VAWG resources

***PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION*** More links and resources will be added soon!

Scroll down to find resources and support related to:
1 Domestic abuse
2 Stalking
3 Sexual abuse
4 Technical precautions (online and mobile safety)
5 Protective Orders
6 Financial support
7 Food
8 Housing
9 Pets
10 Child contact
11 Support for children

12 Support for carers
13 Finding companionship
14 Alcohol/drug dependency
15 Behavioural change support
16 Neurodiversity
17 Adult mental health
18 Military

Please email info@plymsorop.org.uk if you find a broken link or incorrect telephone number. This page was last updated 26-Jul-2026

1 DOMESTIC ABUSE

National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247

Integrated Domestic Abuse Service Plymouth (IDASP) – whether someone needs support in the community, a safe place to stay, or help to rebuild their life, they can access the support they need through this coordinated network of specialist providers
01752 429736 / https://www.idasp.org/

Trevi – for women-only support www.trevi.org.uk

Little Sanctuary – provides a drop-in safe space for women who have experienced overlapping and/or complex trauma including childhood, sexual, domestic, repeated abusive relationships, addiction, child removals, homelessness and offending www.transformingplymouthtogether.org.uk/little-sanctuary / fiona@greenspacehub.co.uk

Intercom Trust – for LGBTQ+ support www.intercomtrust.org.uk

Mankind – for men-only support 01823 334244 / www.mankind.org.uk

Aurora – armed forces advocacy service for naval and army, supporting victims currently serving or where suspect is currently serving 02392 479254 / armedforces@aurorand.org.uk
See section 18 further down this page for other military-related resources

Highbury Trust – delivers domestic abuse awareness course in 12 sessions over 6 weeks via WISER programme designed for women with a learning disability or borderline learning disability
07763 501954 / www.plymouthhighburytrust.org.uk / nicola.lambert@plymouthhighburytrust.org.uk

The Olive Project – helping BAME women with housing, immigration, accessing benefits, safety planning and domestic/sexual trauma 07990 858510

Karma Nirvana – specialists in supporting people affected by honour-based abuse 0800 5999 247

2 STALKING

National Stalking Helpline 0808 802 0300

Suzy Lamplugh Trust – provides guidance and advice 07747 611308

www.protectionagainststalking.com

Paladin National Stalking Advocacy Service 020 3866 4107

Hollie Guard app turns your mobile device into an emergency tool, automatically recording audio and video data without needing to unlock your phone

Peoplesafe app is a personal safety and lone worker alarm application that turns a smartphone into a monitored emergency device

3 SEXUAL ABUSE

SALT – Sexual Abuse Listening Therapy Plymouth – runs courses, 1:1s and workshops; provides letters to employers to help people get reasonable adjustments made to enable them to attend work 01752 600599 / email@saltsouthwest.co.uk / text only 07469 200256

First Light – offers therapy and counselling 03458 121212 / info@firstlight.org.uk

Operation Emotion – support for men who have been sexually abused 07539 810096 / opem@pm.me

4 TECHNICAL PRECAUTIONS (online and mobile safety)

www.refugetechsafety.org has a map of a house explaining what to consider in the home in terms of passwords, camera and location settings, and advice on domestic safety and security

www.thecyberhelpline.com offers self-help through a 24/7 chatbot, expert helpline and in some cases investigations through their 150+ IT volunteers

National Databank Good Things Foundation can help with free mobile data for 12 months https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/databank/

Avast One app can tell you whether any tracking apps have been downloaded onto your device, and includes a VPN option to hide online activity

5 PROTECTIVE ORDERS SUPPORT

NCDV www.ncdv.org.uk / 0800 9702070 / text NCDV to 60777

Gill Akaster 01752 203500

Ria Cohen 07791 881697 (not Legal Aid)

Family Law 01752 674999

Nash & Co 01752 664444

University Law Clinic 01752 585502

Wolferstans 01752 663295

Woollcombe Younge 01752 660384

6 FINANCIAL SUPPORT

www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators will help you work out what benefits you are entitled to

Citizens Advice Bureau 03444 111 444 / for debt enquiries text DEBT to 78866 / for all other enquiries text ADVICE to 78866

Money Advice Plymouth – a debt advice service that assesses you to create a personalised financial statement, and helps you consider options like Debt Relief Orders, Bankruptcy and Individual Voluntary Arrangements 01752 208156 / www.moneyadviceplymouth.org.uk

National Databank Good Things Foundation can help with free mobile data for 12 months https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/databank/

