Fidler and Pepper Solicitors are urging people to support a Mansfield charity that works to empower women and children.

Nottinghamshire Independent Domestic Abuse Services (NIDAS) is a small, friendly, independent, local charity who are passionate about empowering women and children helping them feel safe, feel supported and feel like they can make changes to be free from domestic abuse.

With a strong heritage and background in domestic abuse with over 24 years’ experience in the Mansfield and Ashfield areas, the charity has helped thousands of people.

Natalie Potter, who heads up Fidler and Pepper’s family team, said: “Domestic abuse happens all too often and sometimes people just do not know where to turn to when they need help.

“We handle a number of domestic abuse cases from a legal point of view, but the charity NIDAS offers specialist support to children and when people go through the court process.

“It also offers a safe space and non-judgmental, confidential support to women to help them to make different choices in order to be free from abuse.”

Natalie added: “This vital charity needs support from the community in order to keep operating and providing the services that it does. If people can help in any way, they should get in touch.”

Lisa Haydon the Director of Service from the charity said: “No one agency can provide all of the support a family needs when suffering from abuse. Working more closely with local solicitors like Fidler and Pepper means we can be sure we are reaching as many people in our community as possible.

“It’s a common and understandable misconception that we are funded by the government and we have been for many years. However, in less than 12 months’ time, our funding from the government will reduce from 25 per cent to below five per cent.

“Any donations you can make to go towards providing this vital support will be crucial in these coming months to ensure our survival to be able to keep helping”

Based in Mansfield, the charity’s helpline number is 01623 683250.