Hope Prevails Preston

24/03/2026

Isolation is not always obvious.

In some relationships, contact with friends, family or support networks can become more difficult over time. This may happen through criticism, pressure or expectations about how time should be spent.

Phrases like “your friends are a bad influence” or “we should be enough for each other” can slowly shape decisions and reduce independence. When someone’s world becomes smaller, it can be harder to gain perspective or seek support.

If any of this feels familiar, you are not alone. Hope Prevails Preston supports anyone aged 16+ in the Preston area who is experiencing fear, harm or control in their relationships.

You can call our helpline on 01772 201601 to access support or submit a self referral form: https://forms.gle/GhSiBNHQPUBRbdt87

22/03/2026

Blame can be used as a way of maintaining control. Language that suggests someone is responsible for another person’s reactions or behaviour can shift accountability away from the person causing harm. Phrases like “you know how I get when you push me” can place pressure on the person experiencing the behaviour to manage conflict or prevent escalation. Over time, this can lead to self-doubt, fear and a belief that abuse could have been avoided by acting differently.

No one is responsible for another person’s abusive behaviour.

Recognising patterns like blame can help people better understand their experiences and feel more confident seeking support.

Hope Prevails Preston supports anyone aged 16+ in the Preston area who is experiencing fear, harm or control in their relationships. Contact our helpline Mon - Friday on 01772 201601 or submit a self referral form: https://forms.gle/BDbvw2PF2NAmKCsUA

20/03/2026

Our helpline is open today 10am - 3pm.

Call us for information, advice and access to support services on 01772 201601

19/03/2026

Tonight is the Proud Preston Awards and we are incredibly proud to have two members of the Hope Prevails Preston team recognised as finalists!

Our CEO, Gemma, has been nominated for Charity Hero of the Year, and our wonderful therapeutic counsellor, Teresa, has been nominated for Volunteer of the Year.

It is inspiring to see so many individuals and organisations being recognised for the positive difference they make across our city. We are honoured to be standing alongside such dedicated people and look forward to celebrating the amazing work happening in Preston.

Wishing the very best of luck to Gemma and Teresa tonight. We are so proud of you both.

19/03/2026

Conversations about relationships and gender are very present right now with documentaries like Louis Theroux’s Manosphere encouraging reflection on the kinds of messages some young people are exposed to online.

At Hope Prevails Preston, we often see how beliefs about blame or entitlement can influence relationship dynamics and, at times, contribute to harm.

This is not about shaming men or boys. Domestic abuse affects people of all genders. Many people are also struggling with loneliness, frustration or pressure around what relationships are supposed to look like. At the same time, attitudes that shame women or normalise controlling behaviour can make it harder to recognise when something is not healthy.

We believe safer relationships begin with awareness, support and open conversations.

We support anyone aged 16+ in the Preston area who is experiencing fear, harm or control in their relationships.

18/03/2026

We offer the Freedom Programme, a 12 week course for women, designed to help you to understand the beliefs and behaviours of abusive partners. Alongside other women its a peer supportive space to make sense of your experiences as a survivor and begin to move forward with your life.

This is an in person group that meets at a central Preston location weekly. It's a rolling group which means there is no fixed start date, contact us today to find out more information and to join the group.

17/03/2026

📱Our domestic abuse helpline is open for those who need it. Call for a direct line to speak to one of our team to access our services or for advice and information.
🗨If the helpline is not open you can still call to leave a voicemail for us to get back to you too provided it is safe
❗If you are in immediate danger always contact the police on 999 or call 999 55 if you are unable to speak.

08/03/2026

A few words today from our CEO Gemma Roberts on 🌍 International Women’s Day 🌎

"A Call to Action, Not Just Celebration

Today, I reflect on the incredible strength and resilience of women and girls, especially those whose voices are too often silenced by fear, inequality, and violence.

Working in the domestic abuse sector means I see both the courage it takes to rebuild a life, and the stark reality that our systems and structures still fail so many.

This day is not just about celebration. It’s also about recognising the work still ahead to correct the deeply rooted power imbalances that shape women’s experiences across the world.

Gender inequality is not an abstract issue, it is lived every day. It shapes safety, opportunity, freedom, and wellbeing.

