Common Questions

I Don’t Have Children, Can I Still Access Support?

Mums In Need supports mothers who have experienced coercive control and post-separation abuse. If you are childless but need support, other local charities such as DACT (Sheffield Domestic Abuse Co-Ordination Team) may be able to help. You can also find a range of other helpful organisations listed on our website.

Do You Support Men?

MIN supports local mums in Sheffield and the surrounding areas who have left abusive relationships. Unfortunately, this means we are not the right organisation to provide support to men.

Instead, you may wish to reach out to ManKind, Respect, DAVE or Phoenix which are organisations that help male survivors of domestic abuse. You may also wish to look up author Jared Whitaker, who writes about male victims of domestic abuse and narcissism.  

How Do I Access Support?

Currently, our waiting list is closed due to high demand. We will announce re-opening via our website, newsletter, and social media.

When the waiting list re-opens, you will need to complete a Waiting List Triage Form. This allows us to gather the necessary information and confirm eligibility and will be available on the home page of our website. Once submitted, you will receive an email confirming your place on the waiting list.

All personal information is handled confidentially. Read our Privacy Statement for details.

How Quickly Will You Contact Me After I’ve Got in Touch?

We are a small organisation, with increasingly high demand. After contacting us, you will be placed onto our waiting list. As soon as you are at the top of the list, we will send you a pre-screening consultation form which we will ask you to complete. 

Are Your Services Confidential?

Yes. All personal information and support received at MIN is kept strictly confidential in line with our Privacy Statement.

What Type of Support Can I Access?

At Mums In Need, we provide a wide range of support to help mums rebuild their lives after experiencing post-separation abuse. Every mum is assigned a dedicated Caseworker, who will be your consistent source of expert guidance and support. Your Caseworker will work with you to identify your individual needs and connect you with the services that are right for you, which may include:

• One-to-one counselling sessions

• Peer support groups

• Coffee mornings

• Signposting to other services

• Financial wellbeing workshops

• Legal support and education

• Family days out

Our aim is to provide both practical and emotional support, empowering mums with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to move forward with their lives.

What Sessions Can I Attend?

You are welcome to join any sessions that may support your wellbeing, including counselling, peer support groups, and wellbeing workshops. Your Caseworker will help you decide which sessions are most suitable for your needs during your 1:1 casework meetings.

Can I Attend Sessions Online?

We understand that life as a mum can be busy, so many of our sessions are available online for convenience. We also value face-to-face connection, so we organise occasional in-person coffee mornings for mums to meet and support each other.

How Long Can I Access Your Services?

Support is tailored to each mother’s needs. Your Caseworker will work with you to determine the duration and type of services most helpful to you.

Can You Represent Me in Court?

We are not solicitors and cannot represent you in court. However, we provide legal guidance and support in partnership with specialist solicitors for family court matters. Please note that this support does not cover divorce or financial settlements outside the family court. 

In addition, we offer emotional support through the court process via your Caseworker and counselling services if needed.

What is Child Maintenance?

Child maintenance is regular financial support from your ex-partner to help raise your child.

• Family-based arrangements: agreed between parents (requires communication).

• Statutory arrangements: arranged via the Child Maintenance Service if communication fails.
  Learn more: GOV.UK – Child Maintenance

Do You Offer Online Resources or Guidance?

Yes. Visit our Resources page for downloadable guides, and other support resources.

• Do You Accept Physical Donations or Have a Charity Shop?

• We no longer operate a charity shop or accept physical donations.

• Donations can be made financially via our Donate page.

• For items, you may contact Ashiana Women’s Refuge or Sheffield Women’s Aid.

Do You Have Paid Staff and Volunteers?

MIN has one part-time CEO and six part-time staff.

Volunteers are vital to our work, including long-term team members, student placements, and support from the Lived Experience Leadership Programme. Learn more about volunteering here.

Do You Have Paid Staff and Volunteers?

MIN has one part-time CEO and six part-time staff.

Volunteers are vital to our work, including long-term team members, student placements, and support from the Lived Experience Leadership Programme. Learn more about volunteering here.

What Happens During a 1:1 Caseworker Session?

These sessions are a private, non-judgmental space for you to offload. Your caseworker acts as a bridge to our services, helping you navigate the family court process, providing emotional validation, and helping you set goals for your journey toward healing.