Ashgate Hospicecare has joined some of the UK’s best-known employers by signing up to become a member of ‘The Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse’ (EIDA). 

As part of their membership with EIDA, Ashgate Hospicecare will raise awareness and educate staff as well as the wider community on how to spot the signs of domestic abuse and where to go for support. 

To launch their partnership, the hospice is running an internal awareness week (24 – 30 May) and rolling out a domestic abuse policy which sets out how to spot the signs of domestic abuse, how to accurately record disclosures and how best to support those who experience abuse. 

Ashgate Hospicecare has also trained a team of nine staff from across the organisation to become Domestic Abuse Ambassadors. Anyone experiencing domestic abuse is encouraged to reach out to the Domestic Abuse Ambassadors who have undergone specialist training to understand how best to support staff and volunteers. 

The COVID-19 crisis has led to a sharp rise in domestic abuse cases, making it more important than ever for employers to take action and support their staff. EIDA works with employers to enable implementation of effective internal policies on domestic abuse, as well as providing awareness and signposting to updated resources. 

Matt Corbishley, Director of People and Performance at Ashgate Hospicecare, said:  

“Ashgate Hospicecare is proud to join EIDA, particularly at a time when pandemic-related restrictions have seen a rise in domestic abuse across the UK. Imagine the positive impact that could be made to people’s lives if every employer made their employees aware of the signs of domestic abuse and how to seek relevant, effective help. We hope that more organisations will join us and EIDA in helping to address the problem and make a real difference to those experiencing domestic abuse.  

“We are proud that Ashgate Hospicecare is making a positive social impact by joining EIDA’s network.” 

EIDA is a growing network of over 665 employers, working together to create innovative tools and resources to better support their employees affected by domestic abuse. 

Lorraine O’Brien, CEO of The Employer’s Initiative on Domestic Abuse, added: 

“We are delighted to welcome Ashgate Hospicecare to our network. The role of employers in tackling domestic abuse has become even more apparent during the pandemic and ongoing commitment from local employers provides not only support for their own workforce but adds value to the wider aim of stopping domestic abuse in all its forms, once and for all.”