Local woman raises funds for specialist domestic violence training and support

A Rochdale mental health crisis worker is calling for community support to fund specialist training in domestic violence support, aiming to fill critical gaps in services for survivors in the local area.

Dani Burke, who leads the Listening Lounge, an out-of-hours mental health crisis service based in Rochdale, is seeking donations to enrol in a Foundation Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) course. The training will enable her to offer specialist support outside her work with Rochdale & District Mind.

The Listening Lounge assists individuals facing a range of mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Recently, the service has witnessed a surge in people seeking help after enduring abuse.

Dani said her personal experiences with domestic violence and sexual abuse have fuelled her commitment to supporting others. “My passion and motivation stem from a desire to provide the support I wish I had back then,” she said. “Now that I am strong and in a position to help others, I want to use my platform to raise awareness, support others, and do so to the best of my ability.”

Dani highlighted the urgent need for enhanced support systems in Rochdale, citing long waiting lists, lack of follow-up services, and insufficient aftercare for survivors once abuse is reported to the authorities.

“It blows my mind that we don’t have enough support for survivors in Rochdale, especially considering the high demand and that we are above national statistics,” she said.

She expressed frustration with the lack of interest from those in positions of power and emphasised the importance of grassroots efforts to address the issue. “There’s an injustice, and I’m not having it. I will do everything I can to be heard and make sure my community gets the support it deserves.”

Dani’s dedication stems from her own journey of overcoming sexual abuse in her childhood and a decade-long violent relationship. She has since rebuilt her life as a mother, artist, and mental health advocate.

Through her art, she founded Dani Burke Arts, an art commission business that has supported initiatives like The Creative Sessions by Dani Burke CIC, a charity assisting women affected by domestic violence. She also runs Creative Teenage Sessions, which provide a safe space for teenagers with hidden disabilities to express themselves creatively.

Currently, Dani co-leads the Listening Lounge, operating out of Rochdale, with a second venue in Middleton led by her colleague Mitch Keatings. The drop-in service provides free mental health assessments, referrals, care plans, and one-on-one support in a safe and welcoming environment.

Dani believes the IDVA training will equip her with the skills needed to provide immediate, specialised support to survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

She has already taken steps to establish her own Community Interest Company, ELPIS, which will enable her to visit survivors in their homes, provide phone and face-to-face support, and make appropriate referrals to ensure they receive proper care.

“Trauma affects the brain, making it difficult to retain information or remember things,” she explained. “Sometimes survivors need that helping hand.”

Dani’s vision is to offer these services voluntarily in her own time and to recruit other professionals to join her in dedicating a few hours each week to supporting survivors.

“This funding isn’t for extravagant events with photo opportunities – it’s a genuine commitment to helping my community,” she said. “If I want change, I need to be that change, and that’s what I’m trying to do.”

The fundraiser for Dani’s training will run until February 2025, with the goal of starting the course in March. To contribute, visit Dani’s donation page here.