AQW 12728/22-27

Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 30/05/2024
Answered On Date: 11/06/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities for an update on the pilot of the Ask for ANI scheme across Jobs and Benefits offices.

Answer:

The Home Office Ask for ANI pilot scheme commenced on 20 February 2023 in four Jobs & Benefit offices located in Andersonstown, Armagh, Larne, and Lisnagelvin, however the Home Office evaluation of these pilots remains outstanding.

In recognition of the help and support required for victims of domestic violence and abuse, staff from each of the Department’s 35 Jobs and Benefits offices attended specialist domestic violence and abuse training delivered by Onus in November 2023. Each office has been successfully accredited with a Workplace Safe Place Charter and has a dedicated Safe Space where victims can be sensitively guided to. This will enable them to contact friends or family, the PSNI or specialist domestic abuse services for support and advice.