The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) is helping to fund community groups that support victims of domestic abuse, suicide, homicide and coercive controlling behaviour – directly delivering priority two of the Police and Crime Plan.   

This week, Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson visited Swindon Sister’s Alliance after the group recently received a grant via the PCC’s Community Action Fund. 

The organisation was formed by Emma King after she lost her sister Julie in 2005 to domestic violence.  

With the help of a small team and board members, the group supports the people of Swindon and surrounding areas who have been impacted by domestic abuse, suicide, murder and other trauma by signposting and creating awareness to support parents, children and extended family members.  

They offer volunteering and learning skills within their shops to create friendships and the opportunity to be around others with lived experiences, as well as arranging day trips and holidays to Julie’s Haven, a six-birth Holiday home in Brean, Somerset to enable individuals and families time away from their home to rebuild bonds and create positive memories. 

The extra funding will be put towards continuing to offer signposting, food bank referrals, walk in support, hardship funds, practical support and a safe space to hold meetings to assist with ongoing needs around domestic violence.   

Mr. Wilkinson said: “Charities like Swindon Sister’s Alliance do incredible work within communities to provide much needed support, guidance and a first-hand understanding to victims of domestic abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour, and can provide a safe space in which they can help them take the necessary steps to get back to safety. 

“Emma is very passionate and committed to this cause, and that’s apparent in the great work that she does for victims, despite being a very small team with limited funding. I hope the grant she received via my Community Action Fund will go some way towards enabling her to continue helping vulnerable people when they most need it. 

“My office will continue to invest in these, and other similar organisations to show our commitment to tackling domestic abuse and violence against women and girls, as well as improving the experience of victims by providing a better service.” 

Emma King, Founder and Managing Director of Swindon Sister’s Alliance said: “As CEO of SSA it a privilege and honour to be awarded £5000 from our PCC Community Action Fund. The fund has allowed us to continue supporting our Swindon community in multiple ways, including delivering services at grassroots level ensuring we do all we can alongside already established organisations delivering support targeting VAWG and help victims and their families on their own path to recovery.  

“My role is rewarding and is a privilege to be able to fund our services free to all and help in therapeutic ways such as Julie’s haven holidays and trips. It’s important to bring families together to enjoy happier times with their own supportive network in times of hardship and their own unique and individual journeys.  

“We exist because of the kindness of our community who all help us in many ways. We hope SSA continues way into the future and without our community support we wouldn’t be able to deliver our projects and help victims.” 

Find out more about the community groups funded by the PCC’s Community Action Fund, the eligibility criteria and how to apply for future funding here.   

Published Friday 14 June 2024