A new support service for people in the Tavistock area who are suffering from or have survived domestic abuse opened its doors on August 1.

Led by Dreams CIC opened its doors with Tavistock mayor Cllr Anne Johnson, councillors and Devon Councillor Debo Sellis among those in attendance.

The organisation has been set up to provide support to men, women and children who are, or have suffered, domestic abuse. Led by Dreams accepts referrals from agencies, self-referrals, telephone referrals and and email, offering group work, access to counselling, court support, a telephone helpline and legal surgery. The team is also currently developing a survivors’ group.

Led by Dreams is the brainchild of Tina Cross and Monroe Vincent, who met while Tina was working for Torbay’s domestic abuse service. Dismayed by cuts to vital funding streams for the service, Tina retired from her previous job and it was then that Tina and Monroe decided to set up Led by Dreams.

Tina said: ‘When we met, we had the same vision that any service for those who have survived or are living through domestic violence and abuse, that it should be focused on people. We discussed a potential refuge but decided that we would offer an outreach service first.

‘Today is brilliant, it is the first step for us after a lot of hard work to get us to this point. It is great to have been so well supported by our councillors and everyone here at the launch.

‘I think people have this idea that Tavistock is this quiet market town with no problems. But the issues are hidden. There is a definite need for this service in the area.’

The scheme has received £10,000 in funding from the National Lottery’s Awards for All scheme to set up the service.

Led by Dreams is based in Stepping Stones in Pearl Assurance House on Brook Street.