Free, confidential advice sessions for people affected by domestic abuse will continue throughout 2026 following a highly successful first year.
Held at Penrith Library on the first Monday of each month from 10am to 3pm, the drop-in sessions are open to anyone aged 16 or over, whether seeking support for themselves or guidance on behalf of a friend, relative or colleague.
Since launching in early 2025 to fill a clear gap in provision in the Eden area, the Council-led service has supported many people and their families.
Attendees have received specialist help from Victim Support and Council professionals, including safety planning, accessing health services, exploring safe accommodation, understanding legal protections, identifying long-term support options and navigating the criminal justice system.
The free service will continue in 2026 and hopes to provide vital domestic abuse support to even more individuals and families.
Victim Support, which has worked with the Council to deliver the service this year, will continue its involvement and from January 2026, Kendal-based domestic abuse charity Springfield will also join the partnership, bringing additional expertise for people affected by domestic abuse.
On the first Monday of each month (with the exception of Tuesday 5 May to avoid the Bank Holiday) people can turn up at Penrith Library anytime between 10am and 3pm and ask for Alice where you will then be taken to a private room to talk confidentially with a Domestic Abuse Specialist.
The confirmed 2026 dates are: 5 January, 2 February, 2 March, 6 April, 5 May, 1 June, 6 July, 3 August, 7 September, 5 October, 2 November and 7 December.
Delivering this support in Eden directly reflects the Council’s duty under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 to assess local need and ensure appropriate services are in place. It also aligns with our wider ambition to create safer, more resilient communities by ensuring that victims and survivors can access the help they need close to home.
Councillor Judith Derbyshire, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety “This is welcome news as we head into the festive period, a time when we sadly see domestic abuse cases rise sharply.
“We introduced this support because there was a clear gap in provision in Eden, and too many people were being left without accessible help. We know there is still more to do, but this is an important step.
“Through working together with Victim Support and Springfield to provide free advice at Penrith Library throughout 2026, we are ensuring that individuals and families can get the specialist, face-to-face support they need, close to home, and at a time when they may feel most alone.
“We are committed to building on this work and strengthening support across the area in the months and years ahead.”
Beth Scott, Domestic Abuse Team Leader at Victim Support, said: “We are an independent service that provides support to victims or witnesses of crime, whether it has been reported or not. Our team includes specialist domestic abuse workers who can provide advice, emotional and practical support, and safety planning.
“We are happy to be involved in the project at Penrith library in order to reach the isolated population of Penrith, Eden and beyond. We are available at the sessions to offer our knowledge and expertise to the community, whether you are a victim yourself or concerned about someone else.
“If you need to speak to Victim Support outside the library drop ins our mainline is 0300 30 30 157 and we are open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.”
Tori O’Callaghan, Chief Executive Officer of Springfield Domestic Abuse Support, said: “Springfield is a local grassroots charity who have been providing specialist domestic abuse support since 1915, they have a refuge for women and children, a male safe accommodation service as well as community support including therapeutic recovery work.
“Springfield are pleased to support the Eden drop-in sessions, these sessions are vital to ensure that Eden residents have the same access to specialist support as the rest of the County.”
In an emergency, if someone is at risk or a crime is in progress, always dial 999.