Search this site

All donations are used to help run AIM Northwest. Some donations are made for specific purposes and these will only be used for those purposes. General donations may be used for any of our expenses. How You Can Donate There are a number of ways that you can donate:- Money - click on the PayPal link below to donate- please use the Gift Aid button if you pay tax - the Government add £2.50 for every £10 you donate and it doesn't cost you anything! Goods - please donate sale-able items to our shop - contact enquiries@aimnorthwest.org.uk Prizes - we are always looking for raffle prizes for events Your Time - See the volunteer page to see how you could help out at AIM Northwest We are currently looking for cash or goods donations to help us support more people, whether it is a one-off or more regular support. £5 provides a peer support mentor to an individual who requires emotional and practical support due to domestic abuse for one month. Thank you for supporting AIM Northwest. Text AIMNW 3 to 70085 to donate £3 Texts cost £3 plus one standard rate message PayPal More Info Crowdfunder More Info Charity Shop More Info

Find out how you can donate, volunteer or assist us in achieving our goals of supporting those in need. Support Us How We Use Your Donations All donations are used to help run AIM Northwest. Some donations are made for specific purposes and these will only be used for those purposes. General donations may be used for any of our expenses. Currently, these include, but are not limited to: Volunteer expenses Our Website- including support and maintenance Premises in Leigh Insurance Expenses for events Professional services Find Out More Ways You Can Support Us Donate Donate Donate your cash or resources Find Out More Shop Explore our charity shop Find Out More Volunteer Give the gift of time Find Out More Events Join us to help make a difference Find Out More Partners Find out how we can help you Find Out More

Find out about upcoming events that support AIM Northwest, book tickets to help us assist those who need it most. How Events Help We run several events every year to raise funds for AIM Northwest. These have included Ladies Night, a Soul Night, Pink Tribute Night, Christmas events and Wine Tasting Events are a major source of income for us, along with grants we receive and donations. We appreciate your support for these events Upcoming Events No events at the moment

AIM Northwest was founded in 2020 by survivors of domestic abuse Catherine Prince and Kerry Bamber. As colleagues and friends, Cath and Kerry had a shared passion and drive to make a difference for those affected by domestic abuse. Their vision was to establish a charity that tackles domestic abuse, where ‘ALL INDIVIDUALS MATTER’. Our Story AIM Northwest was founded in 2020 by survivors of domestic abuse Catherine Prince and Kerry Bamber. As colleagues and friends, Cath and Kerry had a shared passion and drive to make a difference for those affected by domestic abuse. Their vision was to establish a charity that tackles domestic abuse, where ‘ALL INDIVIDUALS MATTER’. Men, women and children, whether they be victims or perpetrators. These are the foundation values on which AIM Northwest was created. Kerry has for the last 3 years continued to dedicate her time to the growth and development of AIM Northwest. Read her inspirational story below kerry's story Kerry's Story "I was a strong character, 20 years old and in love for the first time." As soon as I fell pregnant, everything changed. I suddenly became his property. He told me what I could and could not do, who I could and could not see, until eventually I wasn't allowed to see anyone at all. I became completely isolated. I wasn't allowed to work or have my own money. He made me feel dependent on him and utterly worthless. The abuse was both physical and emotional. Over time, I became a shadow of the person I once was. Despite coming from a loving and supportive family, I felt trapped and unable to see a way out. I remember spending a night at Leigh bus station while heavily pregnant after he threw me out of our flat. I was too ashamed to tell my friends or family what was happening or what my life had become. Domestic abuse is a very lonely place. Our Vision To live life free from abuse or abusing Our Mission To provide intervention support for families affected by domestic abuse. Including the abused, abuser and affected children. To work in partnership with other agencies in the fight against abuse. To raise awareness about domestic abuse within our communities. Give the victims the confidence to be brave in adversity and report abuse and seek help. To Empower those affected by domestic abuse to create a safer, happier home environment. Our Values To work without judgement. We believe that all individuals matter, whether that be the victim or perpetrator. You can come and speak to us without being judged or rejected. To persevere. To accept, if now is not the right time and to always leave our door open, never turning anyone away. To allow people to make their own decisions. We believe that those we support have the right to an informed choice and to make their own decisions. Confidentiality. We believe in providing an environment to talk openly and safely. To work transparently, we will be open and honest with those who trust, support or work with us. Meet The Team Collaborators Support Us Find out who is Assisting us in following our values Meet the team that makes this all possible Help us achieve our Mission by supporting us any way you can Collaborators Team members Support Us

