Worcester Community Trust: New abuse survivors to lose support

The future is uncertain for DAWN Project, a domestic abuse charity run under Worcester Community Trust (WCT), after it revealed it has no guaranteed funding for next year.

It has until March 2025 to find guaranteed funding to help support its work - otherwise, the charity could be forced to close.

READ MORE: Volunteers shock as Worcester Community Trust's pauses skills centre training 'unexpectedly'

WCT said unprecedented demand had forced it to close its waiting list because the March 2025 deadline had made it harder to support new survivors.

Since 2020, the charity has supported over 1,000 people and affected the lives of around 1,500 children in south Worcestershire.

Jon Newey, WCT CEO, said: "We are deeply saddened to close the waiting when there is such high demand, but this is the safest practice to make sure all people on the list can be seen in a safe time. 

"This is to ensure that all clients can complete any support they are engaging with.

"This is a significant loss to the city and will considerably impact individuals and families in need of support.

"It will also impact other services which are already extremely stretched."

The charity has been reliant on five contracts for funding, but four of these will come to an end in March.

There is currently no statutory obligation for the government to support community-based services.

The charity said if it were to close, it would significantly limit the support available that victims and survivors can access in a sector where "demand always outstrips the supply".

A recent evaluation of the service concluded that service users and professionals deservingly held the DAWN Project in high regard.

Bridget Brickley, Worcester Community Trust Chair Board of Trustees, said: “Worcester Community Trust has sadly recognised the need for the Dawn Project for many years.

"However, this review validates that the service provided is of high quality, ensuring it not only meets demand but is also effective.

"This report shows the importance of ensuring that the funding continues beyond March 2025.’

DAWN has been running for 10 years and is a by-and-for domestic abuse service, providing face-to-face one-to-one, group and peer support. 

The news comes after Worcester Community Trust revealed it has paused the works of Building Blocks, one of its other charities that supported developing DIY skills like bricklaying, plumbing, plastering, tiling and woodwork.

It was because of rising costs and a decline in bookings.