During the pandemic cases of domestic abuse rose significantly across the country and it is recognised that cases in rural areas can last up to 25% longer than in urban areas. This project enables Acorns to maintain their current provision within the Northumberland Recovery Service and continue to provide direct service delivery in response to issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic, and the associated rise in domestic abuse.

Acorns is experienced at offering a range of services for children and young people aged 4-25, their non-abusing carers and other family members including: counselling and play; music and art therapy; practical and well-being support; and outreach services, Children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse may have a lowered sense of self-worth, and show lack of confidence and low self- esteem. They may also suffer from physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach aches, and bed wetting which can lead to more serious illnesses.

The recovery progamme will provide therapeutic support for 100-120 children and young people in Northumberland over 8-10 weeks enabling them to move forward with their lives in a positive way.

Cases of domestic abuse remain high and this project is supporting Acorns to reduce waiting list times as well as improving their ability to see children from the same family ‘in tandem’; therefore offering them a better service.