URL: https://democracy.stratford.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4057

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: Services include training and awareness raising projects in Stratford-on-Avon District.

Content: Services include training and awareness raising projects in Stratford-on-Avon District. To endorse the use of £30,000 from Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s budget to provide funding to two organisations, Refuge and Loudmouth Training and Education, to raise awareness of domestic abuse within Stratford-on-Avon District.   That administration of the funding is delegated to the Head of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer. As a part of the budget allocation for Stratford-on-Avon District Council’s Community Safety Team, in 2025/26 £30,000 was provided for the following purpose:   ‘Women’s Aid Domestic Violence project support, training, community awareness & work with partners – £30,000. Funding for the organisation to ensure the availability of their services within the district.’   Following engagement with the Warwickshire Domestic Abuse Commissioner, it was established that other organisations provided services within Warwickshire that have established, trusted networks in the district. Refuge is the Warwickshire Domestic Violence Service, providing a countywide service that offers help and support to women, men and children experiencing domestic violence in Warwickshire. Refuge will provide training and awareness raising in Stratford-on-Avon District to encourage residents to seek support and engage with them. Refuge will also raise awareness with professionals and provide training, considering rural challenges in countering domestic abuse.   Loudmouth is a theatre and education company which provides awareness raising programmes. Within the district, it has provided high quality programmes on a range of topics including county lines, knife crime and domestic abuse. With part of this funding, Loudmouth will offer interactive theatre sessions on domestic abuse and healthy relationships in all secondary schools in Stratford-on-Avon District.   The vision for Stratford-on-Avon District Council (2023-27) is to be an ambitious, fair, inclusive, and responsible organisation which will put its communities at the heart of everything it does. In providing this funding, the Council seeks to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of the public are the utmost priority.     1     To endorse the use of £30,000 to provide funding to Refuge and Loudmouth Training and Education. 2     To reject the endorsement of the use of funding to Refuge and Loudmouth Training and Education. 3     To request further information.

Date of Decision: September 26, 2025