30 March 2009

New Freedom Programme Chat Room

I have been talking to women around Bristol, who have said that after they have completed the Freedom Programme, they have often felt quite alone again.

We have the answer! Go to http://groups.onespace.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=50 and see what you think.

Please register yourselves and join in the chat - the more the merrier! Although jo-anne and elissa have used their own names, we do encourage people to use pseudonyms (??). I hope you like the idea and please spread the word! Anna Visit our new parenting website for single parents: www.onespace.org.uk

A new book 'Rape Crisis': Responding to Sexual Violence

A new book 'Rape Crisis : Responding to Sexual Violence By Helen Jones and Kate Cook. Available on Amazon.

This book is so much more than a history of the birth and evolution of Rape Crisis! This book is a fascinating, powerful examination of the socio-political dynamic underpinning Society's responses to sexual violence against women. Exploding the myths that surround rape and sexual abuse, it offers a radical, truthful insight into why the justice-system is so dismally failing women, at every turn. This book provides a cogent and compelling argument for its radical feminist standpoint and a 'living dynamic' that offers women both practical support and knowledge!

A new Book about Bullying

BULLIED A Surviver's handbook for people affected by domestic violence, school bullying and workplace bullying. Award winning Police Officer Neville Evans helps readers to understand more about this often confusing subject. This book is really helpful and provides practical and legal advice in clear simple language. I wish I had read this when I was subjected to workplace bullying in my last profession. To find out more click here.

Men's weekend

We are holding a men's weekend in Essex on 25/26 April. Visit the MEN section on the site for more details here.

08 March 2009

Good newsletter

Please circulate.

A new partnership I am very pleased to announce that the Freedom Programme and Certain Curtain Theatre Company have joined forces to provide all future training. All training events will now include a performance of the spectacular play, ‘Lady in Red’.

Freedom in Essex Thurrock Children's services are also putting on the men's weekend in April for couples who have been referred by statutory or other professional services. It will be formally evaluated and the referrer will assess whether the female partner states that the process will not place her or her children’s safety at risk. To date they have now commissioned training for 100 professionals and are funding a Behind Closed Doors on 23.03.09 for 300 plus. They have bought 2000 books and are giving them out to EVERYONE who needs them! Police, Social Workers and all service users are receiving them. Freedom in schools St Helens school For the last 2 years DC Pauline Thomas has been running the Freedom Programme in 2 schools in St Helens. The schools have now completed a formal evaluation. It is really positive and has resulted in a policy that all the schools in St Helen's run the Freedom Programme. I am to train the teachers and Pauline is to supervise them. The evaluation is available from the Evaluation Section on my web site.

Name: St Helens Family Crime Investigation Unit Contact: DC Pauline Thomas
Tel: 0151 777 1589 Email: Pauline.Thomas@merseyside.police.uk Burnley school

Contact: Edel or Zoe Tel: 01282 457910 Email: e.sutherland@isaac.lancs.sch.uk

Other details: For girls aged 11 – 14

Supervision I am now offering one free supervision session to all practising facilitators. This will take the form of a 3-day observation placement and they will be given a certificate. Further supervision sessions will incur a cost. Obviously I will be processing them a few at a time. Facilitators can find an event in their area by visiting my web site. http://www.freedomprogramme.co.uk

Conference in South Shields Behind Closed Doors in South Shields. On 20.03.09 The Freedom Programme and Certain Curtain Theatre Company will be offering a one-day training event in South Shields. This is hosted by the CVS. A big thank you to them! Pat Craven will provide an introductory session from the Freedom Programme. Local facilitators and graduates from the Freedom Programme will speak about their experiences. Certain Curtain Theatre Company will perform their wonderful play ‘Lady in Red’. Admission is FREE and lunch and refreshments will be provided. Please register for your place by e mailing Julie Robinson Julie@southtynesidecvs.org.uk Training in your area If you want an event in your area please contact me. I will add your name to a list and arrange an event when I have enough people. I currently have a few names for Derby so this is looking hopeful.

Money for women’s Aid Heather from Telford supplied this: I've found a search engine where if you use them to search every click gives Womens Aid money! the link is http://www.everyclick.com/womensaid

Men’s weekend with East Lancashire Refuge ELWRA and the Freedom Programme will be running a men’s weekend together in the near future. Dates are yet to be finalised but I will keep everyone posted.

BBC Documentary Dangerous Love This can currently be downloaded from the BBC Dangerous Love web site.

Pat Craven March 2009

07 March 2009

A link to watch dangerous love

Model Danielle Lloyd embarks on a journey to uncover the true extent of violence in teen relationships in the UK today and to understand the impact this is having on Britain's young women.

Visiting organisations funded by Comic Relief, Danielle hears the real stories of teenagers who have violent boyfriends. She meets 21-year-old Sam, an inspirational young woman who, having survived violence in her teenage years, is now supporting others.

Danielle's search for answers also involves going back to school with children in Hendon to see groundbreaking solutions in action. Determined to stop more teens finding themselves in abusive relationships, the journey ends with her finding out about a campaign to directly spread the word and make a difference.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00j2d9s/Dangerous_Love_A_Comic_Relief_Special/