CHANGES are being made to the way survivors of domestic abuse are helped in west Cheshire.

Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) is increasing its ability to help people recover.

It has been working with Women's Housing Action Group (WHAG) since October 2014 to provide safe and supportive accommodation to individuals and, following a funding boost from the Department of Communities and Local Government, and extra five units of accommodation will be available from the end of the month.

Domestic abuse staff are also working with partner agencies to develop provision for black and minority ethnic (BME) survivors and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) survivors.

Another change is that a requirement for WHAG to prioritise services for survivors with a connection to west Cheshire, that was due to take effect from 2016, has been removed.

This means that support will continue to be provided on the basis of risk and need, rather than local connections.

Cllr Louise Gittins, CWAC's cabinet member for culture, health and wellbeing, said: "Since the council began working with WHAG we have been able to accommodate and support the recovery of a wider range of people including male and female survivors, families with dependent teenage children and people with pets.

"Feedback from service users has been encouraging, with positive comments about the range, quality and safety of accommodation. However, we felt there was room for further improvement in some key areas.

"The changes we are introducing will expand the refuge offer, remove the requirement to prioritise in-borough residents and place a new focus on provision for domestic abuse survivors from the BME and LGBT communities.

"Our aim is to create an environment that supports recovery from domestic abuse for all survivors and their children, regardless of their age, gender, sexuality, faith or culture."