Make a Change comes to Merseyside

We’re excited to announce that people in Merseyside who want to change their behaviour in their intimate relationships can now access the Make a Change programme, through our partnership with Merseyside Domestic Violence Service (MDVS).

Make a Change helps people who are concerned that they are hurting, scaring or controlling their current or ex-partner to change their behaviour. The Merseyside service is available to people over 18 who live, work in, or have a close connection to Liverpool. Anyone can get in touch to ask for support for someone and it’s free of charge.

The programme was developed in partnership by Respect and Women’s Aid Federation of England. It takes an early response approach, aiming to reach people who are concerned about their behaviour but haven’t had formal support or been challenged to change. Merseyside is the fifth area in the UK to offer Make a Change, following Lincolnshire, Sunderland, Trafford and Durham.

Over the course of the programme, participants are supported by a specialist to understand the impact of harmful behaviour, to make positive changes and develop healthy relationships. Partners and ex-partners of people taking part are offered separate, confidential support to look after their safety and wellbeing.

Ayla, Co-Founder of MDVS, said, “MDVS are committed to improving the lives of those directly and indirectly affected by domestic abuse and we are excited to bring Make a Change to Merseyside. We see the programme as an innovative opportunity to add to our existing services and provide people causing harm with help to change at the earliest possible stage.”

Rebecca Vagi, National Lead for Make a Change, said, “We’re delighted to be partnering with MDVS in Merseyside, who have been supporting families in the local area for over 20 years. It’s never ok to frighten, control or harm a partner or ex-partner. By empowering whole communities to understand the problem and how to tackle it, we hope to identify the behaviour sooner, stop it continuing or escalating, and provide both people in the relationship with the support they need to make a change.”

As well as working directly with people using and experiencing harmful behaviour, Make a Change Merseyside offers support to the wider community to help people who have concerns about someone else’s relationship. Local organisations and professionals can receive training to understand harmful behaviours in relationships, learn how to spot the signs and approach the issue safely and effectively.

For more information, or if you are worried about you or your partner’s behaviour and want some support, call 07754 550525, email makeachange@mdvs.org or take a look at the Merseyside webpage.