Despite the fact that we see hundreds of children every year who have been affected by or who have experienced abuse - Womens Aid do not receive any core funding to work with these vulnerable children. We have more children in our services than we do have women !

We are working very hard to develop and sustain our services to children and parents but this is always dependant upon funding bids and/or our fundraising events.

Currently our Children's Services Co-ordinator and her staff are funded by BBC Children In Need and through the fundraising efforts of our supporters.

Drop In Support (for parents)
Support for mums who have experienced domestic abuse and its effects on parenting, routines, behaviours etc. Staff are available at our Womens Centre every Tuesday between
1-3pm, to discuss any issues you may have with regard to your children and the abuse they may have seen, heard, witnessed or been involved in. A parenting course is currently being developed.

Youth Club
Staff and children are currently planning a local weekly Youth Club for children who have experienced or are are experiencing domestic abuse to come together for FUN, frienship and support. The club will be organised by qualified staff with the support from mums and young people who have been through the abuse.

Outreach Support
Staff from our childrens Services can go out with Outreach staff to support parent and/or child with issues/problems relating to the abuse.

Refuge Services
We offer a programme of support to children living in the refuge. Our qualified and experienced workers offer emotional and practical support to the children, but they also organise activities, events, one-to-one sessions, children's meetings, outings/trips and communal events such as barbeques, Christmas parties, etc.

What do children get from our support services

Able to have 1:1 time focused on their own issues and individual needs, particularly around adjustment, emotions and behaviour
Able to talk about what has happened
Vent their pent-up feelings about the violence and its effect on their family
Receive reassurance that it was not their fault
Rebuild their self-esteem, self-confidence and self-worth
Contribute to developing plans and goals for the future
Join in with group work and so reduce loneliness and isolation
Realise that they are not alone in having bad experiences and feelings
Undertake structured in-depth work focused around particular issues
Join in with fun ‘unstructured’ activities with others
Contribute to, develop and take part in the children’s services being offered
Have time to help ‘unravel’ complex feelings, and offload
Discuss ‘protective behaviours’
Discuss safety planning - how to keep safe and how to get help
Challenge violence as a behaviour choice (including their own)
Explore divorce, separation and loss and what it means to them
Challenge the negative impact of living with abuse
Have time with and explore relationships with Mum and siblings

Childrens services within the refuge
are currently funded by Children In Need

For more information on any of our Services for children / parents

please ring Angela on 01472 575757

'Hideout' Website

A national support website is available for children to find out more information about abuse and be involved in interactive activities for children.