Freedom Project West Cumbria is a registered charity (Charity No. 1187765) providing free, confidential, trauma-informed support to people affected by domestic abuse and sexual abuse across Cumbria. We’re known locally for our holistic, family approach supporting survivors, children and young people, and people who use/are at risk of using abusive behaviours with the aim of breaking the cycle of abuse and helping families move forward safely.
We offer one-to-one assessment of need, helping the client decide the most suitable pathway this may include one-to-one counselling, group work, or a combination.
We provide one-to-one counselling for:
Adult survivors/victims
Children and young people
Perpetrators / people wanting to change harmful behaviours
EMDR therapy for trauma/PTSD
Group programmes (adults and children/young people)
Groups for adult survivors (currently on hold but reopening in the new financial year)
Groups for children (primary age and under)
Groups for older children/young people (secondary age up to 18)
Organisations can refer (and individuals can self-refer) when someone is affected by:
Domestic abuse (current or historic)
Sexual abuse
Stalking/harassment and related VAWG harms (as listed on partner/victim-service directories)
We work with survivors, families, and children, and also support people who want help to change abusive behaviours, because sustainable safety often needs whole-family change.
Referral screening checklist
Consent and understanding
Have you discussed this referral with the client, and do they consent to having their information shared with The Freedom Project?
☐ Yes ☐ No
Have you informed the client that we are a domestic and sexual abuse charity offering counselling?
☐ Yes ☐ No
Presenting issue
3. Is the primary presenting issue related to recovery from domestic or sexual abuse?
☐ Yes ☐ No
Safety and risk screening
4. Is the client at high risk for suicide? (e.g., a suicide attempt in the last 8 weeks, or a current plan with intent)
☐ Yes ☐ No
If Yes: please refer to the appropriate crisis/emergency service before referring to us.
Is the client misusing drugs and/or alcohol?
☐ Yes ☐ No
If Yes: please refer to the appropriate substance misuse service before referring to us.
Is the client currently engaged with the Crisis Team?
☐ Yes ☐ No
Has the client expressed any past or recent thoughts or intentions to harm themselves or others?
☐ Yes ☐ No
Safeguarding and serious harm history
8. Has the client been convicted of, or are they currently under investigation for, any offences relating to a child (e.g., neglect, sexual abuse, exploitation)?
☐ Yes ☐ No
Has the client experienced a history of involvement in severe physical or sexual assaults?
☐ Yes ☐ No
Has the client had any past experiences involving the use of weapons or tools?
☐ Yes ☐ No
Has the client shared any past experiences or recent thoughts related to harming animals?
☐ Yes ☐ No
Perpetrator referral section (complete only if referring a perpetrator)
Is the client considered low or medium risk?
☐ Yes ☐ No
Does the client take responsibility and accountability for their actions?
☐ Yes ☐ No
Does the client express a desire to change?
☐ Yes ☐ No
Practical
15. Does the client consent to remote therapy via telephone, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams?
☐ Yes ☐ No
We ask the questions in this referral checklist to make sure the client is safe, fully informed, and being referred to the right service at the right time.