Support continues to be available for Somerset residents affected by domestic abuse with the County Council working closely with partners to make sure services continue during the current health emergency.
It is vital that people stay at home or self-isolate to help tackle the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic but that can put strains on relationships.
The County Council wants to reassure residents that its vital services continue to run – and that includes help for those affected by domestic abuse.
The County Council has commissioned The You Trust to be the new provider of the specialist Somerset Integrated Domestic Abuse Service (SIDAS) in Somerset from 1 April 2020.
Both the current provider (Livewest Housing) and The You Trust have robust business continuity plans in place which will ensure that SIDAS continues to operate at this time.
The service works with men, women and children affected by domestic abuse, and who need the specialist support that SIDAS offers.
A range of services are available through SIDAS including safe emergency accommodation, outreach support and a local helpline. All these are delivered by a highly experienced and qualified team which is following Government guidance for keeping those experiencing domestic abuse safe in these unprecedented times.
People are also being urged to support the current council campaign #noclosedoors2020 – on Twitter and Facebook.
You can access useful information online at the Somerset domestic abuse websitewww.somersetsurvivors.org.uk or you can call the local confidential helpline on 0800 69 49 999.
For the latest updates from the Government, please visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
For further information about Somerset County Council services and the latest updates, please visit www.somerset.gov.uk.
