Sunderland locals can now Make a Change

We’re excited to announce that people in Sunderland who want to change their behaviour in their intimate relationships can now access the Make a Change programme, through our new partnership with Right Turn, a project run by local service Wearside Women in Need (WWIN).

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 service is available to people over 18 who live, work in, or have a close connection to Sunderland. 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.

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.

Jackie Siggens, Right Turn Service Manager, said, "Make a Change will give people in Sunderland who are worried about their behaviour towards their partners a chance to make positive changes. Somewhere they can learn about the effects harmful behaviours can have on any children they have and improve relationships with past, current or future partners. It also provides a platform for the community to be included in addressing this as a bigger issue. Safer communities can save lives."

Rebecca Vagi, National Lead for Make a Change, said, “We’re delighted to launch Make a Change in Sunderland through this new partnership. 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 Sunderland 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 0300 1240 466, email info@rightturn.org.uk or take a look at the Sunderland webpage.