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Support Groups

Support Groups:

The Nelson Trust

The Nelson Trust’s Women’s Community Services span across Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Somerset, Bristol, and Wales. We also have a first-of-its-kind Women’s Centre inside HMP Eastwood Park. Services are trauma-informed, gender responsive, and provide holistic support for women and their families.

Our strength-based and collaborative approach views women as human beings first – not just someone with needs and risks, but someone with strengths, interests, personal experiences and goals.

Each of our clients has their own Keyworker who works with them to co-create a support plan to address their needs. This is achieved through one-to-one sessions, group work and access to specialist service.

Our services are underpinned by a comprehensive support system and methodologies that include assertive outreach, women’s centres, advocacy and support approaches, custody liaison and diversion, prison in-reach and residential treatment.

Throughout the week our Women’s Centres offer a full timetable of activities, including accredited educational courses, workshops, drop-ins and groups, which cover wellbeing, life skills and creative activities. Most of our centres also have onsite creche facilities, showers, washing machines, a garden and café, that are all available for clients to utilise.

 

https://www.nelsontrust.com/womens-centres/

 

https://www.nelsontrust.com/

As Nights Grow Darker: Using Gender Impact Assessments to Protect Female Employees in the Hotel Industry

https://www.hospitalitynet.org/opinion/4129406.html

 

 

 

0808 200 247 – National Domestic Abuse Helpline (UK)

Do you feel unsafe in your own home? Do you feel controlled by your partner?
You are not alone. Discover support and resources here.
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Emotional or Psychological Abuse

Behaviours that harm an individuals self-worth or emotional well-being. This includes verbal abuse, manipulation, intimidation, humiliation, and constant criticism.

Signs:

  • Low self-esteem or self-worth
  • Withdrawal from friends, family, or social activities
  • Displaying anxiety, depression, or excessive fear
  • Changes in sleeping or eating patterns.
What To Do:
  • Recognise that the abuse is not your fault and that you deserve respect.
  • Seek counseling or therapy to rebuild self-esteem and cope with emotional trauma.
  • Connect with support groups or helplines for guidance and support.

Where to get help:

1. Samaritans (UK): 116 123
http://samaritans.org
2. Domestic abuse how to get help
3. National Domestic Abuse Helpline (UK): 0808 2000 247 (24/7 service)

 

 

Physical Abuse

The intentional use of physical force that can result in bodily injury, pain or impairment. This includes actions like hitting, slapping, kicking, burning, strangulation and using weapons.

Signs:

  • Unexplained injuries such as bruises, fractures, burns or bite marks.
  • Frequent absences from work or social events without reasonable explanations.
  • Wearing clothing that is inappropriate for the weather to conceal injuries.
  • Displaying fear or anxiety when asked about injuries.
What To Do:
  • Prioritise your immediate safety, if in danger contact emergency services
  • Document incidents with dates, descriptions or support organisations for assistance.

Where To Get Help:

1. National Domestic Abuse Helpline (UK):  0808 2000 247 (24/7 service)
2. Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service: 01452 726570

https://www.gdass.org.uk

3. Stroud Women’s Refuge: 01453 764385
https://www.stroudwomensrefuge.org

 

Supporting victims of domestic abuse

Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) is a county-wide service designed to reduce the level of domestic abuse and improve the safety of victims and their families.

https://www.gdass.org.uk/

Stroud Women’s Refuge

The path to safety, security & support

For women and children anywhere in the UK

Need help?

If an adult or child is at risk of serious harm, do not delay.

Contact 999 in an emergency

Call Stroud Women’s Refuge

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
01453 764385

24-hour National

Domestic Violence Helpline
0808 2000 247

https://www.stroudwomensrefuge.org/

VAWG

End Violence Against Women

 

https://www.endviolenceagainstwomen.org.uk/

Economic and Financial Abuse

Controlling a person’s financial resources without their consent, limiting their access to money or other financial assets. This can involve withholding money. Preventing someone from working or stealing their funds.