💜 We all have a role in changing this💜

And that must include men.

Male allyship is not optional, it is essential. We need more men actively challenging harmful behaviours, examining their own power and privilege, standing up in uncomfortable moments, and choosing to be part of the solution.

Equality cannot be achieved by women alone.

To all the women doing the work, professionally, personally, loudly, quietly?

🧶Your impact matters, you are incredible 🧶

To the men who are showing up?

🙏Keep going; we need you, you are valued 🙏

And to all who believe in a safer, fairer world?

🙌 Let’s turn today’s messages into everyday action 🙌

Here’s to a future where balance, safety, and equality aren’t aspirations but realities."

Hope Prevails Preston asks you to join us in celebrating all of our incredible women and girls in our city, today and every day 🧶

28/02/2026

Supporting someone living with domestic abuse means respecting their choices, listening without judgement, and helping them stay as safe and supported as possible.
💜 Everyone’s situation is complex, and they are the expert in their own life.

27/02/2026

So pleased to be able to announce our strengthened partnership with Preston City Council to improve our Sanctuary Scheme Service offer 🙏

It's a pioneering role which is hoped will provide real, in time outcomes for survivors across our city 🧶💕🏠

📢 NEWS: Preston Sanctuary Scheme Helps Domestic Abuse Victims Stay Safe in Their Homes.

Preston City Council and Hope Prevails Preston (Formerly Preston Domestic Violence Service) have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting victims of domestic abuse with the continued delivery of the Preston Sanctuary Scheme, a partnership initiative designed to help individuals remain safe in their own homes rather than being forced to flee due to violence or threats.

New funding has been secured to recruit a dedicated post to manage and coordinate the scheme, strengthening the support available to victims across the city. This role will ensure faster responses, improved communication with partners, and a more accessible service for those in need.

Read more, link in comments 👇

26/02/2026

Listen. Believe. Protect. Support.
💜 If someone you know is experiencing abuse, your response could help save their life.

25/02/2026

🥳🥳We've been shortlisted for some awards! 🥳🥳

We're used to championing our survivors and their successes, it can feel slightly trickier when we're shouting about the recognition we receive for our work here in Preston.

But we are so honoured to have been shortlisted in not one but TWO categories in the upcoming Proud Preston Awards 🥳😱

Our incredible volunteer counsellor Theresa for "Volunteer of the Year"

"Theresa offers compassionate counselling, unwavering dedication, and transformative support, empowering survivors with safety, hope and trust while strengthening our domestic abuse service daily." 💕

And our indomitable CEO Gemma Roberts for Charity Hero of the Year.

"Gemma has transformed Preston’s domestic abuse support in under a year, pioneering inclusive services, cross-agency collaboration and community advocacy to keep survivors safe and elevate VAWG issues locally"

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone that has nominated us. To be on the same list as some absolute powerhouses in the third sector in Preston means the absolute world 💕

Gemma says:

"When I started in my post as CEO for Hope Prevails Preston in May last year, I wasn't ready for how much impact our small but mighty team was going to be able to have in such a short space of time.

But it's because we've been loud. Loud about reaching out, loud about the lack of support that is available for the people in our city, and REALLY loud about finding collaborative solutions rather than keep trying to fight the wave of violence and abuse in silo and silence.

To even be shortlisted is wonderful (I'm astounded anyone even nominated me to be honest. Being loud means you make people feel uncomfortable because we've not been getting it right for survivors and I'm building a reputation in saying so to anyone who will listen - and those who won't 😉)

I care that survivors are really starting to get the support they need and deserve.

And we're STILL not getting it right, but we're on a clearer track now than we were last year, and I'm so SO grateful for the team around me out there Every.Single.Day. providing that vital support, listening and holding space. Providing safety more intentionally now than ever before."

We've only just started 🙏💪❤️‍🩹🧶

The awards event takes place at Barton Manor Hotel and Spa on 19th March. If you want to come along and see what makes Preston Proud, get your tickets here:

Proud Preston Awards 2026

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/proud-preston-awards-2026-tickets-1977699361027?aff=ebdsshother&utm_share_source=listing_android

Preston City Council Blog Preston Lancashire Post