A SUCCESSFUL programme that helps change the behaviour of abusive men towards their partners has been made more widely accessible by Somerset County Council.

The Make the Change initiative is run by Somerset Change, a division of Relate, and helps men address the factors that can lead to abusive behaviour. Since the project began in 2006, new courses have been set up in more areas of the county.

The new programme will enable people to complete the course over 15 weekly group sessions and will take place on Saturdays in Taunton. Each session will last five hours and ensures it will cover the same material as the 30-week programme So far 19 individuals have completed the programme - and only one has re-offended.

Beverly Symonds, project manager for Somerset Change, said: "Domestic abuse is often wrongly understood. It can be psychological, sexual, emotional or financial.

"We help men who recognise they commit this sort of abuse and want to stop.

"We are pleased to be able to extend this programme, which not only changes the lives of the participants but also the lives of their families."

Men have to make contact with the service themselves but may be referred to sessions by groups such as Relate.

Somerset County Council's Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Councillor Jim Mochnacz, adds: "Make the Change has made a positive difference in our communities.

"We are pleased to have supported it since the beginning and it is hugely satisfying to see it grow and offer help to more people, making Somerset a safer place."