A Swindon charity is being recognised for helping local schools get ahead of the Government’s new Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy, as families are urged to talk more openly about healthy relationships.
Society Without Abuse’s HOPE Award programme has just been named a finalist at the Children and Young People Now Awards, highlighting its impact on children and young people across Swindon.
The programme has already reached more than 600 children and young people, giving Swindon schools a head start on the education goals set out in the newly published national strategy.
Delivered in an age-appropriate way, the HOPE Award sessions begin with lessons on being a good friend for younger children. As pupils get older, topics develop to include communication, consent, boundaries and misogyny.
The HOPE Award was shortlisted for the PSHE Education Award at the Children and Young People Now Awards, which celebrate initiatives that help young people navigate the challenges of modern life.
Emma Maclennan, Children and Families Manager at Society Without Abuse, said, “We were delighted to be a finalist in the Children and Young People Now Awards and have our HOPE programme recognised by education experts for the value it delivers to young people in Swindon. It is precisely this approach that the Government has now recognised as essential.”
She added, “With one in seven children experiencing domestic abuse during their lifetime and nearly 40% of teenagers in relationships experiencing abuse, HOPE is unique in combining PSHE sessions with a wider approach that also supports families.”
Alongside lessons in schools, the programme encourages staff training and hosts drop-in support sessions for families who may need help.
Emma said, “When working with older children and young people we talk about consent, boundaries, communication and conflict resolution in relation to friends, family and intimate relationships. Young survivors often tell us they did not realise what they were experiencing was abuse because it was never discussed in their PSHE lessons.”
She explained that the programme has been carefully mapped to the national curriculum and looks at domestic abuse from all sides, while also providing follow-up support for children and families who need it.
For more information about the HOPE Award programme, email Emma Maclennan at email hidden; JavaScript is required.
If you need advice for yourself or someone you know about domestic abuse, Swindon’s domestic abuse helpline is available on 01793 610610.
