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Accord Group customer magazine Summer 2016 5 For all our latest news, visit accordgroup.org.uk/news INNOVATIVE NEW PROGRAMME HELPS BATTLE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Fry Housing Trust has developed ‘Brighter Futures’, a new service that helps people in Sandwell and Walsall who have been abusive in their homes. It offers speciallydesigned counselling sessions in a relaxed environment that help perpetrators reduce risk to themselves and their families. Brighter Futures works with men and women, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) clients and young people (16+) who have been abusive towards a partner or parent. It is a self-referral programme, meaning that people who wish to attend need to identify that they have a problem and be willing to accept help. The aim is to organise group sessions by age, culture and/ or sexual orientation where possible, making participants comfortable. Brighter Futures does not require those taking part to have been involved in the Criminal Justice System and is a completely voluntary programme. The programme focusses on the possibility of a brighter future rather than a negative past. It is completely free and run by friendly, impartial professionals. One recent participant said: “I’ve learnt from this course. My group and my facilitators were good company and I looked forward to seeing them every week. Brighter Futures has really helped my situation. I’ve unlocked the triggers that lead up to my actions.” For more information, please email Tracey Garbett at [email protected] or call Tracey on 0121 500 6094 in complete confidence. NEW & IMPROVED SITES BETTER The Accord Group has recently had a digital makeover, with brand new websites created for each part of the organisation. BETTER FOR YOU... The new websites have been designed to be much more user-friendly, with map-based search facilities for homes and services, and an extensive customer section, full of useful information about everything from benefits to budgerigars! Best of all, the sites are fully responsive, meaning they automatically change their layout whether you are using a PC, tablet or phone. If you have a problem or a question, our website can usually provide the answer, or point you in the direction of someone who can help. Check it out today at accordgroup.org.uk TOGETHER, Exciting news for Caldmoreaccord – the two existing offices are moving to a new location. Caldmoreaccord’s offices at Caldmore Green and Darlaston will merge and move to a new town centre location on Ward Street, near the Arboretum, later this year. We will keep you posted on all updates as they happen, but if you have any comments or questions please email [email protected].