A new multi-agency virtual drop-in centre launches to support women experiencing violence during the pandemic

by | Jan 25, 2021 | News | 0 comments

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, ON – On January 25th, Thrive Northumberland is re-launching its weekly drop-in centre for women and children impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault or trafficking. 

The service provides immediate, real-time support to survivors.  One conversation connects women, children and youth with a network of community-based professionals from Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre, PARN, Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, Highland Shores Children’s Aid Society, Northumberland County Community & Social Services, The Help Centre, Northumberland Community Counselling Centre. Peterborough Women’s Health Care Centre’s Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Nurse and FourCast Addictions Services.

“In an effort to enhance our services during COVID-19 and beyond, we are introducing a virtual support component to our drop-in centre in an effort to meet women where they are,” says Nicole Beatty, Project Consultant for Thrive Northumberland.   “Women and female-identifying persons in distress, in crisis or in need of a free consultation or youth looking to access resources can connect with frontline workers in a matter of seconds.”

Thrive is open and online every Monday from 9am to 12pm.  From crisis counselling to harm reduction; income and employment support to shelter information; children’s services to housing services; family court support to safety planning, women, children and youth will have direct access to the help they need to feel safe and supported.

Women, children and youth who have experienced or who are experiencing abuse can connect with Thrive on Monday mornings through:

  • Text: 289.677.5510
  • Webchat: thrivenorthumberland.com
  • Walk-in: 40 Swayne St., Cobourg (COVID-19 safety protocols in place)

“At Thrive, we listen to women.  We aim to remove barriers to support and with our virtual service we hope to be able to reach out to more women and children, in particular those living in rural and remote Northumberland,” Beatty says.  “Our coalition of service providers are here to help survivors thrive, heal and recover.”

For more information about Thrive and its virtual drop-in centre visit https://thrivenorthumberland.com/online-chat-text-support/