Make a Change

Visit the Make a Change website

What is Make a Change?

Make a Change is a community-wide, early response to people who are concerned that they are using abuse in their intimate and/or previously intimate relationships. The Make a Change model was developed by Respect, in partnership with Women’s Aid Federation of England (WAFE), and is inspired by the Change That Lasts approach.

Make a Change works directly with people using abusive and controlling behaviours and their partners and ex-partners, while also empowering the people around them – local communities, friends, families and professionals – to see themselves as part of the solution, and to work together to address the problem. 

Take a look at Make a Change's policy position paper to read more about how the model provides solutions and fills gaps in provision, along with key recommendations.

Where is Make a Change available?

Make a Change is currently available in Durham, Merseyside, Newcastle, Sunderland and Trafford.

The programme was also delivered in Lincolnshire from 2018 to March 2023, before
closing due to a lack of continued funding.

Who can access Make a Change?

Anyone can refer themselves to Make a Change and we actively encourage self-referral. This means people can access support earlier, when they feel they need it.

You can find out more and request a call back on the Make a Change website.

How was Make a Change developed?

The innovative Make a Change model has been developed through consultation with men enrolled on behavioural change programmes. It is grounded in an established evidence base for safe and effective work with perpetrators and associated support services for survivors, and is delivered by Respect-accredited services or those willing to work towards this.

The project was evaluated by the University of Stirling in its pilot phase. Read the Executive Summary and the final report. 

Watch the Make a Change webinar

This Make a Change webinar took place on 21st March 2024. Catch up and hear about how the programme can help people who harm to make positive changes and improve the safety and wellbeing of adult and child survivors.

The event brought together Make a Change colleagues from across all areas of the project – frontline practitioners, commissioners, and experts from partner organisations Women’s Aid and Respect.