The help and support that you might want may come in many different forms. You might need help with legal advice, court appearances, practical help for you and your children, peer support or counselling and therapy. There is no 'one size fits all' when it comes to getting help.
Standing Tall is a partnership of local community groups and organisations that have come together to provide a range of local support to people in Torbay who have experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence.
The partnership was formed out of the Torbay Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Community Forum and was funded initially by the Ministry of Justice Extra-ordinary Fund via the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Standing Tall aims to provide a range of services that understand domestic abuse and sexual violence and the impact this has on an individual and their family. They can help you find the support you know you want, and the help that you might not know you need.
- You can refer yourself to Standing Tall or an agency can refer you on your behalf. To make contact with Standing Tall telephone the Torbay Community Helpline on 01803 446022 (10:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday and 9:30am to 12:30 on Saturday).
The Directory lists many other local and national services, some of which cover other specialisms, and which includes contact information for Torbay Domestic Abuse Services and Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Service.
Who is Standing Tall?
Ladies’ Lounge
A charity set up to support vulnerable women who have been affected by domestic abuse/violence and as a consequence have mental health problems and/or addictions. We meet in the Youth Basement at Upton Vale Baptist Church in Torquay (opposite Torquay Library) on Mondays 10:30am to 1pm and Wednesdays 2pm to 4pm. Both days we offer snacks and refreshments. We run a 'craft table' as we find this helps our ladies to relax, open up and share their experiences. There is also an area for those who prefer to relax and chat. Our volunteers are trained, DBS checked and are happy to signpost to relevant help. It is great to see the change that care, listening, encouragement and the learning of new life skills can make in a person’s confidence and well-being. This service is completely free to our ladies and Agency or Self-Referral forms can be found on our website www.ladies-lounge.co.uk or our contact mobiles are 07895 155 965/07511 195 010.
Make Amends
The OPCC commissioned service for Devon and Cornwall. Working in partnership with Shekinah, delivering Restorative Justice across this area. The service provides support to people who have been affected by crime, conflict, anti-social behaviour or harm caused by the actions of others.
Restorative Justice creates opportunities for people who have been harmed to come together into communication with those who are responsible for that harm, in order to get answers to their questions and to explain the effect the incident has had on them. It gives those who accept responsibility for the harm, an insight into the real impact their actions have had on the person affected, their friends and family or the community. The process aims to help everyone move on.
Shekinah Mission
Based across Plymouth and Torbay and we have many co-located services. Shekinah really values its partnership working and at Endeavour House, Torquay, we have weekly Drama groups, drug and alcohol support groups, a weekly women's Circle and Yoga amongst others. Endeavour also run accredited courses to enable support for personal development, recognising behaviours and addressing behaviours. We can make referrals to Grow for life, our therapeutic project and we have the housing first team supporting with housing and tenancy sustainability. We also have counselling services available on site.
The Devon Clinic CIC
Soon to be re-branded as Torbay Health & Wellbeing Clinic is a health and wellbeing clinic based in Hyde Road, Central Paignton. We have 10 therapy rooms and a shop front which is our reception area. We have a wide range of talking therapists ranging from clinical psychologists through to counsellors, including hypnotherapists and psychological wellbeing practitioners (PWP's). We also provide chiropractic treatments, acupuncture, allergy testing, massage and other complementary treatments. Reception is manned 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Rising Moments
A community project providing a one-to-one practical and essentials support service along with encouragement, and wellbeing groups for women and families to help rebuild lives affected by abuse crimes past and present.
What’s Your Problem CIC
A community interest company. We offer support to people in our community to address issues affecting their quality of life so that people are informed, safe and have the opportunity to thrive. This includes access to legal advice, support at court, welfare rights advice, representation and counselling for adults, children and young people.
The Torbay Community Development Trust (TCDT)
TCDT was formed with the intention of making Torbay a place where all people feel included. The Trust empowers communities, building on strengths and skills through Asset-Based Community Development. The overall aim of the Torbay Community Development Trust is to create better communication across the Bay, actively encouraging local involvement and decision making in improving the region, as well as developing and supporting volunteering opportunities of the highest standards.
Healthwatch Torbay
Established under the 2012 Heath and Social Care Act and is one of a network of 152 Healthwatch across England. Its purpose is to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of people who use health and social care services and to speak out on their behalf. Along with Engaging Communities South West, it works to share information, expertise and learning in order to improve health and social care. It has statutory duties and its officers, Board members and volunteers sit on a range of influential bodies across the Bay, the county, the region and nation, in order to shape policy for the benefit of all our residents.
If you or your children are in immediate danger, always contact the police by dialling 999.
