The Minister for Local Government and Social Justice Carl Sargeant is in Carmarthenshire today to officially open the Llanelli Women’s Aid new One Stop Shop which will offer support, advice and information for victims of domestic violence.
The aim of the centre, known as ‘1 Info’, is to provide information on issues associated with domestic abuse including legal advice, support with relocation and housing issues, debt advice, benefits, returning to work, health, drug and alcohol problems. The building has been designed to ensure concerned visitors can talk to experts in safe, comfortable and confidential surroundings.
The Minister said:
“I am very pleased to be here today to officially open this Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop. I know that everybody involved in the project is excited to be working from a dedicated building that is fit for purpose; one that is innovatively supported by the internet café in an excellent location.
“The quality of this refurbishment project is impressive, and I am sure we would all agree that being able to deliver services in warm environments such as this is key to promoting dignity and respect for victims of Domestic Abuse.”
The centre was made possible thanks to a £108,000 grant from the Welsh Assembly Government for the purchase of the building and conversion to a shop and Internet Café. An additional £20,000 revenue funding was awarded in 2010/11 to enable the employment of a full time support worker.
The name ‘1 info’ was derived from the figures from ONS which revealed that one in four women experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.
The shop is staffed and supported by caring professionals and specially trained Domestic Abuse staff who can provide expert advice and assistance to anyone who wants help or advice. ‘1 info’will hold surgeries with various organisations including the police, solicitors, health professionals, debt professionals, benefits etc on a weekly basis, providing additional support services in the community.
The Minister also took the opportunity to highlight the Assembly Government’s commitment to tackling domestic abuse by ensuring that the budget for core services in this area is protected from cuts in 2010/11 and 2011/12.
He added:
“This investment signals that, even in these difficult economic times, we remain determined to ensure victims of domestic abuse are supported here in Llanelli and across Wales.”
