Spotlight on CWN Members - Harbour Support Services!

28/11/2022 10:00 am 01/01/1970 01:00 am

Harbour Support Services are a register charity and have been supporting survivors of domestic abuse for over forty 45 years – and looks forward to a society free of violence and abuse. The work of Harbour covers not only support services for (predominantly) women and their dependent children in the Cleveland policing area, covering Teesside but also across the Tees Valley into Darlington, further west into County Durham and north into Tyneside.

The highly skilled staff working at Harbour provide support for survivors of domestic abuse including accommodation-based services (usually described as ‘refuge services’) along with outreach and support in the community for those who don’t need to leave their homes. This support is led by the woman affected; her needs and strengths are assessed, and the workers will support her to ensure her life is free from violence and abuse. They help women make choices that are right for them and accept that not everyone wants to get help right now and that’s ok! This non-judgemental attitude, grounded in equality means they’re ready to offer guidance, information, and support when it is most needed. Providing choices and options gives women in Cleveland and the surrounding areas space to make decisions that are right for them, at the right time.

In addition, Harbour supports men who want to stop being abusive by providing programmes for perpetrators of abuse and will work alongside the women in their lives to help keep them safe whilst this work of undoing the ownership, entitlement and power and control which is at the root of domestic abuse.

Harbour has an excellent volunteer programme for those living locally who want to get involved in supporting survivors of domestic abuse. This programme has a full induction and support programme, so you’re given the skills you need to provide the right support to those who have been subjected to abuse. Find out more about volunteering through the link below!

Cleveland Women’s Network are proud of the work done by Harbour Support Services and you can find out more about supporting them, giving your time as a volunteer or making a donation on their website, linked here.