BCHA and Trevi Women partner to provide essential new service for survivors of domestic abuse in Plymouth

From July BCHA are working in partnership with Trevi Women to deliver the new Safe Accommodation Support Service Plymouth, a partnership that will provide vital specialist, trauma-informed support for victims and survivors of domestic abuse. 

Commissioned by Plymouth City Council, the service will work with local partners and organisations to support victims and survivors no matter their gender or background. The service and accommodation can be accessed through Plymouth City Council and self-referral via Routes to Support.  Information is also available on the IDASP (Integrated Domestic Abuse Service Plymouth) website. 

Nicola Greenfield, Director of Support at BCHA said “We are pleased to extend our services as a Domestic Abuse provider with this new partnership and welcome this opportunity to provide essential safer accommodation to survivors of domestic abuse in the city.  We look forward to working with Trevi offering a strong partnership for support and safety for survivors in the new Safe Accommodation Support Service Plymouth.”

BCHA and Trevi Women’s partnership brings together complementary expertise. BCHA have significant experience in housing and support services, with a specialism in domestic abuse, working in harmony with Trevi Women’s specialist knowledge of domestic abuse and trauma-informed support. The partnership is grounded in a shared priority – offering safety, dignity and support for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

Amanda Greenwood, CEO of Trevi Women, said “Safe accommodation can be life-changing, but safety is not only about a roof over someone’s head.  It must come with specialist support that understands risk, trauma, control and the realities of abuse.  We are committed to working with BCHA to ensure victims and survivors are met with dignity, privacy, and the right support to rebuild their lives.”

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Cooperative and Community Development, said "This is such an important service and will make a genuine difference for survivors of domestic abuse in Plymouth. Trevi and BCHA are both long-term, trusted partners of the Council who I know will do an amazing job at supporting people who require this service over the next few years."

Trevi Women is an award-winning Plymouth-based women’s charity that brings more than 30 years’ experience of delivering trauma-informed support for women and families.  Across their residential centres, women’s centre and outreach programmes, Trevi Women provide specialist, gender-specific services that offer a clear pathway from crisis to independence.

BCHA are a charitable housing association supporting individuals and families across the South West and South of England, managing over 1400 properties and supporting thousands of individuals each year. BCHA are also a core provider of The Plymouth Alliance, a partnership dedicated to providing the right help, at the right time and in the right place.

Domestic abuse remains a serious issue in every community, including in Plymouth. Abuse can take many forms, including physical and emotional abuse, stalking, harassment, coercive control, and sexual abuse. 

Often hidden, people may live with fear, control, intimidation and harm for a long time before feeling able to seek support.  If you, or someone you know is struggling with domestic abuse, support is available. In immediate danger, call 999 or if there is no immediate danger but you are worried, frightened, controlled or unsure what to do, call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. 

For local specialist support, contact IDASP, www.idasp.org