Breathe Free
Project Overview
Breathe Free groups are full at the moment. We are waiting to find out if we have secured additional funding to continue the project after March 2024. If funding is granted, the next groups will be in April 2024. We will contact people on the waiting list for the April intake in early 2024. If we find out that we have not been successful in extending the funding for Breathe Free, we will be in contact to let you know as soon as possible. Thank you.
Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund, this project supports women aged 16 and above who’ve experienced domestic abuse and complex trauma.
Breathe Free is a 24-week programme delivered in three 8-week blocks. This is a unique opportunity to experience long-term group support which is designed to support and educate victims/survivors.
The first block is the stabilisation section which focuses on different aspects of emotional well-being 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, identifying and linking in with support networks, stress management, developing boundaries and building trust.
The middle 8-week block moves on to the Domestic Violence and Abuse Awareness sessions. This section covers topics such as economic abuse, challenging communication, understanding why we want relationships, defining abuse, coercion, gaslighting, red flags and warning signs of abuse.
The final 8-week block focuses on the psychological impact of abuse, the impact of abuse on children, understanding why we stay in abusive relationships, grief and loss of an unhealthy relationship. We end the course with sessions focused on protective behaviours, and next steps and future planning.
Creative sessions are included and are designed to support women to reflect on learning, enjoy being creative, develop self-compassion and build self-esteem. Every woman has something to take away from the group on each of the creative sessions.
At the end of the course, women are invited to participate, gain skills, and share their knowledge, as a volunteer for Women's Health Matters. There are many ways that this can be done, and support is 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 pre-school infants and children
Refreshments
