Month: April 2016

Whilst being a part of Cohort 4 I have been supported through some of the most traumatic times of my life, some of those are historic and had a significant impact on my mental health and self esteem, however, the support offered has been incredible.  I now feel like I have a healthy support network to turn to. This is something that I’ve always dreamt of. The feeling of acceptance is indescribable, it’s something I’ve never had before and never imagined I would ever have. When the opportunity arose to go on a weekend trip away to Wales I initially jumped at the offer, however, as the time grew closer my anxiety levels grew also; again the support offered over…

‘Sandcastles and flags !! Cant wait !!! This time next week be on holiday !!!!!!! So excited Xxx’ A text today from one of our very excited young women joining us on our Landmark Trust break next weekend. A wonderful young woman who last considered herself ‘on holiday’ during a 6 year period in a U.S. jail after becoming involved in crime whilst living in total fear of an abusive man. She is able to make light of a dreadful experience. Her excitement is infectious, we all share her joy. Surviving experiences of trauma, loss and loss of self confidence takes time and the activities, friendship and now, a short break all help to bring a woman back into the…

I received a message this week from one of our women. It brought home how effective Cohort 4 are in addressing one of the lower priority, but never the less fundamentally important issues impacting on many survivors of abuse – loneliness. “I’m not sure if i have told you about how lonely and scared l was feeling before you asked me to join your group, I had feelings of me being lost and sad for the rest of my life ……..BUT along you came and that feeling is disappearing and i have things to look forward to. Thank you X” The abuser is likely to isolate their partner from family and friends, and once the trauma and direct physical abuse…

We actively encourage our women to create their own goals, however small or big. Two of our women are now in higher education, now motivated after abuse halted their progression into higher level study. One has undertaken college short courses and a fourth has set her mind to do her podiatry qualification. One woman has found work, and in what seems like no time at all, is being promoted. One of our women has set up her own micro business and a second is discussing another business venture with us this week. We have one of our #HOPE women undertaking work experience with us to improve her C.V., and others attending training events, short courses and events. When life knocks…

‘As a prisoner, I always found that writing letters not only gave me something to do, but I found writing very cathartic. Even though I was very fortunate to maintain my family ties, I didn’t want to upset them by expressing what I was going through inside. Writing to others, apart from your family is very important, as family issues and the emotive side of visiting me in prison – well, you can only go through that pain so many times. So having an outlet, or having someone to write to was fantastic as it offered me contact with the outside world, an interest, a view of life from a different perspective and it offered me hope.  Writing was one…

As an organisation working with women and their children it is our responsibility to be up to date on all safeguarding issues. Cohort 4 women recently attended training on raising awareness of child sexual exploitation delivered by Warwickshire Children and Voluntary Youth Services. Sexual exploitation of children and young people under 18 is on the increase and involves exploitative situations, contexts and relationships where young people (or a third person or persons) receive something as a result of them performing and/or another or others performing on them, sexual activities. This can occur through the use of technology without the child’s immediate recognition. Child sexual exploitation is a hidden crime and this course gave us a greater awareness of the different…

“For the first time in ages i had a good nights sleep.” This is the wonderful comment of a woman who came to Cohort 4 this week for reassurance. We often contain our fears, anxieties and terror in our own heads. This can prevent sleep, relaxation and even normal functioning as our worries overtake our minds. Sometimes, just talking to a stranger and voicing these fears takes away all of the power of another and the situation we face. We give others power against us in so many cases and the reality of situations can often be over thought, over stated or become unmanageable. in the case of a woman who is fearful of an ex partner, sometimes it helps…

Three events made me so proud of our women here at Cohort 4 this last couple of weeks. Being part of a group of survivors, of peer mentoring, supporting and encouraging women is a privilege for me personally, and to see smiles, courage, growing confidence and ability is a priceless reward. One of our women appealed her denial of PIP payments, something that took determination and courage as she attended the tribunal with the support of another one of our Cohort 4 women. She won her case, ensuring she receives appropriate and necessary financial support. Later, three women presented a table at the Heart of England Community Foundation celebration event in Coventry. Complete with roll up banners, craft displays and…

After a four week wait the Crossroads Chutney was superb, well done The Alchemist! So too our Cohort 4 plum jam and apple sauce, just can’t wait for a Cohort 4 year in the garden to see what community gardening continues to do for our women.