7 FOOD

Plymouth soup run – location varies daily, contact them for times and locations
01752 404134 / http://www.plymouthsouprun.org.uk / info@plymouthsouprun.org.uk

Plymouth Foodbank
Call their referral partner Plymouth City Council, who will be able to issue you with a foodbank voucher if necessary
Call 01752 668000, option 1 then option 3, or go to www.plymouth.foodbank.org.uk

8 HOUSING

Fire safety and arson threats – Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service will conduct a fire safety review, check existing safety measures and add extra where required, and can be contacted if threats of arson are received or for issues with hoarding or unsafe exit points
0800 0502 999 / firekills@dsfire.gov.uk

Homeless or at risk of homelessness?
– Plymouth City Council can help find housing, check eligibility for housing benefits, and help with housing-related legal issues
If you have children below 18 years old, child social services can help with emergency housing

*** If you are fleeing domestic abuse, it is important that you SAY “fleeing domestic abuse” when you request support for emergency housing ***
01752 668000 / CommunityConnections@plymouth.gov.uk

Shelter – offers local housing rights workshops, and free face-to-face advice via drop-in or appointments
Ernest English House, Buckwell Street, Plymouth PL1 2DA
0808 800 4444 / www.england.shelter.org.uk / devon@shelter.org.uk

Women’s Aid – can provide 24/7 advice, and advise where refuge space is available across the UK 0808 2000 247

9 PETS

Refuge4Pets
– can offer support with fostering pets whilst you are in emergency accommodation
– may be able to provide pet food if you have experienced financial abuse
– can help with pet chip updates if you are worried about your abuser finding out your new address

0300 4000 121 / info@refuge4pets.org.uk

RSPCA www.rspca.org.uk/reportaconcern / call 0300 123 8960 or use the online chat on their website

10 CHILD CONTACT

AppClose – this court-approved app helps separated parents to manage child contact, schedules, expenses, and communication
– Send text messages and make audio or video calls without sharing your phone number or location
Messages cannot be deleted or changed by users, and can be shared with the court if you need to

Child Social Services Plymouth 01752 668000

11 SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN

Barnardo’s
– works with children and young people who are in care, have a disability, are young carers or are in a vulnerable position
– provides education, training, advocates, mental health advice, homelessness support, supports care leavers
www.barnardos.org.uk/get-support-for-young-people

We Matter – for kids aged 8-17 who have witnessed or experienced domestic abuse and are no longer living with perpetrator WeMatter@victimsupport.org.uk

NSPCC 0808 800 5000 / help@nspcc.org.uk

Childline 0800 1111

Papyrus – “hopeline” for teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal 0300 102 2470 / text HOPE to 88247 / or use the 24/7 live webchat button at https://www.papyrus-uk.org/help-me/hopeline-24-7

The Zone – supporting young people with issues with mental health, housing, financial support, sexual health, counselling, drug and alcohol support
14-16 Union Street, Plymouth PL1 2SR
Their website has opening hours and info on when appointments or walk-ins are offered https://www.thezoneplymouth.co.uk/contact
01752 206626 / info@thezoneplymouth.co.uk

12 SUPPORT FOR CARERS

Caring4Carers – has dedicated groups for under-16s and those aged 16-25
01752 201890 / caringforcarers@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk

13 FINDING COMPANIONSHIP

Sunflower Women’s Centre – one-to-one support and group programmes, practical support, advocacy, and access to wider services including debt advice and health and wellbeing
Also offers socialising via cookery groups, art therapy, book clubs, crochet and craft groups etc, armed forces support, relationship support
01752 255 758 / admissions@trevi.org.uk

Andy’s Man Club – a drop in, no need to book – open to all males who are struggling with emotional difficulties or suicidal thoughts
They meet every Monday at 7pm (except bank holidays)
Find your nearest location at https://andysmanclub.co.uk/groups/

Men’s Sheds – supporting connection, conversation and creation, encouraging people to come together to make, repair and repurpose, supporting projects in their communities
There are a number of ‘sheds’ in Plymouth including Veterans Men’s Shed, Janner Men’s Shed, Derriford Men’s Shed, Keyham Green Places, Plymouth Men’s Shed, as well as sheds in Yealmpton and Saltash
01392 257505 / https://menssheds.org.uk/find-a-shed/

14 ALCOHOL/DRUG DEPENDENCY

Harbour
Hyde Park House, Mutley PL4 6LF
01752 434343 / harbourcentre@harbour.org.uk

