Refuge and Let Me Know announce merger to deliver domestic abuse prevention
Refuge, the UK’s largest specialist domestic abuse charity, and relationship education charity LMK (Let Me Know) are joining together as one organisation to drive long-term change in the prevention space.
Commencing today (Monday 19th October), the strategic merger of Refuge and LMK represents a significant opportunity to scale LMK’s outstanding relationship education programme to help young people build healthy relationships for life, while expanding Refuge’s comprehensive range of specialist support services.
The union is built on the shared commitment of both organisations to prevent relationship abuse and create a safer future for young people. It will accelerate the strategic ambitions of Refuge and LMK, maintaining both charities’ organisational identities and existing relationships with external stakeholders and partners.
A core feature of the integration is the expansion of LMK’s 10 Signs education workshops outside of London, allowing the trailblazing programme to reach more young people than ever before and provide them with a gateway into Refuge’s extensive support networks. This, in turn, will strengthen Refuge’s portfolio of services – including emergency accommodation, community-based services, and the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline – and bolster its ongoing commitment to transforming societal understanding of domestic abuse.
Refuge and LMK will continue to provide their full range of services, while supporting all colleagues to carry on their vital work towards creating a world where domestic abuse is not tolerated. No job losses are anticipated: under the proposed terms of the merger, all 14 LMK colleagues will transfer to Refuge, joining its c.460 strong workforce.
Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, Chair of Trustees, Refuge, said:
“Ending domestic abuse requires a full-spectrum approach, from tailored specialist support for survivors to long-term prevention efforts which address the root causes and help future generations stop abuse in its tracks. Refuge is delighted to begin its journey with LMK, bringing together two exceptional teams to fulfil their crucial goal: ensuring everyone can live free from fear of abuse.”
Leon Ward, Chair of Trustees, LMK, said:
“At LMK and Refuge, we believe that a world without relationship abuse is possible. In joining with a likeminded team, the specialist knowledge and skills of both LMK and Refuge will be pivotal in excelling prevention efforts and will support more young people to thrive in their relationships. Together, through early intervention and lifesaving services, we will tackle abuse.”
