nothing in this world that was safe anymore and that is a feeling that has followed me every single day over the last nine years since we were forced apart. I've spent half my life in care now, that's half my life away from the only people I've ever truly needed in my life.

Through everything I've faced the last nine years it's been so much harder to fight because I've fought it alone. Through my darkest moments I've had to reach out into the dark and instead of finding the hands of those I love most I've found the harsh cold air of an empty room and closed doors. I'd honestly give my last breath just to spend even one day with my brothers and sisters all together, I'd do anything to hear that 'he said, she said "I'll tell mum' mantra that I heard too often at home, and I'd even do anything to get the chance to fight over the silly things that brothers and sisters get to fight over.

I got told so many times that it'd get easier to be away from them and that time would heal the hole I felt inside at their absence but nothing has ever eased the pain of not being with them and it's never more painful than it is around the festive season - a season all about family and love and belonging.

It's times like this, more than ever that their absence is so prominent that it consumes me and it breaks my heart more than it is even possible to describe.

The love I have for my brothers and sisters is the one thing in my life that no one, no thing and no amount of time has ever been able to take away from me. Even if I cannot see them, even if I cannot spend my Christmas with them this year or next like the last nine, one thing that will always be true is that they are forever in my heart and on my mind. I love my little sisters and big brothers more than life and I'd genuinely give anything to have the chance to tell them that.

Christmas has become one of the most difficult times of year for me. As a child growing up with my brothers and sisters, Christmas was the best time of year for me, it didn't matter that there was rarely ever any presents under the tree or that mum and dad would be arguing more than ever, or even that we became more likely to be a target of our fathers anger, because we always had one another. Christmas for my brothers, sisters and I meant wrapping old clothes in blankets as a makeshift present for one another and cuddling up in one of our bedrooms watching old Disney video tapes, 1001 Dalmatians being our favourite. It was sneaking down stairs once mum and dad were asleep and taking there leftover fizzy juice and junk food (there was always plenty) upstairs to share between the five of us, because for some reason that day all arguments, all hate, and all wars we were having simply ceased to exist and we were all just content to sit in each others' presence.

Christmas for me now is being all too aware of their absence, being aware that no matter how happy the world presents itself to me, I can't ever really feel that same sense of happiness. It's become about faking smiles and thanks for presents that are always there, when the only thing I have ever wished for is the one thing that I cannot have. It's become about managing the gaping hole I feel inside and simply getting through the festive period without breaking down in tears at their absence because no matter how grateful I am to have so many presents or smiling people around me, nothing can shake the heart breaking feeling of not knowing where your brothers and sisters are spending their Christmas and nothing will ever take away the ache that is the longing I feel to be with them.

I hope one day we can all be apart of each others' lives again, that one year, one Christmas I'll be able to hold them each in my arms and tell them of all the things we've missed growing up apart. I hope that one day I'll reach into that darkness and find all four of their hands waiting, ready to hold my hand again and I hope that when that day comes they'll be able to be proud of the person I have become.

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Unbreakable Bonds - Stand Up For Siblings

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Helen Sharon Johnston - pictured centre with her sisters - writes for Stand Up For Siblings about her experiences... As a child growing up I didn't like my brothers and sisters, we fought all the time, and very rarely got along.

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12 Fun Things To Do With Friends And Family Members Over Video Chat

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Staying connected while apart is so important for all of ... 12 Fun Things To Do With Friends And Family Members Over Video Chat Read More "

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I Am A Domestic Abuse Survivor - Annie A Gibbs Tells Her Story

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Strut Safe is a UK-wide phone line. If you're walking alone, our volunteers will be a friendly voice to keep you company and help you feel safe until you are through the door.

Strut Safe is proud to be the winner of the 2023 Young Scot Community Award.

Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.

Strut Safe is a volunteer-operated and non-judgemental support line. We will stay on the phone with you until you arrive safely at your destination, no matter where you are going or where you have come from. We stand in solidarity with marginalised people and are unaligned with the police. We provide kindness and reassurance to anyone who needs it during their travels.

Calls to Strut Safe can be made from anywhere in the UK and are almost always free, as they are included in phone packages with free minutes. If you do not have inclusive minutes, calls will be at the standard 03 rate for your mobile contract. When you call Strut Safe, our automated system will transfer you to an available volunteer. Our volunteer will ask your name and location, then chat to you about whatever you want until you are safely through the door. All of our volunteers go through a thorough interview and training process and they all hold valid Disclosure and Barring Service certificates. If no volunteers are available when you call, you can choose to either leave a message or to hear a list of other phone lines that are open.
Alongside our Leadership Team, Strut Safe has 80 additional dedicated volunteers who help with recruitment, training, outreach, fundraising, and of course answering your calls.
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.