Hamoaze House – support for everyone in a family where there is drug/alcohol abuse 01752 566100 / office@hamoazehouse.org.uk

Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 769 7555

Narcotics Anonymous 0300 999 1212

15 BEHAVIOURAL CHANGE SUPPORT

Gifted Women – supports women who have been out of work or education for 6 months or more into employment,
to rebuild their lives after facing homelessness, problematic substance abuse or having had criminal convictions,
via trauma-informed courses to increase confidence, one-to-one support, employability drop-ins, social drop-ins, work experience placements, and support to overcome the barriers of moving forward with life
07931 462893 / www.giftedwomen.org.uk / info@giftedwomen.co.uk

AHIMSA – supporting loving non-violent relationships, by working with people who cause harm to change their behaviour, while supporting their (ex)partners and families to stay safer – offers one-to-one sessions and group work over 30 weeks – also runs groups for 16-25 year olds
01752 213535 / enquiries@ahimsa.org.uk

Respect Phoneline – a confidential and anonymous helpline offering advice, information and support for anyone concerned about their violence and/or abuse towards a partner or ex-partner
Call 0808 802 4040 (Mon-Fri 10am-5pm) / webchat (Mon-Fri 9am-10am) at www.respectphoneline.org.uk

CFO Evolution – tailored support for offenders
CFO particularly works with those who are considered disadvantaged, are ill-equipped to effectively engage with the mainstream, face barriers preventing them from successfully reintegrating into their local community, lack the hard and softer life/functional skills required by employers, and are not fully supported by existing programmes
07955 442407 / www.creatingfutureopportunities.gov.uk/cfo-evolution/ / plymouth.hub@seetec.co.uk

16 NEURODIVERSITY

https://ndconnection.co.uk/resources/grooming-and-coercive-control – a library of resources for neurodiverse issues

Livewell Southwest – Children, Young People and Families (CYPFS) Neurodiversity Wellbeing Team for Plymouth
– offers support for children and families who are registered with a Plymouth GP facing difficulties associated with neurodiversity and those on waiting lists in Plymouth for CAMHS and CDC
01752 435404 / https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/children-young-people-and-families-neurodiversity-wellbeing-team

Plymouth Information, Advice and Support for SEND Service (PIASS) – offers support to children, young people and parents of children with SEN – they can attend meetings and liaise with professionals 01752 258933 / www.plymouthias.org.uk

Friends and Families of Special Needs Children – empowering families with disabled children – monthly activities for children who are disabled/with SEN and their carers & siblings, sessions around inform and support with DLA applications, EHCP workshops, and has a lending library 01752 204369 / www.friendsandfamilies.org.uk

Transition to Adulthood – a ‘padlet’ bringing together multiple resources and signposting support to help your child navigate their way into adulthood https://padlet.com/helenlittle/transition-to-adulthood-nayvhb4f94efngsp

17 ADULT MENTAL HEALTH

*** When struggling, it is not uncommon for people to have difficult thoughts or feelings of hopelessness – it is very important that you seek help from the right sources if you are having thoughts of hurting yourself ***

Mental Health First Response at NHS 111 is open 24 hours, 7 days per week – dial 111 when experiencing mental health distress or a crisis, and select the mental health option (you can also phone NHS 111 for urgent medical problems)

24 hour Plymouth Mental Health Team support line 01752 434922 / 0800 923 9323

Samaritans 116 123 (free from mobile or landline) / in person at 20 Oxford Place, Western Approach, Plymouth PL1 5AJ

Valued Lives 01209 901438 (7 days a week 5pm-midnight)

SHOUT – 24/7 text service – text Shout to 85258

SANE 4pm-10.30pm 365 days a year 0300 304 7000

Campaign against living miserably (CALM) – organisation supporting men who feel suicidal (open 5pm to midnight) 0800 58 58 58

CRUSE bereavement – for those in crisis following bereavement (weekdays 9.30-5pm, except Tuesday 1-8pm) 0808 808 1677 / www.cruse.org.uk

Non-emergency mental health support:

Plymouth Options – Plymouth Talking Therapies service – if you’re aged 16+ and feeling anxious, low or stressed, you can self-refer at 01752 435419 / https://www.livewellsouthwest.co.uk/plymouth-options / livewell.plymouthoptions@nhs.net

MIND – Support groups, outreach work, training / Runs workshops, support groups and courses / Has a day centre and a café 01752 264960 www.plymouthmind.com

