We launched our LEAN (Lived Experience Advisory Network) for adult victim-survivors of domestic abuse in recent years, creating a meaningful opportunity for people to share their thoughts, feelings and lived experiences to help inform services, decision-making and the local Domestic Abuse Strategy. LEAN members have told us they feel empowered by using their experiences to play an important role in shaping lasting change.
We are now proud to be extending this approach to children and young people.
Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child establishes the right of children and young people to be listened to and taken seriously when decisions are made that affect them. At West Mercia Women’s Aid, we recognise the vital importance of hearing, understanding and valuing the voices of children and young people — and we are passionate about going further, by actively involving them in shaping the services and decisions that impact their lives.
This is an exciting time to join our new Young People’s Lived Experience & Peer-Support Group. Our first members will help make important decisions about how the group will run, what it will be called, and what its priorities and first projects will be.
Who can be involved?
We are piloting this project in Herefordshire with young people aged 14–17. We hope to expand the group to other age ranges and areas across West Mercia in the future.
Due to the nature of the work, members will have lived experience of intrafamilial or intimate-partner domestic abuse. We ask only that participants are interested in promoting gender equality, breaking the cycle of domestic abuse, and helping to shape and improve local services. We are keen to capture a wide range of perspectives and warmly welcome involvement from diverse individuals and communities.
What will being part of the group involve?
Members will have a variety of opportunities to contribute in ways that feel meaningful and manageable. This may include:
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group discussions
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attending meetings with professionals
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completing surveys
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helping to plan or attend awareness-raising or fundraising events
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one-to-one conversations with West Mercia Women’s Aid staff
Meetings will take place monthly, last approximately 1–1½ hours, and will always be held outside of school or college hours.
How will young people be supported?
While the group will be shaped and led by its members, all meetings and activities will be facilitated by our Children and Young People’s Team, who are experienced domestic abuse specialists. Support will be available during, between and after meetings and events, and each session will include a wellbeing check-in and check-out to ensure young people feel safe and supported.
What are the benefits of taking part?
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A sense of empowerment from contributing to positive social change and improving outcomes for other children and young people
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The opportunity to meet other like-minded young people with shared goals
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A meaningful addition to CVs, job applications or further education pathways
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Opportunities for incentives and recognition (details to be confirmed)
If you know a young person who may be interested in getting involved, please encourage them to get in touch for an informal conversation at cyp@wmwa.org.uk.