Summer Groups for Children and Young People
This year, we ran a programme of support and healthy relationship groups – Helping Hands for 7 – 11 year olds, and CRUSH for older young people – over the school summer holidays. In the past, we have found that family holidays and other activities meant that few young people were able to commit to group programmes over the break. But demand for our support has been so high – especially in Worcestershire – and we were determined to ensure that support was made available for as many children and young people as possible. We also know that being at school can be such an important protective factor and source of support for children living with domestic abuse, and that the summer break from school can leave some children feeling isolated and vulnerable.
Our skilled and experienced team that work with children and with young people organised 19 intensive group programmes in community locations across Worcestershire and each one focussed on encouraging peer support and improving confidence and self-esteem – these are often the most problematic symptoms caused by the trauma that that these young people have experienced.
Overall 59 children and young people were able to join our summer group programme. They all fed back to us that this had been a positive experience – meeting peers, and learning about domestic abuse and how to keep themselves safe, as well as exploring other relevant issues. We had some great comments from them – and from their parents and carers too.
Find out more about our work with Children and Young People.