Signs:

  • Restricted access to bank accounts or financial information
  • Being prevented from working or pursuing educational opportunities
  • Accumulation of debt without your knowledge or consent
  • Lack of access to basic necessities despite sufficient household income
What To Do:
  • Seek financial advice to understand your right and options
  • Open a separate bank account if possible to secure your finances
  • Consult legal services for protection and guidance on financial matters.

Where to get help:

1. Surviving Economic Abuse
2. Economic Abuse – Refuge
3. Financial Abuse: What is it? | Age UK
4. Economic Abuse Support

Sexual Abuse

Any non-consensual sexual act or behaviour. This includes unwanted touching, rape, sexual assault, or coercing someone into sexual activities against their will.

Signs:

  • Unexplained injuries in genital areas
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
  • Fear of intimacy or physical contact
  • Displaying anxiety or depression related to sexual activity.
What To Do:
  • Ensure your immediate safety; contact emergency services if necessary
  • Seek medical attention promptly to address any physical injuries or health concerns.
  • Consider reporting the incident to authorities or seeking legal advice.

Where To Get Help:

1. Rape Crisis England & Wales: 0808 802 9999
2. The Survivors Trust
3. 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line
4. Sexual Abuse and Support Campaign | GOV UK

 

Neglect

Failure to provide necessary care, assistance, or attention to someone, leading to harm or distress. This is often seen in caregiving situations, where basic needs like food, shelter, or medical care are withheld.

Signs:

  • Malnutrition or dehydration
  • Poor hygiene or untreated medical conditions
  • Unsafe or unsanitary living conditions
  • Withdrawal from social interactions or activities
What To Do:
  • Report concerns to local adult or child protection services
  • Seek medical attention for any health issues resulting from neglect
  • Connect with social services for support and assistance.

Where to get help:

1. NSPCC: 0808 800 5000
2. Abuse and neglect of Adults Risk | NHS
3. Childline: 0800 1111
4. Protection from abuse and neglect | Age UK
5. Safeguarding adults in need of care and support

Digital or Online Abuse

Involves the use of technology to harass, manipulate, or control someone. This includes cyberstalking, online threats, revenge porn, or tracking someone’s location without consent.

Signs:

  • Your messages, emails, or online accounts are monitored
  • Receiving constant, threatening, or controlling messages
  • Being blackmailed with private or intimate photos
  • Your location is tracked without permission
What To Do:
  • Block and report the abuser on social media and other platforms
  • Change passwords and enable two-factor authentication
  • Document abusive messages or threats for evidence
  • Seek legal advice if digital abuse escalates

Where To Get Help:

1. National Stalking Helpline (UK): 0808 802 0300
2. Revenge Porn Helpline (UK): 0345 600 0459
3. Recognise and get support online and technology abuse

Medical Resources

Breast Cancer:

Cancer Research UK Nurse Helpline:
Breast Cancer Support:
Breast Cancer Now:

Cervical Cancer:

Cancer Research UK:
  • Talks about what cervical cancer is
  • Symptoms
  • Treatment & support
  • Cancer Chat forum & Clinical trial & nurse helpline = 0808 800 4040
NHS Website:
  • Awareness
  • Booking for test
  • Further help & support
  • Appointment & result

Other Resources:

Endometriosis UK:
  • period-related concerns
  • offer a free, confidential helpline, web chat, online community, and support groups. 
  • Phone: 0808 808 2227
Action Fraud:
  • A type of fraud where individuals are deceived into believing they are in a genuine romantic relationship with someone they met online, only to be exploited for financial gain.
  • Fraudsters often build trust over time, using persuasive tactics and fabricated stories to manipulate victims into sending money for various pretexts, such as medical bills or travel costs.
  • Phone (for reporting fraud): 0300 123 2040

Vaccinations:

HPV Vaccination | GOV UK

Resources:

Cirencester Town Council | Community & Friends Group:

Offering comprehensive service details, governance information, event listings, and contact pathways. The council’s mission is to represent local people, manage town services, engage the community positively, and enhance civic life—acting as a responsive, transparent, and inclusive first tier of government.

