Our Multi-Agency Approach

The New Leaf Team put your needs at the centre of everything we do. This means treating each client as an individual and providing a service bespoke for your needs.

Working with a multi-agency approach ensures that you get the best possible outcome for you and your loves ones, remaining safe and supported throughout.

You might wonder how this works and even be concerned that someone else outside of New Leaf will know your business. All the agencies we work with comply with Confidentiality Protocols and the Data Protection Act.

This approach and ethos of the team evolved to the creation of MARDA (Multi Agency Response to Domestic Abuse)

 So, who might these agencies be? I hear you ask.

We work closely with Swale Your Way. They provide a variety of services to promote good mental health. From one to one, Well Being sessions and even a mentoring scheme. If you think you might want to try counselling then we can also put you in touch with Rubicon Cares, or Fresh Vision.

“I don’t know where to get advice about legal matters for me and the children”

We have a qualified solicitor from John Coplands & Son with experience in Domestic Abuse cases, she is available for a free consultation at our weekly MARDA sessions.

“How can I make my property safe, now that my partner has left?”

We work closely with the Fire Brigade, Police, Keep Safe and Staying put. All of these can assist in different ways to make your property safe and secure, giving you peace of mind.

“My partner has left me with debts and we have got behind with the rent. I don’t know what to do”

Our MARDA sessions are held at the Job Centre in Sittingbourne. We have strong relationships with the staff there, or Citizens Advice who can help with Benefits, Universal credit and DWP. Our Links with Swale Borough Council Housing can also assist in many of your housing concerns.

“My real concerns are my children. My partner told lies about me to the Police and now I am worried what will happen”

Our support workers regularly does visits with Early Help and Social Services. Having someone from the team there can help to bring clarity and reassurance to you. It can be a positive experience.

“I have so little money left at the end of the week, that I can barely afford to feed the children. I often go without so that they can eat”

Working with the local Food Banks means that we can provide you with vouchers for a food bank near you. There is always plenty of variety and they make you feel very welcome. We can also assist with benefit advice for longer term solutions.

“I have thought about leaving and going to a refuge, but I wouldn’t know where to start”

We work closely with Clarion who provide refuge space all over the country and the Swale Borough Council Housing Team. Our support works can also advise and assist you with this.

“I have been told that if I get a Non-Molestation Order against my partner, I will have to go to the court. I don’t think I would be strong enough to do it, I don’t want to see him”

Our support workers can help you apply for the order and then attend court with you. The connections we have at the court mean that you will be able to wait in a separate room from your partner and it is even possible to be able to have screens in the court, so you don’t have to see him.

For times and locations of our MARDA and the Drop In sessions please go to the How we can help> MARDA & Drop ins page.