A SAFETY unit for victims of domestic abuse that was struggling for resources has received a major boost after merging with a larger charity.

Glwyndwr Safety Unit (GSU), a Denbigh-based charity that has provided specialist support services for women and men in abusive relationships in Denbighshire since 1989, has teamed up with Deeside-based Domestic Abuse Safety Unit (DASU) to cover both regions.

The GSU had been struggling for funding and top-level staff, however its merge with DASU has increased its human resources and capability to attract funding.

Since the merge in April, the GSU has acquired £50,000 that has enabled it to start two new programmes: the Recovery Programme, that helps victims to recover from abuse, set goals and build relationships, and the Freedom Programme, that focusses on helping victims to recognise an abusive relationship and make plans to leave.

Naomi Mumba-Dobson, manager of GSU, said: “We were a tiny charity with only a few members of staff that was struggling for resources until we were approached by DASU to merge.

“We both specialise in domestic abuse services, but the merge has provided us with more resources, a Flintshire site and more top-level staff.

“We are a lot stronger now and looking to partner and work with other community services."

The service now looks after 25 people in Denbighshire – including four men – which increased from 15 people before the merge.

The service also owns three safe houses, two for women and one for men.

“It is fantastic to see the impact this has had on our clients," Ms Mumba-Dobson said.

“Another benefit to the merge is that we have undergone a name change, from Glyndwr Women’s Aid, to open the service to men."

The charity was recently visited by Cllr Mark Young, Denbighshire County Council’s lead member for domestic abuse, to discuss the work and achievements over the last year.

In 2018, the council has worked alongside other public bodies and third sector organisations in North Wales to produce its first collective strategy for 2018-2023 aimed at ending violence against women, gender-based violence, domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Cllr Young said: “I am proud that as the Lead Member for Domestic Abuse, Denbighshire County Council are making this a priority for us.

“As lead member I’ve worked with HR within DCC to train all staff on recognising domestic abuse, such as pointing people towards the Welsh Government’s 24/7 support via the Live Fear Free website, which provides information and advice for those suffering from violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.”

To find out more about the GSU, call 01745 814494.