West Mercia Women’s Aid
Projects

Projects

LEAN (Lived Experience Advisory Network)

Your experience. Your Voice.

We are offering an opportunity for those who have experienced domestic abuse to inform decision-making and Domestic Abuse Strategy across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, by joining the Lived Experience Advisory Network (LEAN).

What is the Lived Experience Advisory Network (LEAN)?
LEAN is a forum comprised of survivors of domestic abuse, designed as a platform for those with lived experience to inform decision-making and Domestic Abuse Strategy across both Herefordshire and Worcestershire.  LEAN will bring together individuals who are passionate about – and have the capacity to – contribute to discussion relating to the shaping and evaluation of services and policies.

Who can be involved in the LEAN?
Anyone who has experienced domestic abuse and is willing to contribute to conversations regarding Domestic Abuse Strategy can be a part of the LEAN.  We aim to capture diverse perspectives and welcome involvement from a range of individuals and communities.

What does being in the LEAN look like?
We hope to provide members of the LEAN with a variety of opportunities to make meaningful contributions and it is important that members feel capable to discuss their perspective. This may look like discussions within groups, attending quarterly partnership meetings, completing surveys or individual conversations with the project co-ordinator.

Is this a paid opportunity?
Membership in the Lived Experience Advisory Network is voluntary but £25 shopping vouchers are offered to those that attend consultation meetings, Partnership Boards  and other events, and travel expenses will also be reimbursed.

How do I join?
To become a member of the LEAN please contact yourvoice@wmwa.org.uk

WATCH (Past project)

In 2021 we set up a local Women’s Aid Therapy and Coaching Hub (WATCH) to provide ongoing befriending, counselling, and coaching support for clients once our direct service support for them has concluded.

Our aim for this project has been to improve service user’s confidence – in order to help eliminate reservations about joining our recovery pathway programmes for further support.  By supporting our clients in processing the impact of trauma through counselling and therapeutic support they are able to effectively manage their long-term mental health.

The WATCH project has developed service user’s self-reliance and prepared them for the practical and financial challenges of the future, whilst improving the confidence and employability of survivors by taking part in WATCH coaching activities.

The project’s goal was to help women recover their self-esteem with practical ways to build on their skills and talents, as well as discovering new ones. In October 2022 we set up the WMWA choir to bring staff, supporters and survivors together to empower one another and tell our story.

“I didn’t have any experience of singing whatsoever. But together it’s so beautiful, to find that you’ve got your voice back again and it’s so uplifting.”
Choir Member / Survivor.

We have worked with Rural Media to produce a short documentary film sharing our choir’s journey and a music video of our song ‘Still Strong’ which we have launched today, on International Women’s Day 2023!