New relationship behaviour support programme rolled out in Coventry
Make a Change (MAC) is a free programme for people who are concerned their behaviour is harming their current or ex-partner
Local charities have partnered to launch a programme to support people in Coventry who are worried that their behaviour towards a partner or ex-partner is harmful or abusive.
Between September 2024 and September 2025, over 5,300 domestic abuse crimes were recorded in Coventry, according to recent data from West Midlands Police.
Make a Change (MAC) is a free programme for people who are concerned that they are hurting, scaring or trying to control their current or ex-partner.
Participants are supported by a specialist to understand the impact of their behaviour, to make positive changes and to develop caring and equal relationships. Partners and ex-partners of people taking part are offered separate, confidential specialist support.
It’s run by charities Relationships Coventry & Warwickshire, Coventry Haven and Panahghar, and is available to people over 18 who live, work in, or have a close connection to Coventry.
Councillor Pervez Akhtar, Chair of Coventry’s Domestic Abuse Local Partnership Board, said: “We have made strides in tackling domestic abuse since launching our domestic abuse strategy in 2018. Make a Change will help us go even further, by offering behaviour change to people at the earliest opportunity.
"Programmes like Make a Change, that support earlier intervention and bring agencies together to address domestic abuse, are vital to ensure the government meets its promise to halve violence against women and girls by 2035.”
Susan Parkes, Services Manager at Relationships Coventry & Warwickshire, said: “We offer free, non-judgmental support to people in the community who are worried about their behaviour or someone else’s.
"For the first time, people can refer themselves and don’t have to wait until it’s too late. Help is here now for you and your partner. There is a better way and we’re here to help you get there.”
One man who completed the programme said: “Make a Change has made huge changes to me and my family. It’s given me hope.
"I can go forward understanding my boundaries and actions and the effect that they have on the ones around me. The tools I have gained are invaluable.”
A woman whose partner completed the programme in another area said: “It has lifted a weight off our shoulders, both of us just having the opportunity to talk about it and not being judged.”
For more information, or if you are worried about your behaviour or someone else’s, call 02476 225 863, email mac@relationshipscw.org or visit www.makeachange.uk.net/coventry.