Just one week left until the first round of winners are drawn for the Movement for Good awards – and your nomination really counts. £1,000 could make a real difference to the work we do supporting women and families affected by domestic abuse.
Your nomination could be the one that helps us win. Your nomination can help those affected by domestic abuse to stay safe, grow their self-esteem and go on to build happy, healthy relationships.
We support children aged 5 to 11 years who are or have been affected by domestic abuse. NIDAS offers support to children to talk about and understand their experiences of domestic abuse in a safe and confidential space.
Journey of support:
Referral into Children’s and Young Peoples Service
Intake completed by Children’s Referral and Assessment Worker (CRAW) – assessing risk, develop support plan and safety planning.
While waiting for support – clients will receive regular check in’s with CRAW
Clients will receive 1:1 or group support sessions depending on their needs. These will be focused on understanding emotions, safety planning, anger management, coping with worries, kind/unkind behaviour, and relaxation.
End of support – Contact is made with the Parent/Carer to discuss coping skills learned, any concerns, and discuss any further support needed.
''J is always using his stress ball. The other day, he was having a particularly difficult day, and I asked him ' what did Meghan say to do when you are struggling' and he went to get his stress ball. He has learned what he can do to help him with his feelings, and I feel more confident in supporting him at home. Thank you for your support!'' - Parent
Creativity is key! Encourage self-expression and build confidence:
Art encourages self-expression and creativity can build confidence as well as a sense of identity. Through creatively engaging children in sessions, support can not only provide them with vital information for safety and emotional awareness but support them in building their self-awareness.
Art is it’s own language, it is expressive and individual, which children can use to help them communicate and learn.
Siblings Laura and James were struggling with anxiety and lack of confidence at home and this was impacting on the emotional wellbeing, and their attainment at school. Laura and James were offered 1:1 support to learn coping skills and to have a safe space to talk about their feelings and experiences.
Laura’s support sessions gave space for her to talk about her anixeties, particularly around contact with her Dad and gave her a safe space to explore why she felt like this. Laura had a feelings journal to help her express her feelings and not bottle them up. Laura wrote/drew in her journal and would share her feelings in session, as well as with teachers in the week, building her confidence in her support network.
Laura was able to explore her anxieties and find coping skills to help her at home and school. Safety planning was completed, identifying who she can talk to if she feels she is struggling at any time.
James was able to explore his feelings in sessions and his lack of confidence in the care of his family. James was struggling with feeling loved and recognising the care of others.
Sessions explored his relationships, what they mean to him, and his hopes for the future. Sessions provided a supportive space for feelings and understanding his struggles at home. Mum was supported in understanding these concerns to help them build their relationship. Having a supportive, engaging and safe space helped James build his confidence in himself, but also in feeling able to talk about his feelings and be listened to.
Volunteers Week 2022
#VolunteersWeek is an annual opportunity to recognise and thank #volunteers. During an exceptionally difficult year, people from all walks of life around the UK have taken the time to volunteer and made a huge difference to people and their communities.
Pride Month 2022
In Honour of Pride Month Let's stand together. Let us uplift, encourage, and empower one another. Love and support all people, regardless of orientation #CelebrateLGBTQ
