For most people Valentine’s is a time for giving and receiving tokens of affection. There are those who will be on the receiving end of totally unacceptable behaviour by their partner, on February 14 and lots of other days of the year.
The signs of love are easy to spot, as are some of the signs of abuse, but there are those that may not be so obvious.
So for Valentines Week this year we launched our #LoveIsnt campaign.:
Love isn't checking up on you all the time.
Love isn't blaming you for their abusive behaviour.
Family Team
This month our Domestic Abuse Outreach Workers have been participating in training delivered by Womens Aid to support them within their roles.
In addition, we started our first art therapy support group. A 6-week therapy group focused on building self-esteem and a sense of identity, which provided clients with a space for self-reflection and personal growth.
'The group encouraged me to take the time for self-care in the week and I was so proud of myself for doing something just for me!'
Court Team
Our Family Court IDVA has continued to provide in-person support at Nottingham Courts, as well as at Hybrid hearings. They've also been going to FLOWS events on a regular basis to keep up with legal issues.
Children's Outreach
This month our children's outreach worker delivered a presentation to Childcare Level 3 students at West Notts College – discussing domestic abuse, signs within parents and children, supporting children’s emotional wellbeing and how to support children if they make a disclosure.
Teen Outreach
This month, our teen outreach worker has been quite busy, starting several of our #SaferStreets programmes, including:
A pilot peer mentor scheme with young males at West Notts College aiming to address the issue of violence against women
A graffiti workshop with year 11 and 12 students at Quarrydale school working in partnership with a local artist
The Freedom Programme
Our 10-week Programme helps women learn more about the reality of domestic violence and abuse. We aim to help victims of domestic abuse make sense of and understand what has happened to them.
The Programme consists of two hourly group sessions on a weekly basis and is usually delivered within term time. Delivered by a trained facilitator and specialist Domestic Abuse Outreach Worker.
Venue: Lammas Leisure Centre, Lammas Rd, Sutton-in-Ashfield NG17 2AD
When: Thursdays 10am -12pm starting on Thursday 3rd March 2022
International Womens Day 2022 #BreakTheBias
Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
Celebrate women's achievement. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality.
Nationwide in Sutton in Ashfield
We would like to say thank you to all the staff and customers at our local bank for collecting toiletries for families affected by domestic abuse.
Would you like to support our vital service by fundraising for us?
Our Grants and Fundraising Officer would love to hear from anyone who would like to be involved with supporting NIDAS in any way.
Fundraising does not have to be difficult, you can choose to do whatever appeals to you. It is a great way to learn new skills, meet people and, for businesses, it is a great opportunity for a team building exercise.
Whether you are an individual, a group or a business we would love to hear from you and can offer specialist advice and guidance with your fundraising journey.
Read our latest blog below to find out more.. or you can visit the funding section on our website.
We are looking for female volunteers to take part in a smart phone safety app trial to help women feel safe and reduce their risk of harm. The study will require participants to download a safety app on their mobile phone and test the tool for a period of six weeks.
This has now been extended to those who live or work in the Ashfield area.
Would you like to learn more? Our project flyer and referral form can be found below.
We have an exciting new position to join the dedicated team at NIDAS. We pride ourselves on our person centred approach and we are continually striving to improve, develop and create services to improve the lives of families affected by domestic abuse.
We are looking for a dynamic individual that will provide a non-judgmental, non-directive, emotional and practical support to children and young people aged 5-25 living in the districts of Mansfield and Ashfield who have impacted by domestic abuse.
*Both men and women are invited to apply for this position.
