Over the past year, Freedom Bury St Edmunds CIC has continued to provide extensive support to women affected by domestic abuse, with a focus on empowerment, safety and practical intervention. The organisation has delivered at least nine Freedom Programme courses, alongside a number of one-to-one programmes tailored to individual needs. Through this work, approximately 200 women and their children have been supported, helping them to better understand abusive behaviours, rebuild confidence and move towards safer lives. The CIC receives regular referrals from local authorities and social workers, demonstrating strong working relationships with statutory services and recognition of the value of its support. In addition to structured programmes, significant direct support has been provided to women in crisis. This has included funding and arranging practical safety measures such as full CCTV installations, emergency locksmith services, and urgent home repairs including plumbing emergencies. Financial assistance has also been given to prevent utility disconnections, including payments towards gas and electricity. Women fleeing abuse or living in temporary accommodation have been supported with essential items, including white goods, shopping deliveries, and hundreds of pounds in shopping vouchers. Care packages containing basic household, cleaning and hygiene products have also been distributed to meet immediate needs. The CIC has also focused on reducing isolation and improving wellbeing. This has included meeting women and their children in person for meals to provide a sense of normality and respite, as well as organising a national group meet-up bringing together women from across the UK and Ireland to celebrate their progress and recovery. In one instance, a family who had experienced significant trauma was supported to attend a wellbeing trip to Luminate. Support has also extended to women navigating the criminal justice system. This has included providing formal statements in support of a victim during criminal proceedings, which contributed to a successful outcome resulting in a custodial sentence for the perpetrator. Through a combination of education, emotional support and practical intervention, Freedom Bury St Edmunds CIC has made a significant impact on the safety, stability and wellbeing of women and their children over the past year.

The CIC’s key stakeholders include women who access the Freedom Programme and one-to-one support, their children, referring professionals such as social workers and local authority teams, and partner organisations working within the domestic abuse sector. Stakeholder feedback is gathered on an ongoing, informal basis through direct communication with service users during and after programme delivery, one-to-one sessions, and continued contact within peer support networks. Feedback is also received from referring professionals through regular communication and ongoing working relationships. Service users have provided feedback regarding the need for both practical and emotional support alongside programme delivery. In response, the CIC has expanded its provision to include direct practical assistance such as funding for emergency home security measures, utilities, essential household items and crisis support. Feedback highlighting isolation has led to the development of peer support opportunities, including organised group meet-ups and informal community-building activities. Feedback from stakeholders has also reinforced the importance of flexible delivery. As a result, the CIC has continued to offer both online and in-person support, as well as one-to-one programmes tailored to individual circumstances. Input from referring agencies has supported the development of strong partnership working, ensuring that women are able to access the service quickly and receive appropriate, responsive support. The CIC continues to adapt its services in response to stakeholder feedback to ensure it meets the evolving needs of women and their children experiencing domestic abuse.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration