NTHNHS | Health and Wellbeing Magazine - Issue 2, December 2021

MEET OUR: independent domestic violence advocate

In October, the Trust said a warm welcome to independent domestic violence advocate Kelly Thomson and she has already received a positive response from staff.

Employed by Harbour – a Hartlepool-based organisation which provides support to individuals and families affected by domestic abuse – Kelly is on a two year secondment with our Trust to help and support those who may be experiencing domestic abuse at home.

Working alongside the adult safeguarding team, she provides instant intervention if a colleague has a concern about a patient or if they have disclosed domestic abuse. However, she is also here to offer confidential support to staff as well.

Whether you would like some guidance on spotting signs of domestic abuse, advice on how to support those experiencing domestic abuse or if you would like some support yourself, Kelly is making herself available.

Kelly said: “I’m here for the patients. But I’m also here for any staff who may be experiencing domestic abuse.

“If a staff member would like support for themselves, or advice for a loved one, this will be done in the strictest confidence.

“It doesn’t matter what job role you’re in, what gender you are, what your ethnicity is. I’m here for you.”

Our Trust is a safe space. If you’re a colleague experiencing domestic abuse, please know that you are safe to speak up, you will be heard and you will be supported.

For confidential help and support regarding domestic abuse, please get in touch with Kelly on:

EMAIL:

kelly.thomson10@nhs.net

PHONE:

07789 506664