A DOMESTIC abuse charity has been awarded a substantial grant to install new IT technology that will help streamline its services.

SOS Domestic Abuse Projects, a charity based in Westcliff, has received £7,000 of funding from the Big Lottery Fund towards the purchase of a new database.

The charity has, for the past 40 years, supported thousands of people to escape from domestic violence and to recover from abuse.

Current services include crisis support via a drop-in at the Dove Centre in West Road, a telephone helpline, recovery work with children and families, refuge accommodation, support for adult male victims, counselling and preventative work for children and young people in Southend.

This project will provide a new database that will be supported by newly-trained staff and volunteers, which will improve their service provision supporting victims of domestic abuse.

Fundraising manager Susannah Anderson said: “It is essential that we are able to keep a record of not only who we support but the difference that each person makes to their lives while they are with us.

“The grant has helped us to purchase a new Client Management System. While, admittedly, not the most exciting of projects, the new database will play a vital role in ensuring that we can continue to make a difference in the lives of local people.”