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24hr Domestic Abuse Helplines:Herefordshire & Shropshire: 0800 783 1359Telford & Wrekin: 0800 840 3747Worcestershire: 0800 980 3331
24hr Domestic Abuse Helplines: Herefordshire & Shropshire: 0800 783 1359
Telford & Wrekin: 0800 840 3747
Worcestershire: 0800 980 3331

West Mercia Women’s Aid
Projects

“I do feel I’ve got a voice now, I felt for so long that I didn’t.”

Choir Member / Survivor 

Projects

WATCH

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!

LEAG (Lived Experience Advisory Group)

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 Group (LEAG).

What is the Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG)?
LEAG 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.  LEAG 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 LEAG?
Anyone who has experienced domestic abuse and is willing to contribute to conversations regarding Domestic Abuse Strategy can sit on the LEAG.  We aim to capture diverse perspectives and welcome involvement from a range of individuals and communities.

What does being in the LEAG look like?
We hope to provide members of the LEAG 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 Group is voluntary but £25 vouchers for attendance at quarterly Partnership meetings and at other required events will be provided.

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

 

 

 

Looking for help?
24HR DOMESTIC ABUSE HELPLINE

Herefordshire & Shropshire:
Call 0800 783 1359

Telford & Wrekin:
Call 0800 840 3747

Worcestershire:
Call 0800 980 3331

Contact us via email:

We also have Livechat available from 9am until 5pm, Monday to Friday for those who want to contact our helpline silently or who prefer to text rather than talk.
If you are in immediate danger please call 999

Further Information

Accessibility