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Newsletter November 2016

In the last 12 months we have made excellent progress here at the Trust. We have sold lots of facilitator training events and lots of books. Chris Ashton has created a new one day training event to teach facilitators how to run the two day programme for men who want to improve. The first of these took place in November 2015 and was a sell out! The last one took place on 11.10.16 and was also a great success.

CONFERENCE
Our next Freedom Conference will be in Birmingham on 29.09.17. The last one  sold out months before the event. The price is now £65.00 per ticket. This included vat and ALL the proceeds fund the help line. 

NEW PROGRAMME We are currently running a pilot for a follow on programme called Freedom Forever. It is very successful so far and Chris will be providing a two day training event on 09.03.17.

FREEDOM PROGRAMME ONLINE
The online Freedom Programme is proving very popular and I have been consistantly adding animations to help with learning. See 'Rules of the Game' here:
http://www.freedomprogramme.co.uk/rules-of-the-game.php

Here is a link to feedback from the online course

http://www.freedomprogramme.co.uk/docs/social-workers-online-cours-evaluations-2016.pdf

The profits from all these sales have funded the helpline, 6 free weekly Freedom Programmes and the expenses for the volunteers in the Family Courts. In June we started our first programme in Salford and are recruiting volunteers who live in Manchester to start another programme in 2017.

Last year we have also funded two free mens programmes. We are delighted that Knowsley Community Safety Partnership hosted one of them in Merseyside on 21/22 April.

Here is a testimonial

'Hi Chris

 I would like to say thankyou for allowing me to come on the course over the last couple of days, especially at such short notice. I found it extremely informative and helpful.  I now hope to use what I learnt and apply it to my relationship with my partner. We are currently separated but remain in daily contact for our daughter, and are on good terms. With time and considerable effort on my part, there is a strong possibility we will be together again.   

As you know we are expecting out second daughter very soon. I think the thing that hit home for me was 'the bad father' section.

I would have previously claimed to be a really good and hands on dad which is true on most levels. However, due to the way I have treated my partner at times over the past couple of years in terms of 'the bully' and some aspects of 'King of the castle', I cannot and therefore I am 'a bad father'. This really hurt me.  Until now I have also used excuses for my moods and behaviour such as alcohol or job worries. I now know this is totally unacceptable.'

OVERSEAS TRAINING
Our own Clare Walker will be providing a three day facilitator training event in Cyprus on 20.03.17

TRANSLATIONS
'Living with the  Dominator' is currently being translated in to Polish and will be published on Amazon in the next few months. The translator Joanna Szurin will be taking the programme to Poland within the next year.

The little Mr Right and Mr Wrong cards have now been translated in to Polish and Urdu. 

MERCHANDISE
We now sell teeshirts, fridge magnets and little cards to augment our income. We have not applied for any LA funding at all so we are not in competition with other charities. We are so proud of our independence and self reliance. 

We have also been able to fund the Freedom Programme in Leicester with the help of our wonderful Clare Walker who has volunteered her time free of charge to facilitate it. Sophie Walker who is Clare's daughter helps her mother to facilitate this course.

Chris is now using the Freedom Programme 1-1 with children who have survived abuse. The success of this intervention means that we will soon be developing a "whole class' approach.

UK UPDATES
We know of organisations such as Family Groups Bedford, Central Bedfordshire Council, Safe in Sussex  and the Allens Croft Project Birmingham who are also running at least 5 groups a week. Between us we are reaching thousands of women. We are especially delighted that thanks to the amazing Lynne Smillie and the No Feart Community Interest Company the Freedom Programme for women has started in Glasgow after 15 years of being blocked by organisations with a different philosophy to ours. We are even more delighted that Lynne plans to roll out the mens programme in the city and in Scottish prisons  in 2016.

Brand New Development!

Bristol Freedom Programme for women with learning disabilities

Contact Hazel for info

07990558593  

bristol.freedom@mungos.org

We also send huge Thanks to all our followers on social media for helping us to spread the word about the Freedom Programme. I would also like to thank Amisha Surani from the New Day Newspaper for visiting our Leigh programme and writing about it.
Amishas article

There are millions of both women and men who need us but do not know of our existence. Thank you for banging on about us in 2015 and please continue to do so in 2016. Hugs from Pat Craven programme creator. xx

Feedback from Kent facilitator training Clare Walker Cathy Press

• Cathy & Clare were excellent trainers and both highly knowledgeable

  and experienced in domestic abuse. They gave numerous examples of

  ‘real life’ situations of domestic abuse which were very powerful. The

  activities and exercises too were equally powerful.

