A COMMUNITY group based in Newton Abbot helping victims of domestic and sexual abuse has been granted almost £50,000 in Lottery funding.

Pheonix Rising received news that the not-for-profit organisation had been awarded the cash for its work supporting female survivors.

The money will be used to run free recovery courses, one-to-one advice sessions, and peer support groups with Teignbridge and Torbay.

Running since 2020, Phoenix Rising has grown and is now staffed by one full-time worker, two directors and more than six volunteers.

It was founded by Claire Knight, who is based at Well Being Action charity in Newton Abbot, when she realised that the community was struggling with the rise in domestic abuse since the pandemic.

She wanted to provide recovery to survivors and support her local community.

One survivor who is now a volunteer says: ‘Claire taught me that it wasn’t all my fault, that I have nothing to feel ashamed of.

‘She explained how I reacted to abuse by being quiet and small was a normal bodily protective measure, now I get it and I am starting to be more assertive and have a voice.’

The group now runs online courses, face-to-face courses and the new accredited courses where survivors can gain an award in mental health awareness, healthy relationships, developing resilience and developing confidence.

Claire said: ‘All the services provided will help women recover, find their identity, build strong health relationships and be part of a growing community.

‘We’re delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way. Now, thanks to National Lottery players we will be able to press on with our plans to develop our service even further and broaden the range of opportunities available to female survivors of domestic abuse.

‘This is important because it helps raise awareness of abuse, strengthen communities and decrease isolation for survivors.

‘Our aim is to campaign and fight for survivors of abuse and support them to make positive lasting change and end the cycle of abuse.’

The charity also offers art therapy, fitness, and peer support to help women heal from domestic abuse.

The new funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, which distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes and is the largest community funder in the UK, will see Phoenix Rising provide seven courses in 2024.

Three of these will be accredited courses, online support courses to offer support where there is a gap in services and work closely in collaboration with other amazing charities and CICs in the local area to offer a wide service to all survivors.

At the same time, the group will be able to press on with plans to work on essential organisational development to build strong governance, foundation and sustainability.

This will help Phoenix Rising CIC develop and strengthen leadership, build collaborative partnerships, enhance operational efficiency, strengthen communication channels between survivors and the community, and the implementation of organisational development initiatives working closely with stakeholders.