An organisation that helps victims of domestic abuse has been given a cash injection.

Space4Action (S4A) has been given a grant of £1,800 by Manx Lottery Trust to help fund its ’Own My Life’ pilot project, a specialist 12-week course for victims of domestic abuse to help recovery and help them to rebuild their lives.

The funding will be used to buy training resources and materials for face-to-face delivery, as well as Zoom Pro subscriptions to help the charity deliver the course remotely and offer one-to-one support outside of course sessions.

Through video content, discussions, group and individual activities and a learning journal, the ’Own My Life’ course is an educational programme for women designed to help them take back control of their lives following domestic abuse or violence.

The ’Own My Story’ journal provides victims with space for reflective practice and comprises all the information provided throughout the course, creating a resource which can be used after the course has finished.

Tam Wedgwood from S4A said: ’Domestic abuse effects one in three women and one in five men during their lifetime, but Covid-19 has sadly exacerbated this problem with lockdown presenting a 145% increase in reporting of domestic abuse.

’During and after Covid-19, many people will need help and recovery support which is why Space4Action wanted to take proactive action.

’We’re very grateful to Manx Lottery Trust for supporting this pilot project through its smaller grants scheme and look forward to working with local people and hopefully making a real difference to their lives.

’We are also very grateful to the Children’s Centre and the Joanna Simpson Foundation who are partnering with us, helping make this pilot possible.’

The chairman of the Manx Lottery Trust, Sarah Kelly, added: ’It has been very upsetting to hear about the rise in domestic violence on the Isle of Man and around the world over lockdown, which is why we were keen to support Space4Action and help to get its "Own My Life" course on its feet. We wish the team every success in this new venture.’

S4A aims to educate and publicise the issue of domestic abuse through the provision of advice and training to employers and community organisations.

Manx Lottery Trust’s smaller grant programme provides community funding of funds between £300 and £2,500.