  Christina Brown, NSDAS

  Interesting, informative, entertaining facilitators made the course

  relaxed. It was a good pace.

  Alex Salmon, Home Start

  Fantastic! Really good for identifying the different personas of a

  dominator and what these involve. I feel more confident about

  delivering the Freedom Programme to women in our area.

  Becki Smith, Earlham Early Yrs Centre

  I would recommend anyone to come on this training, especially if your

  job was working with vulnerable adults. I would say it can touch your

  heart, but well worth doing.

  Julie Taylor, Community Outreach Officer, Rochester

  Very informative. A great course to attend. Eye opening.

  Dawn Foley, Saxon Way CC, Gillingham

  Training set at a good pace, clear and very interesting. Challenging and

  pushing me out of my comfort zone. Trainer was approachable,

  professional and animated which kept us all going.

  Debbie Klucznic, Hand in Hand CC, Gillingham

  The course is empowering, giving practitioners the tools to enable

  mothers who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse. It

  helps to identify the different aspects of the dominator, their tactics and

  beliefs which is a different approach to look at perpetrators of domestic

  abuse.

  Asibi Charles, Family Support Worker, Greenwich

  Course is useful, eye-opening, shocking, sad, vital – confidence

  boosting – fun!

  Julie Sawford, FSP, Rayleigh

  Great training. Thank you.

  Kate Lawrence, Chief Executive, Home Start, East Sussex

  Intense, emotional – everyone should do the training working in

  professional or non-professional fields who work with families/children.

  Would definitely recommend to work mates/friends.

  Emma Pattman, East Kent Rape Line
• Great training. Has opened my eyes. Have recommended to two friends

  already!

  Tracy Hyham, Castle Hill Primary Sch: Folkestone

  Valuable learning, very well structured, empowering for ongoing

  representation of the programme.

  Cassandra Rose, Benenden Primary Sch

  Very full on, engaging, interactive, informative & educational. Makes

  me think about my own strengths, weaknesses, excuses etc. Can’t wait

  to get going!!

  Jan Baugh, FSW, Rayleigh

  The training was extremely well delivered, working through the

  personas and so preparing us facilitators to deliver it – this is definitely

  needed as when new to Freedom Programme the various personas of

  the dominator can blur a little.

  Sarah Jarvis, Co-ordinator, Home Start, East Sussex

  Has deepened my knowledge about domestic abuse and will be

  invaluable in my work with families who have complex needs.

  Mel Kirk, CC Manager, Gillingham

  Excellent training. Very informative.

  Nicola Davies, Home Start, Greenwich

  Excellent 3 day intensive training, which was powerful and encouraging

  that there is support for victims of DA.

  Amanda Stent, Wharf CC

  Learning the content of the Freedom Programme is invaluable on both

  a personal and professional level. I would encourage and recommend

  anyone and everyone to get themselves educated about the profile of

  ‘The Dominator’.

  Claire Boyle, Therapist, East Sussex

  Intense, candid, no nonsense approach to understanding and using

  information related to domestic abuse. Delivered in a friendly, patient

  and straightforward way.

  Sara Hammond Manager, ISW Company

  Excellent training and I would recommend the training.

  Andrea Baker, Nursery Manager, Hythe

  Programme is really good at explaining the different elements of

  recognizing an abuser. Really easy to follow and very interesting!

  Michelle Earls, FSP, Mulberry Park CC, London
• Amazing training - giving me tools and guidance in how to support

  women. Giving me a better understanding of the subject. What women

  need to be aware of and encouraging me to reflect on my own practice.

  Karen Harper, CCC Manager, Rochester

  Informative, thought provoking & inspiring three days. Enthusiastic,

  supportive and inspiring trainers. I feel ready to deliver!

  Sarah Powley, Snr: Advisor, Children’s Centres, Chatham

  A very important training for all.

  Esther Alagiki, Choices DA Service, Dartford

  Yes. Yes. Yes.

