Adults often think that children and young people are not affected by domestic abuse. Research shows that this is not true, and children can be affected in a variety of ways both physically and emotionally.

Creative Work

Stroud Beresford Group recognises children and young people as individuals with their own unique ways of dealing with the abuse they have suffered or witnessed, and their own set of needs.

All children living at the refuge have had their lives altered dramatically by abuse. They have often experienced trauma, lost friends, family members, pets and belongings. Most children experience concentration, behavioural, health and educational difficulties as a result of their family circumstances.

For the last six years we have employed a specialist Children and Family Services Worker to concentrate on the issues involving the whole family.

A Lifesize Me!

Our Specialist Service -

Our successful application for funding from the CYPD Prevention Fund allows us to undertake CAFs (Common Assessment Framework) for every child and young person coming into refuge, working with them and their mothers to identify needs and build links and support packages with other agencies.

We are now able to ensure that every child has their own Support Plan which meets their own individual needs.

Since our work started, we have supported children with a range of needs including special educational needs, support needs as young carers, and support with behavioural problems including criminal behaviour.

Using the CAF we are more able to communicate effectively with other professionals in a multi-agency context and have found that we are far more able to access the right support at the right time, thus supporting children to thrive in the 5 key areas of Every Child Matters

Mother's Day Fun

Planting Flowers ...

A Creative Approach - Providing Added Value

Our Children in Need funding complements the Prevention Fund work and enables us to provide added extras that we could not do otherwise.

With this funding we are able to support children to develop interests, engage in sport, play and creative work and have new experiences which build confidence.

In the last few months children have participated in film making, arts and crafts and sports. In February 2009 we staged an event for local refuges and the wider community to experience African drumming and Kurdish dancing.

Whilst such activities provide interest, they also provide an opportunity for children and young people to see positive male roles and appreciate diverse cultures.

ALL THE ARTWORK DISPLAYED ON THIS SITE HAS BEEN CREATED BY CHILDREN, PAST AND PRESENT, WHO HAVE LIVED IN OUR REFUGES

...and Decorating Cakes

Working Together - A Mutual Benefit

Working with Zurich, who provided the funds and The Nelson Trust, whose clients and staff produced bespoke furniture, we have been able to refurbish the playroom in one of our houses.

We now have a pleasant, light space for children and young people to play, do
their homework, and enjoy activities with their mothers or staff members.

We have also built links and developed working protocols with other agencies including our local Children's Centre. We plan to build and expand these links in the future and hope to be able to offer domestic abuse awareness raising sessions to professionals and clients in Children's Centres throughout the county.