Community

Domestic abuse support

If you are being abused, then you should report it to police by calling 101. If you are in immediate danger, then call 999.

If you are in danger and can’t talk then listen to questions from the operator and, if you can, respond by coughing and tapping on the handset.

If you call from a mobile and are in danger and cannot speak, then dial 55 when prompted.

Cut it Out sessions for professionals

One in four women and one in six men experience domestic abuse at some point in their life.

The Cut It Out initiative aims to raise awareness around the devastating impact of domestic abuse. It offers free training sessions to help professionals, such as hairdressers and tattoo artists, spot signs of domestic abuse with their clients.

The Cut It Out initiative has been launched by the South Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership, which Malvern Hills District Council is a part of.

It is also supported by Martin Lakeman (Domestic Abuse Consultant), Heart of Worcestershire College, Parkinson Wrights Solicitors, and Worcester BID.

Everyone who takes part in the training will receive a Cut It Out badge for their business windows or mirrors to show that it is a safe space.

Upcoming sessions:

21 October 2024 at 9.30am – 11.30am: Droitwich Rugby Club
28 October 2024 at 9.30am – 11.30am: Pershore Civic Centre
4 November 2024 at 9.30am – 11.30am: Worcester Guildhall
25 November 2024 at 9.30am – 11.30am: Worcester Guildhall
2 December 2024 at 9.30am – 11.30am: Malvern Council House

Book a Cut it Out training session

What is domestic abuse?

Across our district we have also seen a rise in incidents and people seeking help during the pandemic.

It is not always obvious someone is being abused. People may try to hide what is happening to them or be in denial.

Domestic abuse is not always physical. It can also include:

Coercive control and ‘gaslighting’. View gaslighting definition.
Economic abuse
Online abuse
Threats and intimidation
Emotional abuse
Sexual abuse

Look for the signs of domestic abuse

These are just some of the signs someone may be being abused:

Being withdrawn, or being isolated from family and friends
Having bruises, burns or bite marks
Having finances controlled, or not being given enough money to buy food or pay bills
Not being allowed to leave the house, or being stopped from going to college or work
Having your internet or social media use monitored, or someone else reading your texts, emails, or letters
Being repeatedly belittled, put down or told you are worthless
Being pressured into sex
Being told that abuse is your fault, or that you’re overreacting

Learn more signs to look for on the Government's website.

What to do if you are being abused and you need help

If you believe that you, or someone you know, may be a victim of domestic abuse then it is important you know that help is available.

Here are some organisations you can contact:

View National Domestic Abuse Helpline website. Free confidential support, 24 hours a day, for victims and those who are worried about friends/loved ones. Call on 0808 2000 247.

View West Mercia Women’s Aid website: Free 24-hour helpline for support, advice and information on your options 0800 980 3331.

Worcestershire Male Domestic Abuse helpline. Available to all Men experiencing or witnessing Domestic Abuse. Available on 0800 980 331 Tuesday 11am to 3pm or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mankind Initiative (opens in new window). A confidential support helpline for me. 01823 334244.

DAWN Project (opens in new window). If you need additional support with housing benefits, support at family court or social care. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

JOY Project (opens in new window). Offering new skills, empowerment, confidence and resilience through mentoring volunteering and skills based courses. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Victim Support (opens in new window) Can provide emotional and practical help to support you if you have been a victim of domestic abuse. 01905 726896.

West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (opens in new window). Free confidential and non-judgemental support for all survivors of domestic abuse. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Karma Nirvana. Advice and support for forced marriage, female genital mutilation and honour-based violence. 0800 599 247.

National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline. Advice and support if you are in an LGBT relationship and experiencing domestic abuse. 0300 999 5428.

Report domestic abuse

If you are being abused, then you should report it to police by calling 101. If you are in immediate danger, then call 999.

If you are in danger and can’t talk then listen to questions from the operator and, if you can, respond by coughing and tapping on the handset.

If you call from a mobile and are in danger and cannot speak, then dial 55 when prompted.

Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance

We are committed to helping victims of domestic abuse and raising awareness of the signs and the help available.

That’s why we are applying for Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance accreditation, which sets the gold standard for how housing providers should support people experiencing domestic abuse.

Spacehive Crowdfunding

What is Crowdfund Malvern Hills?

Working with crowdfunding platform Spacehive, we have launched Crowdfund Malvern Hills which gives local people the opportunity to create and deliver projects that aim to enhance the district- with a particular focus of making it greener, healthier, and connected.

The platform is a place to connect with businesses, residents, organisations, and communities to showcase ideas for the district and to attract funds to make them a reality.

Find out more about Crowdfund Malvern Hills.

What do we offer?

Along with ongoing promotional advice and support from Spacehive, Crowdfund Malvern Hills offers projects the opportunity to receive a donation from Malvern Hills District Council provided it meets the criteria of our fund, as well as having received a sufficient amount of support from the community.