  Jo Smith-Miles, Family Group Facilitator, Home Start, Greenwich

  Very informative – delivers a good understanding of how the

  perpetrator operates and how the victim is affected. Facilitator had a

  very good style and delivers the course in an understanding way.

  Cheryl Gamble, Community Outreach Officer, Stroo

Latest Feedback from Freedom Programme Birmingham

• Freedom Programme Comments

  Your comments and suggestions are very important to us, please share any other

  information about your experience of attending the Freedom Programme:

   I am so glad I attended and have been inspired to give back to other in similar

  situations. It has been an eye opener and helped me move forward from certain

  issues that have been holding me back!!! We'll done and thank you x

   Life changing, so supportive, confidence boosting. Can't wait for the next group.

   This Programme is a really life saver! It should be advertised and provided more

  widely!

   I learn a lot from the freedom programme

   Very helpful programme

   This helps you to see you are not the only one. the group gets you to reflect and

  hopefully future courses will help me to move on.

   I feel that if I was offered the freedom project in 2000 I would never have gone back

  to my ex partner

   This programme is the best around I just wish more people were aware of it.

   Freedom ladies are fantastic am so glad they were brought into life they have saved

  me and made me feel the happier and stronger person i am today!!

   I am a much stronger,confident individual. I have become a better parent and all

  round better person.

   Thank you for helping me to understand the risk to myself and my children and for

  helping me to understand his tactics and that i am not to blame

   Really enjoyed it and have gone on to other courses. More confident

   Having familiar faces delivering is a benefit

   A Group for us all to find people who have become our friends

   Power & control wheel extremely good. The card that shows on 1 side abusive

  person & the other side the non abusive person., the helplines & phone no's Info

  seeking & leaflets

   Fantastic training and supportive support workers. thank you for all you have done.

   I think all teenagers in the country should do this programme. My life would have

  been so different if I had done this as a teenager.

   Fantastic programme really helps you understand his motives and makes you

  realise that it's not your fault

   The Freedom Programme is life changing and is delivered in such a positive way. It

  is the best help I have received and Jacky and Donna are my hero's, helping me

  and so many others in my situation, move forward in their lives.

   It made me realise that I was suffering abuse and an understanding why I felt the

  way I did and why I did the things I did to survive it is an amazing program and I

  believe it saved my life and changed it fir the better

   Thank you, thank you domestic abuse remains the biggest public health issue in

  society . We need the freedom programme to continue every where. This work is

  critical for future generations of women and children.

   meeting people going through the same thing is really good. I have learnt to spot

  signs and feel better about myself

   Absolutely changed me, I'm more confident and out going. I don't think my life as

  empty and useless.

  What was the most helpful part of the Freedom Programme?
•  It has been good to learn I am not alone and that it is not my fault. I didnt have any

  idea i was a victim of domestic violence. I now know I was abused and I know all

  the signs to look out for of an abusive man

   thank you to all involved in making me have this extra knowledge I am very grateful.

  Before the course I was unaware of the signs and that's why the social worker got

  me to come

   this course has helped me feel good and don't get a bad bloke again. we had a

  laugh and that makes you feel good.

   It has made me stronger and feel good :)

   Felt safe and learnt to never look back and concentrate on the future. All sessions

  were good because when your in an abusive relationship you don't realise what is

  happening. Was good learning I'm not the only one going through it.

   The programme helped me realise that I am a strong person and don't deserve

  what I have been through and I now feel strong enough to find a trustworthy man!

  that is not abusive Thank you!

   Feel better because I have met and befriended women who have been through the

  same as me. has been helpful to listen to other women's experiences .

   my outlook has changed in every way i feel much better about myself

   the course is a life saver!

   the course has has made me aware of all the tactics. it stands out like a sore thumb

  to me since doing this course. I can spot dv/abuse straight away in someone else

   doing the freedom programme has made me better aware of what to look out for

  and has given me back my confidence and self esteem. Helped me find help with

  sorting contact with my children, enjoyed every session

   This was a great course, I feel a lot better with my choices and in my self. thanks

  ladies

   the programme has made my thinking stronger and clearer .

   I now know i am not on my own and i am able to spot abusive behaviours in other

  men and people

   I am much more confident. I loved the course. I learned a lot, I got a lot of

  encouragement.

