empowering you to rebuild your life

Trauma informed support for you and your family.

Giving you every opportunity to experience post-traumatic growth despite ongoing challenges.

Long-term support with progressive steps taken at your pace.

New Beginnings Peer Support offers truly long-term support. Our clients choose the level of support they wish to access and at which point they would like to progress, knowing that they have the opportunity to step back from progression, with support, should ongoing challenges deem necessary.

Life in colour

A short film created by Inspired Youth Arts with the support of Better Connect capturing Vicky’s journey before and after the Rise2Thrive Programme.

A story of peer power, validation and collaborative approach to service delivery. Vicky was a participant on the programme via New Beginnings Peer Support completing regular 1:1 meetings plus the Own My Life course as well as multiple Mindful Photography sessions with fellow programme partner Rebecca Rowan.

Vicky went on to volunteer for the following Own My Life course before entering back into full time employment.

Viewers warning: Please note the video describes domestic abuse.

1:1 and group support

  • 1:1 support may be in-person at New Beginnings Peer Support, at your home address or in the community.

    Sessions are an opportunity to discover how you feel we can best support you, how current support is going, signpost you to other New Beginnings Peer Support services or external services and to empower you to reach your next goal.

    We celebrate all goals here, whether it's you had a shower and coffee this morning, the seed you planted at group is growing strong or you got offered a new job!

    1:1 support is delivered by our peer mentors and peer volunteers who can empathise with your circumstances from first-hand experience.

  • For group support you can attend a peer social group in Ripon or Skipton or see one of our volunteers at a community group in Harrogate. Alternatively, you can join us during partnership events like the one pictured at Craven College.

    We also operate group chats in your area, where you can find out more about what New Beginnings Peer Support can offer, support your peers and cheer them on or find encouragement to reach your own goals.

Donations

  • We utilise our support networks to find what you need from everyday items to school wear, sportswear or work outfits.

    If you have clothes items to donate please email enquiries@newbeginningspeersupport.com with a photo of donation, description including size.

    We can only accept what our clients are immediately in need of as we do not have storage space. Thank you for your understanding.

  • Whether it's through our own networks or signposting to partner agencies such as Essential Needs we aim to ensure you have the ability to turn a house into a home.

    New Beginnings Peer Support places high importance on creating a space you and your children can thrive in as research shows your surroundings have a direct impact on your health and wellbeing.

    If you have household items to donate please email enquiries@newbeginningspeersupport.com with a photo of donation, description including size.

    We can only accept what our clients are immediately in need of as we do not have storage space.

    For larger items we may need your support to deliver.

    Thank you for your understanding.

  • New or 'as new' children's toys can be sourced or offered particularly around Christmas time.

    95% of survivors have experienced economic abuse from their abuser resulting in long term financial impact.

    Supporting children at this time is challenging and the associated 'Mum guilt' is real! We aim to take the pressure off.

    If you have children's toys to donate please email enquiries@newbeginningspeersupport.com with a photo of donation, description including size.

    We can only accept what our clients are immediately in need of as we do not have storage space.

    Thank you for your understanding.

family activities

  • During school holidays we offer meet ups that are family friendly. It could be a picnic in the park, an Easter Egg Hunt or something more challenging like scaling a wall!

    Whatever it is you can be sure to meet friendly staff, volunteers and most importantly fellow clients who 'get it'!

    Family Wellbeing Packs are also provided during some school breaks. These include activities that promote healthy relationships and the naming of emotions often in the form of craft activities or outdoor ventures.

  • We know the impact of domestic abuse effects your children as much as it effects you.

    Therefore, when tailoring support for you we include any support your children may need, signposting them to appropriate organisations and working closely with agencies such as Early Help.

    Building your network of Mum's in similar positions can also support you, validate your experience and learn from others what has worked for them when it comes to parenting amidst family court and post-separation abuse.

courses & workshops

  • Own My Life is a 12 session course that we deliver to women who are no longer with their abuser and no longer residing at the same address.

    100% of our participants would definitely recommend the course to other women, with 75% having increased their understanding of domestic abuse.

    This course not only explains what domestic abuse is, it looks at why it happens, the trauma resulting from it and provides tools to empower you to regain ownership of your life.

    If you are interested in learning more about the course email kirsty@newbeginningspeersupport.com.

