Supporting survivors to find their ‘Voice’

NCHA Derbyshire Wish offer domestic abuse support and refuge to dozens of families and individuals across the county.

To complement their support, they run educational sessions aimed at supporting survivors to rebuild their lives and escape the cycle of abuse. Their most recent course is the Voice Recovery programme.

Becky, Assistant Manager at Derbyshire Wish explains:"We’re half-way through the second round of our Voice Recovery sessions, and I’m delighted by the impact the course is already having.

“We host the group sessions over 12 weeks, for adults involved in or recovering from domestic abuse relationships, covering different subjects including coercive control and technological abuse. 

“Most of the people in the group have already left their destructive relationship, but we also accept those still in an abusive situation who are considering leaving. The sessions teach them to gain strength, independence and find their own voice. 

“The aim of the course is to support survivors to understand the different behaviours perpetrators display in domestic abuse relationships; to help them understand that that it’s not their fault, they’re not alone and there’s hope on the other side. We teach people different ways to cope, such as understanding their own personal trauma responses, affirmations, self-care and grounding resources.

“With each group, we get people to complete a questionnaire at the start and end of the programme, to assess how they’re feeling about themselves, so they can see how far they’ve come. We also get everyone to write a letter to the person sitting next to them – it’s my favourite part! The letters demonstrate such hope for lives and futures that will not be defined by abuse.”

Supporting better lives

The Voice Recovery programme is part of an educational suite of programmes that sits alongside and compliments the support delivered by NCHA Derbyshire Wish.

Find out more about the work of NCHA Derbyshire Wish on our web pages, or follow them on Facebook for up to date news.

Anyone who is concerned they, or someone they know, may be experiencing abuse can contact the Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Support Partnership on 08000 198 668 to seek support.

If someone is in immediate danger, please always call the Police on 999.