Thank you for supporting Strut Safe. The helpline costs £500 per month to run and we rely entirely on donations to keep answering your calls. At present, our phone line is open three nights a week and every single member of the team is unpaid. We hope to one day offer an expanded service open on more weeknights, and provide a fair wage to our directors and heads of department so that they can dedicate more time and energy to improving our service. Your donations can help to make these dreams a reality.

If you're not in a position to support us finanically, you can still help us out!

Spread the word about Strut Safe on social media

Tell your friends about us

Visit our resources page to find leaflets and posters to print and distribute

Sign up to volunteer with us

Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us! We are currently recruiting volunteer Call Handlers. We are particularly looking for volunteers with availability very late at night on weekends and weeknights. Click here to learn more about the role and our interview process. To apply, please fill out the form below by midnight on the 15th December:

If you are interested in volunteering in a specific role other than call handler, feel free to email us and we will get in touch the next time we are recruiting for that role.

Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.

Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.

Papyrus HOPELINEUK Rape Crisis Scotland Galop Gendered Intelligence Support Line Nightline C.A.L.L.
callhelpline.org.uk
0800 132 737 (free, open 24/7)
If you live in Wales, you can call the Community Advice and Listening Line (C.A.L.L.) or you can text 'help' followed by a question to 81066.
nightline.ac.uk
If you're a student, you can look on the Nightline website to see if your university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too.
0800 640 8046 (12-5pm Mon & Thurs, 2-7pm Tues, 10am-3pm Wed & Fri)
Email: supportline@genderedinteligence.co.uk
Whatsapp chat: 07592 650 496
genderedintelligence.co.uk
Support, information and advice for transgender people over 18 accessing or awaiting NHS gender care. All helpline staff are trans or non-binary.
0800 999 5428 (free, 10am-8.30pm Monday-Thursday, 10am-4.30pm Fridays)
help@galop.org.uk
galop.org.uk
Provides support for LGBT+ adults and young people who have experienced hate crime, sexual violence or domestic abuse. Also has a web chat.
08088 01 03 02 (free, 5pm-midnight every day)
07537 410 027 (text line)
rapecrisisscotland.org.uk
Support line for people of all genders aged 13+ who have been affected by sexual violence. Also has a web chat.
0800 068 4141 (9am-midnight every day)
Email pat@papyrus-uk.org
Text 07786 039 967
papyrus-uk.org
If you're under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call Papyrus.

Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.

Contact Us

Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.

We stand in solidarity with marginalised people and are unaligned with the police. We provide kindness and reassurance to anyone who needs it during their travels. About Strut Safe
Press Release Archive

Notes for Editors
Strut Safe's Website
Strut Safe's Instagram
Email Strut Safe
Press Images

Strut Safe operates a UK-wide phone line for those out alone at night. The phone line is open Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm to 3am and Sundays from 7pm to 1am.

Mission Statement
Strut Safe is a volunteer-operated and non-judgemental support line. We will stay on the phone with you until you arrive safely at your destination, no matter where you are going or where you have come from.

Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.

All Strut Safe Volunteers sign and adhere to the below Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct is designed to keep our volunteers and users safe and to keep our service consistent.

As a volunteer, we expect you to respect all those who you are working with. The safety and comfort of both our volunteers and users is of utmost importance to us. We have a zero-tolerance policy for any kind of sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia or ableism. No harassment or bullying of any kind will be tolerated, and it will result in immediate dismissal and potentially, further action.

Do not make any romantic or sexual advances towards any of your fellow volunteers or the organisation's users. We are not a dating service. Once again, we are committed to the safety and comfort of our volunteers and users. Do not try to contact users and be respectful to your fellow volunteers.

Do not accept any money or gifts of any kind from the users and keep all exchanges professional.

Volunteers must be familiar with all of Strut Safe's policies and training before starting.

If you cannot make your volunteer shift, let a scheduling officer or a Strut Safe contact know as soon as possible, so they have plenty of time to find a replacement.

It is strictly prohibited for you to attend a volunteer shift while intoxicated with alcohol or any legal or illegal drugs/substances. You may also not drink or take substances during your shift. Doing so will result in immediate dismissal. If your circumstances have changed and you will not be able to make your shift sober or believe you will not be able to remain sober during your shift, then notify a scheduling officer or a Strut Safe contact immediately so they may find a replacement.

Last reviewed May 2023
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.

All Strut Safe volunteers sign to agree to the below Zero Tolerance Policy:

Members of Strut Safe are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly manner, and respect the right of all Users as deserving of a safe environment, defined as a space which is welcoming and includes the prohibition of discriminatory language and actions.

Strut Safe will tolerate absolutely zero discrimination based on a person's social background, including, but not limited to, their gender identity; age; race; sex; skin colour; nationality; culture; religious beliefs; socio-economic background; physical ability; sexual orientation; and/or family situation.