We offer practical 1-2-1 support to improve circumstances that lead to difficult relationships and home environments, to prevent and reduce incidents of domestic abuse. Positive Change Our ‘Positive change’ service supports those who are single or within the family unit, we accept referrals from men and women who are at risk of offending, are currently offending, or have a history of offending . We offer practical 1-2-1 support to improve circumstances that lead to difficult relationships and home environments, to prevent and reduce incidents of domestic abuse. If you require support for any of the following reasons then the ‘positive change’ service can help you. Criminal Justice System Support Financial Wellbeing Mental Health Wellbeing Social Inclusion Housing Needs Or Prison Resettlement Family Support Substance Or Alcohol Misuse Anger Management We offer non-judgmental advice and support. If you are not sure whether you may be at risk of domestic abuse or at risk of perpetrating domestic abuse please see our checklist to help you. Download our referral form and return it to enquiries@aimnorthwest.org.uk Respect 1-2-1 Who we support: • Individuals assessed as low to medium risk. •     Aged 16+ Our pathways: •     10‑week Early Intervention & Awareness Programme. •     16+ week Behaviour Change Programme for those needing more structured support to change their behaviour. Who we cannot support: •     High‑risk cases. •     We will always signpost to specialist services in Wigan where a higher level of support is needed. Our approach: •     Respect‑aligned •     Safety‑focused •     Accountability‑based Referral for Prevent Services Prevent Services form If you are referring to the Respect 1-2-1 or group behaviour change programme delivered by AIM Northwest, please read the criteria policy before making a referral. If you would like more information on this before making a referral then please make contact with the team on 01942 918648. Respect 1-2-1 Policy Peer Support and Drop Ins Weekly Stepping Stones Drop‑In Thursdays, 10:00 - 11:30 am Our weekly drop‑ins are open to anyone who needs prevent support. You don’t need an appointment and you don’t need to be accessing any of our other services. Just walk in. Stepping Stones offers: •     Computer access for job‑seeking, applying for benefits or completing online forms •     Use of a phone to contact other services •     Light‑touch support to improve health and wellbeing •     A welcoming, supportive space to talk or get practical help We meet in a relaxed common room with pool table, table hockey and table tennis fostering a positive, relaxed environment to engage with a drink.

We shine a spotlight on those who contribute to AIM Northwest in many different ways, with your continued help we can ensure that we make a big difference within the community. To those who support us already, we say a huge thank you! How to Become a Partner We shine a spotlight on those who contribute to AIM Northwest in many different ways, with your continued help we can ensure that we make a big difference within the community. To those who support us already, we say a huge thank you! To those looking to support us in anyway, there are lots of options for you to help out, simply drop us an email to enquiries@aimnorthwest.org.uk and we’d be delighted to welcome you as a partner. Friends Of AIM Northwest PNP Electrical Services Arnold Clark Community Fund Morrisons Ultimate Products Forever Manchester The Weavers Arms Kualo 3 Retro Admirals labels and print Emtec Climate Solutions Lowton Social Club Vicki McFarlane Chester RaceCourse Nellies Artisan Events The Robin Hood Greggs PWG Gresham Cineworld Wigan Athletic FC MD Hutton Joinery LTD Always Loved Gifts Manchester City FC Leigh Spinners Mill The Pegs Langtern GR8 Sports Nicola Mitchell Mortgages & Protection Leigh Printers Asda Slattery MWIB Morrisons Tesco See Our Collaborators Collaborators

AIM Northwest is charity dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by domestic violence and abuse. Operating with compassion, empathy, and unwavering commitment, the charity provides a lifeline for those facing challenging circumstances, offering a range of services tailored to their needs. 1/4 Our Story AIM Northwest is a domestic abuse charity founded in 2020. We work with men, women and children affected by abuse. Click below to find learn about the inspiring story of how and why we were founded and to learn more about our board of trustees. Read More Seek Help If you think you may be affected by domestic abuse, we are here to help. Please click below to find out more about how we can help. For an immediate response please call us on. 01942 918 648 Read More Support Us There are many ways in which you can support us besides the obvious financial donations that we would be pleased to accept. Click below to find out how you can help to support AIM Northwest. Read More Latest News Keep up to date with all the latest activities, upcoming events, success stories, and new services we provide, amongst other news stories. Read More Forthcoming Events No events at the moment

