Families in Greater London affected by domestic violence are to receive more help thanks to an initiative called The Anchor Project which has now been awarded a second tranche of funding of £634,000.

The City of London Corporation’s charity, City Bridge Trust, is in a partnership with Buttle UK, the largest children’s grant-giving organisation in the UK, to give individual grants to children and families who have experienced domestic abuse. The aim is to provide children of affected families with financial support to recover from the trauma and upheaval they have experienced.With the success of the project so far, Buttle UK and City Bridge Trust want more people who are in serious need and who could benefit from the help on offer to come forward. They can apply for a grant through a relevant support agency working with the family such as refuges, tenancy support or social services. For more information they can contact Buttle UK on T. 020 7828 7311 or through their website anchor@buttleuk.org.

Since the partnership between City Bridge Trust and Buttle UK was launched in May 2014,

with an initial amount of £470,000, some 70 grants have been awarded across the capital, averaging £1,400 per grant. Buttle UK can award grants up to £2,000 to each family which can cover the cost of support tailored to meet the physical, emotional and developmental needs of the child or young person.

These grants can be individually-tailored packages consisting of such items as children’s beds and bedroom furniture as well as counselling, play therapy, educational toys, swimming lessons, school support or after-school activity clubs which can help children overcome their problems which, in turn, improves their wellbeing and confidence.

Domestic violence accounts for 29 per cent of violent crime in Greater London and one in seven children and young people will have lived with domestic violence at some point during their childhood*.

Research undertaken by Buttle UK has shown that children and young people who have suffered domestic abuse can have high levels of anxiety, trauma and stress. When moving home or leaving a refuge, they need help to recover.

Jeremy Mayhew, Chairman of the City Bridge Trust, says: “Every year, domestic violence affects a large number of families. Children and young people are especially vulnerable,yet their needs are often overlooked. Our continuing partnership with Buttle UK seeks to address this serious need, extending vital support to more Londoners. Buttle UK not only supports families who have experienced domestic violence, but also helps them to rebuild their lives.”

Gerri McAndrew, Chief Executive, Buttle UK, adds: “The impact of domestic violence can be financially devastating for those affected. Trauma and upheaval are common for families who are leaving abusive relationships and, in many cases, have to leave their possessions behind.

“The partnership between City Bridge Trust and Buttle UK is beginning to make a real difference to affected families but we want to do more. With the second tranche of funding now having been received, we want to reach more people in Greater London, particularly in deprived areas, who could benefit from our help for families with young people affected by domestic abuse.”

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