Be energy savvy

Be energy savvy as the winter weeks get well underway.

As the winter months creep up and the dark nights make their appearance, The Haven Wolverhampton is advising people to get energy savvy and not to get caught in the fuel-poverty trap.

Since June 2013, The Haven Wolverhampton has been running a Fuel Poverty Project due to support from the Scottish Power Energy People Trust, that has seen some of the most vulnerable people across Wolverhampton receive help.  Women who have experienced domestic violence and financial abuse have been supported through the charity’s services and a Fuel Poverty Development Officer.

Women who have experienced Domestic Violence and have fallen into the poverty trap are advised by the Fuel Poverty Officer as well as given guidance and access to services around; understanding utility plans and bills, budgeting and planning as well as receiving assistance with grant relief to reduce fuel debt.  Preventative measures are also put in place with the worker advising on energy saving tips and appropriate insulation schemes.  The key aims of this project are to help women develop their knowledge, have the confidence and ability to manage fuel as well as budget for future financial independence.

Interim reports indicate that The Haven has so far supported over 140 women and their children who had been referred to its services and managed by the charity’s Fuel Poverty Development Officer.

This project will run until May 2015

Charity puts Domestic Violence and Abuse on the agenda

Charity puts Domestic Violence and Abuse on the agenda

The Haven Wolverhampton has announced new dates for three key training sessions that will help agencies throughout the region put Domestic Violence on the agenda and develop professional skills that will allow them to manage their client base more effectively.

The training sessions are:

Children and Young People Living with Domestic Violence: Impact of taking on the Carer Role - Wednesday 19th November 2014 - £45.

According to research conducted by YouGov on behalf of the charity 4Children, almost one million children in Britain are affected by domestic abuse, either as victims or witnesses.

This session is aimed at individuals and professionals working with children and young people who may be looking after their mother or younger siblings as a result of Domestic Violence taking place within the home.  The training originated through the 3 year Comic Relief funded project ‘Who Cares 4 Me?’

Upon completing this training session, attendees will:

• Be able to identify a young-carer.
• Understand the roles and responsibilities of young carers.
• Understand the impact of domestic violence and abuse on young carers.
• Know how to support children and young people who are carers.

The session will start with registration at 9am and finish at approximately 1pm followed by lunch.

Financial Abuse in the context of Domestic Violence/Abuse

- Thursday 27th November 2014 - £45

Financial abuse is often not considered a form of Domestic Abuse – but it can in fact have a devastating effect on the victim, their family and future economic stability. The training was designed following a 3 year project funded by The Nationwide Foundation and aims to equip management and frontline staff with the knowledge and understanding of financial abuse in order to support women who feel ‘they cannot afford to leave.’

 

This session is aimed at professionals and agencies who work with individuals at risk or experiencing financial abuse within their relationship. The session includes demonstration of the Havens online Financial Capability toolkit.

Upon completing this training session, attendees will:

• Understand the term Financial Abuse and recognise the symptoms and its impact.
• Be able to place Financial Abuse in the context of Domestic Violence and Abuse.
• Explore the problems and barriers experienced by individuals.
• Explore solutions towards best working practices.
• Understand how The Haven Financial Capability Tool can be used to assess an individual’s financial situation.

Multi-agency Domestic Violence Awareness Training Day

– 3rd December 2014 - £50

This training is suitable for frontline workers who work directly with clients affected by Domestic Violence/Abuse or Managers and HR professionals who would like to widen their understanding of Domestic Violence and Abuse and its impact.  

Upon completing this training session, attendees will:

• Be aware of Domestic Violence and abuse.
• Understand the myths and stereotypes around Domestic Violence.
• Recognise good working practice.
• Understand diversity issues surrounding Domestic Violence.

Look out for further training dates in 2015, including ‘Devising a Workplace Domestic Violence Policy for  Managers and HR Professionals and for front line staff  ‘good practice in early risk identification, intervention and prevention and use of DASH Risk Assessment’.

All training sessions will be held at The Workspace, All Saints, Wolverhampton.  To book your place on these sessions or for further details, please contact Alison Worton-Jones on 01902 572128 or email training@havenrefuge.org.uk.