Testimonials from businesses
"We have really appreciated the support and training over the past six months. It’s been genuinely helpful in building our confidence and understanding around domestic abuse, and how we can support both our staff, volunteers and the people we work with.
The session was clear, practical and delivered with care, which made a big difference. We now feel better equipped to recognise when someone might need help and to respond in a supportive and appropriate way.
Thank you for the time, guidance and encouragement you have given us it’s had a real impact on how we work as a Trust."
Mandy Smith, Head of Human Resources and Employee Experience at St Barnabas Hospice
"I first spoke to Natalie about applying for gold certification with the Lincolnshire domestic abuse engagement package in October 2025 and she shared all the information and guidance we needed to start to work on the application for certification. Natalie was always just a phone call or email away and supported the team at PayPlan to achieve gold certification - something we are all incredibly proud of.
Not only is this an endorsement of the safe pathway into debt advice that we have designed for clients accessing free debt advice but also underpins the support available for our colleagues - the additional training supplied through this process has strengthened the initiatives we had in place so that our colleagues know they can reach out to get the help they need."
Emma Gibbons, Vulnerability Lead at PayPlan
“We have thoroughly valued our involvement in the Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Partnership award programme and are proud to have achieved the bronze award. The accreditation process was clear, straightforward, and well-supported throughout, with guidance provided at every stage.
The training was both informative and engaging, helping to raise awareness and encourage meaningful discussions across our organisation. As a responsible employer, we are committed to creating a supportive culture where colleagues have opportunities to learn, develop, and speak openly about important issues.
Building on this achievement, we are now looking forward to progressing towards the gold award standard.”
Fay Bocock, HR Learning and Organisational Development Partner at Lincoln Bishop University
“The Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Partnership gold package has been invaluable to Boxes of Hope and the communities we support. The training has given our team the confidence, knowledge and practical tools to recognise the signs of domestic abuse, respond with empathy and understanding, and ensure individuals are safely signposted to the most appropriate specialist services. It has strengthened our approach, ensuring every conversation is handled with compassion, professionalism and a trauma-informed perspective.
Since becoming involved with the partnership, we have seen an increase in referrals, strengthened out relationships with specialist organisation across Lincolnshire, and developed a more coordinated approach to supporting those affected by domestic abuse. Having our team trained as domestic abuse champions has created a culture where staff feel empowered to recognise concerns early, have supportive conversation, and help people access the right support at the right time.
The gold package has enhanced not only our knowledge but also our confidence as an organisation, enabling us to provide safer, more informed support for survivors while working collaboratively with partners across the county.
We would highly recommend the programme to any organisation committed to making a meaningful difference to the lives of those affected by domestic abuse.”
Mandy Baxter, CEO at Boxes of Hope CIC
Testimonials from our domestic abuse awareness training for the self-employed
“Thank you, Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Partnership. Such an insightful and valuable morning. For me, it helped shed light on an important issue that can affect us all in different ways. Left with a sense of purpose, greater knowledge of the complexity of the issues involved and a clear sense of how to recognise, respond and signpost. Highly recommend to all.”
EmBodyMind
“An incredibly worthwhile training that has clarified when and how to support victims and survivors. If you have employees, neighbours or acquaintances, you almost certainly know someone living with domestic abuse. The resources delivered by Natalie are invaluable.”
Property Whisperer
“This training is so important for anyone who runs a business and especially those of us who cover subject areas, run courses, or have roles, where we may be asked or get the opportunity to signpost people suffering from domestic violence, to the correct support.
Natalie Watkinson did an excellent job bringing us up to speed with a range of definitions, the ways in which we can support, and what's happening on the ground so we can safely and professionally act as a 'force-multiplier' and be part of the early warning, early advisory network for those in need of support.
I'd encourage you to all to reach out to your local domestic violence partnerships if you truly want to be more informed and be in a position to help as a business.”
Training for Reality