IDAS Champions are people who make a difference in their communities and workplaces by raising awareness of IDAS and the support we offer to survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Champions are an important part of IDAS. They help raise awareness, reduce stigma, and show people where they can turn if they need support. Being an IDAS Champion looks different for everyone. For some, it means delivering talks in their workplace; for others, it might involve engaging with our social media, fundraising, or finding other ways to spread awareness and support our work.

We want to showcase the many ways people can be an IDAS Champion, and who better to start with than Nicola and Rachel? Since becoming Champions, they have achieved so much, from fundraising and raising awareness to helping reduce the stigma surrounding domestic abuse in their communities and workplace.

Please take a look below and read our interview with Rachel and Nicola.

Question 1: Where do you champion IDAS?

Rachel: I champion IDAS across my workplace at Barnsley College, supporting colleagues by raising awareness of domestic abuse and the support available through IDAS. In my role as Training, Development and Wellbeing Officer, I help create a safe and supportive environment where people feel confident to seek help, have open conversations, and access the appropriate resources. I also champion IDAS in my personal life by sharing and promoting IDAS social media campaigns and articles, helping to raise awareness of domestic abuse, healthy relationships, and the support available within the wider community.

Nicola: I champion IDAS in my role at Barnsley College, where I work to raise awareness of domestic abuse, encourage conversations around healthy relationships, and ensure that staff and students know where to access support if they need it. Beyond my workplace, I also support community initiatives such as the Love Grace Handbag Appeal, which provides essential items and messages of hope to women who have experienced domestic abuse and are living in refuge accommodation. For me, championing IDAS isn't limited to one place—it's about taking every opportunity to raise awareness and support others wherever I can.

Question 2: What is being an IDAS champion mean to you? 

Rachel: Being an IDAS Champion means a great deal to me because I am passionate about helping people feel supported, heard, and valued. I believe that no one should feel alone when facing difficult situations, and being a Champion gives me the opportunity to raise awareness of the support that is available. In both my professional and personal life, I want to help create an environment where people feel comfortable having conversations, seeking help, and knowing that they will be listened to without judgement. I am proud to be an IDAS Champion because even small actions, such as sharing information and starting conversations, can make a real difference to someone's life.

Nicola: Being an IDAS Champion means being a source of hope, understanding and support for those who may be experiencing domestic abuse or supporting someone who is. I hope that by sharing my own lived experience, I can show others that there is a way forward and that they are not alone. It means creating a safe space where people feel comfortable talking, whether they need advice, information, a listening ear or simply someone who understands. Sometimes people don't need someone to solve their problems; they just need someone who believes them, listens without judgement and reassures them that help is available. If I can be that person for even one individual, then I feel I am making a difference.

Question 3: Why did you choose to become an IDAS champion?

Rachel: I chose to become an IDAS Champion because I believe everyone deserves to feel safe, supported, and able to access help when they need it. Through my role in Training, Development and Wellbeing, I am passionate about supporting the wellbeing of others, and becoming a Champion felt like a natural extension of that. I wanted to increase my understanding of domestic abuse and learn how I could help raise awareness and signpost people to the right support. I also felt it was important to use my voice, both professionally and personally, to share information and promote the valuable work that IDAS does. If raising awareness reaches even one person who needs support, then being an IDAS Champion is worthwhile.

Nicola: I chose to become a champion because I am incredibly passionate about helping other women who may be feeling isolated, frightened or trapped. Domestic abuse can be a very lonely experience, and often people don't talk about what's happening because they feel ashamed, scared, or worried that nobody will understand. Having experienced domestic abuse myself, I know how important it is to have someone who listens and believes you.

Sadly, not everyone has a strong support network around them. Even friends and family can sometimes struggle to understand the complexities of abusive partners, which can leave survivors feeling even more alone. I wanted to become a champion so that people know there is always someone willing to listen, support and signpost them to the right help. Most importantly, I want people to know that there is hope and that a different future is possible.

Question 4: What is your proudest moment as an IDAS Champion?

Rachel: My proudest moments as an IDAS Champion have been when colleagues have felt comfortable enough to confide in me and seek guidance or support. It is a privilege to be trusted in that way and shows the value of having visible Champions in the workplace. I am also proud of the fundraising activities I have been involved in to support IDAS and raise awareness of the services they provide. Seeing other people become interested in the cause and ask how they can help has been incredibly rewarding. Knowing that I have played a small part in encouraging conversations and raising awareness makes me very proud to be an IDAS Champion.

Nicola: One of my proudest moments has been bringing colleagues and teams together across Barnsley College to raise awareness of domestic abuse and the support available through IDAS. Seeing so many people engage in conversations that can often feel difficult or uncomfortable has been incredibly rewarding.

I am also extremely proud of the work we've done to support women and families affected by domestic abuse through fundraising and awareness campaigns. The success of our involvement with the Love Grace Handbag Appeal, where we collected hundreds and hundreds of handbags filled with essential items and thoughtful gifts, was particularly special. Knowing that those donations would reach women at a time when they needed support most was incredibly moving. It's a reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with kindness, compassion and a shared purpose.

Question 5: Do you have any top tips for championing IDAS?

Rachel: My top tip would be to look for everyday opportunities to raise awareness. Be approachable, listen with empathy, and don't be afraid to start conversations. Whether it's sharing information, supporting fundraising events, or promoting IDAS campaigns on social media, small actions can have a big impact. You never know who might benefit from the information you share or be inspired to get involved themselves.

Nicola: My biggest piece of advice is simple: be kind. We never truly know what someone else may be carrying or what challenges they may be facing behind closed doors. Many people are living with experiences that remain hidden from those around them, and a little kindness can make a huge difference.

Listen without judgement, show compassion, and remember that support doesn't always have to come from having the perfect words. Sometimes just being present and allowing someone to feel heard and believed can be incredibly powerful. Small acts of kindness often have a much greater impact than we realise.

Question 6: What would you say to someone who is thinking about becoming an IDAS Champion?

Rachel: I would say absolutely go for it. Being an IDAS Champion is a rewarding opportunity to raise awareness, support others, and be part of a positive change. You don't need to have all the answers – just a willingness to learn, listen, and promote the valuable work that IDAS does. The conversations you start and the awareness you raise could make a real difference to someone's life.

Nicola: Just do it! You may never fully realise the difference you could make to someone's life. Becoming an IDAS Champion isn't about having all the answers—it's about caring enough to listen, learn and support others.

There are people out there who feel alone, frightened and unsure where to turn. By becoming a champion, you could be the person who helps them take that first step towards getting support. You could be the person who provides reassurance, encouragement and, most importantly, hope.

If you have the opportunity to make a positive difference in someone's life, my advice would be to take it. You never know who might be relying on you to help them see that things can get better.

If you would like to get involved and become an IDAS Champion, head to our Volunteer page on our website: Volunteer - https://idas.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/IDAS

Thank you to Rachel and Nicola for your ongoing support and for providing such a fantastic insight into what a Champion can be.