Hope Prevails Preston

17/03/2026

📱Our domestic abuse helpline is open for those who need it. Call for a direct line to speak to one of our team to access our services or for advice and information.
🗨If the helpline is not open you can still call to leave a voicemail for us to get back to you too provided it is safe
❗If you are in immediate danger always contact the police on 999 or call 999 55 if you are unable to speak.

08/03/2026

A few words today from our CEO Gemma Roberts on 🌍 International Women’s Day 🌎

"A Call to Action, Not Just Celebration

Today, I reflect on the incredible strength and resilience of women and girls, especially those whose voices are too often silenced by fear, inequality, and violence.

Working in the domestic abuse sector means I see both the courage it takes to rebuild a life, and the stark reality that our systems and structures still fail so many.

This day is not just about celebration. It’s also about recognising the work still ahead to correct the deeply rooted power imbalances that shape women’s experiences across the world.

Gender inequality is not an abstract issue, it is lived every day. It shapes safety, opportunity, freedom, and wellbeing.

💜 We all have a role in changing this💜

And that must include men.

Male allyship is not optional, it is essential. We need more men actively challenging harmful behaviours, examining their own power and privilege, standing up in uncomfortable moments, and choosing to be part of the solution.

Equality cannot be achieved by women alone.

To all the women doing the work, professionally, personally, loudly, quietly?

🧶Your impact matters, you are incredible 🧶

To the men who are showing up?

🙏Keep going; we need you, you are valued 🙏

And to all who believe in a safer, fairer world?

🙌 Let’s turn today’s messages into everyday action 🙌

Here’s to a future where balance, safety, and equality aren’t aspirations but realities."

Hope Prevails Preston asks you to join us in celebrating all of our incredible women and girls in our city, today and every day 🧶

28/02/2026

Supporting someone living with domestic abuse means respecting their choices, listening without judgement, and helping them stay as safe and supported as possible.
💜 Everyone’s situation is complex, and they are the expert in their own life.

27/02/2026

So pleased to be able to announce our strengthened partnership with Preston City Council to improve our Sanctuary Scheme Service offer 🙏

It's a pioneering role which is hoped will provide real, in time outcomes for survivors across our city 🧶💕🏠

📢 NEWS: Preston Sanctuary Scheme Helps Domestic Abuse Victims Stay Safe in Their Homes.

Preston City Council and Hope Prevails Preston (Formerly Preston Domestic Violence Service) have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting victims of domestic abuse with the continued delivery of the Preston Sanctuary Scheme, a partnership initiative designed to help individuals remain safe in their own homes rather than being forced to flee due to violence or threats.

New funding has been secured to recruit a dedicated post to manage and coordinate the scheme, strengthening the support available to victims across the city. This role will ensure faster responses, improved communication with partners, and a more accessible service for those in need.

Read more, link in comments 👇

26/02/2026

Listen. Believe. Protect. Support.
💜 If someone you know is experiencing abuse, your response could help save their life.

25/02/2026

🥳🥳We've been shortlisted for some awards! 🥳🥳

We're used to championing our survivors and their successes, it can feel slightly trickier when we're shouting about the recognition we receive for our work here in Preston.

But we are so honoured to have been shortlisted in not one but TWO categories in the upcoming Proud Preston Awards 🥳😱

Our incredible volunteer counsellor Theresa for "Volunteer of the Year"

"Theresa offers compassionate counselling, unwavering dedication, and transformative support, empowering survivors with safety, hope and trust while strengthening our domestic abuse service daily." 💕

And our indomitable CEO Gemma Roberts for Charity Hero of the Year.

"Gemma has transformed Preston’s domestic abuse support in under a year, pioneering inclusive services, cross-agency collaboration and community advocacy to keep survivors safe and elevate VAWG issues locally"

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone that has nominated us. To be on the same list as some absolute powerhouses in the third sector in Preston means the absolute world 💕

Gemma says:

"When I started in my post as CEO for Hope Prevails Preston in May last year, I wasn't ready for how much impact our small but mighty team was going to be able to have in such a short space of time.

But it's because we've been loud. Loud about reaching out, loud about the lack of support that is available for the people in our city, and REALLY loud about finding collaborative solutions rather than keep trying to fight the wave of violence and abuse in silo and silence.

