Latest news with #IDVA
South Wales Argus
5 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Newport domestic abuse advocate starts unique business
Suzanne Bailey, from Newport, launched Informed Steps in 2024, a consultancy that helps employers identify and support staff who may be experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence, or exploitation. The business delivers in-person workshops and online consultancy to equip organisations with the tools to create safer, more supportive workplaces. Ms Bailey, an independent domestic violence advocate (IDVA) with 20 years' experience, said: "I never set out to be an entrepreneur, but years working with individuals facing challenges like domestic abuse, it was clear that noticing the tell-tale signs of harm in professional environments is extremely difficult. "I realised there was a gap in the market for a service that truly addresses these needs. "That is where Business Wales came in." Ms Bailey turned to Business Wales for guidance on starting her business. Senior business adviser Nichola Thomas helped her develop a business plan, conduct market research, and forecast cash flow. Ms Thomas said: "When Suzanne first came to me for assistance, her idea for the business was something I knew would be an extremely unique service here in Wales, that could make a real difference. "Providing this kind of service could be life-changing for so many people and Suzanne's passion for helping people was clear from our first conversation. "It has been a privilege to be able to work one-on-one with Suzanne as she establishes herself. "I look forward to our continued work together and seeing how the company will grow in the near future." Ms Bailey also received support from Welsh ICE and Cwmpas, attending a course for new business owners and networking events that helped her build contacts and refine her offering. She now hopes to expand Informed Steps with community-focused training sessions and new grant-funded projects. Her work aligns with the Welsh Government's priorities to support survivors and hold perpetrators to account. Ms Bailey said: "I had zero clue where to start setting up a business, so having Nichola has been instrumental in helping me to navigate my start-up. "She really has been there for me every step of the way."
BBC News
03-08-2025
- Health
- BBC News
New County Durham and Darlington domestic abuse service launches
A new service aiming to provide specialist help for victims of domestic abuse is being launched.A Specialist Mental Health and Hospital Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) will work between Darlington Memorial Hospital and the University Hospital of North Durham until March will support adult and child patients seeking treatment for injuries or mental health episodes they have experienced from domestic service costs an initial £43,500 and has been funded by County Durham and Darlington Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen, who said it could "save lives". It aims to expand safeguarding opportunities and it is hoped it would reduce further attendance at A&E in the future, Allen would also link people to longer-term community-based IDVA would work closely with victims and survivors and provide an initial assessment to develop individual support plans, which would have to receive the consent of the victim before being safeguarding issues would also be identified and action would be taken. As part of the new plan offered by Harbour Support Services, the PCC aims to get data about the number and type of admissions to better understand the victim experience and to develop further effective said: "Undoubtedly, offering professional, non-judgmental support and safety planning early saves lives and I hope that through the improvements we are making to service provision we will encourage more victims to come forward and seek help." The IDVA would travel between sites depending on need. They would also provide ongoing advice and support to frontline health professionals. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