If a Volunteer violates these guidelines, the Board Members shall have the right to bar the Volunteer from participating in Strut Safe, either for a prescribed period of time or indefinitely, depending on the severity of the violation. The Board Members and/or Welfare Officer(s) have the right to remove any comments deemed discriminatory and can decide to block any member or person who continues to publish offensive or indecent posts.

We maintain that some comments (e.g. threats of violence and other attacks on the safety and wellbeing of a User, Volunteer or Board Member) are unacceptable, and if such comments are made the member will be banned from volunteering for Strut Safe in any capacity.

Strut Safe also reserves the right to refuse a Volunteer role to a person who has been known to have egregiously violated our Zero Tolerance Policy outside of Strut Safe activities and whom we believe would continue to breach safe space within the society, and would cause stress to existing members.

In the event that a User is repeatedly disrespectful or harmful to a Volunteer, Strut Safe reserves the right to ban that User and refuse them future service. The Strut Safe Directors may pursue a more formal action against any User who harms a Strut Safe Volunteer or another User, provided that the act is of a great severity.

We prioritise the needs of people who have experienced oppression and provide them with a space in which their voices can be heard and feel safe. Aggressive behaviour is not conducive to this, and airing belittling views or impinging on another's right to speak will not be tolerated

The Zero Tolerance policy will be in force in each activity undertaken by Strut Safe. Should a problem arise during an excursion, at an event or in any online spaces facilitated by Strut Safe, the Board of Directors should be made aware and will discuss the problem, and in some cases, someone may be asked to leave. It is the responsibility of the Board of Directors and all Volunteers to uphold the Zero Tolerance Policy.

If the need arises, volunteers may raise a concern or comment with the board via the Strut Safe Feedback Form. Anonymous submissions are welcome.

Last reviewed May 2023
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.

Information shared with Strut Safe via our Contact form will be kept private and used only for relevant purposes.

Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.

The Strut Safe Leadership Team are committed to the below email policy:

The Strut Safe inbox operates as inbox zero.

All emails must be flagged with at least a Leadership Team member label within 48 hours of receipt.

Leadership Team are responsible for flagging their own emails.

All emails must be actioned and then removed from the inbox within five working days of receipt.

If an email needs to be kept beyond that time, it must be either archived in the relevant folder, or placed in the Leadership Team folders for safe-keeping.

If an email cannot be actioned within five working days, a holding email must be sent and the email must be discussed at the next Leadership Team meeting.

Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.

Safeguarding refers to the process of preventing harm, providing protection, and safe, effectiveWe offer a confidential service and we don't require people to disclose personal information inStrut Safe takes confidentiality very seriously and will only consider speaking to someone else ifStrut Safe's service is not designed for children (someone under 18 years of age), however, theIf a Call Handler has reason to believe that they are speaking to a child on a call, they are toA Call Handler must inform a caller that they intend to share what has been said with someone● They have reason to believe that they are speaking to a child on a call and have receivedOur Call Handlers assume a person has capacity to make decisions unless there is evidenceIt may be that we will have to ask a caller questions when talking to them to gain moreIt may be that we contact emergency services following a disclosure, if we deem the situationAll Safeguarding incidents will be referred to Strut Safe's Safeguarding team, who will review all
care.
order to use our service. However, we may seek information in order to take action if we feel
there is a serious concern about what we have been told and we believe by making a referral we
nature of a public phone line means that we may receive calls from children.
direct the caller to more age-appropriate phone lines (as presented in our resources section) and
else in order to keep the caller safe if:
a disclosure that indicates that the child is suffering or will suffer harm
otherwise, and take steps to maximise a person's capacity wherever possible. If they need to make decisions on behalf of another, they will look for the least restrictive option that is in their
information, and to make sure we understand what they are telling us. If a caller does not share
serious enough. It may also be that we contact social services following a disclosure. Such
cases to ensure consistency and quality of service, as well as identify any patterns or training
needs for the organisation.
contact will only be made if we have sufficient information to provide an actionable referral.
information which identifies themselves, then we will be unable to act on their situation further.
Callers can decide what information to choose to share with us.
best interests.
● They have reason to believe that they are speaking to an adult at risk who lacks the
capacity to make their own decisions at that time
● They receive information that identifies a child or adult at risk who is suffering abuse or
harm
encourage them to call these instead.
can prevent harm.
that there is a safeguarding concern.
Last reviewed October 2023
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.

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Strut Safe operates a UK-wide phone line for those out alone at night. The phone line is open Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm to 3am and Sundays from 7pm to 1am.

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Are you being bullied?

If you are being bullied, or you are not ready to make a report to CEOP, you can talk to Childline anonymously online or on the phone - No worry is too big or too small.

Visit Childline

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Are you being bullied? If you are being bullied, or you are not ready to make a report to CEOP, you can talk to Childline anonymously online or on the phone - No worry is too big or too small. Visit Childline

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Mental Wellbeing Courses | Melo Self-help Resources and Support

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In-depth courses to help you learn skills to manage and improve your mental wellbeing.