Crowdfunding offers a way to raise funds rapidly by connecting people with local causes. Anyone can back a campaign with as little as £2 and can do so safely online. We provide funding across a number of rounds and the rest is made up with donations from communities, councils, local businesses and foundations.

You can also get in touch with us directly to talk through your project by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Poetry Competition

The winners of Malvern Hills District Council’s first ever poetry competition have been announced.

Nearly 70 people sent in their poems based on the theme ‘The Year 2020’, with entrants ranging from five to 88-years-old.

The judges included Cllr Sarah Rouse, Leader of the Council, Ellie Dart, Worcestershire’s Young Poet Laureate, and Tracy Kelly-Freer, from Malvern Book Co-Operative.

Read the winning poems

Youth People - Community

Youth Chair’s Fund 2021-22

Our Youth Chair’s Fund is £1,000, which is being offered to fund exciting projects in the district designed by the district’s young people. A group of young people can apply for up to £500, to fund short-term projects, celebrations, trips and equipment that will benefit other local young people and their communities in the district. Check your postcode at My Local Area to see if your area is covered by the district.

The fund enables young people to have a say in young people-focused projects that are delivered in the Malvern Hills district.

Projects must complete within one year of the funding being awarded.

Check out the criteria and download an application form on the Young People page.

Volunteering Opportunities

42% of those surveyed as part of our Bigger Picture Survey, told us they would be prepared to volunteer some time to be involved in local services, with 6% telling us they already do.

We asked what would be most likely to encourage our young people to get more involved and 'more opportunities appropriate to my age group' was one of the most popular responses.

We have also compiled a booklet with a bit more information on some of the opportunities available locally.

pdf Volunteering Opportunities (Updated July 2021) (436 KB)

Wellbeing

Find a new hobby

If you find yourself feeling bored at home, now is the perfect time to take up a hobby and improve your skills. Why not try an online course, learn a new language or try out photography (check out our Marketing and Communications Assistant’s pdf photography blog (896 KB) for some hints and tips). Take a look at our pdf Ideas for Young People page (1.20 MB) and our What’s On Guide for inspiration.

Are you interested in journalism?

It is important to know the basics and to practice your writing skills. Check out our pdf ten top tips for writing a good article (781 KB) .

We are looking for 11-17 year-olds from the Malvern Hills District to contribute articles to our annual newsletter for young people, The Inbox. The Inbox is published on our website and goes out to all five high schools in the district.

If you have an idea for a story, we can provide you with support to turn that into an article, which will look great on your CV or higher education application. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your story ideas and someone from our communications team will be in touch. Please get your parent’s permission before contacting us and include their name and email address or telephone number in your email to us.

illustration of girl meditating Mental Wellbeing

Illustration of girl playing netball Physical Wellbeing

Mental Wellbeing

Our Health and Wellbeing Officer has produced this short video to show you an easy and quick stress relief technique on YouTube, handy for exam periods and results day!

Here are some services that are there to help:

CAMHS (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service) – A website created for young people to pool together lots of helpful resources to support your mental health and wellbeing.
The Blues Programme, Action for Children - gives students the support you need to understand how you’re feeling. It helps you to build resilience and reduces low mood, depression and anxiety. The Blues Programme work with schools on six week courses and you can find out more about their work on the Action for Children website.
The Reach4Wellbeing Team is part of Starting Well Service which is run by Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust. It promotes and supports emotional wellbeing for children and young people aged 5-19 years old. They offer short-term group support programmes for those experiencing emotional difficulties, specifically anxiety, low mood and self-harm.
Coping with exam stress - Preparing for exams can be stressful and you might have feelings of anxiety or worry. For tips on how to manage these feelings, visit Studentminds or childline advice for exam stress.
Mind offers 14 ways to beat exam stress on their website.
Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present in the moment without becoming overwhelmed by what’s going on around you. It can have many health benefits including reduce stress, lower blood pressure and more. Why not go on a Take Notice Mindfulness walk with our Wellbeing Officer Rachel with our YouTube video.
Bullying - All types of bullying is unacceptable, whether it is at school, at home or at work. It can be hard to speak out. For support, visit the National Bullying websites.
Support for under 25s- Visit themix.org.uk for support and advice on a variety of topics, including mental health, LGBTQ+, travel, relationships and more. The Mix is a UK based charity that provide free, confidential support for young people under 25 via online, social and mobile.
Kooth – an online mental wellbeing community for young people aged. Free, safe and anonymous online support.
Young Minds - know more about how you’re feeling, get information about a mental health condition or find out what support is available for you.
If you feel like you are struggling and need to seek help, support is available for people of all ages and backgrounds.The NHS has a list of helplines and support groups that can offer expert advice.

Physical Wellbeing

Visit our Health and Wellbeing page for more information.

Please note: Any external links on this webpage are provided as a convenience and for information purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by Malvern Hills District Council of any of the products, services or opinions of the organisation. Malvern Hills District Council bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Please contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.