Vesta - Specialist Family Support CIC was formerly known as the Polish Domestic Violence Helpline (PDVH). PDVH supported Polish victims of domestic violence since 2014. We set up the first UK-wide helpline specifically for Polish people who experienced domestic abuse. It was founded by Ewa Wilcock, who developed it initially as a project within a local charity, Cheshire Without Abuse. National interest in the helpline grew quickly, and in 2015 we registered as a charitable incorporated organisation and developed our services independently. Apart from the helpline, we offered telephone counselling and a domestic abuse recovery programme for Polish women, Gateway. In 2017, we were one of the shortlisted finalists for the prestigious Diversity Award in the gender category, which was a great recognition of our work for Polish victims of domestic violence.
There was a growing demand for our services, and we decided to change how we operate to continue providing invaluable support to Polish families. In September 2018, we registered Vesta - Specialist Family Support CIC, our new name and organisation. We extended our support offer to respond to the growing needs of our clients. We support families affected by domestic abuse through specialist courses for victims and perpetrators. We also focus on improving parenting skills and the general well-being of Polish families; we offer parenting courses and counselling.
We also offer courses to professionals that help explore the issues affecting the lives of Polish people living in the UK so they can recognise them and respond to them confidently when working with them or supporting them in their professional roles.
We offer our services remotely across England and Wales.