AN organisation promoting healthy lifestyles through dance is celebrating after being given a cash boost to help in its work with women who have suffered from domestic abuse, or are in other challenging situations.

North East Dance CIC has been awarded £7,362 in funding from the Coalfields Community Investment Programme, delivered by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, which is dedicated to supporting coalfield small cities, towns and villages.

The funds will be used by the community interest company to employ a sessional worker who will deliver the Health and Learning Opportunities (Halo) programme in Brandon, over the next 48 weeks.

The professionally qualified recruit will work with women who have experienced domestic abuse or sexual assault and are living in challenging circumstances, by delivering group discussions, fitness activities and workbooks.

Those who attend the sessions will be taught how to recognise the behaviours behind different types of abuse and how to improve their own emotional resilience in the face of difficulties.

The programme will also give them the knowledge and skills needed to live independent lives and undertake training and employment opportunities in the future.

By focusing on attendees' own social networks, North East Dance CIC will help to tackle feelings of social isolation and exclusion, “helping women to nurture and manage relationships and feel more comfortable in social situations”.

The company’s chief executive, Deloris Martin said “Through the Halo programme we’re able to work with women from across the community in a safe and comfortable environment, rebuilding their confidence and helping them to readjust to everyday life following an abusive relationship.”

“Now we’ve received the funding from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust we can reach out to even more people in Brandon and the surrounding area, making sure they receive the support which they desperately need.”

Lynn Utting, development manager (England) for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, said: “Overcoming issues following an abusive relationship can be incredibly difficult and North East Dance CIC deliver an incredible service to those living within the community.”