A WEST Cumbrian domestic violence project which supports victims and perpetrators has been awarded nearly £90,000.

The Freedom Project, which has been running for nearly 20 years, provides free one-to-one counselling and group programmes, offering help for surviving domestic abuse, and domestic abusers.

It has received £87,779 from Copeland Community Fund which will support the project until 2019 enabling it to support more people.

Over the past three years, the project -- which is part of the West Cumbria Domestic Violence Support -- has helped over a third of clients into education or employment.

Figures also reveal 80 per cent of the Freedom Project clients experienced a significant increase in self-esteem, while 64 per cent stated they felt better able to control their emotions.

Paula Ratcliffe, community development worker at Copeland Community Fund, said: "West Cumbria Domestic Violence Support makes such a difference to so many families in Copeland, they are passionate about the service they provide and the impact it makes.

"In the longer term both children and adults will be able to recover from their experiences of abuse and have ambitions and aspirations for the future. This funding provides a lifeline and the opportunities that many take for granted.''

Carole Launder, project manager of the Freedom Project, said: “The support we have received from CCF has been excellent for the project. "We are committed to keeping our service free so that it remains accessible to everyone irrespective of income, so the support from CCF has enabled us to continue to offer this much needed service to the people of Copeland.

“In the past, costs have been almost entirely met through grants from charities and funding agencies, so having the backing from CCF has allowed us to expand our services and help more people.”

And Carole added: “We are very strongly connected into the communities of West Cumbria, we have a well-established track-record and have been supporting our client group for 19 years so our project is doing well.”

The Freedom Project run six groups including adult victims; adult perpetrators; two groups for younger children and two groups for older children/young people.

David Moore, committee chairman of Copeland Community Fund, said: “The help and support that the project offers to individuals and families throughout Copeland is invaluable. We are delighted to be able to offer support and allow The Freedom Project to continue its vital work within Copeland communities.”

The Copeland Community Fund has supported West Cumbria Domestic Violence Support since 2012, with an initial grant of £70,466.82.

For more information about The Freedom Project contact hope@freedom-project-west-cumbria.org.uk or visit their website.

To learn more about Copeland Community Fund and supported projects, please visit www.copelandcommunityfund.com or contact Paula Ratcliffe on 01946 593055.