  • DAY is a unique multimedia programme that uses short films, advertisements and chart music to raise awareness and provide education about domestic abuse and exploitation in a relevant and exciting way.  It is a 10-week course that has been designed to use with young people over the age of 14, although can be adapted for use with young people over 11 years.

    It challenges detrimental mind-sets about abuse and exploitation, explores how beliefs inform behaviour, and looks at the role of the media in reinforcing unhealthy beliefs.

    We are currently partnering with Harrogate Grammar to deliver the North Yorkshire pilot. If you are an agency or education facility interested in partnering with us to deliver this programme please email kirsty@newbeginningspeersupport.com

  • Our Family & Friends 2 day course is for those who are supporting a friend or relative through domestic abuse.

    Gain knowledge & support to increase your understanding of domestic abuse and how you can be a supportive team member to your friend/relative.

    Learn from materials from the Own My Life course. The course that 100% of attendants would recommend.

    Receive signposting to relevant organisations.

    Gain a support network in a safe and non-judgemental space.

    If you are interested in joining our waiting list for this course please email kirsty@newbeginningspeersupport.com.

  • 95% of survivors were subjected to economic abuse. This workshop has been created to acknowledge this through validating the experiences of those recovering from the impact of this type of abuse.

    The workshop looks at economic abuse and its various forms, provides both self-led tools and practical tips as well as signposting options. 1:1 support is also available after attending the workshop.

    If you feel you or someone you know could benefit from this workshop please contact kirsty@newbeginningspeersupport.com.

OUR PARTNERSHIPS

FAQs

I left my abuser years ago, can I still get support?

Yes, absolutely! We know first hand how the impact of your abusers actions are long lasting, especially when managing child contact.

Whether the abuse you were subjected to was recent or historic we welcome you to start your new beginning.

can i access the own my life course without being a client?

Yes!

We wish to support as many women as possible with the Own My Life course. 100% of participants state they would definitely recommend the course and we’ve watched the light bulb moments that have led to life-changing perspectives!

In-person courses available in Harrogate.

Online courses available to those in North Yorkshire.

Not in North Yorkshire? Check out https://www.ownmylifecourse.org/ to find a course near you.

I’ve been watching belle & tom’s storyline on emmerdale, how can i access help?

Email us on enquiries@newbeginningspeersupport.com or call us on 01423 313 080.

If you’re in North Yorkshire, have left your abuser and no longer reside at the same address we can support you.

If not we’ll signpost you to support near you.

If you’re still in a relationship and require support you can contact Refuge (our partners on this project).

https://refuge.org.uk/

0808 2000 247 National Domestic Abuse Helpline.

WHat area do you cover?

At present, we cover Harrogate and Rural Districts and Craven with some of our provision available across North Yorkshire.

We’re working on limiting the postcode lottery for specialist after-crisis support so do contact us if you’re in North Yorkshire and in need of support.

How long can i receive support for?

Support is available for as long as you need.

You can select which of our services are of benefit to you AND you can change your mind because we are here to ensure you have the tools to rebuild your life, at your pace, in a way that feels manageable to YOU!

DO you support men?

As a peer support agency run by women we are only in a position to support women.

If that means you are not eligible for our services please consider contacting the following agencies:

https://idas.org.uk/ support for women, men and the LGBT+community that have been subjected to domestic abuse, sexual abuse, child-parent abuse.

https://galop.org.uk/ support for LGBT+community members who have been subjected to abuse or violence.

https://www.lovingme.uk/ support for Trans and Non-Binary victims of domestic abuse or sexual violence

Support into education, training & employment

  • What is Rise2thrive?

    Rise2Thrive is a support programme for adults in North Yorkshire and York who are currently out of work and have barriers to engaging with employment and/or training or are in work but need support to thrive*

    Through the programme, individuals receive tailored 1-2-1 advice, mentoring and employability support, and have access to specific interventions designed to help break down barriers. This combination of support is designed to improve people’s health, confidence, skills, circumstances and ultimately their employability, moving them closer towards a position where they are thriving in their life and in work.

    Rise2Thrive is funded by the York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority until 31st March 2026.

    How does it work?

    Rise2Thrive is delivered through a partnership of community-based organisations spread across North Yorkshire and York, making access to the project simple and local.

