WHY SUPPORT US
The Lampstand Group was founded by Jennifer Hebert, who brings her own lived experience of many years of domestic abuse. She experienced homelessness as a result of that abuse and lived in a refuge with her young children. The working committee have a wealth of lived and learned experience and are blessed with compassion and empathy.
People with lived experience of domestic abuse who are coerced into co dependent, toxic and unhealthy relationships often have a history of trauma that shapes their attachment styles, making them more vulnerable to manipulative partners and abusive behaviours.
Trauma and insecure attachments within the family home, especially when rooted in past abuse, can create a tolerance for distress in relationships, where discomfort, volatility or even violence may start to feel normal.
People with lived experience of domestic abuse may come to believe they deserve unhealthy relationships. Co dependency and trauma bonding can develop, and over time these unhealthy dynamics can become normalised.
Threats and intimidation, sometimes extremely subtle and therefore difficult to recognise or trust, maintain control and create a sense that leaving is impossible or dangerous.
As a result of significant trauma, people with lived experience of domestic abuse may experience reduced confidence, require safe and stable rehousing, and face anxiety or other mental health challenges.
Our mission is to relieve homelessness and promote healthy relationships, ensuring that people with lived experience of domestic abuse can achieve their full potential. We do this by offering compassionate support, recovery services, and by promoting positive mental health and wellbeing throughout Hull and the East Yorkshire region, while working towards national objectives that aim to strengthen safety, recovery and long term stability for people affected by domestic abuse.
When Sarah* connected with The Lampstand Group, she had experienced years of coercive control and emotional abuse. Living with a physical disability made accessing help extremely difficult. Transport was a constant barrier. She often cancelled appointments because she did not feel safe travelling alone.
We began with a specialist risk assessment and personalised safety plan. Through consistent one-to-one advocacy, Sarah received practical guidance around legal processes, finances, and her rights. For the first time, she felt believed.
A turning point came when she engaged in our arts-based recovery sessions. Creative expression allowed her to process trauma in a way that felt safe and manageable. Over time, she began to rediscover confidence and identity beyond the abuse.
Access to safe, supported transport significantly changed her engagement. Reliable minibus travel meant she could attend sessions consistently, without fear or logistical stress. This continuity reduced her isolation and strengthened her recovery.
Months later, Sarah describes herself as “stronger and more hopeful.” She is rebuilding independence at her own pace and exploring volunteering opportunities.
Her journey demonstrates the power of removing practical barriers. Advocacy builds safety. Arts therapy rebuilds confidence. Safe transport makes both accessible.
*Name changed to protect identity.
£30 could Provide a trauma-informed one-to-one advocacy session for a person with lived experience of domestic abuse, including safety planning and practical guidance.
£60 Could provide a specialist arts therapy session, enabling a person with lived experience to process trauma safely, rebuild confidence, and express emotions in a supported environment — or fund 3–5 safe minibus journeys to access vital support.