r e t t e l s w Ne
The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Registered Charity No: 1065427 Name of Project: Supporting Vulnerable Women and Children in a Residential Setting III
Dear readers, The Haven Service is crucial for the running of the organisation. Every year many volunteers give their time to help raise funds and support the running and delivery of services provided by The Haven.
Volunteers are encouraged to contribute to the different departments within the organisation, this allows them to develop different skills and cover a variety of roles, whilst gaining work experience through supporting vulnerable women and children. This newsletter has been put together to share our volunteers’ experiences and to promote all the activities and events taking place in The Haven.
Why not join them and make a difference?
Enjoy!
s t n e t n o C Page
tivities running at Take a look at the ac ven Women’s Hub the moment at The Ha fuges! and across our 6 re
Activities
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Baking Cakes, Coffee Mornings, Cooking Classes Arts & Crafts Easter Eggs Activities, Day Trip to Air Force Museum Movie Night, Tree of Hope
Events Within this issue… You will be able to find all the activities and events the volunteers have been a part of, like theme events, workshops, fundraising events and much more! In fact, it’s been a whirlwind.
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Celebrating Volunteering in the City , International Women’s Day, Break the Silence Corporate Project: City of Wolverhampton and The Haven, Fundraising, Midland Metro Alliance, The Phoenix Project,
Case Study
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The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Case Study Question and Answers
The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
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s e i t i v i t Ac Baking Cakes On Friday afternoon we had a lovely time baking cakes at our refuge. It was a very great opportunity for the ladies to come together and chat for a little bit, and also for mother and child bonding whilst baking. We all then got to enjoy our hard work by having a lovely piece of cake together. One of our ladies truly showcased her chef
skills and baked us all a Victoria Sponge cake and a Chocolate Cake, also with some rice crispies with chocolate for everyone, we definitely will be doing regular cake days, YUM YUM
Since March Coffee Morning have taken place between 11am and 12am in the Kitchen of the refuge, this was to try to create an environment where women could discuss different topics that affected them and they got to share as a support group for example how they planned for the week, everyone was respectful and encouraging towards one another. They had a questionnaire that they filled out and we discovered they wanted activities like beauty and Art and Craft, with the assistance from volunteers, we created a workshop that were delivered throughout the year.
These coffee mornings have been very successful and even after a few weeks new women joined us, we had promoted coffee morning to run along with house meetings.
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These Art and Craft Workshop have been running across the refuges within The Haven, by three of the volunteers and some were based on themes related to music and arts therapy and leisure activities. These topics did rotate every week and ran for two hours. The first workshop involved drawing, where the women had created a coat of arms, which involved self-reflection and displaying it onto paper. The women were very enthusiastic and their children engaged wonderfully too with the activity carried out during Easter break.
Good food is a beautiful reason to bring everyone together!
Coffee Mornings
Arts & Crafts
The second workshop was about music, the women’s responses were very interesting, as it had reflection felt from the words from emotional songs and pieces of music. We had a lot of fun listening the music and try to think about our emotion relate to it, with
experience of joy and other feelings. This opportunity was expanded to having a workshop in the local theatre, which encouraged the women and children to express emotions and feelings in vocal and acting, which proved very successful.
Cooking Classes One of our EVS has a strong interest in cooking and proposed to share their knowledge to share delicious recipes with the women. These cooking workshops have been organized to take place monthly at two refuge. In our first exciting cooking workshop, we introduced vegan recipes and 21 people joined us for this amazing day. The women and their children got to learn how to make vegan chocolate mousse, lemon melt away balls, different flavoured chickpeas humus and salted caramel sauce. These workshops had been created and were delivered throughout the year at the different refuges, to ensure the joy of vegan cooking was shared with everyone.
The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
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Movie Night Easter Many retailers and corporates generously donated Easter eggs to celebrate Easter holiday to The Haven. Thanks to the generous and kind volunteers here, we were able to run many Easter activities at each refuge; games, Easter cakes, egg painting and other arts and crafts. This provided the children much needed fun, and a means to express their artistic talents, which included chocolate Easter egg eating, they were extremely good this.
Get the Popcorn Out The year we introduced Movie Night for the women and children in refuge on the last Tuesday of every month. This was a great opportunity for everyone to get together, watch films have fun, as we know going out the cinema can be very expensive. The first film shown was Baby Boss, they had a lot of fun watching the film and eating popcorn!
The first film was aimed to entertain the children and give the women an opportunity to relax with their children. We were are going to do a classic movie choice for the women, so we can cater to the whole family. The next movie was called Hidden figures, it will be great for the women, and the children were in the room next to their moms and watched an animated movie. Everyone was left excited for the next movies evening.
Tree of Hope It was decided to create a little touch of Hope in the entrance of one of the refuges, so a big new tree was painted to welcome the new visitors that come through the door, and to continue to give hope to everyone inside.
Easter Egg Hunt Easter Egg Hunt activities had been created for the kids using clues to guide them to the hidden eggs, variety of Lego prizes were also placed under each card to keep the children encouraged and keen. The children were placed in groups in search for the golden egg, they had a very large Easter egg as a prize that the winner got to eat.
