The Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS), trained 16 volunteers this week, after receiving funding from Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan.

The ‘Champions’ scheme will help volunteers reach out into local and rural communities to raise awareness about what IDAS does, and change attitudes towards domestic abuse.

Carmel Offord, IDAS community engagement officer, said: “We had a range of people taking part, some were survivors of domestic abuse and many were from a range of organisations such as youth groups and universities. They will now be able to raise awareness of domestic abuse and the services IDAS provide in their personal and professional lives.

“North Yorkshire is a huge county, we have a large population living in both rural and urban communities, with the support of IDAS Champions, their local knowledge and networks, we can continue to get our message out that there is help and support available to anyone experiencing domestic abuse.”

Mrs Mulligan was present for the training day, which now takes the total number of IDAS Champions to 40, and said their work helped more people recognise abuse.

She said: “I would like to thank the Champions for their dedication and commitment because the success of this scheme is reliant on people giving their time and support, and I do hope IDAS hit their target of 60 Champions by the end of the year.”

Jan Davos, from Stamford Bridge, took part in the training, and is an IDAS ambassador and Champion.

She said: “I think that IDAS provides an incredible service and it’s great that more people will know where to go for support. IDAS helps people to take charge of their own lives but it needs more Champions to spread the message across North Yorkshire, especially to rural areas.”

Further training dates will be held in Scarborough on June 21, Skipton on July 28 and Northallerton on October 16.

To find out more about becoming a Champion email [email protected] or go to idas.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer-for-idas/