December 16, 2015

The Freedom Programme – End of Autumn Group.

So, today was the last session of my current Freedom Programme Group. It has been running since September (12 weeks). It has been very successful and most of the women who attended were sorry it had come to an end. I always try to run the programmes with humour and informally. I think this puts women at ease and helps them to feel more confident in sharing their stories, although, of course, there is no obligation for anyone to talk about what has happened to them. That being said, most of them do want to as they gain such marvellous support from other women who they feel understand how they feel and what they have been through.

Today was a celebration of their achievements over the last 12 weeks and we had a feast. One of the women made delicious Singapore Chicken Noodles with lemon wedges. Another brought in Christmas Chocolate Yule Log cake. We had mince pies and vanilla doughnuts and most importantly a fun time.

I shall miss them all and am very proud of all of them.

Have to share this picture of the Singapore Chicken Noodles. What a way to end a brilliant group programme!

I first met Sharon back in 2000 when I went into a refuge she worked in after fleeing a violent relationship. I had two babies and virtually just a bag of clothes and a few toys with us. She helped me with appointments with the police, solicitors and..

A survivor of domestic abuse.

I was fortunate enough to meet and work with Sharon when she was the Advocacy Manager at Woman’s Trust and I was working for Westminster City Council. During this time Sharon developed and managed the Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy Service..

Ainslie O’Connor – Principal Advisor for the Department of the Premier and Cabinet – Adelaide, Australia.

Thank you so much for all the support you have given me. You really have been amazing, and to be honest, I wouldn’t have been able to cope with Child Protection without you. The amount of strength you have given me is totally priceless, even with..

A survivor of domestic abuse.

I knew Sharon as a work colleague over ten years ago. At the time, she was supporting vulnerable people, some of them were homeless due to domestic abuse and substance misuse. For me, assisting such people was what anyone in her role would be expect..

Ted Chanza, Head of Market Operations, Airtel Malawi Ltd, Lilongwe, Malawi, Africa.

I have known Sharon for 6 years and have had the pleasure of working alongside her when I chaired the Westminster MARAC. Sharon is a committed, empathetic supporter of women who are or have experienced domestic abuse. She regularly goes the extra m..

Former Chair of The Westminster MARAC.

I was fortunate to have had Sharon as my support worker after 17 years of domestic violence and 4 children that had witnessed and gone through it with me. I was finally strong enough to stand up and protect myself and my children. Without Sharon’s ..

A survivor of domestic violence.

Without the support and constant reassurance of Sharon, I know for a fact that I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am forever grateful to her. She is extremely dedicated and knowledgeable, having her on my side when dealing with someone as persistent..

Anonymous survivor of Domestic Abuse.

Read All