A commissioned service that supports victims of domestic abuse is celebrating after achieving a nationally recognised quality mark for frontline services.
New Era victim service has received the prestigious Leading Lights Accreditation from the national leading organisation SafeLives, which recognised excellence in their delivery of domestic abuse support and their commitment to providing high-quality, survivor-focused services.
The service, which is jointly commissioned by Staffordshire County Council, the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office and Stoke-on-Trent City Council, supports victims of domestic abuse across the county and city of Stoke-on-Trent, providing practical and emotional support to help people stay safe, recover from their experiences and rebuild their lives.
Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said:
"It’s really important that victims of domestic abuse have access to trusted, professional services, and this accreditation provides reassurance that people across Staffordshire are receiving support that meets the highest standards.
"Domestic abuse is a terrible crime that can have a lasting impact on individuals, families and communities, which is why we continue to work closely with our partners to prevent harm, support victims and hold offenders to account.
"This is fantastic news for New Era and a well-deserved recognition of the dedication, professionalism and compassion shown by the team every day. Their work makes a real difference to people’s lives, and I remain committed to supporting these vital services and the partnerships that help keep Staffordshire’s communities safe, strong and resilient for years to come."
Melina Hancox, Area Manager at New Era, said:
“We are incredibly proud of this achievement and of the difference our team makes in the lives of families affected by Domestic Abuse to achieve healthier relationships.
“Achieving Leading Lights Re-Accreditation reinforces our commitment to ensuring that everyone accessing our service receives safe, high-quality support tailored to their individual needs.”
Ben Adams, Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, said:
“It’s vital that domestic abuse victims and their families have access to the high-quality support they need when they need it, to help them recover from the impact of these crimes.
“I’m delighted that New Era has retained their accreditation from Leading Lights, which is testament to the hard work, commitment and professionalism of the team who deliver this essential support service for victims.”
Sarah-Jane Colclough, Deputy Chair of the Stoke-on-Trent Domestic Abuse Partnership, said:
"Domestic abuse can have a profound and lasting effect on those who suffer from it.
"Providing professional, effective and timely support for victims is absolutely vital - both in the short term, and in helping victims to rebuild their lives.
"We are very proud of the work that New Era are doing, and this is richly deserved recognition. They are a vital partner in the work we are all doing to prevent domestic abuse, hold the perpetrators to account, and to provide victims with support which is designed around their needs."
Achieving the Leading Lights accreditation requires services to undergo a rigorous assessment process, demonstrating effective practice, strong governance, continuous improvement and positive outcomes for victims and survivors.
Further information is available on New Era’s website.
