North West charity, Local Solutions has taken over the management of the domestic violence project ‘Worst Kept Secret’, and is now based at the charity’s Homeground building on Scotland Road.

David Ellis Community Sector Manager from Local Solutions, said “This project is playing a vital role in addressing domestic violence across Merseyside and Local Solutions are very excited to add the WKS to its portfolio” David extended a warm welcome to the existing team and praised their commitment to the project, David added “We are all looking forward to developing a comprehensive range of initiatives to assist those who all those affected by the issue of Domestic Violence.”

Originally part of the Merseyside ‘Zero Tolerance’ initiative, the project aims to reduce domestic violence through a number of services. A main area of work carried out by the project is the provision of a confidential, free help line, which not only offers a listening ear but also offers advocacy, information to both survivors and agencies. Worst Kept Secret is the referral agency for accessing target hardening and Lifeline Alarms from VNC Lifeline. Project Co-ordinator Colette Rice said,

“We are very excited about the new move and look forward to the future working as part of Local Solutions providing this essential service. The main obstacle in our work is letting people know we are here; each year there are thousands of people affected by domestic violence who don’t know who they can turn to for help.”

For general enquiries about the project please contact Bridget West on 0151 330 2013. The helpline number, which is free, confidential and doesn’t show up on bills (excluding mobiles) is 0800 028 3398 or minicom 0800 028 3397.