Lifesaving work in Ipswich and Suffolk has been given a helping hand with thousands of pounds of Government cash.
The Government grants have been awarded to Lighthouse Women’s Aid and the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality (ISCRE).
The ISCRE received £386,400, which will be used to develop a buddy scheme. The scheme will involve training people who volunteer their time to listen to and support people who have been victims of racial or hate crimes.
Jane Basham, chief executive of ISCRE, said: “I am convinced that this incredibly welcome funding from the Ministry of Justice will be a lifesaver here in Suffolk.
“By developing the trained Buddy system, more victims of racist, homophobic and other hate crimes will get the support, solidarity and sense of safety needed to help them rebuild their lives as valued and equal citizens.
“Hate crimes ruin people’s lives and without this network of specialist voluntary helpers, some victims may never recover.”
Lighthouse Women’s Aid received £370,000 to provide an Independent Domestic Violence Advisors Service in courts across Ipswich, Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds.
Jacqui Worbey, community services manager at Lighthouse Women’s Aid, said the group would now be able to have a full-time worker to help victims of domestic violence.
She added: “There is already a lot of good work being done but this funding will enhance that. It’s really good news – it means we can extend the services we offer even more.”
The funding is part of a £30 million Government scheme to support organisations that support victims at their most vulnerable.