SAHWR secure funding to launch our new Strong Survivors project.

A group of young survivors participated in a yoga and relaxation session together

Thanks to funding from the National Lottery Awards For All programme, SAHWR have secured funding to launch a new “Strong Survivors” project. This is a 12-month pilot programme to provide specialist support to young, single women (aged 17-21) who have fled domestic abuse and are living within our emergency refuge accommodation.  

SAHWR will employ a dedicated Specialist Young Women Worker to deliver weekly activities, including:

• Skills workshops – A range of trauma informed “in-house” and partner-led sessions, designed to build “life-skills” (e.g. healthy eating/nutrition, budgeting, cv writing), understanding “healthy relationships” and support financial literacy, education and employment pathways.

• Peer group activities – Activities (chosen by the group) designed to reduce isolation, build friendships, improve wellbeing, share experiences and build confidence and self-esteem.  

Young women will be referred into this programme as part of their initial DASH Assessment and Individual Safely Support Plan when they arrive at our refuge.  Individuals will be supported for the 4-6 months living in refuge and then invited to continue participation in the ongoing peer activities following resettlement into the local community.

Gemma Magee-Herd, Head of Domestic Abuse Services commented “This is amazing news and will have a massive impact on the lives of the young women who come to our refuge. We have seen an increase in the number of young women being referred to us, so the fact we can offer this dedicated support will help them to begin their recovery journey together.”