Those experiencing domestic violence in the Nipawin area have a new point of access to seek help.
The North East Outreach and Support Services has opened a satellite office at the Twin Lakes Enterprise Centre, located on Nipawin’s 2nd Avenue East right beside the town hall.
“It will give people a place to come,” said Julie Nicholet, the personal violence counsellor who will staff the office. “Instead of just trying to meet them wherever is safest for them, they can just come and walk in, come and see me.”
The Town of Nipawin is providing $10,000 in direct funding and $6,000 worth of office space to make the satellite office possible.
“It means more resources, improved resources, easier access for the people who live here who need this type of service,” said Rennie Harper, Nipawin’s mayor. “We have a significant population that needs access, so this will do that.”
Having the office will make it easier for Nicholet to travel to places like Choiceland, Cumberland House and Carrot River, especially if someone there needs same-day counseling. It will also make it easier for community groups that are looking for Nicholet to make educational presentations about domestic and dating violence, as well as awareness about consent.
“It’s good news, I think, for us because we’re getting the awareness out there so that people know there is somewhere to come to get the help and so that it doesn’t have to be silenced anymore.”
The mayor added this is another example of a partnership that benefits the Northeast as a whole.
“We can’t all have stand-alone resources,” she said. “We have to walk together and this is an example of that.”
Nicholet said she’s also partnering with the local Cumberland College campus to make presentations to students.
“It’s another point of access so they can come if they’re experiencing some sort of domestic violence or just want to learn what a healthy relationship is, I can do that education piece with them.”
