Brief
Phoenix Domestic Abuse Services (Phoenix DAS) is a highly successful charity that uses a variety of methods to end all forms of domestic abuse. Since its inception in 2002, the service has received over 9000 referrals and currently works with more than 50 partner organisations. The service is forward thinking and adopts a restorative, person centered and holistic approach to all areas of its work. This is unusual within the field but is based on the strong belief that all people are capable of change given the right motivation, support and practical assistance. We consider recruitment critically, only selecting those who truly share in our passion, values and beliefs. We, and others who encounter our service, recognize that our people make us distinctive, innovative and ground breaking within the field. Over the years Phoenix DAS has listened to the needs of clients and constantly fought to create a service which creates real change. As a result the service has gone from strength to strength and currently employs over 16 staff over a variety of skills area.
Our Vision
Our Mission
Our Core Values
History / Timeline
Trustee board set up and constitution signed as Blaenau Gwent Domestic Abuse Services. First premises secured at Bethcar Street Ebbw Vale
Co-ordinator funded through Welsh Assembly Government
June – Start of operation – first referrals taken by Victim Safety Team.
July – Steering group set up ran for approximately 6 months members included Gwent Police, Social services and Women’s Aid
June – First Administration and Finance Officer employed Funded by Community Fund (lottery).
October – Moved premises to Bailey Street, Brynmawr
March – became a registered charity number 1112039
Pilot programme carried out using NLP and ear acupuncture funded by social risk fund (European funding). March – Victim Safety Officer attended IDVA training
September – Programme Officer employed – funded through Big Lottery.
Began using Modus an electronic based case management system
January – Additional Victim Safety Officer employed. First Social Work Student placement
January – Moved to Phoenix House in Blaina – funding to purchase and renovate the building provided by Welsh Assembly Government.
May – Youth Support Officer employed
September – BGDAS reached the finals of the National Lottery Good Causes Awards, which included public voting and the service being filmed for promotional purposes.
Independent evaluation completed by Dr Jane Monkton Smith.
BGDAS chosen as the only project in Wales to be part of a Home Office pilot into the use of Participatory Budgeting and Positive Deviance on gender based violence March – First ‘Your Choice, Your Voice’ participatory budgeting event held, engaging with more than 400 community members December – Perpetrator Officer and Children’s Support Officer employed funded through Big Lottery”
First perpetrator programme started
BGDAS entered into a service level agreement with BGCBC to carry out the role of DV co-ordinator
Diary room purchased through Innovation Fund
Second ‘Your Choice Your Voice’ event held funded by the Home Offices’ Innovation Fund.
BGDAS key partner in Pathfinder Project with the Project Manager being the lead officer for perpetrator work and community engagement.
Changed name to Gwent Domestic Abuse Services to reflect the growing area the service covered.
Carried out a development programme with BGCBC staff around the new DA workplace Policy.
Entered into a service level agreement with CCBC to provide the Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator function and to employ the One Stop Shop Manager – this was a temporary arrangement which lasted for around two years.
Youth Respect Project started funded by Welsh Assembly Government’s Youth Crime Prevention Fund. GDAS received 5 awards at the pathfinder regional DA awards.
Youth Respect Pilot evaluated by Dr Joanne Payton and Dr Amanda Robinson. Funding secured from Lloyds Foundation to secure admin support role
Respect ‘Safe Minimum Practice’ accreditation achieved
This was a difficult year at GDAS with all staff hours reduced and the service operating at a reduced level.
Funding secured from Gwent police and Crime Commissioner to continue a Perpetrator Programme until funding processes were complete.
Service level agreement entered into with Torfaen County Borough Council to provide the IDVA service to the area on a temporary basis until a regional IDVA service was set up
Successful application to Esmee Fairbairn Foundation to progress a research programme into the effects of co gendered facilitation team on programmes for victims.
Funding secured from: Comic Relief, Big Lottery, Children in Need, Tudor Trust and Garfield Weston to continue all services and expand staff team to required levels.
Introduction of new structure with teams and managers.
Development work undertaken with trustee board.
Change of name to Phoenix Domestic Abuse Services, this was in response to continued confusion of the service with Gwent Drugs and Alcohol Services (GDAS). Became a company limited by guarantee.
Launch Event held.
A year of fundraising by our wonderful Thrive group – all ex service users who wanted to support the service and help others.
Phoenix appeared on a national Television broadcast of Panorama, which explored ‘Can violent men ever change’
CEO also talked to Eddie Nestor on BBC Radio London about our perpetrator work and the feature on BBC Panorama”
Councillor Glyn Morvan (Town Mayor for Nantyglo & Blaina Town Council 2018/19) presenting the proceeds (a fantastic £4050) of his Mayoral Appeal for 2018/19 to his chosen charity – Phoenix Domestic Abuse Services.
Phoenix DAS are winners of The Weston Charity Awards which enabled us to become part of the Pilotlight Programme.
Achieved full Respect accreditation which means the service demonstrated it is safe, effective and accountable and puts the needs of survivors first.
The Reprovide study programme in conjuction with the University of Bristol begins”
Phoenix quickly adapted our work in response to the pandemic, and continued to ensure that service users’ needs were being met and Safety and Risk Reduction remained our priority. On return to the office, changes were made to the building to manage distance working. 2020 saw an expansion in staffing with the new projects within the victim team (Rise and Thrive), and childrens team (Recovery), plus a regional project with the OPCC, as well as an ongoing contract with Caerphilly Services.
2021 saw the start of Phoenix’s 20 year celebrations, with promotional and awareness raising projects throughout the 12 months. Children in Need funding continued to provide childrens recovery services. In this post pandemic environment, we saw lower levels of referrals in some areas of the services. We also experienced some recruitment and retention issues. Management and Trustees worked with consultancy services to review structure etc..
2022 saw Phoenix develop a new logo following work with consultants. This year saw Phoenix launch a new training brochure as well as introducing corporate sponsorship. In response to growing needs amongst our service users, and as a result of the growing cost of living crisis, Phoenix established its own food bag service to provide fresh and tinned produce to all clients.
2023 was another year of growth and innovation for Phoenix Domestic Abuse Services. A new garden and snug area were created, providing a tranquil and welcoming space for service users. This year also marked the launch of CARA, Phoenix achieved renewed Respect Accreditation. The organisation also launched its first-ever Impact Report, showcasing the measurable difference Phoenix has made in the community. Additionally, Phoenix unveiled a bold new strategy to guide the organisation into the future.
