Following White Ribbon Day, Knowsley Council continues to raise awareness of the support available to Knowsley residents who may be experiencing domestic abuse.
Last week we told you more about The First Step, a specialist domestic abuse service based in the borough for Knowsley residents. You can read that article here.
Not only does The First Step offer immediate crisis interventions to those experiencing domestic abuse, but it also offers specialised support to those who are experiencing trauma following historic experiences of abuse.
The First Step offer continued specialised trauma informed one-to-one support, group work, coffee mornings covering various topics and facilitate a victim/survivors forum, ensuring their voices are heard. You can call 0151 548 3333 or email enquiries@thefirststep.org.uk. In an emergency always call 999.
Caroline Grant, Director, The First Step said:
“We know the long-term effects of domestic abuse on victim/survivors. We offer advice and support to those who are currently dealing with domestic abuse, but we are also there for people who may have historically experienced abuse but need support now. We provide bespoke support, depending on people’s needs. Significantly people can self-refer and don’t need to be referred by any other organisation. We want people to know that whatever stage they are at in their experience and recovery, we are there for them.”
What The First Step have done for Knowsley’s victim/survivors of Domestic Abuse on their own words…
‘For the longest time I have lived with this, when I left, I thought I was ok but I was wrong. It was just the start. What First Step have done is saved me, I see me for the first time in a long time.’
‘It took me a while to tell the real story, I never would have without this service, they are completely there for you and you alone.’
‘The First Step gave my daughter her life back and me my daughter back. She has a voice, and she is using it.’
The First Step is the only service in Knowsley that accept self-referrals, often identifying people never previously known to services. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, the police are not your only option to get help. You can talk directly to The First Step and don’t need to be referred. Call 0151 548 3333 or email enquiries@thefirststep.org.uk. In an emergency always call 999.
OTHER AVAILABLE SUPPORT
Knowsley Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub
Tel: 0151 443 2600
Knowsley Early Help Hub
Freephone helpline on 0800 073 0043 and ask for your information to be passed onto the Early Help Hub and one of our staff will call you back.
victimcaremerseyside.org (directory of services)
Women’s Aid | womensaid.org.uk | www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)
Worst Kept Secret Helpline: 0800 028 3398
Refuge (includes information for men) | refuge.org.uk | 0808 200 0247 (24 hours)
The Men’s Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors – 0808 801 0327
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428
Samaritans (24/7 service) – 116 123
RASASC – Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre – National phone line 0330 363 0063 & Knowsley phone line Knowsley 0151 218 7960