Cirencester & District Carers Support Group:

Meeting on the second Tuesday of each month from 1pm to 3pm at the Cirencester Baptist church, Chesterton Lane, Cirencester GL71YE. This group provides support for carers, including those caring for individuals with health challenges.

Shine PND support:

Shine offers creative art therapy courses, peer support, and weekly drop-in sessions for mothers dealing with depression, anxiety, isolation, or overwhelm. They operate in Swindon, Cirencester, Dursley, and Gloucester

Cirencester Health Group – Mental Health:

Offers counselling and therapy for a range of mental health concerns. Self-referrals are accepted.

Gloucestershire Carers Hub:

Provides information, advice, and support to unpaid carers throughout Gloucestershire, including Cirencester.

Sequels On Wheels Parents & Toddlers Group:

Squeals on Wheels is a friendly, welcoming toddler group based at Ashcroft Church in Cirencester. It offers a relaxed and playful space for babies and toddlers (ages 0–4) to explore, play, and learn through toys, crafts, books, and singing. The group also provides a supportive environment for parents and carers to connect, chat, and build local friendships. Sessions are fun, affordable, and run weekly during term time—helping little ones develop social skills in a warm, community-driven setting

Quiet Garden Movement – Friends Meeting House

The movement unites over 300 gardens worldwide, offering peaceful settings for personal stillness where everyone is invited—whether you wish to stay for five minutes or an afternoon, alone or in a small group

Epowar App For Women’s Safety:

A free, AI-powered personal safety app designed to protect women and vulnerable individuals during journeys, whether walking, running, or traveling alone. Unlike traditional safety devices, Epowar operates passively in the background, utilizing smartwatch sensors to detect distress and automatically alert emergency contacts without requiring user intervention.

Little Angels Pre-School Toddler Group:

Little Angels aims to provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where young children can grow in confidence, develop socially and emotionally, and begin their early learning journey through play-based experiences. Their goal is to support each child as a unique individual, encouraging curiosity, independence, and positive relationships, while also offering a warm, welcoming space for parents and carers to connect

Pet carers for domestic abuse sufferers

Dogs Trust Freedom

The Dogs Trust Freedom Project is a UK-wide dog fostering service supporting people fleeing domestic abuse by providing temporary, confidential care for their dogs. The “Contact Your Local Freedom Team” page offers region-specific phone numbers and email access to female-only support teams. This ensures survivors can safely arrange care for their pets while seeking refuge. The service is free and includes food, vet care, and regular updates, helping remove a major barrier to leaving an abusive situation. The page also invites professionals and agencies to connect for training, partnership, and referral support.

Refuge

Refuge recognizes that concerns over pet welfare often prevent women and children from escaping abusive situations. Its “What About Pets?” page outlines support options that ensure pets are safely cared for while their owners seek refuge. The page highlights that most refuges cannot accommodate pets, making confidential fostering vital to help survivors leave Pets are treated as family, with all essential provisions covered and placements tailored to individual needs, ensuring emotional reassurance and reducing a key barrier to seeking safety.

Worcestershire County Council

This guidance highlights the critical link between domestic abuse and pet safety, which often delays victims from seeking help. It outlines local and national fostering services designed to support pet owners fleeing abuse. These services remove a major barrier to fleeing abusive situations—concern for pets. By ensuring animals are housed securely, with food, veterinary care, and fostered in safe homes, survivors can access emergency support and safe accommodation without sacrificing their animal companions.

The YOU Trust

This service recognizes the emotional bond between survivors and their pets and removes a significant obstacle—concern for animal welfare—that often prevents victims from seeking refuge. By offering reliable pet care, SIDAS ensures individuals can leave abusive situations with peace of mind, enhancing safety and recovery outcomes.