abuse and BAME communities. Domestic abuse in the BAME community is a prevalent but may present differently to what we see in the UK. There are more reports of abuse being perpetrated by family members from minority communities. The below are types of abuse we see unique to BAME communities: Forced marriages “Forced marriage is a marriage in which one or more of the parties is married without their consent or against their will. A marriage can also become a forced marriage even if both parties enter with full consent if one or both are later forced to stay in the marriage against their will.” FMJ “Female Genital Mutilation (often referred to as FGM) is a destructive operation, during which the female genitals are partly or entirely removed or injured with the aim of inhibiting a woman’s sexual feelings. Most often the mutilation is performed before puberty, often on girls between the age of four and eight, but recently it is increasingly performed on babies who are only a couple of days, weeks, or months old.” Cultural barriers Being forced to remain in the relationship due to cultural barriers and beliefs. “Cultural beliefs can mean that those in abusive relationships feel compelled to stay due to fear of being rejected from by their family and or community” Whilst we accept that there are additional barriers to accepting support, you have a right to live a life free from abuse, we can offer you confidential support and advice, in a place that is safe for you. We can help you to look at the options that are available to you, giving you full control of any decision, you need to make. We care about you and will work to reduce barrier to you accessing help. Getting help Language barrier – we have access to independent interpreters who will support you to access and understand the help you need. Immigration status – whether you have a secure immigration status or insecure status AIM Northwest will offer you support. You have a right to be safe from abuse. Cultural awareness – we offer advice, guidance, and support on cultural and religious differences between the UK and BAME countries in order to prevent and reduce offending behaviours.

The gift of your time is greatly appreciated AIM Northwest is currently looking for anyone interested in volunteering their time to help with fundraising activities, online, or face-to-face or becoming a mentor. Become a Volunteer The gift of your time is greatly appreciated AIM Northwest is currently looking for anyone interested in volunteering their time to help with fundraising activities, online, or face-to-face or becoming a mentor. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer click below. Got questions? Email volunteer@aimnorthwest.org.uk Volunteer Application Form Click to volunteer Buddy Mentor Work 1-2-1 with clients suffering abuse Meet face to face/talk regularly Accredited Training given Expenses paid Trustee Help define and implement the strategic direction for the charity. Listening Mentor Work with clients through phone conversations to help and support them Accredited training given Expenses paid Other Opportunities Volunteer to help at fundraisers Help out at coffee mornings Work within the shop

AIM Northwest provides support for victims of domestic abuse and their families, both for men and women. We provide support with the belief that you have the right to make decisions over your own life. We will not tell you what to do, but we will help you whether you want to stay in the relationship or leave. How to Find Help IF YOU ARE AT RISK OF I MMEDIATE HARM CALL 999 AIM Northwest provides support for victims of domestic abuse and their families, both for men and women. We provide support with the belief that you have the right to make decisions over your own life. We will not tell you what to do, but we will help you whether you want to stay in the relationship or leave. From experience we understand that the impact of domestic abuse does not stop when the abuse comes to an end. The impact of domestic abuse can effect our lives and prevent us from recovering to live the life we want to lead. This is why we also provide support for those recovering from domestic abuse. We will believe you. We will support you to see what your options are. Suffering from domestic abuse is lonely, we can be there for you. You do not have to suffer this alone. If you are unsure whether you are suffering from domestic abuse then please read the list of questions below below. If you answer YES to any of the questions, get in touch with us for some advice: Are you frightened of your partner or a close family member? Are you being prevented from seeing your friends or family by your partner? Are you being prevented from having any control over your finances? Are you being subjected to physical abuse such as being bit, hit, kicked, or punched? Are you being called names, being insulted, belittled or unfairly blamed for things? Are you feeling fearful, tearful or anxious about being in your own home? Support Services Supporting those affected by domestic abuse across the Northwest of England Read More Prevent Services Improving circumstances that lead to difficult home environments Read More A holistic approach is needed to address domestic abuse, one that includes victim and offender support services, education, and community involvement. A comprehensive plan to stop domestic abuse must involve cooperation between local governments, policing support, social agencies, and community organisations. NSPCC – Domestic Abuse Children also suffer from the impacts of domestic abuse and each response will be different and can impact on how a child develops into adulthood. Read More