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Our blog

A Message from our Chief Executive Mandy Proctor

22 March 2017
Mandy Proctor image

It is fantastic to have the opportunity to write to our supporters, and it has been something that I have been keen to do for a while. For those that don’t know, I am Mandy Proctor, Chief Executive of Leeway. Hopefully in my blogs I can offer an insight into the work we do and talk about our exciting plans in the upcoming months.

I have recently been focusing on raising awareness of the issue of domestic abuse through the local media. I hope that this will reach people in the community who need support and guidance at a time of crisis by letting them know that Leeway services are here for them if needed.


Successful Bids to Secure Funding


We were delighted to hear recently that some of Norfolk’s local councils have been successful in their bid to secure funding to support those experiencing domestic abuse. 


Norwich City Council received slightly under £100,000, whilst a joint bid from the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, Breckland District Council, and North Norfolk District Council received £100,000.


This money will allow us to deliver our services in partnership with these councils, making a difference to the people we support in those areas of Norfolk and helping people to make positive changes in their lives. It will allow us to:

  • Employ Specialist Case Workers, who will provide specialist support on mental health issues and substance misuse. 
  • Provide Extra Bed Space for people with no recourse to public funds. 
  • Introduce a Rent Guarantee Scheme, allowing us to help our service users into housing after their stay at one of our safe houses.

The work we do is crucial and, like any charity, we rely on funding and the generosity of the public to help to run our services. It is pleasing that, even in a time of economic uncertainty, the government remain committed to supporting those experiencing domestic abuse.


Partnerships with Beau Hair & Beauty and Staff Call


You may have read all about our partnership with Beau Hair and Beauty in the local media lately, and it was very pleasing to see a business go the extra mile to help their customers. 


I want to praise Rachel Buck, the owner, for taking this stance and hope that other business owners follow her lead to help us to raise awareness of domestic abuse and enable those who need help to access it. 


We recently launched our very first Business Breakfast session, on March 15th. Hopefully these sessions will encourage other businesses and companies to follow the example of Beau Hair and Beauty.


I think it is really important that employers are aware of the impact domestic abuse can have and are able to fully support their colleagues and clients, by sign posting them to get help as soon as possible.


I am delighted we’re involved with this wonderful opportunity to work together to ensure people can access support at such a difficult time in their lives and hopefully before there is a risk of significant harm to them and/or their children.


We have also been chosen as charity of the year by Staff Call a local recruitment agency and we really look forward to working alongside Staff Call and Beau Hair and Beauty throughout the year.


Upcoming Events


We have some fantastic fundraising events organised which we would love you and your family and friends to come along and support us. Your support makes such a difference to people’s lives.


Further details can be found on our Events page or via our Newsletter. Contact fundraising@leewaynwa.org.uk to join our mailing list.


Thank You for Your Support


Finally, I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank everyone that has supported Leeway no matter how big or small and in many different ways, it is so gratefully appreciated as this allows us to continue to offer a high-quality service to those that need us. 


Best wishes


You can follow Mandy on Twitter @MandyCEO.