Women's Health Matters
Breathe Free
Project Overview
Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, this project aims to support women aged 16 and above who’ve experienced complex trauma, usually domestic abuse, and are at risk of having a child removed into care as a result.
All women referred to Breathe Free will first complete the stabilisation group; a six-week course that focuses on different aspects of emotional wellbeing and is designed to support and encourage women to join a group perhaps for the first time. We look at subjects such as our hopes and aims, depression and anxiety, the effect of trauma, stress management, understanding loss, and our support networks.
Following completion of the stabilisation group, women will move on to the Domestic Violence and Abuse Awareness Course; an 18-week long course that focuses on domestic abuse and violence and building healthy relationships. We look at many aspects of these relationships such as the impact of abuse on both women and children, early warning signs, defining coercion and gaslighting, building trust and identifying our needs. We also include creative weeks for reflection and enjoyment, making sure every woman has something to take away from the group.
At the end of this 18-week course, women are invited to participate, gain skills, and share their knowledge as a volunteer for our organisation. There are many ways that this can be done, and support will be provided to ensure that this is a valuable experience for all who wish to take part.
Project Outcomes
By the end of the course, women will:
Develop coping strategies that allow them to better manage difficult emotions such as anxiety and depression
Develop coping strategies to better manage stressful situations
Increase their knowledge about the impact of trauma
Increase their knowledge about the impact of abuse, both on women and on children
Be able to identify the early warning signs of abuse
Be able to identify their own needs, and use self-care techniques learnt throughout the course
Project Offer
Breathe Free offers:
Support with transport to and from group
Creche facilities for those with children over the age of 6 months
Refreshments
Make A Referral
For more information about Breathe Free, or to discuss a potential referral please call 0113 276 2851 and ask for Taylor.
If you would like to refer yourself, or a woman you are supporting, please complete our online referral form.