    The project uses a Keyworker and Intervention model. Interested participants initially arrange to meet with a Keyworker who discusses the project and checks eligibility and suitability. If the project is suitable, the Keyworker signs the participant up and becomes their main project mentor, providing them with tailored 1-2-1 support and mentoring for the whole time they remain on the programme. If specific barriers are identified, then Keyworkers can refer participants to access project interventions. Interventions cover a range of areas including; therapy and counselling, debt advice and financial support, housing support, wellbeing activities, basic skills and vocational training.

    Rise2Thrive doesn’t have a defined length of support. On average, participants stay on the project for between 3-6 months, but this can be extended if required and appropriate.

    Who are our Delivery Partners?

    Age UK, Art Therapy, Autism Plus, Coterminous, North Yorkshire CAB, Craven College, Educational Development Trust, Humankind, Foundation, Futureworks, Go4It, Hambleton Community Action, Harrogate Skills 4 Living, Mindful Photography, North Yorkshire Sport, Orb Community Arts, New Beginnings Peer Support, NYBEP, Momentic, Pioneer Projects, Project Wild, Rural Arts, St Giles Trust, Supplementum Training, Careers Plus, SWR Mind, The Sparks Project, Thrive Outside, Community Works, Training for Employment, Working for Health, Yorkshire in Business, Beyond Housing, Up For Yorkshire.

  • It is a perfectly normal response to feel lost after an abusive relationship. It may be that you are having to completely start from scratch or that due to your current circumstances you have had to make changes.

    These changes can often lead to questioning what your future may look like and how to make ends meet.

    When experiencing this it can be a great opportunity to consider adult learning. It may be to complete learning you have previously been unable to or to have a go at something you've always wanted to do but were held back from.

    We have multiple partners we can signpost you to and can work with you 1:1 to evaluate you goals, empower you to reach them and keep you accountable to your action plan.

peer voice advocacy

  • Alongside the charity Refuge we supported the research team and writers at ITV Emmerdale responsible for the Belle & Tom storyline.

    This involved the provision of case studies, review of scripts and general conversations depicting the realities of domestic abuse.

    If you are watching on catch-up TV and the storyline has resonated with you and you feel you would benefit from discussing possible support options you can contact us on 01423 313 080 or via enquiries@newbeginningspeersupport.com.

  • Comprising of peer volunteers and clients the Co-production Board provides input into system improvement both internally at New Beginnings Peer Support, locally across North Yorkshire feeding into the Violence Against Women & Girls Whole-system Approach and nationally feeding into surveys from the Domestic Abuse Commissioners Office.

  • Our training incorporates not only statistics around domestic abuse and professional recommendations but is delivered from a peer lens bringing to life the reasons behind the support we know is necessary for survivors.

outreach

  • Awareness of the longevity of the impact of domestic abuse amongst the wider community is key to improving the current statistics.

    As such we hold awareness stalls sharing our service details, why specialist after-crisis support is necessary and how you can get involved either as a client, a volunteer or a partnering agency.

    If you're holding a freshers fair, community event or conference and would like to see us there you can email enquiries@newbeginningspeersupport.com.

  • New Beginnings Peer Support CEO Lindsay Oliver is available for guest speaking to raise awareness of the longevity of the impact of domestic abuse on women and their children, the story of New Beginnings Peer Support and her own lived experience.

    Requests can be emailed to lindsay@newbeginningspeersupport.com

  • New Beginnings Peer Support staff and/or volunteers are available in community drop-ins.

    This can be discussed as part of your tailored support when joining New Beginnings Peer Support.

Visionary Actions

  • Transformational change one ripple at a time.

    Delivering domestic abuse awareness training across sectors from a lived experience perspective. Empowering organisations to successfully implement supportive policies and procedures through a trauma-informed lens. Improving the health and wellbeing of employees, volunteers and clients.

    Operating as a social enterprise, all profits go towards supporting New Beginnings Peer Support and other VCSE organisations.

  • -Domestic Abuse Awareness for Businesses

    -Trauma-informed Practice for the Corporate Space

    -Domestic Abuse Champion Implementation Programme

    -Accountability for Change through Peer Networks

    For further information contact info@visionaryactions.com

Contact

Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Email
enquiries@newbeginningspeersupport.com

Phone
01423 313080 - please note we are out of the office a lot and respond more quickly to email than voicemail.

Opening Hours
Mon-Thurs 9.30am-5pm & Fri 9.30am-3pm