Day Trip
useum, Cosford
ir Force M to The Royal A
During April we had an amazing opportunity to go with our Child and Young Person worker to visit the Air Force Museum. We went around the buildings and saw all the different types’ aircrafts and aeroplanes that have been used throughout air history. This was also involved an incredible live Air Show that involved raptor birds such as hawks and eagles.
This experience was completely enjoyed by everyone, especially the children and they were in awe of the displays and activities they had available. Fantastic experience attending the Air Force Museum and very memorable to the women and children.
The idea is that the women and children, or anyone can put up new leafs on the tree with positive messages, thoughts, poems, ideas, anything that conveyed an expression of hope. The idea came from a resident that had her baby, who was premature, so she been in hospital for some time. She recalled the hospital wall, were some clouds with messages from other families. She recognised how encouraging and motivating these words were to hear, as others had gone through the same, she was not alone. This concept was important to bring into refuge, so no-one felt alone in these difficult times. It allowed us to opportunity to share a strong message of HOPE, and that we are all on a journey that will let us all blossom brighter than we have before. We would like to encourage everyone to share their messages of hope to raise our spirits and encourage this new chapter in our life.
Drayton Manor A trip to Drayton Manor has been organised for the women and children we support at The Haven Wolverhampton, it promises to be a fun day out that will allow the women and children to spend some quality time together. It is a lovely opportunity for the women and children to have a day out, they will be looked after all day by the European Volunteers. It’s going to be an occasion for the women and the children to bond and strengthen their relationships in a relaxed environment. We will also have the chance to visit and play with the many attractions and see the animals at the zoo. The women and the children are all looking forward to this day out!
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The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
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s t n Eve Celebrating Volunteers in the City
During residents’ week, The Right Worshipful Mayor of Wolverhampton organised a special event at Wolverhampton Art Gallery dedicated to the many dedicated volunteers of the City of Wolverhampton. The event took place on 16th March 2018 and gave the opportunity to Volunteers from across the City to come along and be recognised for their valuable contribution. Our Volunteer Engagement Lead gave also a short presentation in order to thank all The Haven volunteers for their support, commitment and dedication to women and children affected by domestic abuse and homelessness.
City of Wolverhampton & The Haven
domestic violence”. “Carrying out the work in the refuge will make improvements that A group of students from will benefit the women and children who Wolverhampton College who are live there, as well as give our students the doing qualifications in painting and chance to put the skills they are learning decorating, carpentry and electrical, will on their courses to good use.” spend several days doing maintenance work at one of our refuges. Volunteer Engagement lead at The Haven, added: “It has been a wonderful initiative Curriculum Manager for construction to help young people gained insight into at the College, said: “The construction the reality of domestic violence and it industry is a traditionally male made a positive impact in the community dominated environment and by by putting their skills into practice”. participating in this project we wanted to show that we are firmly against
Midland Metro Alliance
Corporate Volunteering
On the 15th of May one of our fundraising team and two EVS represented the Haven at an exhibition given by the Midlands metro alliance, in which all their suppliers were invited.
Fundraising Volunteers and local representatives had the pleasure to enjoy a lovely lunch together while sharing their experiences and discussing new developments to better support the City and its Community.
en’s Day: m o W l a n io t a n r e Int pton erham
the Haven Wolv
The Haven Mission today has been strongly focused on women and children affected by domestic abuse, as over the last few years cases have increased. This celebrate of International Women’s Day was and is very relevant to our ethical focus, according to the human rights and our different values yearly. This day took place on 8th March and we organised a big event, which every woman can attend, all were welcomed to attend the event. We invited different women to sing, play instruments and offered us some speeches about own their experiences. They shared how sometimes life was difficult at times but expressed there was an option and no one has to stay in that situation, there is always a way out and agencies are here to support us. The day was beautiful, as it was a huge success to raise awareness of the importance to respect the women and their rights. The Haven Volunteers and Staff provided different kind of food from different cultures and we spent time eating together with great food, then finally finishing the day dancing and celebrating International day.
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Corporate Project
The Right Worshipful Mayor of Wolverhampton closed the event expressing the City’s thanks to all the amazing people who are giving their free time to make a real difference
ce Break the Silen From the 21-27 May The Haven ran a ‘Break the Silence’ Coffee Morning week, where we encouraged supporters to get together with friends, family and colleagues for a cuppa and a slice of cake, all to raise awareness and funds for the vital services that The Haven. On Wednesday 23rd of May The Haven organised our own Break the Silence Coffee Morning and invited staff members, family members, volunteers and trustees to come and enjoy a yummy cake and talk about the issue of domestic abuse. Staff members kindly got stuck in and made some great cakes, in total The Haven’s Coffee Morning raised £70.00! We would kindly like to thank everyone that made cakes, those who ate cakes and attended, you’re all amazing.
The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Since arriving at The Haven in March the EVS’s have made a huge contribution to fundraising activities at The Haven. They have attended bag packing and collections at Tesco’s in Dudley, Birmingham, Stafford, Sainsbury’s Interchange and Bridgnorth. These bag packs and collections are not only brilliant fundraising events, they were great for raising awareness of the services at The Haven, their support has helped to raise £720.49. We have worked with local companies and offered a positive opportunity for the general public to participate actively in supporting The Haven.
