Story
Dear Community,
The charity RISE, Brighton & Hove's beacon of hope for survivors of domestic abuse needs our help. Sudden, damaging, funding cuts threaten the charity's ability to provide some key services.
The local council's decision came out of the blue, not giving RISE the time to manage the change and secure alternative funding streams.
These cuts represent more than just numbers on a balance sheet. They represent mothers, babies, young children, and vulnerable individuals who are now at risk of being left without a lifeline.
Residents now face reductions in a service while demand has not decreased over the last three years – last year 1300 survivors used their services and on average 12% of clients are LGBT and 91% female.
The grim reality -
£129,681 per year ripped away from RISE's vital services. These funds aren't just figures; they are the difference between safety and danger, between hope and despair:
* CUT - £5,000 for Third Sector Support: Crucial assistance for mothers, babies, and young children, ensuring their safety and well-being.
* CUT - £99,962 for New Burdens: LGBT Dispersed Refuge and Therapeutic Wellbeing support for Women and Children, providing sanctuary and healing for those in need.
* CUT - £24,719 for New Burdens: Changing Futures, offering a lifeline to women with multiple complex needs, including homelessness.
The most alarming part?
£125,000 of these cuts come from 'ringfenced' central government funds dedicated to domestic abuse safe housing under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. This isn't just about budget constraints; it's about failing to uphold our commitment to protect the most vulnerable in our society.
It is a disappointment that Brighton & Hove Council has taken a decision which firstly will reduce vital service provision supporting the delivery of the Domestic Abuse Act, particularly to provide housing support to under-served groups, and secondly this will have a severe impact on the only specialist women’s domestic abuse service in the city.
The Brighton & Hove community's trust in RISE is unwavering. The testimonials speak volumes, echoing the sentiments of one survivor who bravely shared:
"Without RISE, I would be even more broken, and so would my children. Although the light at the end of the tunnel is still a long way away, at least there is light now. Two years ago, there was none."
It is understood that councils up and down the country are having to make very difficult decisions, however, many Councils have opted to honour their commitments and the funding has been ring-fenced, as promised, until March 2025. BHCC has opted to cut this regardless.
As a former service user myself, I am deeply indebted to the charity for making a huge difference in my family's life. I want to ask you to help fill this gap and make a donation to help RISE continue the amazing work they do for all survivors of domestic abuse in Brighton & Hove. They go above and beyond. RISE needs your help!
Despite government cuts, I believe we can rewrite the narrative of resilience and hope by supporting the charity's work directly. Together, we can ensure that RISE continues to shine bright for those who need it most.
Please make a donation (no matter how small) to help this organisation continue to deliver life-saving work in our city!
It will mean a mother finding safety for her children, a survivor finding solace in our refuge, support the LGBT domestic abuse provision in our city, and a community rallying together to say, "We will not let you fall."
Donate today. Your generosity can save lives.
What else can I do?
* Contact your local MP in UK Parliament and ask them to support local funding for specialist providers like RISE.
* Contact your Councillor Your councillors and local politicians (brighton-hove.gov.uk) and ask them to reverse this decision.
With heartfelt gratitude x
RISE is an independent, Brighton-based registered charity that helps people affected by domestic abuse. They offer practical help ranging from direct advice to refuge accommodation for those whose lives are at risk.
