Women recovering from domestic abuse in Northampton will receive specialist support to rebuild their confidence, independence and wellbeing thanks to grant funding awarded by Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone.
The Spring Charity has secured £10,000 through the Commissioner’s Making Northamptonshire Safer grant fund to deliver its Queen Bees project, which supports women affected by domestic abuse, coercive control and financial abuse.
The funding will contribute towards a dedicated Family Support Worker who will provide trauma-informed support to women recovering from abuse, helping them develop practical life skills, manage household finances and access support services. It will also fund wellbeing activities, cookery sessions and peer support groups designed to reduce isolation and improve emotional wellbeing.
Based in the heart of Northampton, The Spring Charity has supported vulnerable women, children and families in Northampton for more than 20 years and is often the first point of contact for families experiencing crisis, poverty, poor mental health and domestic abuse.
The Queen Bees project has been developed in response to the significant and long-lasting impact domestic abuse can have on survivors and their children. Many women accessing support have experienced years of coercive control and financial abuse, leaving them isolated and lacking confidence in managing finances, household responsibilities and independent decision-making.
The project supports one of Danielle Stone’s key priorities as Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner: tackling violence against women and girls, including domestic abuse. Through initiatives including her pioneering Domestic Abuse Support Team, which intervenes early to prevent abuse from escalating, and The Northamptonshire’s Women’s Charter, which encourages organisations to take action to make women and girls safer, she is committed to supporting survivors and preventing abuse from escalating.
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone said:
“Tackling violence against women and girls is one of my top priorities and we know that domestic abuse can have a devastating impact that lasts long after a relationship has ended.
“The Spring Charity is doing incredible work to support women who have experienced trauma, coercive control and financial abuse, helping them regain confidence, rebuild their independence and create brighter futures for themselves and their children.
“I am passionate about investing in early intervention because it works. Through our Domestic Abuse Support Team, our Women’s Charter, and projects like Queen Bees, we are helping women in Northampton access support earlier- reducing harm and preventing families from reaching crisis point.”
The charity has welcomed the funding, which will help more women access practical and emotional support when they need it most.
Tracey Hamilton, Chief Executive Officer of The Spring Charity, said:
“Every day we meet women who are doing their very best despite facing enormous pressures and often following trauma. This funding means we can stand alongside even more of them with practical help, encouragement and opportunities to build brighter futures.
“We are incredibly thankful to the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for believing in our vision and investing in the potential of local families at their time of need. Together, we can help prevent problems escalating and give children and parents the support they need to flourish.”
Community groups, charities and local organisations can apply for a grant of up to £10,000 through the Safe and Sound Communities Fund. To apply, visit: Safe and Sound Communities Fund – Northamptonshire Police & Fire Commissioner
To learn more about the Commissioner’s initiatives, visit: The Northamptonshire’s Women’s Charter or the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s Early Intervention work.
Tracey Hamilton, Chief Executive Officer of The Spring Charity
