Local services

Why local services matter

National helplines are valuable, but local services can offer:

• Face-to-face support
• Knowledge of local resources
• Ongoing relationships with support workers
• Practical help with local housing, benefits, and services
• Groups where you can meet others locally
• Support for children in your area

Finding local domestic abuse services

Women’s Aid directory

Search for services in your area at: womensaid.org.uk/domestic-abuse-directory

This lists:

• Local refuges
• Outreach services
• Counselling and support

Ask the National Domestic Abuse Helpline

Call 0808 2000 247. They can tell you what’s available in your area and help you make contact.

Your local council

Most councils have information about domestic abuse services in their area. Search “[your council] domestic abuse” or look under community safety or family services.

Local authority support

Housing

If you’re homeless or at risk of homelessness due to domestic abuse:

• Contact your council’s housing department
• They have a duty to help you
• Priority need status may apply

Social services

If you have children and need support:

• Children’s social services can provide family support
• They can help with child protection concerns
• Contact through your council

Council tax

You may be entitled to:

• Single person discount if now living alone
• Council tax support if on a low income

NHS services

Your GP

Your GP can:

• Provide medical care for injuries
• Refer you to mental health services
• Document abuse (useful for legal proceedings)
• Signpost you to local support
• Provide sick notes if you can’t work

NHS Talking Therapies

Free counselling through the NHS. Search “NHS talking therapies [your area]” or self-refer through the NHS website.

Waiting times vary by area.

Health visitors

If you have young children, your health visitor can provide support and signpost local services.

Citizens Advice

Your local Citizens Advice can help with:

• Benefits and tax credits
• Housing and homelessness
• Debt advice
• Employment issues
• Legal questions

Find your local office: citizensadvice.org.uk

Some offer appointments; others are drop-in only.

Law centres

Free legal advice on:

• Family law
• Housing
• Welfare benefits
• Employment

Not every area has a law centre. Find one at: lawcentres.org.uk

Local counselling services

Many areas have low-cost counselling provided by:

• Local charities
• Community organisations
• Training institutions (supervised trainee counsellors)

Ask your GP for recommendations or search “[your area] low-cost counselling.”

Support groups

Divorce and separation groups

Search for:

• “[your area] divorce support group”
• Groups run by Relate (some centres offer groups)
• Church or faith-based groups
• Community centre notice boards

Single parent groups

• Gingerbread (national organisation, some local groups)
• Local Facebook groups for single parents
• Children’s centre groups

Mental health groups

• Mind groups (some local Mind branches run groups)
• NHS support groups
• Peer support groups

Children’s services

Schools

Your children’s school can:

• Provide pastoral support
• Refer to school counsellors
• Be aware of the home situation
• Make adjustments if needed

Tell them what’s happening so they can support your children appropriately.

Children’s centres

For families with young children. Offer:

• Parenting support
• Activities and groups
• Signposting to other services

Youth services

For teenagers. Varies by area but may include:

• Youth clubs
• Counselling services
• Support workers

How to find services

Online searches

Try searching:

• “[your area] divorce support”
• “[your area] domestic abuse service”
• “[your area] family support”
• “[your area] counselling”
• “[your council] community services”

Ask around

• Your GP
• Health visitor
• School
• Citizens Advice
• National helplines (they often know local services)
• Social media local groups

Libraries

Your local library may:

• Have information about local services
• Host support groups
• Provide free internet access
• Offer a quiet space

Making the most of local services

Be proactive

Services are often stretched. You may need to:

• Call multiple times
• Follow up on referrals
• Ask specifically for what you need

Combine services

No single service does everything. You might use:

• A local domestic abuse service for safety planning
• Your GP for mental health support
• Citizens Advice for benefits
• A counsellor for emotional support

Give feedback

If a service is helpful (or not), let them know. This helps improve services for others.