The Phoenix Project The Phoenix Project has been an amazing activity for participants to explore their experiences and a new outlet for the emotional impact of abuse. They had been deeply affected by their experiences of abuse and this project highlighted the adaptability and strength of the participants.
The Haven raised awareness among all the businessman/ businesswomen, with a stand, pull up banners and great enthusiastic team, they also promoted future events happening during the year. We would not be able to continue the work we do supporting women and children in desperate need of escaping domestic abuse without their help – Thank you again to all of our wonderful volunteers!!
The project staff were phenomenal in facilitating an understanding amongst the participants of the need to reflect on themselves as a whole person, and not just to focus on the identity of ‘abused’. Not only was the two-week project transformative in terms of the outlook of participants, but it’s also developed a real sense of camaraderie between the group, who learned to laugh together, trust each other, and continue to stay in touch. This helps to highlight the impact of
The opportunity to have direct contact with different public organisations and business companies such as the Midland Metro Alliance, who have worked hand by hand with charities.
the project; learning to trust others can be particularly difficult and the fact this group have continued their relationship show what an important role arts and emotional interventions can have in the journey of women who have been affected by abuse. ‘Phoenix’ was the perfect name for the project, as we truly began to see women rebuild and transform, reclaiming their identity and sense of self, fully in control of their own destiny.
The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
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e s a C y d u t S
What led you to start volunteering at The Haven?
Where are you now as result of volunteering?
EVS 1: At a certain moment in my life, I really desired a change in my career and live a new experience in another country where I could make a difference. I wanted to know how the UK social service system works and to meet new people. The Haven provided me with all of that and much more!
EVS 1: Thanks to this volunteering experience, I have now secured full-time employment at The Haven within the Immigration and Benefits department. As I have been well trained from the beginning, this has helped me to achieve the confidence to work using a different language and the opportunity to enhance my CV and professional skills.
EVS 2: When I finished my studies I decided that I wanted to have a new experience, a gap year to find myself and explore the field of social work. I was aware that to be a good professional I have to learn more than what is in the books and The Haven was the perfect place to start. How would you summary your experience at The Haven?
European Voluntary Service Volunteering your way into employment The Haven’s reputation is built upon values that make a difference and to raise awareness of social realities such, as domestic abuse and gender equality; passion and commitment to enable women and their children to live safe, healthy, active and fulfilling lives. Two of our Volunteers from Europe came to The Haven as part of the European Voluntary Service (EVS) Programme, funded by the UK National Agency and the European Commission. EVS1 had always been a person that likes to help people and to be involved in youth projects that promote social inclusion, such as football matches and foodbank collections. EVS2 has always been questioning where women stand in public life and the role they had through history. They are both young graduates in Social Work who have been volunteering at The Haven for 12 months, from March 2017-February 2018. During the interview we asked them to share their experiences with us. This is what they said...
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The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
EVS 1: My main role was to provide administrative support to The Haven Immigration and benefits department. This department gives assistance and guidance to service users regarding their entitlement to welfare and housing benefits. Also, it supports women with no recourse to public funds and helps working residents with budgeting for rent and financial difficulties. Also, I had the opportunity to help at the refuges by having direct and positive contact with service users, delivering support groups and developing different activities. I really enjoyed my job thanks to my supervisors and the support received by member of staff and other volunteers.
EVS 2: Since I started my placement at The Haven, they offered me the support and training I needed to fully develop myself. I also achieved a Level 2 in Youth Work and I am currently working towards my Level 3. Also, a position of a Family Support Worker became available, I applied for it and I am now a full-time member of staff at The Haven Wolverhampton. How do you think that you have contributed to make a difference in the organisation?
The Haven offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities to local and international volunteers. EVS1 and EVS2 story is a clear example of how volunteering can enhance personal and professional development throughout a compresence induction, training, support, development and recognition programmes. EVS2 and EVS1 support and commitment has been invaluable for The Haven and we couldn’t be more proud of their success.
EVS 1: I believe that I became a male role model for young people. It is not easy being a male volunteer in a women’s refuge organisation but I am proud that I engaged so well with both service users and children. I also run my own support groups and developed their trust by helping them to cope with their past experiences, grow internally and move on into new lives.
EVS 2: I have brought some new ideas, creative initiatives, high motivation to EVS 2: I have been placed in three different work with women and children and the refuges, the Community Team and I have knowledge gained during my social also attended several fundraising events. work studies. I have also contributed In refuge, I assisted a team of Family to raise awareness of DV and provided Support Workers by accepting women key emotional and practical support to into refuge, completing admissions, women and children always encouraging dealing with housing benefits, carrying a good relationship between mothers out risk assessments and management and children. plans as well as health & safety checks. Furthermore, I organised different activities such as arts & crafts classes, cooking lessons, Zumba, movie nights, etc.
Well done!
The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
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k n a h T ! u o Y T: 01902 904 677 | E: info@havenrefuge.org.uk
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