Wirral's Zero Centre secures council funding (From Wirral Globe)

Wirral's Zero Centre secures council funding

2:23pm Monday 3rd September 2012 in News By Geoff Barnes

WIRRAL'S domestic abuse support service – The Zero Centre – has secured local authority financial support to continue its work with vulnerable youngsters.

The centre’s highly respected Leapfrog and Youth programmes, which help children and young people recover from experiences of family violence, have secured a further year’s early intervention grant.

A successful bid to Lloyds TSB Foundation has ensures the centre’s work with adult victims can carry on.

Centre Manager Morag Reid said the Laird Street-based charity was committed to breaking the cycle of abuse which often ran in families, with children going on to become future victims - and perpetrators - of violence.

She commented: ‘Although we are facing a rise in demand for services, we are delighted to have secured increased funding from Wirral Children’s Centres to provide discreet drop-in services across the Wirral.

“We are reaching more victims, and we welcome the continued support from Wirral Council and other vital sources such as the Morgan Foundation. Without that support our vital work could not continue to change lives as it does.

“We are working very hard to meet the rising demand for our services, and to develop new ways of responding to victims’ needs.

"I would encourage anyone experiencing domestic abuse to contact us for help, and also welcome applications for much needed volunteers and trustees to ensure our excellent work continues to develop."

During a recent to the complex West Wirral MP Esther McVey discussed the increasing numbers of adult clients with support worker Patrice Watson and counsellor Gerri Davenport.

They also spoke about the successful Venus programme which helps women to build self esteem and avoid future bad relationships.