Businesses, local authorities and other organisations across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are being urged to join a new campaign tackling domestic abuse.
The Workplace Champions programme is the first county-wide programme of its kind to offer support in the workplace to both victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse.
Led by deputy Staffordshire Commissioner, Sue Arnold, the programme is co-ordinated by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and delivered by New Era, which provides support for victims and services to help perpetrators recognise and change their offending behaviour.
The programme is being rolled out around the county and city. Employees who sign up to become a ‘Workplace Champion’ will receive a day’s free training from New Era advisors.
The first training session took place in Codsall recently, hosted by South Staffordshire Council.
Participants learn how to increase awareness about domestic abuse at work, encourage colleagues to feel comfortable about disclosing an issue and where to seek the most appropriate help, according to their individual needs.
New Era was launched in October by the Staffordshire Commissioner, Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council to ensure all those affected by domestic abuse have the same access to the support they need, wherever they live.
The Government estimates domestic abuse costs the UK economy around £66 billion a year.
Sue Arnold said: “It’s clear what a devastating effect domestic abuse can have on everyone involved – the employee and the employer – which is why we’re expanding our Workplace Champion programme.
“We’ve already got around 160 Workplace Champions from a similar programme we ran with Staffordshire Women’s Aid. Our new recruitment drive will build on that solid foundation and, for the first time, will enable both victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse to access the services and support they need, to help end relationship abuse.”
Sally Benn, New Era’s community and prevention manager, who will be leading the training, said: “Recent research indicates all too often employees don’t feel well enough supported to raise this kind of problem at work.
“If the issue of domestic abuse is not supported, it can lead to the victim or perpetrator being distracted, having unplanned days off or even leaving their job altogether, resulting in serious implications for them, their employer and the wider workforce.”
Tom Nadin, mentoring growth project manager for Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “We’re contacting our members and other organisations to enable as many people as possible to have the opportunity to take part in this vital programme.
“The free, one day training will be delivered in phases across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent and if the initial feedback from employers is anything to go by, we’re going to be very busy.”
Employers wanting to find out more or sign up for the Workplace Champion programme should email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk or phone 01782 202222.
