Step by Step – Supporting You to Support Them

Published: 10 August 2026

Step by Step – Supporting You to Support Them, is the result of a partnership between Essex County Council and Barnardos, with the new service being available across Southend, Essex and Thurrock.

The aim is to offer practical, accessible support to friends and family members who may be worried about someone experiencing domestic abuse, helping them feel more confident to act and enabling earlier intervention.

The service can be accessed through:

• a telephone advice line

• a self-service website with information and guidance

• online webchat support

• one-to-one appointments with a support adviser.

Through their engagement and research, they also identified a need to raise awareness of domestic abuse across the community, particularly within seldom-heard groups. As part of the service, they will deliver workshops with local community organisations to build understanding and highlight the important role that friends and family can play in supporting people to seek help sooner.

Call one of our support advisors on 01245 821179 or email us at stepbystepessex@barnardos.org

Step by Step - Supporting you to Support them

Step by Step - Supporting you to Support them - Victim-Perpetrator