To even be shortlisted is wonderful (I'm astounded anyone even nominated me to be honest. Being loud means you make people feel uncomfortable because we've not been getting it right for survivors and I'm building a reputation in saying so to anyone who will listen - and those who won't 😉)

I care that survivors are really starting to get the support they need and deserve.

And we're STILL not getting it right, but we're on a clearer track now than we were last year, and I'm so SO grateful for the team around me out there Every.Single.Day. providing that vital support, listening and holding space. Providing safety more intentionally now than ever before."

We've only just started 🙏💪❤️‍🩹🧶

The awards event takes place at Barton Manor Hotel and Spa on 19th March. If you want to come along and see what makes Preston Proud, get your tickets here:

Proud Preston Awards 2026

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/proud-preston-awards-2026-tickets-1977699361027?aff=ebdsshother&utm_share_source=listing_android

Preston City Council Blog Preston Lancashire Post

24/02/2026

Last call – Recovery Toolkit starts this Friday.

If you have experienced domestic abuse and want practical tools to help you move forward, this group is here to support you.

Recovery Toolkit begins Friday, 27th, 10 –12:30, and runs for 12 weeks.

This is a structured, supportive group designed to help you strengthen your confidence, emotional wellbeing, and sense of stability after abuse.

Together we will explore:

• How domestic abuse can impact emotions, behaviour, and self-belief
• Recognising patterns and triggers
• Building healthier coping strategies
• Strengthening boundaries and decision-making
• Practical tools to support recovery and resilience

This is about understanding what happened, how it has affected you, and learning strategies that help you feel stronger and more in control of your future.

It is a safe weekly space with others who are also rebuilding.
Time to understand.
Time to strengthen.
Time to move forward.

The group is free and available for people living in Preston. The abuse can be current or from the past.

If you would like to join, please complete the referral form in the comments below or call our helpline on 01772 201601.

24/02/2026

Last call – 'Rebalanced & Reconnected Parenting - after abuse' starts this Thursday for mums.

If you are parenting after domestic abuse and things feel tense, loud or overwhelming at home, this group is here to support you.

Rebalanced & Reconnected Parenting begins Thursday, 26th February, 10–12:30, and runs for 10 weeks.

This is a practical and supportive group for mums who want home to feel calmer and more connected.

Together we will explore:

• Why your child’s behaviour can feel so big.
• How abuse can affect confidence and reactions.
• Ways to respond without shouting or shutting down.
• How to rebuild trust and connection.
• Simple tools to help you stay steady in tough moments.

You will learn how to regulate yourself first, so you can support your child with more clarity and confidence.

It is a safe weekly space with other mums who understand. Time to learn. Time to reflect. Time to build something stronger for you and your family.

The group is free and available for people living in Preston. The abuse can be current or from the past.

If you would like to join, please complete the referral form in the comments below or call our helpline on 01772 201601.

23/02/2026

Hugest shout out to Felicity Pryke who has just donated the proceeds from a book she has recently written to support our work here at Hope Prevails Preston.

In a message from our CEO, Gemma Roberts, she says:

"I'd like to express our gratitude to Felicity for generously donating the proceeds from her book Walk the Walk. Felicity’s book charts her extraordinary six‑day, 127 mile journey along the Leeds -Liverpool Canal, weaving together the physical challenge with powerful reflections on resilience, community, and living life with intention. Her story is both inspiring and deeply aligned with our mission to support those rebuilding their lives after abuse. We wholeheartedly encourage everyone to buy Walk the Walk, not only to enjoy an uplifting and thought‑provoking read, but also to support the vital work we do for survivors in our community".

You can buy a copy of Walk the Walk here https://findingfelicity.co.uk/walk-the-walk/

21/02/2026

Some great events happening in Preston with the amazing Connect Your Community LSCft at The Harris in Preston 🌅

16/02/2026

Healing after domestic abuse can take time and often survivors may need various different types of support through their journey.

We offer free, confidential, 12-week person-centred counselling for survivors of domestic abuse, providing a safe and supportive space to talk, process and begin to heal from what has happened.

Call our helpline today to gain access to our services on 01772 201601 or fill out our self referral form online (link in comments)