BWA provides a range of group programmes to address the ongoing needs of our community.

Voices for Change: Empowering Survivors, Creating Change

At Berkshire Women’s Aid (BWA), we understand that after experiencing abuse, many survivors feel a strong desire to share their stories and use their experiences to make a difference (for themselves and others facing similar challenges). That’s why we’ve created Voices for Change, a group led by survivors, for survivors. This forum offers a platform where individuals can speak out, connect with others, and drive meaningful change.

Group Aims:

  • Empowerment Through Connection: Bringing survivors together to support and empower each other in their journey.

  • A Safe Space for Discussion: Offering a confidential environment where survivors can explore important issues, and using these discussions to influence both local and national policies.

  • Influence on Services: Providing feedback on the development of external services, ensuring that they meet the needs of those affected by domestic abuse.

  • Shape BWA’s Services: Offering valuable insights on how BWA can enhance its own services, or develop new ones that are more effective and inclusive.

  • Opportunities for Involvement: Giving survivors the chance to contribute to focus groups, academic research, fundraising efforts, community initiatives, and even help with commissioning and funding bids.

  • Collaborate with Other Services: Engaging with other domestic abuse services to create a united front for positive change in the community.

Voices for Change is more than just a group; it’s a movement that puts the voices of survivors at the heart of shaping services, policies, and support systems for the future.

BWA Peer Support Group: Healing Through Connection and Empowerment

The BWA Peer Support Group offers a compassionate and safe space for individuals who have experienced domestic abuse to explore their emotions, share their journeys, and support each other in overcoming challenges related to their experiences.

Group Aims:

  • A Safe Space for Emotional Exploration: Providing a supportive environment for clients to reflect on their feelings and experiences, and to discuss strategies for overcoming the difficulties they may face as a result of domestic abuse.

  • Building Connections: Helping survivors connect with others who have had similar experiences and who live in the same community, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared understanding.

  • Knowledge Exchange: Creating an open space where survivors can share advice and insights with each other, discussing what has worked for them and encouraging others to learn from these shared experiences.

  • Co-Learning and Growth: Re-defining support as a mutual process, where everyone can learn and grow together, empowering each individual to take active steps in their recovery.

  • Empowerment and Confidence Building: Collaborating to find practical solutions and options that help rebuild self-esteem, confidence, and a sense of agency.

This is a recovery-based service, and the group is designed to help survivors in their ongoing journey toward healing and empowerment. Please note, the facilitators of the Peer Support Group are not able to provide immediate support for ongoing abuse cases. If you are currently experiencing domestic abuse, we encourage you to reach out to our Outreach Service, which can be accessed through the BWA Helpline.

While the Peer Support Group is not a therapeutic service and does not offer crisis intervention, it provides valuable opportunities for mutual support, recovery, and personal growth. We can also signpost individuals to other services through our Helpline for further assistance.

 

 

To find out more about our group programmes, please download our BWA Group Work Leaflet  or contact our helpline by emailing helpdesk@bwaid.org.uk or phoning 0808 801 0882. Calls to this helpline are free from landlines and mobile phones within the UK and do not appear on itemised bills.