We're supporting new service for those at risk of domestic violence and stalking

We're working with HIWCF to support and fund the first Hampshire-based trials of ‘Hollie Guard Extra’, a safety service for victims of domestic abuse and stalking.

Between us we've awarded £2,457 to The Hollie Gazzard Trust from the ‘We’re All Together’ Coronavirus Fund to offer 24/7 access to a secure monitoring service app, for ten vulnerable local people.

The recipients of the service will also be supported by Hampshire-based domestic abuse charity Aurora New Dawn. This forms part of an exciting new partnership between the Hollie Gazzard Trust and Aurora New Dawn, and we're also the first housing association planning to trial this technology to benefit their customers and others in the community that are at risk.

The Hollie Gazzard Trust was set up in 2014 by Nick Gazzard following the murder of his 20-year-old daughter Hollie, who had experienced domestic abuse and stalking prior to being fatally stabbed at her place of work by an ex-partner.

Nick Gazzard Founder of the Hollie Gazzard Trust said “We are very grateful to HIWCF for this grant, which has enabled us to provide ‘Hollie Guard Extra’ to people being supported by Aurora New Dawn. Hollie Guard Extra is an exciting project that we have developed which offers vulnerable people access 24/7 to a secure monitoring service through our free personal safety app Hollie Guard. Since we launched Hollie Guard in 2015, we have received incredible feedback about the difference it has made to people who have found themselves in dangerous situations. Whilst anyone can choose to upgrade to Hollie Guard Extra, there is a small charge for this service to cover the costs of providing it. With this grant funding 10 vulnerable people will be able to use this service free of charge for 12 months; giving them additional peace of mind during these very challenging times.”

 Grant Cornwell MBE, HIWCF Chief Executive said “The recent lockdown policy has led to an increase in reports of abuse within the home and we are delighted that thanks to the generosity of our partners at VIVID, this grant to the Hollie Gazzard Trust will help to protect vulnerable people. The Office for National Statistics reports that almost one in three women aged 16-59 will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, and HIWCF is committed to supporting the work of vital charities that offer those in need the confidence and reassurance that someone will be there for them should they need it.”

Jonathan Cowie, Chief Operating Officer at VIVID said: “We’re really pleased to be able to work in partnership with the Hollie Gazzard Trust and Aurora New Dawn to fund and support the first pilot of this service in Hampshire, and at a time when a national increase in domestic violence cases due to the coronavirus pandemic means that those who are suffering need help and support more than ever. We’re identifying some of our own customers who may benefit from being part of this trial. And as the first housing association trialling this innovative technology, we’ll be looking at the benefits it provides the users to see if we could roll this out more widely to our customers in the future.”

Shonagh Dillon, Chief Executive of Aurora New Dawn added “We are delighted to be working with the Hollie Gazzard Trust on this partnership. We have long admired the work of the trust and this funding will enable us to support victims and survivors in a way we haven’t yet been able to trial. We have been inundated with referrals since lockdown and this project enables us to take our package of support further for victims of domestic abuse.”

HIWCF is raising funds for the ‘We’re All Together’ Coronavirus Fund to support local organisations helping vulnerable and disadvantaged people based in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Please help by donating via www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/AllTogether