For other non-emergency medical/mental health interventions, contact your GP during normal working hours

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• HEADSPACE – 07890 257614 / 07546 527380 headspace@colebrooksw.org Local volunteer peer support for those feeling they are approaching a mental health crisis and need a space to go with support, but don’t feel they need a clinical environment. See website for locations and times it is run.
• Rethink Mental Illness – 01752 251072 / plymouthservices@rethink.org (Mon-Fri 9-5pm)

1:1 Support or Group based support which can include:

Supporting people to become more involved in social, leisure, educational, training, volunteering, and employment opportunities outside their home, which can continue after the service has ended;

Empowering and enabling people to live independently;

Supporting people to maintain suitable accommodation;

Helping people to identify and make positive and meaningful links with other individuals.
https://www.rethink.org/media/zx5befig/plymouth_referral-form.docx

Marbles Lost and Found is a hub for mental health info for support, advice and inclusion. nicky@marbleslostandfound.org / has a facebook page, advertises MH support and drop ins.

Hub of Hope is the UK’s largest and most comprehensive directory of community mental health services to find a service for yourself or if you want to support someone who is struggling. More details on https://hubofhope.co.uk/, there is also an app available.

Mental Health Matters – Provides telephone support out of office hours for patients of Community Mental Health Teams. They can be contacted on 0800 001 4330

Calm Harm app on your mobile phone to help to identify and manage the urge to self-harm.

CBT Handouts in one handy place https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk// (CBT means cognitive behaviour Therapy)

Relaxation and Mindfulness – downloads and guidance can be found at www.mentalhealth.org

The Stay Alive Suicide Prevention app can help yourself to challenge thoughts of self-harm.

Living Life to the Full – Get free computerised CBT for low mood, worry or panic at www.llttf.com

www.overcoming.co.uk -Understand your symptoms and start feeling better – we have self-help guides on over 30 emotional and psychological problems. Find the topic that best describes your needs from our library below for more expert advice and information.

Safety plan for avoiding suicide: https://stayingsafe.net/

Man Down UK is a non-profit Community Interest Company dedicated to supporting men with mental health challenges that run informal, peer-led talking groups across the UK. For more details visit: https://mandown.org

BEAT – Information and advice about eating disorders

18 MILITARY

• Aurora – 02392479254 armedforces@aurorand.org.uk – armed forces advocacy service for naval and army supporting domestic abuse victims currently serving or where suspect currently serving
• COMBAT STRESS – 0800 323 4444 Military veterans help with issues relating to mental health
• OP NOVA 0800 917 7299 opnova@forcesemployment.org.uk – supports veterans with education and employment, housing, mental health, relationships, drug and alcohol support and also supports families of veterans;
• Op Courage South West – 0300 034 9986 mevs.mhm@nhs.net – support for veterans, reservists and those due to leave with housing, debts, welfare, employment and social inclusion
• Military Kids Club – have regular events for kids – email info@mkcheroes.org – on Facebook as MKC Heroes;
• Naval Families Federation – nff.org.uk / 023 9265 4374 / contactus@nff.org.uk on Facebook also – through Relate provide 6 free counselling sessions through funding from RNRMC which can include family and couples counselling, free access to the Headspace app accessed via their website and free books for children which can explain about big emotions and events, provides support for service leavers and veterans;
• Give Us Time – free holiday – on Facebook – email enquiries@giveustime.org.uk to request a referral form to complete;
• Naval Childrens Charity – on Facebook / 023 9263 9534 / www.navalchildrenscharity.org.uk – Offers Sailing adventures through Tall Ships Challenge / Surfing through Surfwell project / adventure holidays for 10-22 yr olds; Purchase medical equipment for children with supporting letter; Should Autism be assessed for can help with referrals and offer 10yr membership to National Autistic Society and support; Assistance and support through emergency grants which can cover groceries, clothing, uniform, childrens beds and furniture, white goods, activities.
• Royal Navy and Royal Marines Welfare – 0800 145 6088
• Plymouth Veterans and Family Hub – 01752 241057 / VFHub@improvinglivesplymouth.org.uk on Facebook – Runs veterans outdoors events; Breakfast Clubs to meet up with others; Unpaid carers support; Employment support; Mental wellbeing support; Brew and Banter groups – both in person and online;
• Help for heroes – www.helpforheroes.org.uk
• SSAFA – www.ssafa.org.uk / 0800 260 6780
• Royal British Legion – www.bitishlegion.org.uk / 0808 802 8080