   Has been good to learn new things

   Friendly people who attend. Looking at the tactics and warning signs are useful in

  protecting me in the future. I am so much stronger since i've been away from my

  abuser

   strongly think the freedom programme has helped us all that attended. I will

  remember all that I have learnt on the freedom programme and I will continue to

  use it in my life The course has really helped me to notice abusive behaviours in

  other people. I look at relationships differently

   I have achieved so much. the course has help me stay separated from my abuser

  and make sure my son's safety always comes first.

   course was a very good course, it was fun very understanding tutors very friendly

  people always happy to help at the beginning of the course when I started, I felt

  embarrassed but was ok and made to feel comfortable.

   Feel so much happier and so glad I came and stuck with it

   Thank you for helping me survive

   Excellent programme has helped me to move forward and leave the past behind

   That it's not just you going though it

   Realising there is a lot more than just the physical side of abuse
•  learning about me

   the support from the group and the ladies running the group

   learning the traits and tactics of abusers

   Realising i was in a domestic violence relationship also helping me gain confidence

  an self worth.

   Realising the abuse wasnt my fault

   the rules of the game

   Warning signs

   Peer support

   everything

   That it is abuse

   Spotting that it is abuse & can go to Police if assulted

   Support of jacky and donna

   Learning it weren't my fault

   The fact that you can discuss it with others and learn together

   Persuader

   Learning that it wasn't my fault.

   finding out your not alone

   Learning the different types of abuse it's not just physcal but mental aswell

   exploring the different tactic's used by abusers

   all of it and meeting people

   learning about the tactics abusers use

   the members the whole course

   learning me more about dv

   talking about the different tactics and warning signs.

   all of it it , but liked the looking at warning signs

   all helpful

   discovering i was not the only one in this and others going through same

   realising and learning about abusive men, enjoyed headworker, persuader and liar

   learning and gaining knowledge - I've learnt things i didn't know or recognise.

   the quiz at the start of the group

   The fact i wasn't on my own and other women had been through this

   finding out more about the ways of abusive men

   all of it. It was fun and the people were friendly

   all of it

   all areas. i like that i was not alone and other women have similar or worse

  situations with their partners or husbands

   learning all the tactics

   we are encouraged to think in a positive way

   to realise the signs

   looking out for early warning signs for domestic abuser

   to spot signs of dv because i'm having my son. I like the fact that you don't pansy

  around the early warning sign's

   i liked the role play about our new man

   traits of the dominator, learning that i am not to blame, this is not my fault

   it teaches me to understand abusive behaviours

   Effects on children

   the warning signs
•  learning the different tactics of the dominator and the warning signs

   60 that every session although it was tough it was made fun and we got through it.

  Very supportive group

   learning all the warning signs and learning what I went through was abuse

   listening to other women who attend the programme

   Recognising the abuse and getting help when I needed it.

   All of it

   Meeting other women who have experienced abuse

   Rules of the game

   Role plays

  Would you recommend this programme to someone else?

  Please explain why you would or would not refer other women to the programme:

   This programme is valuable for any woman to help build confidence awareness and

  talk openly and safely about experiences

   helps women recognise abusive signs

   It's so supportive and helps you to realise you are not alone and that you're not

  going crazy!

   It's helpfull and it can change your life

   Already have done

   Gets your confidence back

   Because it makes you a different person

   Could save your life

   I already have

   Victims need more understanding of what has happened to them to enable them to

  move forward. without a doubt this is one of the best things I have ever done in my

  life. it is filtering through to all my relationships

   it has been very valuable and worth while experience. I have a cousin who has a

  partner who presents as a perpetrator and I have suggested that she should attend

  as she would find it extremely helpful

   i think it is important we all learn about domestic violence sometimes we don't even

  realise were been abused

   it is excellent

   for them to know about domestic abuse

   I have told other friends and they want to access it too

   knowledge and awareness are strength

   i have friends who need this course

   cos it would make them feel better about themselves in every session

   its helpful and friendly

   yes i would as its helped me and i know other women will benefit from it

   very good course, have done

   any women who's been abused should do this course

   so they can see the signs and ultimately could finally get away

   because it helps women

   helps to reduce isolation and the tutors can do safety planning if you need help to

  leave

   because it changes the way one is thinking. boosts your confidence that your not

  alone and there are other people also going through abuse.