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 is informed by the recognition that domestic abuse doesn’t just affect individuals and their families, but entire communities. We believe it is everyone’s responsibility to tackle domestic abuse.

Make a Change works directly with people using abusive and controlling behaviours, 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. 

Where is Make a Change available?

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

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, including the partners and ex-partners of those using abusive behaviours, 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 here.

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.