A charity in Ammanford, called Calan Domestic Violence Services (DVS), is receiving a £55,000 grant from South Wales Freemasons to support 75 children from families affected by domestic abuse. These children come from families who have experienced domestic abuse but have chosen to stay together.
The grant will be used to fund a children and young people’s worker to support the delivery of Calan’s Inspiring Families Programme, which was developed by Rockpool. This program aims to build trust and motivation in the non-abusive parent, helping them understand the impact of abuse on the family. It also encourages parents to reflect on their parenting role, the impact of abuse on their children, and the health of their intimate relationships.
Additionally, the program provides a framework for professionals to assess the parent’s behavior, including any disguised compliance and the level of current and future risk. It aims to strengthen and stabilize families, supporting separation if families choose to leave the relationship during the program. One of the main goals of the program is to empower the voice of the children.
The continued funding will enable the charity to address the impact of living in an abusive household on children. The children and young people’s element of the project, called Listen and Hear Me, offers enhanced care and support to children aged six to 18. It includes the children’s views, experiences, and behaviors in the family assessment, helping them understand the situation at home, its impact on them, and how to cope and respond to it.
Each child and family will receive tailored support plans to help them build self-esteem, resilience, coping strategies, and form positive lifestyles and healthy relationships. Michelle Whelan, the chief executive of Calan DVS, expressed gratitude to South Wales Freemasons for their generous grant, which will enhance their ability to help more children and young people affected by domestic abuse.
Robert Payne from South Wales Freemasons highlighted the importance of supporting children and families who have experienced domestic abuse, emphasizing the significant impact of violence and abuse on children’s lives. The grant from South Wales Freemasons is made possible by contributions from Freemasons, their families, and friends across England and Wales.
