NEWSROOM

At the Full Council meeting on Thursday 13 November 2025, councillors unanimously passed a motion reaffirming their commitment to the Domestic Abuse Strategy 2023-2025, pledging to improve access to safe accommodation, counselling and legal support for victims and survivors, and ensuring sustained funding for domestic abuse services in the 2025/26 Council Budget.

White Ribbon is the world's largest movement of men and boys working to end male violence against women and girls. The campaign encourages men to pledge never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women. It is followed by the 16 Days of Action which brings together organisations, communities and individuals to raise awareness, challenge attitudes and promote support services for those affected by domestic abuse and gender-based violence.

This year's campaign demonstrates the power of partnership working, with Telford & Wrekin Council collaborating with local organisations including West Mercia Women's Aid, Axis Counselling, West Mercia Police, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin NHS Trust, Loudmouth Theatre Company, Telford College, AFC Telford United, and Shropshire European Organisation to deliver a comprehensive programme of awareness-raising activities.

The cross-community approach ensures that support reaches people at every stage of their lives – from primary school children learning about healthy relationships and personal safety, to adults accessing specialist support services, and communities coming together to challenge attitudes that allow abuse to persist.

Councillor Kelly Middleton, Cabinet Member for Public Health & Healthier Communities, said: "Domestic abuse affects far too many people in our community, and we have a collective responsibility to stand up and say that violence against women and girls will not be tolerated.

“This campaign is about more than awareness – it's about action. By bringing together our Council services, health partners, voluntary organisations, schools, sports clubs and businesses, we're creating a network of support that reaches into every corner of our borough.

“Whether someone is experiencing abuse and needs help, or they're learning for the first time how to recognise the signs and speak up, our message is clear: Love Shouldn't Hurt, and help is available."

The borough-wide programme of events includes:

25 November

• 10am-4pm – Hospital awareness stalls at Princess Royal Hospital (Women & Children's Atrium/Foyer) featuring Women's Aid information, white ribbons, posters and attendance by Trust White Ribbon Champion. The Hospital Independent Domestic Violence Advisor will also hosting stands at both RSH and PRH throughout December.

26 November

• Axis Counselling delivering awareness session to NHS team, mental health nurses and other healthcare professionals, covering sexual violence/abuse.

27 November

• 4:00pm-5:00pm – Community walk and talk with West Mercia Police at Telford Town Park (route to be specified). Officers will discuss concerns with women in the public about general safety, ASB, sexual offences and domestic abuse offences, and promote Clare's Law.
• Axis Counselling delivering 3-hour CPD-approved Introduction to Sexual Violence session via Teams.

2 December

• 9am-10:30am – Axis Counselling delivering awareness session for mixed professionals via Teams (register via Eventbrite).
• 10am-1pm – Older people's drop-in/awareness session featuring West Mercia Women's Aid Extra Care Scheme at Lightmoor, raising awareness of violence against women and girls within the older people's cohort.
• Loudmouth Theatre Company delivering 'Helping Hands' sessions at local primary schools, raising awareness of staying safe, domestic abuse and inappropriate touch.

3 December

• Telford College hosting CUT IT OUT campaign pop-up throughout the day. The campaign recognises that hairdressers, barbers and beauty therapists are in a position of privilege with their clients – working physically close to them and often being someone trusted to confide in. The college will promote the campaign across hair and beauty departments and on screens around campus, distribute white ribbons to staff and students, and share VAWG and tackling misogyny videos as part of weekly tutorial programme.

4 December

• 10am-4pm – West Mercia Women's Aid and Cranstoun pop-up stall at Southwater Christmas Market, raising awareness of domestic abuse services and Violence Against Women and Girls.

5 December

• 11am-2pm – The Women's Aid Hospital Independent Domestic Violence Advisor will be hosting pop-up stall at Princess Royal Hospital main entrance to share information, promote the service and provide space for discussions of domestic abuse with staff and public.
• 11:30am-3pm – West Mercia Women's Aid Young Person's Prevention Team hosting stall at Telford College lunchtime, raising awareness of violence against women and girls within the younger people's cohort.
• 2pm-4pm – A Better Tomorrow and Telford and Wrekin Domestic Abuse Homelessness team will hold a joint coffee and crafts afternoon at the Park Lane Centre, Woodside.

6 December

• 1pm-3pm – Shropshire European Organisation, with the attendance of the Domestic Abuse Homelessness team, are hosting a cake and coffee morning at Turreff Hall.
• 2pm-3pm – AFC Telford United hosting multiple activities including hosting the Axis Counselling and The Wrekin Housing Group stand at match day game.

8 December

• Loudmouth Theatre Company delivering 'Helping Hands' session at local primary school, raising awareness of staying safe, domestic abuse and inappropriate touch.

9 December

• 1:30pm-4:00pm/4:30pm – The Night-time Economy team will be leading on raising awareness of spiking by handing out anti-spiking bottle tops and glass covers, supporting pubs and bars in raising awareness to support women and girls' safety.

10 December – Final Day

• 9:30am-12:30pm – Axis Counselling delivering Tier 2 Introduction to Sexual Violence/Abuse sessions.
• 11am-2pm – Women's Aid Hospital Independent Domestic Violence Advisor hosting a final pop-up stall at Princess Royal Hospital main entrance.

All events are subject to change via their host organisation.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse:

• Call West Mercia Women's Aid 24-hour helpline: 0800 980 3331
• In an emergency, call 999
• For non-emergency police matters, call 101
• Visit our website at www.telford.gov.uk/da